Verizon’s New Device Unlock Policy

Verizon has announced a change to its device unlock policy, adding a waiting period for customers seeking to unlock their fully paid devices. Now, those who pay off their devices online or through the My Verizon app will have to wait 35 days before unlocking their phones.

This waiting period also applies to customers using Verizon gift cards to purchase smartphones, as well as postpaid customers who settle their installment plans online or via app. Essentially, if you’re not going into a store, you might find yourself waiting.

However, there is a way to bypass this delay. Customers can get their devices unlocked much faster—typically within 24 hours—if they pay the balance directly at a Verizon retail location, using secure payment methods such as cash, EMV chip-enabled credit cards, or contactless payments like Apple Pay.

For those who pay online or over the phone, the 35-day delay will still apply, as these are considered less secure transactions. This feels a bit inconvenient, doesn’t it? The new policy was put in place to combat fraudulent activity, but it might also affect customers wanting to unlock their phones for international travel or to quickly switch providers.

In a further twist, Verizon’s longstanding rule that devices would automatically unlock 60 days after activation was also eliminated with this change. This could mean a longer wait when you’re trying to unlock a device proactively, perhaps just before a trip overseas.

For prepaid customers, the rules are even stricter. Devices will remain locked for a full 365 days of paid active service. After that, Verizon will unlock them automatically, unless the device is reported stolen or marked as fraudulent.

While some might argue that these measures add a layer of security, it does create challenges for those looking to quickly sell their devices or switch carriers without any hiccups.

It will be interesting to see how this policy shift impacts customer satisfaction, especially for those who rely on quick unlocks. Verizon has yet to comment further on the matter.