Verizon has always offered one of the most flexible phone-unlocking policies in the wireless industry. Thanks to specific regulations, the carrier automatically unlocked most phones just 60 days after purchase. This was regardless of whether the device was fully paid off. However, that era has officially ended. Following a recent waiver from the FCC, Verizon has updated its device unlock policy, moving away from the 60-day rule to a system that ties your phone’s freedom directly to your wallet—or wait at least 365 days for unlocking.
As of late January 2026, the new policy splits customers into two distinct groups: those on postpaid contracts and those using prepaid services. For the majority of users on standard monthly plans, the process is now quite literal. Verizon will keep your device locked to its network until you pay the financing agreement balance in full. If you buy your phone at the full retail price upfront, the company will unlock it automatically. However, those taking advantage of three-year device credits will find themselves tied to the carrier for much longer than before.
One year wait: Verizon’s new 365-day unlock policy for prepaid phones
Postpaid users simply need to settle their tab, but prepaid customers face a significantly steeper climb. Verizon has implemented a 365-day requirement for all prepaid devices. This means you must complete a full year of active, paid service before the carrier removes the network lock. This shift brings Verizon in line with its smaller value brands, such as Visible and Total Wireless, which recently adopted the same one-year timeline.
This change is especially important. It gets rid of the “60-day loophole” that a lot of tech fans used to quickly switch Verizon devices to other networks. Verizon is making sure that prepaid customers stay in their ecosystem for a much longer time by requiring them to commit for a full year.
Reading the fine print
Users should know some key things about the updated policy. For example, if you buy a phone or pay off a balance with a Verizon gift card, the company adds a 35-day security delay to the unlocking process. This window allows the carrier to verify the legitimacy of the funds. Also, the lock will stay on any device with the” stolen” or “lost” label until the owner clears the report.
On a positive note, Verizon promises that once a device meets the criteria and undergoes an automatic unlock, it will never re-lock it.
While some might see this as a loss of a consumer-friendly perk, others might appreciate the simplicity of the “pay to unlock” model for postpaid plans. After all, competitors like AT&T and T-Mobile still maintain their own specific time-based restrictions even after a phone is paid off.
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