Unlocking your Total Wireless (now Total by Verizon) phone lets you pop in any compatible SIM and move freely between carriers. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly who qualifies, how long you must wait, and the exact steps to unlock an iPhone, Samsung, and other Android devices—plus how to check your status, handle eSIM, and what to do if your phone doesn’t unlock on time.
Quick context: Total Wireless rebranded to Total by Verizon. The unlock policy for the TracFone family (Total, Straight Talk, TracFone, Simple Mobile, etc.) follows Verizon’s rules with brand-specific nuances. As of 2025, phones activated on the Verizon network typically auto-unlock after 60 days of paid active service (details below).
Key Takeaways
- 60-day rule (two paid months): For Total Wireless/Total by Verizon phones activated on or after Nov 23, 2021, keep service active and paid for 60 days; then the device unlocks automatically.
- iPhone vs. Android: iPhones typically unlock server-side with no code after eligibility; many Android models may still prompt for a network unlock code that support can provide.
- Eligibility must be clean: The device can’t be reported lost/stolen or tied to fraud, and the line should have no unpaid issues—otherwise unlocking is blocked.
- Older or non-Verizon activations differ: Legacy TracFone-family activations (or past AT&T/T-Mobile profiles) often require 12 months of active service before you can request an unlock.
- If it doesn’t unlock on time: Reboot, insert a non-Verizon SIM/eSIM to test, verify your IMEI and dates, and contact Total/TracFone support to push the unlock or supply the Android code.
Total Wireless vs. Total by Verizon — Why This Matters
Total Wireless operated under the TracFone group and later rebranded to Total by Verizon. Because the brands are part of Verizon’s prepaid ecosystem, unlock timing, eligibility, and the way an unlock is delivered (automatic or by code) align closely with the Verizon Device Unlocking Policy and the TracFone family policy page. The end result: most devices unlock automatically after the required period, while some Android devices may receive a network unlock code upon request.
📖 Also Read: How to Get a Vodafone Network Unlock Code for Free?
The Unlock Rule (2025 Snapshot)
Core rule for most devices on Verizon’s network
Phones activated on or after November 23, 2021 (on Verizon’s network): your phone is locked for 60 days and then unlocks automatically after you’ve maintained 60 days of paid, active service. This is typically hands-off for iPhone; for many non-Apple devices, an unlock code may be provided if needed.
Important 2025 clarification
Community reports and carrier references indicate that as of April 1, 2025, the policy language emphasizes both paid activation and 60 days of paid active service before auto-unlock—closing older loopholes where a single paid month still resulted in unlocking at day 60. Plan for two paid months to be safe.
Older activations or non-Verizon networks
For older TracFone-family activations (prior to 11/23/2021) or activations on AT&T/T-Mobile networks under TracFone brands, the policy generally requires 12 months of active service before unlocking on request.
Fraud and exception notes
Phones flagged as lost/stolen or suspected of fraud won’t be unlocked. Otherwise, Verizon indicates phones unlock after the required period unless there’s a valid block.
Eligibility Checklist (Read This First)
Before you start, make sure:
- Your device was activated on the Verizon network under Total/TracFone brands. (If it was an older activation or used a different network profile, the timeline can be different.)
- You’ve completed 60 consecutive days of paid active service since activation (for post-11/23/2021 Verizon-network devices).
- The phone isn’t flagged as lost, stolen, or fraudulent.
- Your account has no unpaid issues that might block unlocking. (Brand support pages direct you to check unlock status and contact care if needed.)
If your phone cannot be unlocked (e.g., due to very old policy rules or other constraints), Total’s policy has historically included a credit/refund program in specific cases—talk to support for eligibility.
📖 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Phone (iPhone/Android) from USA/UK Carriers
How to Check Your Unlock Status (iPhone & Android)
On iPhone
- Settings → General → About → look for Carrier Lock.
- “No SIM restrictions” means unlocked.
- Otherwise, continue with the steps in the next section after meeting your 60-day requirement.
- If you’re past day 60 with two paid months, insert a different carrier’s SIM (or add an eSIM) to test. If you see no error, your phone is unlocked. If you get “SIM Not Supported,” contact Total/TracFone support.
On Samsung/Android
- Settings → About phone → Status information → SIM status can hint at restrictions (wording varies by OEM).
- The definitive test is inserting a non-Verizon SIM; if you see a Network Unlock prompt, your device is still locked and may require an unlock code (Android only).
Find Your IMEI (You’ll Need It)
Carriers use your IMEI to verify unlock eligibility.
- Dial *#06# to display IMEI instantly on most phones.
- Or go to Settings → About phone → Status → IMEI.
- For eSIM iPhones you’ll also see an IMEI2 (ignore unless requested by support).
📖 Also Read: How to Unlock a Telstra Phone (Android/iPhone) for Free
Step-by-Step — Unlock an iPhone from Total Wireless/Total by Verizon
If you activated on/after Nov 23, 2021 (Verizon network)
Good news: iPhones typically auto-unlock after 60 days of paid service once the lock period passes. Follow this flow:
- Wait the full 60 days with two paid months of active service on the line. Keep your service current; lapses can delay unlocking.
- On day 61 (or shortly after), restart the iPhone while connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.
- Insert a non-Verizon SIM or add a non-Verizon eSIM (Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM).
- If you see “No SIM restrictions,” you’re unlocked and can use any compatible carrier.
- If you still see “SIM Not Supported,” contact Total Wireless/Total by Verizon support and ask them to push the unlock (sometimes the automatic flag needs a nudge). Support can verify your IMEI and status. Phone support: 1-866-663-3633; you can also text 611611 for self-service options.
Why iPhone is “automatic”: Apple devices use a server-side “unlock policy” file. After eligibility, the network updates Apple’s database—no code required. The change applies when the phone checks in (restart, SIM change, or restore).
Step-by-Step — Unlock a Samsung (and Other Android) Phone
Android devices under the TracFone/Total umbrella also follow the 60-day rule (for Verizon-network activations since 11/23/2021). The delivery can differ:
- Complete 60 days of paid active service on the line used to activate the phone.
- Power-cycle the phone and insert a non-Verizon SIM.
- If prompted with “Network Unlock” or “SIM Network PIN”, contact support to retrieve the unlock (many Android models get a code or a remote unlock push). Have your IMEI ready.
- Enter the code carefully (you often have limited attempts). If the attempt counter is low, ask support to confirm the code and attempt limits before trying.
- After success, test with the non-Verizon SIM—place a call or use data to confirm.
Heads-up: Third-party guides sometimes claim you can pay “urgency fees” or “one-year rules” still apply. Those reflect older or mixed policies and are not authoritative for today’s Verizon-based Total by Verizon devices. Always rely on the current policy and brand support.
eSIM Notes (iPhone & Select Android)
- If your iPhone supports eSIM, unlocking applies to the device—not just a plastic SIM tray. After eligibility, you can add an eSIM from another carrier.
- Some Android phones now support eSIM too. After unlock, use the new carrier’s QR or SM-DP+ details to add a profile.
- If activation errors appear, confirm the phone is unlocked and compatible with the target carrier’s bands and VoLTE requirements. (Unlock ≠ universal compatibility.)
What If It Doesn’t Unlock on Time?
Troubleshooting checklist
- Confirm the dates: Count 60 full days from paid activation, and ensure you had two paid months without gaps (post-4/1/2025 policy emphasis).
- Reboot and retry SIM/eSIM.
- Verify IMEI with support and ask if the unlock flag is set.
- If Android: request the unlock code if your model needs one.
Contact channels
- Total by Verizon / Total Wireless Support: 1-866-663-3633 or 611611 (text).
- Support pages/FAQs provide unlock routing and policy references.
Still stuck?
If you’ve fully met the requirements and support hasn’t resolved the unlock, reference Verizon’s published unlocking policy (60-day rule) in your escalation.
Special Cases & Older Inventory
- Pre-Nov 23, 2021 activations or non-Verizon network activations under the TracFone brands often require 12 months of paid service before requesting unlock. Plan accordingly if you’re working with a clearance or legacy device.
- Lost/Stolen or fraud-flagged devices are ineligible. If a reseller sold you such a device, returns or consumer-protection avenues may be your only path.
- Credit/Refund program: Historically, TracFone’s policy noted a partial credit/refund path in certain cases where unlocking can’t be completed. Ask support for current eligibility.
Moving After Unlock — Choosing a New Carrier
Once unlocked, you can switch to:
- Verizon MVNOs: Visible, US Mobile (Verizon plans), Xfinity Mobile, etc.
- AT&T/T-Mobile and MVNOs: Cricket, Boost, Metro, Mint, etc.
Compatibility tips
- iPhones (recent models) usually work well across carriers after unlocking.
- Samsung/Android: check LTE/5G bands and VoLTE/VoNR support for the target carrier.
- For best results, run a trial eSIM (many carriers/MVNOs offer this) before porting your number.
Step-By-Step Summary (iPhone vs. Android)
iPhone on Total by Verizon
- Use the phone with two paid months (60 days) of service.
- On/after day 61, restart, then insert a non-Verizon SIM or add eSIM.
- If not unlocked, call 1-866-663-3633 and ask for the unlock to be pushed.
Samsung/Android on Total by Verizon
- Keep service active and paid for 60 days.
- Insert a non-Verizon SIM; if a Network Unlock prompt appears, contact support for your unlock code or remote unlock.
- Enter the code carefully and confirm calls/data work on the new SIM.
Friendly Tips for Readers (Choosing Carriers After Unlock)
- Test with a trial eSIM to check coverage and speeds at home/work.
- Compare taxes/fees and hotspot allowances—MVNOs vary widely.
- If you rely on Wi-Fi calling or visual voicemail, confirm support with your new carrier before you port.
- For travel, consider international eSIMs—unlocked phones make roaming cheaper and smoother.
