Verizon TracFone 365-Day Unlock Policy Returns: The End of 60-Day Freedom

The 60-day window of freedom for prepaid users is officially closed. Verizon has begun enforcing a 365-day lock period on phones purchased through its TracFone division, marking a massive shift in consumer flexibility.

Why the Verizon TracFone 365-Day Unlock Policy Is Back

This policy change comes just one week after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) waived a requirement that forced Verizon to unlock handsets 60 days after activation. Previously, Verizon was bound by spectrum license restrictions and merger conditions from its 2021 acquisition of TracFone. With those shackles off, the company is reverting to the year-long locking system used before the merger.

Manual Requests and Consumer Impact

The "new" policy isn't just about time; it's about friction. Instead of getting an automatic unlock after the period expires, customers must now proactively request it. This extra step effectively keeps users within the Verizon ecosystem longer, as many might forget or find the process cumbersome. It's a return to the 2015 era when TracFone first settled with the FCC regarding its unlocking practices.