Verizon tightens postpaid unlock policy, adds new hurdles

Verizon update spawns new restrictions for device unlocking

n Verizon has revised its postpaid device unlocking policy, introducing new limitations for customers seeking to free their phones from the carrier's network. The changes come after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted Verizon a waiver, allowing it to keep devices locked for longer periods.nn

New unlocking rules emerge

n Under the revised policy, Verizon no longer unlocks phones after 60 days of activation. Instead, devices remain tied to the carrier until fully paid off. This means customers must settle their balance before their phone can be used with another network.nn

Even for customers who clear their balance, the unlocking process varies depending on the payment method used.

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Secure vs. non-secure payment methods

n Verizon categorizes certain payment modes as