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TracFone Unlock Policy 2026: The 60-Day Rule Is Gone. Here Is What Replaced It

2026-10-14 5 min read

The FCC let Verizon drop the 60-day unlock rule in January 2026. Which phones still qualify for the old rule, and how to request an unlock.

The short answer

▸Activated on or after January 20, 2026: unlock on request after 365 days of paid, active service.
▸Activated on the Verizon network on or before January 19, 2026: unlocked automatically after 60 days of paid, active service.
▸Activated on the T-Mobile or AT&T networks on or before January 19, 2026: unlock on request after 365 days.
▸Check eligibility at tfwunlockpolicy.com or call 1-888-442-5102. Unlocking is free.

Why the policy changed

As a condition of approving Verizon's purchase of TracFone, the FCC required TracFone phones to follow Verizon's rule of unlocking 60 days after activation. On January 12, 2026, the FCC revised that requirement. Verizon told the FCC it saw a spike in fraud of about 55% after TracFone moved from a one-year lock to the 60-day lock. The new TracFone (Verizon Value) unlocking policy took effect on January 20, 2026.

Which rule applies to your phone

▸Activated on or after January 20, 2026 (any network): unlocked on request after 365 days of paid, active service.
▸Activated on the Verizon network on or before January 19, 2026: unlocked automatically after 60 days of paid activation and service.
▸Activated on the T-Mobile or AT&T networks on or before January 19, 2026: unlocked on request after 365 days of paid, active service.

Your activation date is the date you first paid for and redeemed a plan on that phone. Unlocking only applies to TracFone-branded phones. TracFone cannot unlock a phone you brought from another carrier.

Other requirements

▸The phone must work and be turned on.
▸It must not be reported lost or stolen, and there must be no signs of fraud.
▸TracFone can refuse requests it considers abuse of the policy.

Deployed military exception

If you are in the military and receive relocation orders outside TracFone's coverage area, TracFone will unlock your phone on request, even during the lock period.

How to request an unlock

1.Go to tfwunlockpolicy.com and enter your phone number or serial number to check eligibility.
2.Or call 1-888-442-5102.
3.Phones that can be unlocked remotely are unlocked over the air. Older phones get an unlock code.
4.Restart the phone, then insert the new carrier's SIM to confirm it worked.

An unlocked TracFone may still not work fully on another network because of different radio bands. Check compatibility with the new carrier before you switch.

Moving carriers? Get your transfer PIN before you cancel

Frequently asked questions

How long until a TracFone can be unlocked?

For phones activated on or after January 20, 2026: 365 days of paid, active service. Phones activated on the Verizon network before then unlock automatically after 60 days.

Does TracFone still unlock phones after 60 days?

Only for phones activated on the Verizon network on or before January 19, 2026. The FCC revised the 60-day requirement in January 2026.

What is the TracFone unlock phone number?

Call 1-888-442-5102, or check eligibility online at tfwunlockpolicy.com.

Is it free to unlock a TracFone?

Yes. TracFone unlocks eligible phones at no charge, either remotely or with an unlock code.

Sources

Facts checked 2026-10-14. Policies change; confirm with TracFone before acting.

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