Founder
About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Wireless carriers are required by law to unlock your phone, as long as their specific requirements are met. This will allow you to save hundreds on your Verizon bill by taking your device to a different carrier.
Unlocking a Verizon phone is very simple, and doesn't require much action on your part. Simply make sure the following requirements are met.
Unlock your Verizon phone or tablet
Verizon unlocking requirements
The really great news is that most of Verizon's wireless phones - including all its 4G LTE devices - come already unlocked. That means that if you want to cancel your service and switch to a cheaper cell phone plan then you just need to make sure that:
Your phone has been activated with Verizon for at least 60 days
Any device payment plans are paid off
Your contract is done and your account in good standing with no past-due balance
Your phone has not been reported lost or stolen, or associated with fraud
Unlocking your Verizon phone
Once the 60 days are up your phone will automatically be unlocked for use on another carrier - that's it!
If your phone is locked after the required time period, call Verizon customer service.
Bring your Verizon phone to a cheaper carrier
If you're spending more than $40 a month on your Verizon bill then you're probably paying too much.
Most unlimited data plan customers only use about 3GB of data or less per month. That means you're probably paying for data you never use. The good news is that you can save over $600 a year per line without giving up your network.
How to switch to carriers and keep your phone
If you're happy with your Verizon coverage and network quality but not so happy with their prices, then it's time to consider switching to a smaller carrier (otherwise known as a MVNO).
Low-cost phone carriers such as US Mobile lease 4G LTE network coverage from Verizon Wireless and resell that coverage to you for a much lower price. Switching is easy with your unlocked Verizon phone.
Verizon MVNO benefits
Better prices: Save up to 50% on your cell phone plan with a Verizon MVNO.
Same network: MVNOs use the very same wireless networks as the big guys.
Customized plans: MVNOs allow you to choose whatever you need - for instance, US Mobile lets you create your own phone plan - so that you're only paying for what you're actually using.
No contracts or credit check: All low-cost carriers offer prepaid plans. If you find yourself dissatisfied with the service or its plans, then you can switch to another carrier whenever you'd like.
BYOP: Did you know that MVNOs let you bring your own phone or tablet? You can bring your phone number too.
Cheap Verizon phones
You can also save a ton of money on your refurbished cell phone deals.
Save half off retail: There's no reason to pay $1000 or more for a new mobile device when you can get a top smartphone in excellent condition for hundreds less.
Get a great value: Changes to new cell phones are typically slight. Save 50% or more without sacrificing the features you truly need.
Enjoy total freedom: Own your phone and take it to a cheaper cell phone plan on your timetable - not your carrier's.
