If you’ve ever paid off your Verizon phone and waited what feels like forever to unlock it, you’re not alone. Furthermore, Verizon now appears to agree. After criticism of a new 35-day waiting period for unlocking fully paid-off devices, the carrier acknowledged in a statement to Android Authority that the process was frustrating and said a fix would soon be available.
According to Verizon’s updated unlock policy, postpaid customers who pay the balance of a device through common channels such as the My Verizon app, Pay My Account Online, or using a Verizon gift card may experience a 35-day delay before their phone can be unlocked for use with another carrier. Previous FCC rules required automatic unlocking after 60 days, but that requirement was lifted earlier this year, giving Verizon more leeway to set its own terms.
Verizon hears the frustration and wants to remedy the situation
The carrier’s policy for unlocking devices defines a “secure payment method” such as: Such as paying in person at a Verizon corporate store with cash, or using an EMV chip credit card or contactless wallet to receive instant unlock after withdrawal. However, as many customers prefer to pay their telephone charges from home or online, many users face a longer waiting period.
This has led to public disappointment, particularly among travelers wanting to use local SIM cards while abroad or anyone hoping to switch providers soon after paying off a device. Now Verizon seems to have taken this feedback seriously. The company reportedly told outlets that it recognizes the need to improve the unlocking experience and is working to eliminate or significantly shorten the 35-day waiting window “soon.”
However, it’s worth noting that Verizon hasn’t yet set an exact timeline or detailed how the unlocking process will change. Nonetheless, the promise of faster unlocking, including for phones paid online or via the app, will be welcome news for customers who felt constrained by the company’s previous policy change.
