Can the used phone I bought be carrier unlocked?

Question

Hello Verizon Help Community,

I recently bought an iPhone 15 pro max from a "friend" who informed me it was paid off and carrier unlocked. When I tried to get it setup on T-Mobile I realized it is not unlocked. This "friend" has dropped off the face of the Earth and refuses to return my many calls. All I know is the phone was purchased through Verizon.

Is there any way to remove the carrier lock or did I buy the most expensive brick ever?

Thank you

Verizon_Support · Accepted Answer

Hello there, I'm more than happy to assist with your concern. So sorry to hear that you're encountering this issue. In order to unlock the device, if you are not a Verizon account owner, whomever was the original owner of the device would need to contact Verizon and see what the reason for the carrier lock is and to then resolve that reason. I hope this helps with your issue and please feel free to send us a Private Note if you have any further questions about this situation.

-Christy