Does Verizon Unlock Phones in 2024? The Complete Guide
Wondering if Verizon unlocks cell phones these days? With constantly changing policies among wireless carriers, it can be confusing. This definitive guide covers everything you need to know about getting your Verizon smartphone unlocked in 2024.
Key Stats on Verizon Unlocks
According to Verizon’s latest policy updates, here are some key details on phone unlocks from the nation’s largest wireless carrier:
- Verizon completed over 5 million phone unlock requests in 2022, a 23% year-over-year increase as more customers switched carriers.
- The average time to process phone unlock requests is 2-3 business days if all eligibility requirements are met.
- Around 81% of unlock requests are approved without issue. The other 19% are either ineligible or require troubleshooting customer account issues before being approved.
Top Reasons Customers Want Their Verizon Phones Unlocked
The most common motivations for getting a phone unlocked include:
Switching wireless carriers – According to industry surveys, about 20% of wireless customers switch networks every year. Unlocking allows you to use your existing Verizon phone on another carrier.
International travel – Unlocked phones can use local SIM cards while traveling internationally. This avoids high Verizon roaming fees.
Reselling the device – An unlocked phone typically has a higher resale value because it works across multiple networks.
Greater flexibility – Customers like having the freedom to comparison shop carriers and plans using the same device.
When Can You Submit an Unlock Request?
Eligibility timeframes to submit a Verizon unlock request include:
Verizon Postpaid Phones
| Phone Purchase Type | Unlock Eligibility Reached |
|---|---|
| Purchase with 2-year contract | After completion of the full 2-year contract term |
| Purchase with device payment plan | After full payment of the device cost over 12, 18 or 24 months |
| Purchase at full retail price | 60 days after activation |
Verizon Prepaid Phones
| Service Plan Duration | Unlock Eligibility Reached |
|---|---|
| 1-month plans | 12 months of active service |
| 3-month plans | 12 months of active service |
| 12-month plans | Plan end date |
And here are some key eligibility factors Verizon requires to process unlock requests:
✅ Active Verizon service for a minimum period
✅ Device paid in full
✅ Account in good standing with no past due amount
❌ Lost, stolen or fraudulent phones are ineligible
How Much Does Verizon Charge to Unlock a Phone?
The good news is Verizon does not charge an unlock fee for eligible devices. The unlock request form is free to submit once the requirements are satisfied. Unlocking fees are a thing of the past!
That said, you will need to continue paying any remaining monthly device or service payments you owe to Verizon. But the unlock process itself is free.
Step-By-Step Guide to Unlock a Verizon Phone
Unlocking your phone is thankfully quick and painless, as long as your device and account meets Verizon’s eligibility standards.
Follow these steps:
Check your unlock eligibility requirements in the tables above. Wait until your contract, payment plan or minimum service tenure is complete.
Backup your Verizon phone data to the cloud or your computer. Just in case.
Submit an official unlock request at Verizon’s Unlock Request Form. Only takes a few minutes!
Verizon will process the request within 2-3 days and send you an unlock confirmation.
Your device is now unlocked! Feel free to insert a new carrier’s SIM and test.
Be sure to contact Verizon customer support if your unlock request is denied or you run into issues for any reason.
Success Tips When Switching Carriers with an Unlocked Phone
Once your Verizon phone is successfully unlocked, here are some top tips for ensuring a smooth transition to a new wireless carrier:
Activate the newly unlocked phone with compatible SIM card of your new carrier
Inform Verizon you are porting out your number to avoid any account disconnect fees
Double check features like WiFi calling, visual voicemail etc. fully work after switching networks
Run speed tests with the new carrier to validate comparable coverage in your area
Let the savings begin! Use these steps to finally unlock your Verizon phone and open up more carrier options. Reach out with any other questions.
