Verizon starts requiring 365 days of paid service before it will unlock phones

Verizon has announced a significant policy change affecting customers who purchase phones through its TracFone brand. Starting now, users will face a 365-day lock period before they can unlock their devices. This decision comes shortly after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waived the previous requirement that mandated Verizon to unlock phones after just 60 days of activation on its network. Historically, Verizon was obligated to unlock devices automatically after a two-month period, a stipulation linked to the conditions under which the company acquired TracFone. However, the latest update to TracFone's unlocking policy reverts to a year-long lock, mirroring the rules in place before Verizon's acquisition in 2021. Customers will now need to actively request an unlock after paying for a complete year of service, a stark contrast to the previous automatic unlock system. This change in policy is particularly noteworthy, as it follows TracFone's earlier commitment from a 2015 agreement with the FCC, which aimed to ensure compliance with unlocking practices for customers enrolled in the Lifeline subsidy program. Originally, TracFone had reduced the lock period from one year to 60 days as part of its merger terms with Verizon. An unlocked phone allows customers the flexibility to switch carriers if the device is compatible. However, under the new policy, customers must pay for a full year of service to unlock their phones, creating an additional hurdle for many. According to the updated 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 that any lapse in service will delay the eligibility for unlocking. In addition to TracFone, this new requirement extends to other prepaid brands owned by Verizon, including Straight Talk, Net10 Wireless, Clearway, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, SafeLink Wireless, and Walmart Family Mobile. However, customers who purchased devices prior to this announcement will still be eligible to unlock their phones after the original 60-day period. Furthermore, Verizon's prepaid brand Visible has adopted a similar 365-day paid service requirement for unlocking as well. Their policy states that if customers stop paying for service, their progress towards the unlocking requirement will pause, resuming only once they reactivate their accounts and continue until they reach the total of 365 paid days of service.