Verizon Phone Unlock: The New 365-Day Rule You Need to Know
Verizon has recently implemented a significant change to its phone unlocking policy, particularly impacting customers of its TracFone division. A new 365-day lock period is now in effect for phones purchased through TracFone, a shift that occurred just one week after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waived a previous requirement for Verizon to unlock handsets after only 60 days of activation. This change has sparked debate and concern among consumers and smaller carriers, raising questions about device ownership and market competition. This article dives deep into the details of the new policy, its implications, and how it compares to other major carriers.
The Shift from 60 Days to 365 Days: A Return to the Past
Prior to Verizon’s acquisition of TracFone in 2021, TracFone had initially agreed to unlock phones within 60 days as part of a settlement with the Obama-era FCC. This settlement addressed allegations that TracFone wasn’t complying with commitments to unlock phones for customers utilizing the Lifeline subsidy program. Following the merger, the 60-day unlocking period was maintained as a condition of the deal. However, with the FCC’s recent waiver, Verizon has reverted to a year-long locking period, mirroring the policy TracFone employed before the acquisition.
The core difference now is that unlocking is no longer automatic. Customers must now actively request an unlock after completing 365 days of paid and active service. This represents a substantial change for consumers accustomed to the quicker unlocking process.
Which Brands are Affected?
The 365-day unlocking policy isn’t limited to just TracFone. It extends to a wide range of Verizon-owned prepaid brands, including:
- Straight Talk
- Net10 Wireless
- Clearway
- Total Wireless
- Simple Mobile
- SafeLink Wireless
- Walmart Family Mobile
Crucially, customers who purchased phones before the implementation of this new policy remain eligible for unlocking after the original 60-day period.
The Details of the 365-Day Requirement
The new policy is quite strict. According to the official TracFone unlocking policy, “For all cellphones Activated on or after January 20, 2026, the cellphone will be unlocked upon request after 365 days of paid and active service.” This means any interruption in service will pause the countdown, and eligibility will only resume once the account is reactivated and continuous payment is restored. Maintaining consistent, paid service for a full year is now mandatory to unlock your device.
This requirement is also mirrored by Verizon’s prepaid brand, Visible. As reported by GearTech, Visible now also requires “at least 365 days of paid service” before an unlocking request can be considered. The policy explicitly states that any lapse in service will halt progress towards the 365-day goal.
How Does Verizon Compare to Other Carriers?
Verizon’s new policy stands in contrast to the unlocking timelines of its major competitors:
- AT&T: Allows unlocking of phones on postpaid plans after 60 days if the device is paid in full, or after six months for prepaid plans.
- T-Mobile: Unlocks phones on postpaid plans after 40 days if paid in full, and after 365 days for prepaid plans.
As you can see, T-Mobile’s prepaid unlocking timeline is similar to Verizon’s new rule, but AT&T offers a significantly faster unlocking process for both postpaid and prepaid customers.
The Rationale Behind the Change: Fraud Prevention
Verizon and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr have justified the longer locking periods as a measure to combat fraud. The FCC, in approving Verizon’s waiver request, argued that the previous 60-day unlocking rule created an incentive for criminals to steal handsets for illicit activities. The reasoning is that a longer lock period makes it more difficult for stolen phones to be quickly resold and used for fraudulent purposes.
However, this justification has been met with skepticism. Consumer advocacy groups have countered that Verizon hasn’t provided concrete evidence linking shorter unlocking periods to increased fraud. They argue that Verizon possesses the capabilities to detect and address fraudulent activity within the existing 60-day timeframe.
The Impact on Consumers and Competition
Critics argue that the new policy will negatively impact consumers and smaller carriers. Automatic unlocking facilitates the resale and reuse of mobile devices, reducing electronic waste and allowing low-cost carriers and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to compete more effectively. Restricting this process hinders the secondary market for phones and potentially limits consumer choice.
What About Verizon-Branded Phones?
Currently, the unlocking policy for Verizon-branded phones remains unchanged as of May 2025, offering automatic unlocking after 60 days of paid service. However, it’s widely anticipated that this policy will be updated to align with the TracFone subsidiary’s 365-day locking period, or at least extend the unlocking timeframe beyond 60 days. The FCC waiver paves the way for this change, and it’s likely Verizon will also move towards a request-based unlocking system.
GearTech reached out to Verizon for comment on their plans, and will update this article with any response received.
The Future of Phone Unlocking: A Potential Industry-Wide Shift
The Biden-era FCC leadership previously advocated for a standardized 60-day unlocking requirement across all carriers. However, with a shift in FCC leadership, a new industry-wide standard that favors larger mobile carriers appears more likely. The FCC has already rejected a proposal to limit Verizon’s locking period to 180 days, signaling a willingness to accommodate the requests of major carriers.
The FCC has stated that the Verizon waiver will remain in effect until the agency determines an appropriate industry-wide approach to handset unlocking. This suggests that the current trend towards longer locking periods could become the new norm, potentially impacting all mobile users in the United States.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- If you purchased a TracFone or related brand phone on or after January 20, 2026, be prepared to wait 365 days for unlocking.
- Maintain continuous, paid service to avoid delays in unlocking eligibility.
- Understand that unlocking is no longer automatic and requires a specific request.
- Compare unlocking policies when choosing a carrier, especially if you anticipate needing to switch networks.
The Verizon phone unlock policy change is a significant development in the mobile industry. Consumers should be aware of the new requirements and how they may impact their ability to use their devices on different networks. Staying informed and understanding your options is crucial in navigating this evolving landscape.