How Unlock an iPhone from Verizon for Any Network

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Unlock your iPhone so you can use it on any network

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: June 26, 2023 Tested

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Preparing to Unlock

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Retrieving Your IMEI Number

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Unlocking Your iPhone

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Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

This wikiHow article teaches you how to carrier-unlock an iPhone that's on the Verizon network. Doing so will allow you to use your iPhone with a different carrier as long your new carrier has a SIM card that will work with your iPhone's hardware.

Things You Should Know

Your account must be in good standing with Verizon.
Get your IMEI number in Settings > General > About.
Call *611 and say "Carrier unlock" or "Speak to a representative."

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Unlock

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1
See if your iPhone is already unlocked. Verizon does not carrier-lock the bulk of their iPhones, though the criteria for what is locked and what isn't is generally unclear. If you paid for your iPhone in full when you bought it, it should not be locked; similarly, if your iPhone is on a payment plan that you've completed, it shouldn't be locked.^{[1]
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- Just because your iPhone shouldn't be locked doesn't mean that it isn't locked.
- There are a few other ways in which you can determine whether or not your iPhone is locked.
2
Make sure that your account is in good standing. This just means that you don't have any overdue payments or flags on your account. If you have any such problems, resolve them before attempting to unlock your iPhone.
- Many carriers have policies regarding stolen or lost iPhones in which you can't unlock the iPhone in question until it is found or recovered by the proper account owner.
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3
Make sure that you're listed as an account owner. In order to make significant account changes such as unlocking an iPhone, you must be registered as the head of your account.
- For example, if you're on a plan wherein a family member is the account owner, they will have to make the call to unlock your iPhone.
This generally includes your Verizon login details (your email address or phone number, your PIN, etc.), the iPhone model, and your iPhone's IMEI number.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Retrieving Your IMEI Number

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Tap the Settings app icon, which resembles a grey box with gears on it.
It's near the top of the Settings page.
This option is at the top of the General page.
It's near the bottom of the page.
Write down the number to the right of the "IMEI" heading here.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Unlocking Your iPhone

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Tap the Phone app icon, which resembles a white phone receiver on a green background.
It's a tab at the bottom of the screen. This will bring up the dial pad video.
Type *611 into your iPhone. This number allows you to reach Verizon customer support.
It's the green circle at the bottom of the screen. Doing so will call the customer service line, at which point you'll be greeted by an automated voice.
The voice will ask you to state your problem, which is where you should answer with "Carrier unlock."
6
Explain your situation to the Verizon representative. When an employee answers, briefly explain that you would like to have your iPhone carrier-unlocked.
- You may be on hold for several minutes to several hours depending on when you make this call.
The employee will ask for several different things, including your login information, your iPhone's IMEI number, and so on.
8
Wait for an unlock confirmation. Once the employee confirms that your iPhone has been unlocked (or that an unlock has been requested), wait for a confirmation email or text.
- Verizon will usually have this confirmation back to you within 7 business days.
9
Insert another carrier's SIM card. Once your iPhone is unlocked, you can proceed with putting it on another carrier's network by placing a SIM card from said carrier in your iPhone.
- You must confirm that the SIM card will work with your iPhone's internal hardware, as some carriers cannot support carrier-specific models of other carriers' phones.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I unlock my Verizon iPhone after I've put too many wrong codes in?

Sarah Montalvo

Community Answer

Sometimes if you put too many codes in, the phone will automatically lock you out for a pre-set period of time. Wait until the time is up and try unlocking it again. If you still cannot access your phone, seek help from the Verizon team or Apple to help you unlock it.

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Tips

After you unlock your iPhone with Verizon, you will always have the ability to use international SIM cards without voiding your iPhone’s warranty through Verizon.

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Obtain an international SIM card as soon as possible before you plan on traveling with your iPhone and need it unlocked.

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Warnings

When connecting your iPhone to iTunes, iTunes will not provide you with an unlock confirmation message. The SIM unlock through Verizon is intended for international use only, and is not considered a factory-applied unlock on behalf of Apple.

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