iPhone 13 Pro Max not unlocked after 60 days

[NathanielS0422]

Odd situation here. I purchased a brand new unlocked iPhone 13 Pro Max about 3 months ago. I activated it on Verizon Wireless on April 6th, 2024. About 7-10 days later, we decided to transfer to another carrier (Consumer Cellular). We also transferred that phone number over to Consumer Cellular as well. I realized I had made a mistake activating the phone on Verizon due to the 60 day security hold. No problem - I went ahead and went without service for 60 days. Once I realized that the phone did not automatically unlock after 60 days, I contacted Verizon customer service twice now. Both ~1 hour phone calls and BOTH times I was assured it would be unlocked. I've still yet to have my phone unlocked and I'm still without service because I cannot activate my phone with my new carrier. You guys continue to hold my phone hostage and I haven't been given a definitive answer as to why you won't unlock my phone.

I really don't want to spend another hour on the phone with you guys so I'm reaching out here in desperation. PLEASE HELP ME! 😞

[vzw_customer_support]

Hello, NathanielS0422, thanks for reaching out in reference to your phone lock status. I'm sorry to hear you've left the Verizon family and we definitely understand it's important to be able to use your phone with your new provider. So we can best assist, we will be reaching out via Private Message. 

-Lauren

[SynthpopAddict]

If your phone is factory unlocked and you are the only owner, I don't understand why or even how Verizon has managed to lock it.  That sounds like an issue you'd have to take up with the FCC.  Based on another thread I read recently, I'm wondering if it's possible for crooks to spoof or otherwise fraudulently use IMEI numbers, causing problems with the legitimate device which actually has said IMEI.

If your phone is carrier unlocked (i.e. has Verizon software installed on it but otherwise marketed as "unlocked"), there could have been some kind of shady history associated with the phone prior to you buying it, which has caused it to be permanently locked.  I have also heard rumors that if you enter in your screen lock passcode wrong too many times on some phones, it will cause the phone to get permanently locked as if it were blacklisted.