Have you ever felt frustrated by the limitations of a locked phone, wishing you could switch carriers or use your device internationally without hassle? If you're a Total by Verizon customer, you're in the right place! Unlocking your phone can open up a world of possibilities, from finding better deals on mobile plans to staying connected while traveling abroad. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking your Total by Verizon phone, step by painstaking step. Let's get started!
Unlocking Your Total by Verizon Phone: A Comprehensive Guide
Total by Verizon, formerly Total Wireless, operates under the Verizon network, meaning their device unlocking policies are largely aligned with Verizon's. Understanding these policies is the first crucial step in freeing your device.
Step 1: Understand Total by Verizon's Unlocking Policy (The Foundation!)
Before you even think about calling customer service, it's vital to grasp the official unlocking policy. This will save you a lot of time and potential headaches.
For Devices Purchased on or after November 23, 2021:
iPhones: These devices are designed to automatically unlock after 60 days of paid active service. This means you don't typically need to do anything manually once the eligibility period is met.
Android Phones: Android devices become eligible for unlocking after at least 60 days of paid active service. For these, you will typically need to request an unlock code.
For Devices Initially Activated Prior to November 23, 2021:
These devices were generally unlocked automatically after 12 months of paid service. Previously, you had to call in to request the unlock, but now it's usually automatic if the conditions are met.
Important Considerations for All Devices:
Good Standing: Your account must be in good standing, meaning no unpaid bills or fraudulent activity associated with the device.
Not Reported Stolen or Lost: The device must not be flagged as lost or stolen.
"Paid Active Service": This refers to continuous, paid service on the Total by Verizon network. Even if you activate a 30-day plan and let it expire, as long as the total active service period reaches 60 days (or 12 months for older devices), you should be eligible.
Deployed Military Personnel: If you are military personnel deployed outside the Verizon Coverage Area, special rules apply. Upon verification and suspension of your line, your device may be unlocked after 60 days of being active and your account being in good standing. You will need to provide deployment papers.
Step 2: Check Your Device's Unlock Eligibility
Now that you know the policy, let's see if your phone meets the criteria.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Device's Activation Date
This is often the trickiest part, especially if you've had the phone for a while.
Check Your Purchase Receipt: The easiest way is to find the original purchase receipt. This will clearly state the date of purchase.
Total by Verizon Account History: Log in to your Total by Verizon online account. Navigate to your device or account history section. You might find activation dates there.
Call Total by Verizon Customer Service: If all else fails, a quick call to customer service (more on this in Step 3) can usually provide you with your device's activation date.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Current Service Status
Ensure your service has been active and paid for the required duration.
Review Your Payment History: Access your account online or review your billing statements to confirm continuous paid service for the necessary 60 days (or 12 months for older phones).
Confirm Account Status: Make sure your account isn't suspended, disconnected for non-payment, or has any flags for fraudulent activity.
Sub-heading: Confirming Your Device's Status (Lost/Stolen)
This is crucial. If your phone has ever been reported lost or stolen, it will not be unlocked.
Internal Records: Total by Verizon maintains a database of lost/stolen devices. If you're unsure, their customer service can verify this for you.
Step 3: Initiate the Unlocking Process
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to act!
Sub-heading: For Automatically Unlocked iPhones
Wait for the 60-Day Period: As mentioned, iPhones activated on or after November 23, 2021, should automatically unlock after 60 days of paid service.
Check for "No SIM Restrictions": To verify if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM Restrictions," your iPhone is unlocked. If it says "SIM Locked," or "Carrier Locked" and you believe you've met the criteria, proceed to the next step.
Restart Your Phone: Sometimes a simple restart can trigger the unlock on iPhones if the eligibility period has just passed.
Sub-heading: For Android Phones (Requesting an Unlock Code)
Visit the TracFone Unlocking Portal: Total by Verizon falls under the TracFone Wireless Inc. umbrella. TracFone has a dedicated online portal for unlocking devices:
https://www.tfwunlockpolicy.com/wps/portal/home Enter Required Information: You'll typically need to enter your phone number or the device's serial number (IMEI/MEID).
Follow On-Screen Prompts: The portal will guide you through the process and inform you of your eligibility. If eligible, they should provide you with an unlock code or instructions.
Contact Total by Verizon Customer Service: If the online portal doesn't work or you prefer speaking to someone, call Total by Verizon customer service.
Prepare Your Information: Have your phone number, account details, and the device's IMEI/MEID ready. You can usually find your IMEI by dialing *#06# on your phone.
Clearly State Your Request: Inform the representative that you wish to unlock your Total by Verizon phone and confirm its eligibility based on the policy.
Note Down the Unlock Code: If they provide an unlock code, write it down carefully!
Follow Their Instructions: They may provide specific instructions on how to enter the unlock code into your phone.
Sub-heading: What to Do If You Receive an Unlock Code (Android)
Get a SIM Card from Another Carrier: To enter the unlock code, you'll need a SIM card from a different cellular provider (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, a foreign carrier).
Insert the New SIM: Power off your Total by Verizon phone. Insert the non-Total by Verizon SIM card into the SIM card slot.
Power On Your Phone: Turn your phone back on.
Enter the Unlock Code: Your phone should prompt you to enter an "unlock code," "SIM network unlock PIN," or similar. Carefully enter the code provided by Total by Verizon.
Confirmation: If entered correctly, your phone should display a "Network Unlock Successful" or similar message. Your phone is now unlocked!
Step 4: Verify the Unlock (Crucial Confirmation!)
Just because you've gone through the steps doesn't mean it's a done deal. Always verify.
For iPhones: Recheck Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. It should now say "No SIM Restrictions."
For Android Phones: Insert a SIM card from a different carrier (one that you haven't used with the phone before). If the phone connects to that network and you can make calls or use data, your phone is successfully unlocked. If it still prompts for an unlock code, try re-entering it or contact customer service again.
Step 5: Consider Technological Compatibility
Even if your phone is unlocked, it might not work perfectly on every network.
Network Technologies: Different carriers use different cellular technologies (e.g., GSM, CDMA, LTE, 5G bands). Verizon (and by extension Total by Verizon) primarily uses CDMA and LTE/5G. Other carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile primarily use GSM and LTE/5G.
Band Support: For optimal performance, your unlocked phone needs to support the specific frequency bands used by the new carrier. You can usually find this information in your phone's specifications or by checking the new carrier's website for BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) compatibility.
Limited Functionality: While an unlocked phone might work, you might experience limited functionality (e.g., slower data speeds, no VoLTE, or missing certain network features) if the bands aren't fully compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about unlocking Total by Verizon phones, with quick answers:
How to check if my Total by Verizon phone is already unlocked?
For iPhones, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. If it says "No SIM Restrictions," it's unlocked. For Androids, insert a SIM card from a different carrier; if it connects to the network without asking for a code, it's unlocked.
How to find my Total by Verizon phone's IMEI number?
Dial *#06# on your phone, and the IMEI (or MEID) will appear on the screen. You can also typically find it in Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone).
How to contact Total by Verizon customer service for unlocking?
You can usually find their customer service number on the Total by Verizon website under "Contact Us" or "Support." Be prepared with your account and device details.
How to unlock a Total by Verizon phone before the 60-day period?
Generally, Total by Verizon's policy requires the 60-day active service period. There might be an early unlock option for a fee in some specific cases, but it's not a standard offering. Military personnel have special exceptions.
How to unlock a Total by Verizon phone if I'm no longer a customer?
As long as you meet the original eligibility criteria (e.g., 60 days of paid active service) and the phone isn't reported lost/stolen, you should still be able to unlock it by contacting Total by Verizon.
How to know if my unlocked Total by Verizon phone will work on another network?
Check the technological compatibility (GSM/CDMA, LTE/5G bands) of your phone with the new carrier's network. Most modern unlocked phones are broadly compatible, but specific band support is key for optimal performance.
How to tell if a third-party unlocking service is legitimate for Total by Verizon?
Be very cautious with third-party unlocking services. Many are scams. Stick to the official methods provided by Total by Verizon/TracFone to avoid issues. If a service promises an instant unlock for a high fee, it's a red flag.
How to resolve issues if my Total by Verizon phone won't unlock after meeting criteria?
First, double-check all eligibility requirements. Then, contact Total by Verizon customer service. Provide them with all the details, including the date you believe you became eligible, and explain the issue clearly.
How to check the unlock status of my Total by Verizon phone online?
For Android devices, the TracFone unlocking portal (tfwunlockpolicy.com) might allow you to check eligibility. For iPhones, the "Carrier Lock" status in settings is the primary indicator.
How to avoid a locked phone in the future?
The best way is to purchase factory unlocked phones directly from manufacturers or reputable retailers. These phones are not tied to any specific carrier and offer the most flexibility.
