After being the most easy-going carrier for nearly two decades, Verizon is finally shedding its accidental hero persona. The carrier giant is leaving behind its 60-day device unlock policy and trading it in for a year-long commitment.
Verizon got the FCC’s green light exactly one week ago, and effective now, the longer unlock period is beginning to go live for several Verizon flanker brands.
The development was first highlighted by the folks over at Droid-Life after spotting the policy change going live, and it doesn’t apply to everyone with a new device from one of the sub-brands.
According to the policy change, any device activated on Verizon’s network on or before January 19, 2026, will automatically be unlocked 60 days after activation. “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,” reads the change.
Also worth noting is that not only is the unlock period much longer, it also isn’t automatic. The documentation clearly notes that your Verizon-activated device will be unlocked upon “request,” which means that if you yourself don’t make the effort to call the carrier giant or visit a store, your device will remain locked to Verizon.
For example, Verizon’s flanker Visible, as highlighted by 9to5Google, has already updated its unlocking policy.
You must now meet the following conditions:
- You purchased the smartphone on or after the 1/20/2026 (Effective Date).
- You activated the smartphone more than 365 days ago. Note: This means you have an active plan on your phone, whether it’s an upgrade or a new line.
- The device has at least 365 days of paid service. Note: If you stop paying for service, your progress toward the 365-day requirement pauses. It will resume once you reactivate your account and continue until you reach a total of 365 paid days of service.
- There was ordinary usage of the smartphone in compliance with our Terms of Service.
- Nobody reported the smartphone as lost or stolen.
- There are no signs of fraud with your account or the smartphone.
Verizon Value may refuse any unlocking request that would result in an abuse of its Unlocking Policy or is part of an effort to defraud Verizon Value or its customers. This Unlocking Policy is subject to change at any time without advance notice.
The only exception to this new unlocking rule are military personnel, who will be able to have their device unlocked upon request within the 365-day locking period.
The message here is clear: those who travel a lot and utilize eSIMs, or those who used to hop onto cheaper MVNOs after the initial 60-day period must now opt for buying factory-unlocked devices as the ‘carrier promotion’ now comes with a year-long commitment.
