Are you wondering whether your phone can get locked for non-payment in Verizon?
Then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will be talking about everything you need to know about whether your one will get locked if you discontinue the Payment in the Verizon network.
Verizon has a limit of 60 days after which they unlock the phone. However, you might be wondering whether you can still avail of that feature if you stopped paying the bills.
Below, you will get answers to everything that you need that will help you to make an informed decision.
Does Verizon Lock Phones For Non-Payment?
If you have stopped your payment towards the device and the account it was on is disconnected from it then the phone may be flagged for non-payment and then locked after that.
But if you have continued paying the device bill/Payment and the phone is activated on a VZW number then after 60 days it is unlocked.
In case your device is under a payment plan and you have stopped paying then your device might get unlisted and locked. However, after 60 days when your device is unlocked and you stop the payment, your phone might not get locked and only get flagged and blacklisted.
For more information regarding whether your phone can get locked, you will have to dial the customer care of Verizon and talk to them after telling them about your phone number and your circumstances.
Verizon’s Policy on Locking Phones
Verizon has a policy of locking phones for a specific period after purchase. This means that the phones are tied to the Verizon network and cannot be used with other carriers unless unlocked.
1. Device Locking Period
For phones purchased after July 23, 2019, Verizon locks the device for 60 days from the date of purchase.
The purpose is to prevent fraud and theft, not specifically for non-payment. After this period, the phone is automatically unlocked, and the customer is free to use it with any carrier.
2. Non-Payment Situation
In the case of non-payment, Verizon may suspend the service, but this does not usually lead to the phone being permanently locked. However, they may withhold the automatic unlocking until the payment issue is resolved.
Consequences of Verizon Non-Payment
Non-payment can have several consequences, including the suspension of services and additional fees.
1. Service Suspension
If the payment is not made by the due date, Verizon may suspend the service.
During this period, You may not be able to make or receive calls, send text messages, or use data services.
2. Reconnection Fees
In addition to suspension, Verizon may also charge reconnection fees if the service is reinstated. The amount of these fees can vary and should be checked directly with Verizon.
3. Impact on Credit Score
Non-payment may also affect a your credit score. If the amount due is significant and remains unpaid, Verizon may report the delinquency to credit reporting agencies, leading to a decrease in the credit score.
Tips for Avoiding Phone Locking Due to Non-Payment
- Understand Your Contract: Be sure to understand the terms and conditions of your contract with Verizon, including the due dates for payment.
- Set Up Auto-Payment: To avoid missing payments, consider setting up automatic payments through your bank or Verizon account.
- Contact Verizon If You Anticipate Payment Issues: If you foresee difficulties in making a payment, contact Verizon as soon as possible. They may be able to provide solutions or work out a payment plan.
What does it Mean to get Blacklisted in Verizon?
When a phone has been blacklisted in the Verizon network then it means that the phone was either reported to be missing, stolen or lost.
If you have bills that you haven’t paid then also your phone can get blacklisted by Verizon.
When your phone gets blacklisted then that means that Verizon has just blocked the IMEI number of your phone which is a unique identifier number.
When that happens you will not be able to make calls from your phone or the phone will not be able to connect to get any service.
Can Blacklisted Phones be used?
Yes, you are able to use the blacklisted phones by making them whitelisted. To make your blacklisted phone whitelisted you will have to call customer care of Verizon and talk to them regarding the issue.
If your phone was blacklisted due to overdue payments then paying your bills off will have your phone get whitelisted after which you can again use the phone as you wish.
How to Unlock a Locked Verizon Device?
As a blacklisted or blocked phone will not be able to receive any service and will be of no use, you will have to unblock it to use it.
To unblock the phone you will have to call Verizon Customer Care at 1-800-922-0204 and then wait till an agent comes to the line. Now, talk to the person and check why your phone was blacklisted.
In case of any overdue payment, you will have to clear the payment first and then go through the procedures told by the agent. Don’t forget to take the transaction number from the agent as you might need it in case you have any questions later.
After you are done, wait till the phone gets unblocked by Verizon. If your phone is still locked after a few days, please visit the nearest Verizon Store and get in touch with them to solve the issue.
