Learn How to Unlock Your Verizon Phone to Use on Another Network Without Issues

Are you a Verizon subscriber? Would you like to use your phone with SIM cards from other carriers? If yes, this topic is all about how to unlock a Verizon phone to use on another network. We’ll cover everything you need to know about the carrier’s device unlocking policies and how you can make the most from it.

However, while your unlocked cell phone will be open for new possibilities, Verizon is one of the major carriers here in the United States. So, if you’re unlocking the device so you can switch to another carrier, do make the move’s the right one for you. But again, is Verizon worth it in the first place? Let’s have a quick look.

Verizon Wireless: Features and Pros of the Carrier

As I’ve just mentioned, Verizon Wireless is one of the Big Three network operators here in the U.S. In other words, that means the provider has its own network infrastructure that it operates on and even lease to other mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Some of these MVNOs include Straight Talk, Total Wireless, TracFone, Xfinity Mobile, Affinity Cellular, and free government cell phones providers like TAG Mobile and enTouch Wireless.

As for convenience, Verizon does have an excellent service, with top-notch coverage, flexible phone plans, and various entertainment parks. Of course, the coverage in the rural areas isn’t as comprehensive as that of urban where there are more subscribers. But still, you can get crystal call quality.

As for the cell phone plans, Verizon Wireless has various options you can choose from based on your needs. You could opt for basic phones plans, shared plans, and prepaid plans that have capped high-speed data. Or else the Unlimited plans that bring you unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data.

More on that each of these Verizon plans has its unique features and extra perks. The plans perks include free entertainment packages like Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, Discovery+, Apple Arcade games, Music, Cloud Storage, amongst other Verizon rewards.

Furthermore, Verizon is one of the companies that give free phones when you switch with your current number. The deals include both the 4G LTE and the new 5G devices like the iPhone 12.

Verizon Cell phone Plans

Here’s a summary of Verizon Wireless phone plans as of September 2021. You can check the complete inclusions and perks here.

Phone Plan	Price	Features	Free Plan Perks
Basic Phone Plan	$30/mo.	Unlimited Call + Text, 500MB of Data	None
5GB Shared Plan	$$55/ mo.	Unlimited Call + Text, 5GB of Data	Carryover data
10GB Shared Plan	$65/ mo.	Unlimited Call + Text, 10GB of Data	Carryover data
Start Unlimited Plan	$70/mo.	Unlimited Call + Text+ Data	Discovery+, Apple Arcade, Google Play Pass, & Music
Play More Unlimited Plan	$80/mo.	Unlimited Call + Text+ Data	Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Apple Arcade, Music, and others
Do More Unlimited Plan	$80/mo.	Unlimited Call + Text+ Data	Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, Apple Arcade, Music, and others
Get More Unlimited Plan	$90/ mo.	Unlimited Call + Text+ Data	All above, 600GB cloud space, and 50% off connected devices

The Pains of Using Verizon Wireless

Although it has the best reception in most areas, Verizon, just like its competitors, has its drawbacks as well. Some of these issues are bearable and others can be too much, which might be the reason you want to unlock your Verizon phone to use on another network.

Anyhow, here are the four common pains with Verizon Wireless:

Pricing:

Overall, Verizon cell phone plans are very expensive. Of course, you may get the Verizon Wireless discounts for retirees, but the supported plan’s only limited to Florida residents. Also, the supposedly cheaper Basic phone plan with only 500MB of data costs $30/mo.- a fee similar to that of the Cricket Wireless plan with 2GB of high-speed data and unlimited data at slower speeds.

Termination Fees:

Verizon does charge an early termination fee, which can be high at times.

Ghost Charges:

It’s not two but several users who have complained of irregularity on their monthly Verizon Wireless bills. Some of the hidden fees that may cause this include smartphone line access, regulatory charge, administrative charge, communication sales tax (varies), and Fed universal service charge.

Credit Impact:

When you have a recurring outstanding balance, Verizon might give your account to a collection agency. Then, the collection agency might report your account to the major credit bureaus, which could hurt your overall credit score.

How To Unlock A Verizon Phone To Use On Another Network

Technically, there are two main reasons you may want to be able to use your Verizon phone on another phone. The first one is because of the drawbacks we’ve just mentioned above. Then, the second one is if you wanted to be able to use your phone with another carrier while traveling.

Anyway, whatever reason might be, it’s very easy to unlock your Verizon cell phone for other carriers. In fact, you might not even need to bother as the carrier usually automatically unlock the eligible devices, albeit not always.

The unlock policy is available for phones purchased on a payment agreement and full retail price. It’s also open for both new and existing customers, whether on prepaid or postpaid plans. But then, your device has to satisfy the eligibility requirements, in particular, the 60-day policy.

That’s right. Verizon devices remain locked for 60 days from the date of purchase or activation. It’s after this period has passed the company will unlock your device.

Well, this now brings us to our main subject, whereby we’re going to show you four other ways you can unlock your Verizon phone. That’s if the carrier fails to automatically unlock your device despite meeting the 60-day requirement.

Unlock Verizon Phone with a Code

This is the first and easiest alternative you can use to unlock your Verizon phone. It involves the use of a special unlock code- “000000” or “123456”. The method used to be common with the Verizon 3G phones, but it should work with LTE devices as well.

However, you won’t get the unlock code prompt if you’re still on Verizon. You need to power on your phone with a SIM card from a different carrier, let’s say T-Mobile or TracFone. After starting up, the phone will now ask you to “Enter the code you get from Verizon”, in which case you can now enter the “000000” or “123456”.

Once you’ve unlocked the device, it should work with carriers from other compatible wireless networks.

Unlock Verizon Phone Via Service Call

If the universal code “000000” or “123456” doesn’t work, you can also contact Verizon customer service agents for help. You can call them on “888-294-6804” or any other number shown on the unlock code prompt message. The rep should be able to unlock the device for you or he/ she will direct you to the department responsible- Verizon Wireless Global Services.

Note, you could also directly contact the Global Services team on phone number 800-711-8300 and ask them for the unlock code.

Unlock Verizon Phone at the Dealer Store

Alternatively, you can visit the nearest Verizon dealer to have them unlock your device. Indeed, you might have to go through several departments before you can get the appropriate technical support. But, once you do, they should help you remove the restrictions on your device.

If the operator refuses to assist (sometimes they do), you can file a complaint with the FCC, whereby you’ll get a reference number. The FCC provides that all carriers should abide by the set prepaid and postpaid unlock policies. So, you could even lie to the agents that you have already filed a complaint with the FCC, and you’ll see how quickly they’ll proceed.

Note, Verizon Global Services is primarily for phones unlocked for global use. So, they may unlock your phone, but you may not be able to use it with other domestic carriers until you flash the firmware.

Unlock Verizon Phone with a Third-Party Service

Last but not least, you can unlock your Verizon iPhone or Android device through a third-party service. Of course, it’s illegal and the proprietors could be arrested, but it also shows results.

However, every network-locked device requires a special unlock code to have it unlocked. There’s no other special magic around it. Hence, the reason you could be arrested as it implies the third-party company accessed the unlock codes illegally- either by stealing them or buying from the phone company employees.

It’s worth noting that the third-party companies that give these mobile phone unlock codes also will require something in return. In most cases, they’ll ask for a small fee for the service. But then, you’ll also need to provide the IMEI number and phone model, which is a bit risky when dealing with a total stranger.

Things to Know Before Unlocking your Verizon Phone

As you can see, it doesn’t require much to unlock your Verizon Phone for other networks. However, there are a few things you have to consider before you proceed with the process. Otherwise, it will be very disappointing to go through all the troubles of unlocking, only for the SIM card to fail to work.

Anyway, here are a few of the things you should know when it comes to unlocking your Verizon phone.

• Suspended service: Verizon will still unlock your device even after you suspend your service or request to port out your number. However, the device must satisfy the eligibility requirements.
• Flagged devices: if your Verizon device has been reported lost, stolen, or having being used in fraudulent activities, the carrier won’t unlock it.
• Carrier-unlocked: unlocking your phone is all about disabling the software preventing the respective device from accessing the other carrier’s network. However, the carrier might fail to unlock all the functionalities. Thus, you might still be unable to access some functions with your Non-Verizon SIM card.
• Network compatibility: Different carriers operate on different bands and frequencies. So, your Non-Verizon SIM card might fail to operate on your unlocked Verizon device if doesn’t have the required main bands.

Also, it’s worth noting that each carrier has the unique network technology it uses to operate. If it’s Verizon and its MVNOs, they all use a CDMA channel, whereas T-Mobile and its subsidiaries run on GSM.

Meanwhile, a carrier cannot use the two technologies at the same time. Even with a provider like TracFone that leases network infrastructure from Verizon and T-Mobile, you’ll have to choose one of them. So, as you unlock your device, do make sure it will be compatible with the other carrier.

Needless to say, many of the 4G LTE devices in the market today have dual-band support, whereby you can use with either CDMA or GSM services. But then, you have to make sure the frequency bands will be compatible.

Common Related Questions:

How do you unlock a Verizon phone to any carrier?

Technically, you necessarily don’t need to do anything to unlock a Verizon phone to other carriers. The company will automatically unlock the device after sixty days after purchase or activation. If that doesn’t work, you can also unlock your Verizon devices by contacting or visiting Verizon retailer to give you the unlock code.

Can I use my Verizon phone with another carrier?

A simple answer, YES, you can use your Verizon phone with another carrier. You just have to carrier-unlock the device and make sure it’s network compatible.

How do you check if a Verizon phone is unlocked?

After 60 days have already passed, you can check if your Verizon phone is unlocked by inserting a non-Verizon SIM. If the screen shows an error message like “SIM Not Supported”, it means the device is still locked.

How do you activate an old Verizon phone for free?

In case you lose or damage your device, you can use your old or any other device that supports CDMA technology. To activate the old Verizon phone, you just need to visit Verizon.com and login into your account. Then, go to “My devices”, select the “Activate or Switch” button and follow the on-screen instructions.

Final Thoughts

In truth, Verizon is a great carrier compared to its and other MVNOs. Not only does it have a strong reception, but also a nationwide coverage, including in the rural areas. Also, some of its cell phone plans, the unlimited packages, have amazing entertainment perks at no extra cost. Then, many users have praised their professional customer care representatives.

However, Verizon is one of the most expensive cell phone providers. Hence, one of the reasons you might want to switch to another carrier, especially a time like now from the COVID-19-related financial hardship.

Fortunately, Verizon usually unlocks its eligible devices automatically. If not, we have mentioned several alternatives you can consider. Hopefully, we’ve answered your question and you’ve been able to unlock your device.