Can Your Phone Be Unlocked? The 2026 Rules

A short, current guide to whether a carrier locked phone can be unlocked in 2026, and what actually decides it.

The rule changed in January. The FCC granted Verizon a waiver of the 60 day automatic unlock, so guides written before this year are out of date.

Inside: what postpaid and prepaid each require, why some phones cannot be unlocked at all, and how to find your IMEI in about ten seconds.

It is free and there is no obligation. If you want your own device checked, send the IMEI to justtech101@gmail.com and you will get back whether it qualifies and what it would cost.