Verizon is adding a 35-day activation delay for prepaid devices under the new policy
Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg reveals how tariffs will affect business in ‘Claman Countdown.’
Verizon has added a step for customers who want to unlock their fully paid devices by introducing a new waiting period in certain cases.
Under Verizon’s current device unlock policy, customers who pay the balance of a payment plan online or in the My Verizon app must wait 35 days before their phone can be unlocked.
The same delay applies if the Verizon Gift Card is used to purchase a smartphone or for customers who have paid off an outstanding balance.
The delay also applies to postpaid customers who pay for a device installment plan online or through an app.
NEW IPHONE TRICKS OWNERS TO GIVE THEM PHONES
Verizon’s new unlock policy creates a 35-day delay for prepaid devices. (iStock / Stock)
Customers who complete their installment agreements with fixed monthly payments will continue to unlock their devices automatically after the last payment, according to the policy.
Customers can avoid the 35-day delay by paying the outstanding balance in person, but only at a Verizon business store using what the company describes as a secure payment method.
These include cash, an EMV chip-enabled credit card or the option to connect to Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Payments made online, in the app, over the phone, at authorized merchants or through other unsecured methods may also trigger a 35-day waiting period.
HAGERTY ASKS FCC TO INVESTIGATE VERIZON OVER SENATE PHONE DATA BREAK
Verizon customers can avoid the 35-day device activation delay by paying over the phone with cash, chip cards, or contactless payments like Apple Pay instead of online methods. (Image credit by Igor Golovniov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images/Getty Images)
A Verizon spokesperson said customers who meet the immediate activation requirements will receive them within 24 hours and added that the 35-day window allows for time to prevent fraud, according to Ars Technica.
The policy change came after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) removed Verizon’s long-standing requirement to automatically unlock devices 60 days after activation.
The change, for example, would limit customers’ ability to quickly unlock a phone before an international trip to use a local SIM card abroad.
NEW IPHONE TRICKS OWNERS TO GIVE THEM PHONES
Prepaid devices purchased from Verizon are locked in for 365 days of paid, active service. (Kena Betancur/VIEWpress/Getty Images)
It could also make it difficult for customers hoping to sell a prepaid device quickly or switch carriers without disruption and find company stores.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
For prepaid customers, devices purchased from Verizon are locked for 365 days of paid, active service.
After that time, Verizon says it will remove the lock automatically, unless the device is reported stolen or fraudulently marked.
FOX Business has reached out to Verizon for comment.
