If you buy a phone from Verizon, it will be locked to the Verizon network for a certain period. This means that you won't be able to use it with a sim card from another cellular service provider.
While this is annoying, the good news is that there is an easy way to unlock your phone and switch cellular providers.
This guide will cover all you need to know about how you can request Verizon to unlock your phone, and more!
Requirements to Meet Before Sending a Verizon Unlock Request
Verizon locks all phones for 60 days after purchase. This only applies to phones sold by Verizon itself or authorized retailers. If you buy your phone from a Verizon authorized retailer, it will be locked for 60 days after it is activated on the Verizon network.
If you buy a phone directly from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer not affiliated with Verizon, it will usually come unlocked. If you later switch to the Verizon network and become a Verizon customer, it will remain unlocked.
Verizon has a simple unlock policy: All devices are locked for a period of 60 days from purchase (or activation when purchasing from an authorized Verizon retailer). Once these 60 days have passed, Verizon will unlock your phone for you.
Unlike other providers, Verizon doesn't require you to have active service during those 60 days. Even if you cancel your Verizon plan before your second month, for example, it will still be eligible for an unlock once the 60 days are up.
It also doesn't matter whether you purchase a prepaid phone or a postpaid phone, nor does it matter if you paid for the phone upfront or are paying it off in monthly installments. As long as 60 days have passed, it will be unlocked.
However, if you purchase a prepaid “4G phone-in-a-box” from a Verizon retailer, which usually comes with a certain number of prepaid minutes, it might have a different lock period, so check the back of the box for verification.
Do You Need to Send an Unlock Request to Verizon?
You need to unlock your Verizon phone if you want to use it with another carrier before 60 days are up. If you don't unlock it, it just won't work. Even if you pay for service from another carrier and put in a working sim, your phone won't get data or be able to make calls.
If you plan on selling your Verizon phone before 60 days are over, you should unlock it. Most people don't want a phone that is only usable with a specific provider, which will make it harder to find customers. Unlocking your phone will increase its sale value and allow you to make the sale quicker.
Also, if you are okay with waiting 60 days, you also don't need to unlock your phone, because it will be unlocked automatically once the 60 days are over.
How to Request an Unlock From Verizon
You don't actually have to contact Verizon to unlock your phone. According to Verizon, all phones sold by Verizon or its retailers will be unlocked automatically once 60 days are up, providing the phone was not reported as lost or stolen or flagged for fraud.
Usually, all you have to do is wait for 60 days to be up. You won't have to enter a code.
However, if your device does ask you for an unlock code when you insert a new sim, and 60 days have already passed, the code will typically be 000000 or 123456, so try those.
If those codes don't work, and your device is still asking you for an unlock code, contact Verizon support at 1-800-922-0204 for assistance. You can also use the Verizon contact page to get assistance.
There is one scenario in which you will want to contact Verizon and ask for your phone to be unlocked. That's if you are on active military duty and need to unlock your phone before 60 days are up because you are being deployed to a location with no Verizon coverage.
In that case, Verizon will unlock your phone before 60 days are up, so you can use it with another provider.
Further reading: How to Get a Verizon Network Unlock Code for Free
A Better Way to Send a Verizon Unlock Request
Waiting 60 days to unlock your phone isn't always practical.
For example, let's say you need to switch providers immediately because you moved to a different city and Verizon doesn't have good coverage there. In that case, you need a better solution than simply waiting.
Similarly, let's say you need some extra cash for an emergency and decide to sell your phone. You might not be able to wait for two whole months, as you need the cash immediately.
In those cases, it's much better to use a third-party unlocking service like DirectUnlocks to unlock your phone in a matter of hours as opposed to months.
DirectUnlocks has connections within Verizon and the broader telecommunications industry, and we will unlock your phone right away.
The unlock occurs remotely, so you won't have to bring your phone into a shop. There is no need to download any app or software. You also won't experience any disruption in your cellular service while you unlock it.
Here are the steps to take to unlock a Verizon phone:
- Find your IMEI number by dialing *#06#.
- Fill out the form below and click on Unlock Your Verizon Phone.
- Pay securely via credit/debit card or Bitcoin, and the remote process will begin immediately.
- Once the process is complete, receive your confirmation message and unlock code via text message and email.
Request an Unlock Now
It's as simple as that!
Conclusion
Verizon locks all its phones, without exception, for two months. This can be incredibly frustrating if you are dissatisfied with Verizon's service and want to switch to another provider but don't want to wait two entire months to do so.
By using DirectUnlocks, you can circumvent Verizon's unlock policy and unlock your phone before the 60 days are up. The process is safe, legally-compliant, and quick!
Further reading: How to Switch From Verizon to AT&T and Keep the Same Number?