Verizon is one of the largest service providers in the US. However, many of its phones come locked with a contract. That is why consumers often try to find out how to unlock a Verizon phone.
Today, we will share with you the exact procedure to do so and also help you understand when you should attempt to do the same.
How to Unlock a Verizon Phone
Before you follow the step-by-step procedure below to unlock a Verizon phone, it is important to find out which type of connection you have. You will either have a prepaid, postpaid, 3G, or 4G LTE connection.
In case you are using 4G LTE phones, you are mostly on the postpaid plan. The usual lock-in period for a Verizon phone is 60 days. To unlock a Verizon phone, you need to comply with two conditions. These are:
- You should wait for 60 days after the purchase of the device.
- You need to be up to date with your bills during the sixty days. Only then the method to unlock your Verizon phone below will work.
Unlock Prepaid Verizon Phone
- Remove the current sim: After a period of 60 days, you can remove the current sim. The procedure to do it varies from one handset to another. You have to check the manual of the phone either online or the one which you got with the phone to know how to remove the same.
- Insert a new sim: You can insert a new sim of any other carrier and start the phone.
- Enter the code: Once you start the phone with another sim, you will be prompted to enter a code. There are only two codes that can unlock a Verizon phone. Enter either one of these:
- 000000
- 123456
In almost all cases, either one of these codes will unlock your Verizon phone. In case you aren’t able to do so and you have abided by the conditions listed above this procedure, you can call customer support by dialing *611.
Customer support will guide you through the process to unlock your phone.
Unlock 3G World Verizon Phone
If you have a 3G world phone by Verizon (certain handsets classify under this category), the procedure to unlock such a phone is slightly different.
- Replace the Sim card: Using the smartphone’s manual, you have to replace the Sim card. Enter the new one that you want to use.
- Follow the procedure mentioned in the user guide: In most of all 3G phones, you won’t directly get a prompt once you replace the Sim card. You need to follow that and enter one of the codes we highlighted above. You must refer to the documents you got along with the phone. These will have instructions on how to access the device’s programming menu.
The code is the same. However, the only difference with such a handset is that you automatically won’t get a prompt once you replace the sim.
In rare cases, you might not get the programming instructions along with the device. In that case, you have no other option but to call Verizon customer care at *611.
Things to Know Before You Unlock a Verizon Phone
Before you decide to unlock your Verizon phone, there are a few things you need to be aware of.
Ensure your Verizon Account is Active
Only when your Verizon account has been active can you think about unlocking it. If the phone and the account have been active for 60 days, then only you can unlock it.
Verizon has adopted this policy to avoid handset fraud. That is why; it locks the devices for at least 60 days. Only after this period can you think about unlocking your Verizon phone.
Unlock is Possible Only When The Account is in Good Standing
You can unlock your Verizon phone only when your account is in good standing. If any dues are pending, you won’t be able to unlock your phone. If you’re serious about unlocking your phone, paying all the dues first and then following the procedure highlighted above is best.
When Does it Make Sense to Unlock Your Verizon Phone
Before you initiate the procedure to unlock your Verizon phone, it is also essential to understand in which cases it makes perfect sense.
1. When you want to use another network
The primary reason why you might need to unlock your Verizon phone is to ensure that you can use another service provider. Another service provider might provide you with a more lucrative or affordable plan.
2. When you want to travel abroad
Verizon does offer international roaming. However, the plans are expensive. If your Verizon phone is locked, you won’t be able to change the sim to another provider which offers affordable plans.
However, if 60 days have already subsided, you can unlock your Verizon phone and swipe the sim with another provider which offers cheaper international plans. You can save money on a single trip by unlocking your phone.
3. When you want to sell your phone
Many times, when you want to get a new handset, you might need to sell your current one. At the same time, it is not necessary to unlock your phone when selling one, but once you unlock the phone, it will undoubtedly sell faster. Not only that, the resale value you might get for your phone would also be higher.
These are three reasons why it makes perfect sense to unlock your Verizon phone.
Which Networks can you Switch to After Unlocking your Verizon Phone
Verizon uses CDMA technology. The other two popular networks, T-Mobile or AT&T, usually use GSM technology. Because of the same, swiping out Verizon sim for T-mobile or AT&T sim might not provide you with a seamless experience.
When you go through the terms and conditions of Verizon, you will realize that it clearly states that the device’s functionality might be reduced if you insert the sim that uses another technology.
Thus, before you try to switch to another network, find out if it uses CDMA technology or any other technology. In the case of CDMA technology, the sim will work seamlessly.
What Should you do if you Forget the Phone Code
Only when you have access to your smartphone can you perform the procedure to unlock the Verizon phone. If you forget the code to your device, contact the service provider to gain access to your device first and then unlock the device.
The customer service representative of the service provider will likely provide you with a temporary unlock code. After entering it, you will have to answer a few security questions, and then you can access your device. Once you access the device, follow the steps above to unlock the Verizon phone.
Conclusion
Using the step-by-step procedure above, you can easily unlock your Verizon phone. We have not only covered this procedure but also answered associated questions so that it becomes easier to have complete information at your disposal, which will help you unlock your Verizon phone.
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People Also Ask
The best way to test whether your Verizon phone is locked or unlocked is to enter a sim card from a different provider. If you can receive or call someone using a Sim card from another service provider, it indicates that the Verizon phone is unlocked. If your phone is still locked, you won’t be able to use the services of that sim card.
Yes, in most cases, the Verizon store can help you unlock your phone. However, you should abide by the conditions we have highlighted above. Only after the completion of 60 days of purchase of the device and there are no dues pending can you head over to the Verizon store to unlock your iPhone. Since Verizon has friendly unlocking policies, you won’t have to worry about going through an elaborate procedure or spending a lot of time unlocking your iPhone from a Verizon store.
To prevent handset fraud, Verizon has enacted the policy of 60 day lock-in period. During that, you won’t be able to use a Verizon phone with any other network. However, once you unlock the device after this period, you can easily use your Verizon phone with other networks. To do the same, follow the unlocking procedure highlighted above.
Yes, Verizon will provide you with the unlock code for free if you have paid all your dues and bought the phone more than sixty days earlier.
Verizon number lock is entirely different from phone lock. The number lock is to prevent Mapping hacks. It means that unless and until, you do not change the same through the official app, nobody else will be able to replicate your Sim. This is done to prevent identity theft and hacking of financial information.
Verizon has pretty liberal unlocking policies. As long as you have fulfilled the requirements as stated above, you will be able to unlock your device in five minutes.