Device Locking FAQs

Wireless carriers "lock" devices with software, restricting them to their network to prevent fraud and theft. Go to Device Unlocking Policies for more information.

Good to know: A locked device doesn't affect your ability to roam onto another carrier's network. Learn more with our Domestic Roaming FAQs.

Yes, starting 1/27/26¹, Verizon locks your device until you pay for it in full. We unlock it for you automatically when you use a secure payment type² at a Verizon store. A secure payment method is required to unlock a device immediately when paying the full device balance. If a Verizon Gift Card is used to purchase a smartphone or pay off a remaining balance, the unlocking process will be delayed by 35 days. This window allows for the verification of the gift card's funds to ensure they were not obtained through fraudulent or illegal means. You can contact us (then click on Chat with us) for more details.

¹Find out what the policy is beginning 1/27/2026 and what it was before 1/27/26.
²Secure payment types made at a Verizon store include cash, a credit card with EMV chip (the metallic square on the front of your card) or contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay).

Yes. Starting 1/27/26¹, Verizon locks your device when you activate your Verizon-bought device with a Verizon Prepaid plan on the Verizon Network. We unlock it for you upon request:

• After your device is locked for 365 days from the date of purchase.²
• When you complete 12 months of paid service.

¹Find out what the policy is beginning 1/27/2026 and what it was before 1/27/26.
²If your service was suspended during that time, those days aren't counted toward the 365 days.

Your unlock options depend on your plan:

• Standard monthly plan:
  • Your device automatically unlocks when paid in full.
• Verizon Prepaid plan:
  • You can request to have your device unlocked after 365 days have passed and you've completed 12 months of paid service.

Important: Your device won't unlock if it's reported lost or stolen, or flagged for fraud — even when paid in full.

All devices sold by Verizon or Authorized Retailers follow our device locking policy.

A locked device will show "SIM Not Supported" with a non-Verizon SIM.

Keep in mind: Message may vary by manufacturer.

Your device won't unlock automatically:

• Until you pay the device finance agreement in full using an automated payment type.
• Unless you pay off your device at a Verizon store.
• If we've flagged it for fraud or you reported it lost or stolen.

If these conditions don't apply and your device stays locked, perform a factory data reset. If your device stays locked after reset, contact us.

No. Verizon's device locking policy doesn't apply when you bring your own device.

If you travel internationally with a locked device, we recommend adding an international travel plan to your line. Without an international plan, Verizon charges Pay As You Go rates.

Yes. You can still transfer your service to another account if your device is locked.

Keep in mind: Your device remains locked after the transfer unless it meets our device unlocking policy.

No. Suspending your service doesn't affect your device's unlock date.

Important: A suspended, lost or stolen device can't be unlocked.

Yes. It affects your device's unlock date. Suspended days don't count toward the 365 days.

Important: A suspended, lost or stolen device can't be unlocked.

Verizon-bought devices with standard monthly service activated before 1/27/2026 unlocked automatically after 60 days.

Verizon-bought devices activated on Verizon Prepaid before 1/27/2026 unlocked automatically after 60 days.