Do unlocked phones work on Verizon
By
HuutiMoney
This blog post will give you an idea of whether unlocked phones work on Verizon. It also gives you information related to the network carrier used by Verizon, Unlocking the phone on the Verizon network, checking the compatibility of your phone, and steps to activate the unlocked phone with the Verizon network.
Do unlocked phones work on Verizon?
Yes, unlocked phones work on Verizon. Since the phone is unlocked, it is not tied to any network carrier, so it will work on Verizon. But the device must be compatible. You can visit the official website of Verizon and check the compatibility of your phone.
Brief introduction of Verizon
Verizon Wireless network is the largest service provider in the United States. Its headquarter is in New York (USA) and Verizon Wireless is a subsidiary of Verizon Communications.
The 4G network of Verizon covers 70% of the country. So Verizon is well ahead as far as network coverage is concerned.
Which carrier is used by Verizon?
Mainly, there are two carriers, namely GSM and CDMA. GSM stands for “Global System for mobile. ” It is second-generation cellular technology. Another carrier is CDMA, and CDMA stands for “code division multiple access.”
Verizon makes use of CDMA network carriers.
In CDMA, many users share the same carrier frequency. In CDMA, a share of bandwidth, as well as time, is achieved.
Many new phones can work with both GSM and CDMA. Even if your unlocked phone works with both carriers, you need to check the compatibility with the Verizon network.
Advantages of CDMA
- Call quality is better compared to GSM.
- Requires fewer antennas but gives between coverage.
- A CDMA signal cannot be quickly decided, giving enhanced security.
- It has reduced the level of interference.
- Many users can share the same bandwidth.
Disadvantages of CDMA
- CDMA does not offer an international roaming facility.
- As the number of users increases, the performance of the CDMA system decreases.
- It possesses the self-jamming problem. This is because the spreading sequences of different users are not exactly orthogonal.
- Near far, problems arise if an undesired user has higher power than another user.
Why are cell phones locked?
The primary reason cell phones are locked is to keep users under contract. For example, if you are a T-Mobile user, you will contract with a T-Mobile wireless carrier. Under the contract, if you purchase a new i-phone, the cost of the i-phone will be broken up, and it will be added into a two or three-year contract.
This cost will be divided into EMIs, and it will be adjusted into the monthly bill. It will be in addition to service charges. Under such circumstances, the phone will be locked with T-Mobile wireless carrier.
If you wish to change the carrier, you should request unlocking your cell phone. You are generally unlocking the phone means you will have to pay extra to remain out of the contract.
Meaning of locked phone
A locked phone is a mobile device tied up with a particular mobile carrier network. If you purchase a new cell phone under some contract, it is locked.
Are all cell phones locked?
All cell phones are not locked. The cell phone purchased from a carrier under contract is locked. However, if you purchase a phone directly from the manufacturers, it is unlocked. In this case, you can easily switch from one carrier to another.
Difference between locked phone and unlocked phone
In the case of a locked phone, there is an inbuilt software code. This process of inserting a software code is called encoding. Such locked phones are also said to be encoded cell phones.
This code prevents getting services from another carrier. So if you purchase a locked phone from a T-Mobile carrier and insert another SIM card, it will not be activated.
The software code allows the signals only from T-Mobile carriers and not any other carrier. On the other hand, there will not be any software code for an unlocked phone. Even if a software code exists for an unlocked mobile, you will get some other code that unlocks the original code. This procedure of unlocking is called decoding.
Benefits of an unlocked phone
After discussing the locked and unlocked phones, the question arises, “Are there any benefits of having an unlocked phone?”
● The significant prime benefit is that you will not be stuck with the same wireless carrier.
● If you have an unlocked phone, insert another carrier’s SIM card and then proceed to sign up with new services. However, you need to check the carrier compatibility.
● Usually, unlocked cell phones do not have unnecessary apps.
● You do not have to buy a new cell phone for a new wireless operator.
● So, you can think of getting the cheapest services using the unlocked phone.
Drawbacks of an unlocked phone
● An essential drawback of purchasing an unlocked phone is that you will have to pay in full.
● Some unlocked phones do not support some specific wireless service providers. It is dependent on GSM and CDMA technology. It always creates confusion if you buy a cell phone from other countries.
Can you unlock your phone on the Verizon network?
You can unlock the phone on the Verizon network using the following methods.
- Make use of unlocking codes
- Get the help of a service provider
Make use of unlocking codes
You can purchase unlocking codes online, sometimes you may get an unlocking code free of cost. This step is required for the users who cannot unlock their phones from their current network providers. Some smartphones have an inbuilt unlock app, using it you can unlock your device.
Get the help of a service provider
Some of the service providers work with Verizon to unlock your devices if certain specific conditions are satisfied. Mainly the requirement is, you need to make full payment for the device.
How to check the compatibility of your phone on the Verizon network?
Even if you have an unlocked phone, you need to check the compatibility of your device on the Verizon network. Verizon network provides a compatibility tool checker which is based on the IMEI number of your phone.
Dial *#06# to get the IMEI number of your phone. Open Verizon’s official website, copy-paste the IMEI number to check whether your device is compatible with Verizon or not.
How does IMEI help service providers?
GSM uses subscriber identity module cards to store subscribers’ information.
Customers can easily switch the SIM card from one device to another and start making calls without any problem.
It helps operators identify valid customers and disable the devices from their end if reported lost or stolen.
IMEI is hard coded by the manufacturer; it helps the carrier understand the capabilities of the device; it helps the provider to get the device to a nearby tower for connection.
If you lose your phone or if it gets stolen, IMEI will help you make sure the person who stole it won’t be able to use your device. The device can be denied service to any cellular network even if the SIM is changed.
What can be done if the device is not compatible?
Even if your device is unlocked, it may not be compatible with the Verizon network. In such cases, you need to purchase a new phone device. You may be eligible to get a gift card. You can use it to purchase a new device from Verizon.
Steps to use an unlocked phone with Verizon
The following steps are used to activate your phone with the Verizon network.
- Ensure that the cell phone is unlocked.
- Check out the compact ability of your phone using the IMEI number
- Select an appropriate cell phone plan from Verizon.
- Login to Verizon wireless account to activate the SIM card and phone.
Below are other Verizon articles you may be interested in:
Can I use Verizon iphone on T-Mobile?
Do Verizon phones take sim cards?
Does Cellcom use Verizon towers?
Conclusion:
This blog explains to you all the ways by which you can use an unlocked phone on the Verizon network. This blog gives you details about checking compatibility with the Verizon network and steps to activate your phone with the Verizon network.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS): Do unlocked phones work on Verizon?
Are all cell phones locked?
All cell phones are not locked. The cell phone purchased from a carrier under contract is locked. However, if you purchase a phone directly from the manufacturers, it is unlocked. In this case, you can easily switch from one carrier to another.
What do you mean by a locked phone?
A locked phone is a mobile device tied up with a particular mobile carrier network. If you purchase a new cell phone under some contract, it is locked.
Can you check the network carrier with IMEI?
IMEI provides only device-related information and not any personal information of the owner. But it does provide the location and some network-related information.
Is Verizon still the best network carrier?
Yes, Verizon is still the best network carrier. In different test categories including data plan, reliability of network provider, network coverage, etc. Verizon won first place.
Which is the most preferred Verizon plan for individuals?
Verizon offers unlimited plans starting from $ 80 per month. The major unlimited plans are as follows.
- Start unlimited
- Play more unlimited
- Do more unlimited
- Get more unlimited
But Get More Unlimited plan, offered by Verizon at $55 per month is the most preferred plan for individuals.
What can be done if the device is not compatible?
Even if your device is unlocked, it may not be compatible with the Verizon network. In such cases, you need to purchase a new phone device. You may be eligible to get a gift card. You can use it to purchase a new device from Verizon.
References
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