What is TracFone's new phone unlocking policy?

TracFone now requires phones activated on or after January 20, 2026, to have 365 days of paid and active service before they can be unlocked.

Why did Verizon change TracFone's unlocking rules?

Verizon changed TracFone's unlocking rules following a recent FCC waiver that eased previous requirements for automatic handset unlocking after 60 days.

Are consumer groups happy with Verizon's longer phone lock period?

No, consumer groups dispute Verizon's fraud deterrence claims and argue longer lock periods harm consumers and smaller carriers.

Home / Business and Economy / Verizon Extends TracFone Phone Lock to 365 Days

Verizon Extends TracFone Phone Lock to 365 Days

21 Jan

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Summary

TracFone now requires 365 days of paid service for phone unlocks.
This change follows an FCC waiver for Verizon's handset unlocking.
Consumer groups dispute Verizon's fraud deterrence justification.

Verizon Extends TracFone Phone Lock to 365 Days

Verizon has begun enforcing a 365-day lock period on phones purchased through its TracFone division. This policy update affects new phones activated on or after January 20, 2026, requiring a full year of paid and active service before an unlock can be requested.

This stringent policy shift follows the Federal Communications Commission's recent waiver, which eased Verizon's previous obligation to unlock handsets 60 days after activation. The extended lock is a return to TracFone's pre-Verizon acquisition policy and applies to several of its prepaid brands, including Straight Talk and Simple Mobile.

Consumer advocacy groups have criticized the longer lock period, arguing that Verizon has not provided sufficient evidence of fraud deterrence. They contend that shorter unlock periods facilitate device resale, reduce electronic waste, and foster competition among smaller carriers.