Request to Unlock iPhone 16 Pro Purchased on eBay (Outside U.S.)

[Yoseph]

Hello,

I currently live in Ethiopia. My relative purchased an iPhone 16 Pro on eBay and sent it to me. When I tried to use it, I found that the phone is locked to Verizon, so I cannot use any local SIM cards here.

Since I do not have a Verizon mobile number, I am unable to access live chat for support. Could you please assist me in unlocking my iPhone so I can use it internationally?

If you need more information, I can provide it via email. Thank you very much for your help.

[vzw_customer_support · Accepted solution]

Hello, Yoseph. Verizon can only unlock devices that are bought directly from us. Because your phone was purchased through eBay, you have to contact the seller to have the device unlocked.

For anyone facing similar issues around unlocking devices purchased with another carrier or national retailers such as eBay, Amazon, etc., we recommend reviewing this link for more details:

https://www.verizon.com/support/device-locking-faqs/

-Sarge

[Yoseph]

Hello, Sarge.

Thank you for your response. I understand Verizon's policy regarding unlocking devices.

However, I would like to clarify that the iPhone I purchased via eBay is brand new and was originally locked to Verizon. As the original carrier, I kindly request your assistance in unlocking the device so I can use it as intended.

Since the phone is not blacklisted and meets the general unlocking requirements (such as being paid in full and not reported lost or stolen), I would appreciate it if you could help initiate the unlocking process or guide me further on how to proceed.

Please let me know if you require the IMEI number or any other information to verify eligibility.

Thank you for your time and support.

[SynthpopAddict]

Hi, this is a very common problem with phones purchased second-hand through 3rd parties.  There is no way to get the phone unlocked, because the phone's history cannot be vetted.  Criminals typically dump stolen phones overseas to make fast money and avoid being caught, or if someone owed money on a phone but didn't finish paying for it, they will often do the same thing.  Your relative needs to get a refund from the seller.