Equipment, Devices and Services

Unlock my device

Your wireless device will either be locked or unlocked. A locked device only works with a Verizon SIM card on Verizon’s network. Explore the following topics for answers to some of the most common questions regarding locked devices.

What's the difference between a locked and an unlocked device?

A locked device only works with a Verizon SIM card on Verizon’s network.
An unlocked device can be used with non-Verizon SIM cards on another carrier’s domestic or international network

Note: A locked device doesn’t affect roaming. You can use a locked device to roam on another carrier's network.

What is Verizon's device locking policy?

Beginning on 1/27/2026, devices purchased from Verizon are locked until the full device payment or the terms of your contract are fulfilled. This policy applies to new Verizon smartphones, tablets and feature phones purchased on or after 1/27/2026.

Devices purchased at full retail price will be automatically unlocked when paid through a secure payment method:
- Secure Payments: Cash, credit card with EMV chip¹, contactless Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay.
- Non-secure payments²: Verizon Gift Card, paper check, a bill credit, or a credit card using a magnetic striper or manual entry.

Note: Devices previously reported as lost or stolen will not be unlocked until they are cleared from the lost or stolen report. Once a device is unlocked Verizon will never re-lock it.

¹ An EMV chip is the metallic square on the front of your card.
² Your device will unlock automatically at 35 days from payment when using a non-secure method.

Devices purchased from Verizon before 1/27/2026 are locked for 60 days from the date of purchase. This policy applies to existing customers and customers porting their service to another carrier. The device locking policy also applies to:

Devices purchased at full retail price or on a device payment agreement
Device purchased on a device payment agreement and paid off prior to the 60-day requirement
Verizon service canceled while device is locked
If you’re porting out service, your device remains locked until the 60-day requirement has been met

Why does Verizon have a device locking policy?

Our device locking policy helps prevent theft and protects our customers from fraud. A locked device that isn’t usable on networks outside of Verizon’s is less attractive to criminals.

Which devices are locked under this policy?

All smartphones sold by Verizon or one of our retail partners.

Do I have to do anything to have my device unlocked?

No. Your device will be unlocked automatically as long the following applies:

You’re 60 days from purchase (if purchased before 1/27/2026)
Your device is paid in full.
Your device is not flagged for fraud, or reported as lost or stolen

How do I know if my device is locked?

When you insert a non-Verizon SIM card, you’ll see the error message “SIM Not Supported” on the screen of locked devices.

Note: Message may vary by manufacturer.

I'm bringing my own device to Verizon, does the device locking policy affect me?

No, if you bring your own device to use with Verizon service, the device locking policy does not apply.

If I'm traveling internationally, how do I get service if my device is locked?

If you’re traveling internationally and your device is locked, you can sign up for one of Verizon’s international services to stay connected. To use your device on another carrier’s SIM card and network, you must meet our device unlocking requirements.

Can I still transfer my service to another person’s account?

Yes, you can still transfer your service to another account. However, the device will remain locked after the transfer until it has met our device unlocking requirements.

Will suspending my service change my device unlocking date?

No, suspending your device does not change when your device will be eligible to be unlocked.

Note: Suspending your device because it was lost or stolen will prevent it from being unlocked.

Existing customer?

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