Verizon locks all phones for 60 days then unlocks them automatically. When you unlock your phone, you can use it with another carrier (assuming its compatible with the network). Unlocking your phone also increases its resale value, and makes it easier to use abroad. This guide will walk you through the unlocking process and help you get the most use out of your phone.
After you’ve had your Verizon phone for 60 days, it will automatically be unlocked
How to Unlock Your Verizon Phone
If you bought your phone after July 2019, you’ll need to wait out the mandatory 60-day period before your phone will be unlocked. You don’t have to do anything in order to unlock your phone other than wait. Verizon will automatically unlock your phone after 60 days.
If you bought your Verizon phone during or before July 2019, it’s likely already unlocked (unless you bought a Phone-in-the-Box device). If you find your phone is locked, call Verizon directly and ask them to unlock it.
Is My Phone Locked?
The easiest way to check whether your Verizon phone is locked or not is to insert a non-Verizon SIM card into your phone and check whether it works. If your phone is locked, you’ll get an error message. If the SIM card connects to the network and works just fine, then your phone is already unlocked.
Phone-in-the-Box Devices
If you bought a Phone-in-the-Box device from Verizon, you may have additional eligibility requirements before you can have it unlocked. Check the box and other documentation you received with the phone for more information.
Phone-in-the-Box devices typically require that you have an active Verizon service for at least 12 months before you are eligible for an unlock. Once you’re eligible, dial *611 from your Verizon phone to request an unlock.
Dial *611 from your Verizon phone for any help unlocking your device
of the military and veterans. Check out all the
benefits here.
Unlocking for Military Deployment
If you’re in the military and are deployed outside of Verizon’s coverage area, you can request a phone unlock even during the 60-day mandatory locking period.
Verizon Military Plans
Using Your Unlocked Verizon Phone
With an unlocked phone, you can go to more places. For instance, while traveling abroad, you can buy and slip in SIM cards from foreign carriers and avoid having to pay Verizon for international plans or fees. You can also bring your unlocked phone to another carrier and get a new plan. Newer phones tend to be universally compatible with all four major networks. You can take your phone to AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or to one of the many smaller carriers, known as MVNOs, that run on those networks.
Compatible Networks for Your Phone
LetsTalk Tip: To see if you’re compatible with other networks type your IMEI into each carriers IMEI finder.
Sprint IMEI – T-Mobile IMEI – AT&T IMEI
Be aware that your phone may not be compatible with every network. Generally, Verizon phones are compatible with Sprint because they use the same network technology: CDMA. T-Mobile and AT&T, however, run on GSM tech. If you have an older phone, you can expect to only be able to use your phone with Sprint. If your phone is new, though, it is likely compatible. To learn more about switching networks, read our other guides:
