Verizon Implements 35-Day Unlock Delay for Fully Paid Devices with New Policy
Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg unpacks how tariffs will impact the business on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Verizon has recently updated its device unlocking policy, introducing a new waiting period for customers who wish to unlock their fully paid-off devices. This change affects how quickly customers can access their devices after paying off their balance.
According to Verizon’s current device-unlocking policy, customers who settle their payment agreement balance online or via the My Verizon app must now wait 35 days before their phone is unlocked. This waiting period also applies to those who purchase a smartphone using a Verizon Gift Card or pay off the remaining balance.
Additionally, postpaid customers who pay off a device installment plan online or in the app will also face the same delay. This policy has raised concerns among users who may need immediate access to their devices.
NEW IPHONE SCAM TRICKS OWNERS INTO GIVING PHONES AWAY
Verizon’s new unlock policy creates 35-day delays for paid-off devices. (iStock / iStock)
For customers who complete their installment agreements with scheduled monthly payments, devices will continue to be unlocked automatically after the final payment. However, there is a potential workaround for those looking to expedite the unlocking process.
Customers can avoid the 35-day delay by paying off the remaining balance in person at a Verizon corporate store. This must be done using a secure payment method, which includes cash, an EMV chip-enabled credit card, or contactless options like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payments made online, via the app, by phone, or at authorized retailers may still trigger the waiting period.
HAGERTY ASKS FCC TO SANCTION VERIZON OVER DISCLOSURE OF SENATE PHONE DATA
Verizon customers can avoid 35-day device unlock delays by paying off phones in-store with cash, chip cards, or contactless payments like Apple Pay instead of online methods. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)
A Verizon spokesperson noted that customers who meet the requirements for a faster unlock typically receive it within 24 hours. The 35-day waiting period is primarily aimed at fraud prevention, as reported by Ars Technica.
This policy change follows the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to eliminate Verizon’s previous requirement to automatically unlock devices 60 days after activation. As a result, customers may find it more challenging to unlock their phones quickly, especially before international travel to use a local SIM card.
NEW IPHONE SCAM TRICKS OWNERS INTO GIVING PHONES AWAY
Prepaid devices bought from Verizon stay locked for 365 days of paid, active service. (Kena Betancur/VIEWpress / Getty Images)
This new policy could complicate matters for customers looking to sell a paid-off device immediately or switch carriers without interruption. For prepaid customers, devices purchased from Verizon remain locked for 365 days of paid, active service. After this period, Verizon will automatically remove the lock, unless the device has been reported stolen or flagged for fraud.
FOX Business has reached out to Verizon for further comment.
Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg unpacks how tariffs will impact the business on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Verizon has recently updated its device unlocking policy, introducing a new waiting period for customers who wish to unlock their fully paid-off devices. This change affects how quickly customers can access their devices after paying off their balance.
According to Verizon’s current device-unlocking policy, customers who settle their payment agreement balance online or via the My Verizon app must now wait 35 days before their phone is unlocked. This waiting period also applies to those who purchase a smartphone using a Verizon Gift Card or pay off the remaining balance.
Additionally, postpaid customers who pay off a device installment plan online or in the app will also face the same delay. This policy has raised concerns among users who may need immediate access to their devices.
NEW IPHONE SCAM TRICKS OWNERS INTO GIVING PHONES AWAY
Verizon’s new unlock policy creates 35-day delays for paid-off devices. (iStock / iStock)
For customers who complete their installment agreements with scheduled monthly payments, devices will continue to be unlocked automatically after the final payment. However, there is a potential workaround for those looking to expedite the unlocking process.
Customers can avoid the 35-day delay by paying off the remaining balance in person at a Verizon corporate store. This must be done using a secure payment method, which includes cash, an EMV chip-enabled credit card, or contactless options like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payments made online, via the app, by phone, or at authorized retailers may still trigger the waiting period.
HAGERTY ASKS FCC TO SANCTION VERIZON OVER DISCLOSURE OF SENATE PHONE DATA
Verizon customers can avoid 35-day device unlock delays by paying off phones in-store with cash, chip cards, or contactless payments like Apple Pay instead of online methods. (Photo Illustration by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)
A Verizon spokesperson noted that customers who meet the requirements for a faster unlock typically receive it within 24 hours. The 35-day waiting period is primarily aimed at fraud prevention, as reported by Ars Technica.
This policy change follows the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to eliminate Verizon’s previous requirement to automatically unlock devices 60 days after activation. As a result, customers may find it more challenging to unlock their phones quickly, especially before international travel to use a local SIM card.
NEW IPHONE SCAM TRICKS OWNERS INTO GIVING PHONES AWAY
Prepaid devices bought from Verizon stay locked for 365 days of paid, active service. (Kena Betancur/VIEWpress / Getty Images)
This new policy could complicate matters for customers looking to sell a paid-off device immediately or switch carriers without interruption. For prepaid customers, devices purchased from Verizon remain locked for 365 days of paid, active service. After this period, Verizon will automatically remove the lock, unless the device has been reported stolen or flagged for fraud.
FOX Business has reached out to Verizon for further comment.
