Effective January 20, 2026, Verizon has officially increased the time customers must wait before unlocking their mobile devices. This new policy significantly extends the “lock-in” period for prepaid and value brand customers.
Core Changes
The transition from the previous rules to the 2026 policy includes several major shifts:
- Wait Time: The unlock period has increased from 60 days to 365 days (one full year).
- Method: Unlocking is no longer automatic; customers must now submit a request after they meet the eligibility requirements.
- Requirement: Devices must remain on active, paid service for the entire year to qualify.
- Affected Brands: This policy applies to Verizon’s “Value” brands, including Visible, Total Wireless, StraightTalk, and TracFone. It has not yet been applied to Verizon’s core postpaid service.
Why the Policy Changed
This shift was made possible by an FCC waiver granted in January 2026. Previously, Verizon was legally required to unlock devices after 60 days. The FCC lifted these restrictions to help prevent handset fraud and trafficking. From a business perspective, the longer lock period is intended to reduce customer churn and ensure users stay on the network longer.
Impact on Customers
- Reduced Flexibility: Customers can no longer switch carriers easily within the first year of owning a new phone.
- International Travel: Locked phones may not work with foreign SIM cards, making it difficult for travelers to use local networks abroad.
- Lower Resale Value: Devices that are locked to a specific carrier typically have a lower resale value than unlocked ones.
- Competitive Standing: Verizon now has the strictest unlock timeline among major U.S. carriers for prepaid brands. While T-Mobile also requires 365 days for prepaid, AT&T remains more lenient at 6 months.