📱 Does Verizon Sell Unlocked Phones? Everything You Need to Know
When purchasing a phone from Verizon, one of the most common questions customers ask is: “Are Verizon phones unlocked?” The answer is yes—but not right away. Verizon’s unlocking policy requires customers to wait a 60-day period before their devices can be used freely on other networks.
🏆 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers to Your Questions
📌 Does Verizon sell unlocked phones?
✔️ No, Verizon does not sell unlocked phones at the time of purchase. However, all Verizon phones unlock automatically after 60 days.
📌 Can I get a Verizon phone unlocked sooner than 60 days?
❌ No, unless you are military personnel on deployment, in which case Verizon may grant an early unlock request.
📌 Can I use an unlocked phone on Verizon?
✔️ Yes! Verizon supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), allowing you to use factory-unlocked phones as long as they are compatible with Verizon’s network.
📌 Where can I buy an unlocked phone that works on Verizon?
- 🔹 Apple, Samsung, Google, and Motorola websites
- 🔹 Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and B&H Photo
- 🔹 Online marketplaces like Swappa and Newegg
📌 What if I travel internationally and need my phone unlocked right away?
✈️ If you purchase a Verizon phone, you’ll need to wait 60 days before using an international SIM. If you need an immediately unlocked device, consider buying directly from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer.
📌 Does Verizon charge a fee to unlock phones?
💰 No, Verizon does not charge a fee for unlocking phones—it happens automatically after 60 days.
🔐 Does Verizon Sell Unlocked Phones?
📌 No, Verizon does not sell phones as unlocked at the time of purchase. Every phone bought from Verizon—whether full price or on a payment plan—remains locked for 60 days before it is automatically unlocked.
📊 How Verizon’s Unlocking Policy Works
| Policy Rule 🔍 | What It Means for You ✅ |
|---|---|
| All Verizon phones are locked for 60 days ⏳ | Your device cannot be used with another carrier or international SIM for the first two months. |
| After 60 days, Verizon unlocks the phone automatically 🔓 | You can switch carriers or use an international SIM freely. |
| If the phone is reported lost, stolen, or fraudulent, it remains locked 🚫 | Phones flagged in Verizon’s database will not be unlocked, even after 60 days. |
| Active-duty military personnel can request early unlocking 🎖️ | Verizon provides an exemption for deployed service members—proof is required. |
💡 Tip: If you need an unlocked phone immediately, it’s best to purchase a factory-unlocked device from Apple, Samsung, or a major retailer like Best Buy.
🛒 Where Can I Buy an Unlocked Phone That Works on Verizon?
If you’re looking for an immediately unlocked phone that works on Verizon’s network, here are the best places to shop:
📊 Best Places to Buy Unlocked Verizon-Compatible Phones
| Retailer 🛍️ | Why It’s a Good Choice ✅ |
|---|---|
| Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola (Direct) 📱 | Manufacturer-unlocked models are guaranteed to work with Verizon. |
| Best Buy & Walmart 🏬 | Offers carrier-unlocked and Verizon-compatible phones. |
| Amazon & B&H Photo 📦 | Large selection of factory-unlocked phones at competitive prices. |
| Swappa & Newegg 🔄 | Trusted online marketplaces for gently used & new unlocked devices. |
💡 Tip: When buying an unlocked phone, make sure it supports Verizon’s bands (LTE/CDMA). Check Verizon’s BYOD tool on their website to confirm compatibility.
🌍 Can I Use a Verizon Phone for International Travel?
🚨 If you buy a Verizon phone, it will be locked for the first 60 days, meaning you can’t use an international SIM right away.
📊 International Travelers: What You Need to Know
| Scenario ✈️ | Can You Use an International SIM? ✅❌ | Best Alternative 🔄 |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon phone purchased today 📅 | ❌ No (locked for 60 days) | Use Verizon’s international roaming plan or buy a factory-unlocked phone. |
| Verizon phone after 60 days ⏳ | ✅ Yes | Insert any SIM card from a compatible carrier. |
| Factory-unlocked phone 🛒 | ✅ Yes | Can use an international SIM immediately. |
💡 Tip: Frequent travelers should consider buying a factory-unlocked phone from Apple, Samsung, or Google instead of Verizon.
⚖️ Can Verizon Deny Unlocking My Phone After 60 Days?
Yes, but only under specific conditions:
📊 Reasons Verizon May Refuse to Unlock a Phone
| Reason 🚫 | What Happens? ❌ |
|---|---|
| Phone reported lost or stolen 🔍 | The device remains permanently locked and cannot be used on any carrier. |
| Fraudulent or unpaid account 💳 | Verizon blocks unlocking if there is outstanding debt or fraud activity on the account. |
| Business/Corporate devices 🏢 | Some Verizon business accounts have locked corporate devices that require employer authorization to unlock. |
💡 Tip: Always purchase from a reputable source and keep proof of purchase in case of unlocking disputes.
🔄 Can I Use an Unlocked Phone on Verizon?
📌 Yes! Verizon supports unlocked phones through their BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program.
📊 How to Bring an Unlocked Phone to Verizon
| Step 🔍 | What to Do ✅ |
|---|---|
| Check Compatibility 📡 | Use Verizon’s BYOD tool to see if your phone supports their network. |
| Get a Verizon SIM Card 📲 | Visit a Verizon store or order a free SIM online. |
| Activate Your Phone 🔄 | Insert the Verizon SIM and follow activation steps on Verizon’s website or app. |
| Test Data & Calling 📶 | Ensure your phone gets LTE/5G service and calls work properly. |
💡 Tip: Phones purchased directly from Apple, Samsung, or Google as “unlocked” work best on Verizon without issues.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Phone from Verizon or Get an Unlocked Device?
✔️ Buy from Verizon IF:
- You are okay with waiting 60 days for unlocking.
- You want Verizon’s financing options or promotional deals.
- You don’t travel internationally frequently.
✔️ Buy an Unlocked Phone IF:
- You need an immediately unlocked device for travel or switching carriers.
- You prefer no restrictions on your device from day one.
- You want to avoid carrier bloatware that comes pre-installed on Verizon phones.
📌 Bottom Line: If you need a Verizon phone right away and don’t mind waiting 60 days for unlocking, Verizon is a great option. But if you prefer flexibility, consider buying a factory-unlocked device instead.
💡 Still have questions? Drop them below! Our experts are here to help you find the best unlocked phone for your needs. 📱🔓
FAQs
Comment 1: “Why does Verizon lock phones for 60 days instead of selling them unlocked right away?”
🔐 Verizon’s 60-day locking policy is primarily for security and fraud prevention. Before 2018, Verizon sold unlocked phones immediately, but a rise in device theft, fraud, and reselling scams led them to change their approach.
📊 Why Verizon Locks Phones for 60 Days
| Reason 🚨 | How It Affects Customers 📌 |
|---|---|
| Theft Prevention 🚔 | Stolen phones cannot be immediately resold or activated on another carrier. |
| Fraud Reduction 💳 | Prevents scammers from buying devices on financing, unlocking them, and then abandoning payments. |
| Encouraging Customer Retention 📡 | Ensures customers stay with Verizon for at least two months before switching carriers. |
| Industry Standard Practice 🔄 | AT&T and T-Mobile also lock phones for specific periods, making this a common policy. |
💡 Tip: If you want an immediately unlocked phone, consider buying directly from the manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Google) or an independent retailer.
Comment 2: “I bought a Verizon phone, but it’s been over 60 days and it’s still locked. What should I do?”
📌 If your Verizon phone remains locked beyond 60 days, there are a few possible reasons.
📊 Why Your Verizon Phone Might Still Be Locked After 60 Days
| Reason 🔍 | Solution ✅ |
|---|---|
| Phone flagged as lost/stolen 🚨 | Call Verizon’s customer service to dispute any incorrect reports. |
| Account is past due or unpaid 💳 | Ensure your Verizon bill is fully paid, including any installment plans. |
| System delay in unlocking ⏳ | Wait an additional 1-3 days—some unlocks process slightly late. |
| Corporate or government device 🏢 | Company-owned phones may have enterprise restrictions—contact your IT department. |
| Device was purchased from a reseller 🔄 | Confirm the phone was not resold under a different Verizon policy (some promotions require longer lock periods). |
💡 Tip: If none of the above applies, call Verizon at 📞 1-800-922-0204 and request manual unlocking.
Comment 3: “Can I ask Verizon to unlock my phone earlier than 60 days?”
📌 For most customers, the answer is NO—but there is one exception.
📊 Who Qualifies for Early Unlocking?
| Scenario 🎖️ | Can Verizon Unlock Early? ✅❌ | What to Do 📌 |
|---|---|---|
| Active-duty military deployment 🇺🇸 | ✅ Yes | Provide deployment documents and request an early unlock. |
| Regular customer request 📱 | ❌ No | Verizon enforces the full 60-day lock period. |
| Business or corporate accounts 🏢 | ❌ Rarely | Unlocking depends on company policies, not Verizon. |
| Phone purchased outright (full price) 💰 | ❌ No | Even fully paid phones are still subject to the 60-day lock. |
💡 Tip: If you’re military and need an early unlock, call Verizon’s special military support line at 📞 1-800-922-0204.
Comment 4: “Are Verizon unlocked phones truly compatible with all carriers?”
📡 Verizon’s unlocked phones work with most networks, but not all. Even after unlocking, certain devices may lack full compatibility with every carrier’s bands.
📊 Which Networks Support Verizon Unlocked Phones?
| Carrier 📶 | Works with Unlocked Verizon Phones? ✅❌ | Notes 📝 |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T 📡 | ✅ Yes | LTE works, but some Verizon models lack full 5G support on AT&T. |
| T-Mobile 📲 | ✅ Yes | Compatible, but may need manual APN settings for full functionality. |
| Sprint (now part of T-Mobile) 🔄 | ✅ Yes | Works, but some Sprint plans require reactivation. |
| International SIM Cards 🌍 | ✅ Yes | Works after 60-day unlock period, but check roaming bands. |
| Smaller MVNO carriers (Cricket, Metro, Visible, etc.) 🔄 | ✅ Sometimes | Check if the carrier supports Verizon-compatible devices. |
💡 Tip: Before switching carriers, use Verizon’s IMEI checker or the new carrier’s BYOD tool to confirm compatibility.
Comment 5: “What’s the difference between an unlocked Verizon phone and a factory-unlocked phone?”
🛒 Factory-unlocked phones and Verizon-unlocked phones are similar, but they have key differences.
📊 Unlocked Verizon Phone vs. Factory-Unlocked Phone
| Feature 📱 | Verizon-Unlocked Phone 🔓 | Factory-Unlocked Phone 🏪 |
|---|---|---|
| Where It’s Purchased 🛒 | Bought from Verizon, but unlocked after 60 days. | Bought directly from Apple, Samsung, Google, or a retailer like Best Buy. |
| Carrier Bloatware 📲 | May include Verizon apps & settings. | No pre-installed carrier apps. |
| Flexibility for Carrier Switching 🔄 | Fully unlocked after 60 days, works on most carriers. | Works on any carrier immediately. |
| eSIM Compatibility 📶 | Some Verizon devices may have restrictions on eSIM usage. | eSIM-ready on all supported networks from day one. |
| Software Updates 📡 | Verizon updates may arrive slightly later due to carrier testing. | Updates come directly from the manufacturer with no delays. |
💡 Tip: If you want the best long-term flexibility and zero carrier software, buy a factory-unlocked phone instead of a Verizon model.
Comment 6: “Can I finance an unlocked phone through Verizon?”
📌 No, Verizon only finances phones that are initially locked for 60 days.
📊 Financing Options for Unlocked Phones
| Purchase Method 💳 | Can You Finance? ✅❌ | Best Alternative 🔄 |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon Installment Plan 🏦 | ❌ No | Verizon only finances locked devices. |
| Apple iPhone Upgrade Program 🍏 | ✅ Yes | Get an unlocked iPhone with monthly payments & AppleCare+. |
| Best Buy/Carrier Financing 🏬 | ❌ No | Carrier financing applies only to carrier-locked models. |
| Buy Now, Pay Later Services 🛍️ | ✅ Yes | Klarna, Affirm, and PayPal Credit offer financing for unlocked phones. |
💡 Tip: If you want financing without Verizon’s lock policy, consider Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program or third-party financing services.
Comment 7: “Why do some people say their Verizon phone is unlocked immediately while others have to wait 60 days?”
🔍 This confusion arises due to exceptions, promotions, and reseller situations. While Verizon’s policy mandates a 60-day lock on all new phones, some cases bypass this restriction.
📊 When Verizon Phones Might Be Unlocked Immediately
| Scenario 🎯 | Is the Phone Unlocked Right Away? ✅❌ | Why It Happens 🔎 |
|---|---|---|
| You purchased from a third-party retailer 🏬 | ✅ Sometimes | Some Best Buy and Amazon-sold Verizon models come factory-unlocked, despite being Verizon-compatible. |
| Device was pre-owned or refurbished 🔄 | ✅ Yes | If someone else already fulfilled the 60-day period, it remains unlocked. |
| Apple, Samsung, or Google Store purchase 🏪 | ✅ Yes | Manufacturer-sold phones are unlocked, even if you activate them on Verizon. |
| Unlocked version of a Verizon-compatible model 🔓 | ✅ Yes | Some devices, like unlocked iPhones, work seamlessly on Verizon without restrictions. |
| Phone purchased under a Verizon business/corporate plan 🏢 | ❌ No | Corporate-issued phones often stay locked beyond 60 days per employer policies. |
💡 Tip: Always check a phone’s unlock status before purchase, especially from third-party resellers! Some Verizon-branded phones may actually be unlocked.
Comment 8: “Can I switch to Verizon with an unlocked phone from AT&T or T-Mobile?”
📌 Yes, but compatibility depends on the phone’s network bands. Verizon uses CDMA + LTE/5G, while AT&T and T-Mobile use GSM-based networks. Most modern smartphones support both technologies, but some older models might not.
📊 How to Check If Your Unlocked Phone Works on Verizon
| Step 🛠️ | What to Do ✅ | Where to Check 🔍 |
|---|---|---|
| Find Your IMEI Number 📱 | Dial *#06# on your phone to display its IMEI. | Use Verizon’s BYOD compatibility tool. |
| Check Network Bands 📶 | Ensure your phone supports Verizon LTE Bands (2, 4, 5, 13, 66, 71, 77). | Compare with your phone’s spec sheet. |
| Get a Verizon SIM Card 📲 | Insert a Verizon SIM and attempt activation. | Visit a Verizon store or order online. |
| Adjust APN Settings ⚙️ | Some unlocked phones require manual APN adjustments for data & MMS. | Verizon’s support website provides APN settings. |
💡 Tip: If your phone was locked to AT&T or T-Mobile, make sure it’s fully unlocked before attempting to switch to Verizon!
Comment 9: “Will Verizon’s unlocked phones work internationally?”
🌍 Yes! Verizon’s unlocked phones can work with international SIM cards—but there are some things to check before traveling.
📊 Using a Verizon Unlocked Phone Internationally
| Factor 🌎 | Does It Work? ✅❌ | What You Need to Know 📌 |
|---|---|---|
| After 60 Days ⏳ | ✅ Yes | You can insert any international SIM card once unlocked. |
| Before 60 Days 🚫 | ❌ No | Verizon locks phones for the first two months. |
| Works on GSM Networks? 📶 | ✅ Usually | Most Verizon phones now support GSM for global use. |
| eSIM Compatibility? 🏷️ | ✅ Depends | Not all Verizon phones support international eSIM activation. |
| Roaming Costs? 💰 | ❌ Expensive | Verizon’s international plans can be costly—a local SIM is cheaper. |
💡 Tip: For frequent travelers, an unlocked phone from Apple, Samsung, or Google provides the most flexibility for international use.
Comment 10: “Do Verizon unlocked phones receive software updates like factory-unlocked devices?”
📌 Verizon-branded unlocked phones may get updates later than factory-unlocked models.
📊 How Verizon Handles Software Updates on Unlocked Phones
| Phone Type 📱 | How Updates Work ⏳ | Any Delays? 🚨 |
|---|---|---|
| Verizon-locked phone (before 60 days) 🔒 | Updates come directly from Verizon. | ✅ Sometimes slower, as they must pass Verizon testing. |
| Verizon-unlocked phone (after 60 days) 🔓 | Still gets Verizon-certified updates. | ✅ May lag behind factory-unlocked models. |
| Factory-unlocked phone (Apple, Samsung, etc.) 🏪 | Updates arrive immediately from the manufacturer. | ❌ No delays—first to receive updates. |
💡 Tip: If you want the fastest software updates, a factory-unlocked device is your best choice.
Comment 11: “What happens if I buy a used Verizon phone? Will it be unlocked?”
📌 A used Verizon phone may already be unlocked—but check its status before purchase.
📊 How to Check If a Used Verizon Phone is Unlocked
| Step 🔍 | How to Check ✅ | What It Means 📌 |
|---|---|---|
| Find the IMEI Number 📱 | Dial *#06# or check in Settings > About Phone. | You need this to verify unlocking & blacklist status. |
| Use Verizon’s IMEI Checker 🔄 | Visit Verizon’s BYOD page and enter the IMEI. | Confirms if the phone is unlocked and ready for activation. |
| Try a Different Carrier’s SIM Card 📲 | Insert a T-Mobile or AT&T SIM and attempt a call. | If the phone works, it’s already unlocked. |
| Check for Payment/Fraud Locks 🚨 | Contact Verizon to confirm the phone is not linked to unpaid bills. | If flagged for non-payment, Verizon won’t unlock it. |
💡 Tip: If buying second-hand, always request the IMEI in advance to verify the phone’s unlock status and avoid activation issues.
Comment 12: “Do Verizon unlocked phones still have Verizon bloatware?”
📌 Yes, even after unlocking, Verizon-branded phones retain pre-installed Verizon apps.
📊 How Verizon Bloatware Affects Your Phone
| App Type 📲 | Can You Remove It? ✅❌ | What It Does 📌 |
|---|---|---|
| My Verizon App 📡 | ❌ No | Required for account management & billing. |
| Verizon Cloud ☁️ | ✅ Yes | Backup service, but can be uninstalled. |
| Verizon Call Filter 📞 | ✅ Yes | Spam-blocking app, but optional. |
| Verizon Messages+ 💬 | ✅ Yes | Alternative messaging app—can be removed. |
| VZ Navigator (Older Phones) 🗺️ | ✅ Yes | Outdated GPS app—safe to uninstall. |
💡 Tip: For a completely bloatware-free experience, buy a factory-unlocked model instead of a Verizon-branded phone.
