Verizon subscribers who can’t use their phones ask, “Does Verizon blacklist phones for non payment?”
Verizon is one of the most in-demand carriers with millions of subscribers all over the U.S. Users enjoy fast and reliable phone services using affordable plans.
Verizon’s mobile services are among the best priced but still, non-payment of your balance can lead to suspension of your services. But does Verizon blacklist phones?
Verizon can blacklist phones by blocking the IMEI number. Blacklisted phones may be blocked because of many reasons, one of which is non-payment.
Can You Use a Blacklisted Verizon Phone?
You can still use a blacklisted Verizon phone by either whitelisting it, using special apps and programs or by calling Verizon customer care. Your blacklisted Verizon phone may also be sold as a secondhand phone.
Note: If your Verizon phone was blacklisted because of non-payment, you can whitelist it by paying any overdue balance and keeping your account updated.
Does Verizon Blacklist Phones for Non Payment?
Verizon may block phones for non-payment and also for other reasons like theft or when a phone is reported missing.
There are many ways to whitelist a phone but if you want to stay with the carrier, you must pay your outstanding or overdue balance to get service.
How To Unblock a Blacklisted Phone
A blacklisted phone is unable to make and receive calls and cannot access the web because the services have been suspended.
Verizon locks the phone using its IMEI and thus, your device won’t function at all. But there are ways to whitelist your phone and continue using Verizon or other carriers after activation.
Here are the most practical ways:
Contact Verizon to Activate Your Service
Does Verizon blacklist for non-payment? Yes. Other reasons would be theft or a system error. If you confirm that you have an unpaid balance, you may contact the Verizon customer center to settle the amount.
Step #1. Dial 1-800-922-0204 From Any Mobile or Landline Phone
Verizon customer service is available 24/7 and thus, you can call anytime to have your phone unlocked.
- There is an automated system but it’s best to talk to a live agent for unblocking concerns.
- Have your phone ready and the IMEI number handy.
- It is a 15-digit number unique for all devices.
Step#2. Confirm Any Unpaid Amount and Settle It
Once you’ve reached a live agent, confirm your unpaid balance and ask how to settle it. Sometimes you may be offered a promise to pay which is most convenient if you can’t settle the amount completely.
Verizon offers a variety of payment options for subscribers so choose the one that currently works for you.
If you still have access to your Verizon online account, you may pay your overdue balance from there.
Step#3. Get The Transaction Number of The Call
Always get the transaction number in case you need to call back for questions or complaints.
Step#4. Wait For the Activation of Your Service
It will only take a day to process your payment and restore your service. You can confirm this by making a call or by texting through your device.
If you’re calling because your phone was reported stolen and hence blacklisted by Verizon, you will be asked to send proof of identification via email.
You may also visit a Verizon shop or office to confirm that you have your reported stolen phone with you. An agent can help you get your phone working in no time.
Although very rarely, Verizon may blacklist your phone because of a system error. If this happens, contact customer service at once or visit a Verizon store.
Use IMEI unblocking services
If you don’t want to pay your overdue balance from Verizon, you can pay to unblock your phone. Services like IMEI Authority, Cell Unlocker, and Unblock My Samsung can help but please do some research.
Some companies may only scam you and unblock your device but won’t be able to remove IMEI from established blacklisted phones lists. You still won’t be able to use your phone.
Change Carriers
If you don’t want to settle your Verizon balance but want to still be able to use the phone, you can “flash” your smartphone and switch carriers.
This process is done by taking your blocked phone to a professional who will replace all access files from Verizon and replace these with the files of the new carrier.
A professional phone installer uses special software to do this. He will make sure that the new carrier will accept your phone.
CDMA carriers like Sprint and Cricket as well as other small player carriers from the U.S. accept this service. Once your phone is ready, you may still use it or sell it.
Change Networks
If your blacklisted phone has a SIM, it can still work using GSM networks. Phones using GSM networks can switch carriers just by changing SIMs.
Two of the most prominent carriers T-Mobile and AT&T work on GSM networks. There are also international carriers that use GSM.
Sell Your Verizon Blacklisted Phone
Even if you can’t whitelist your phone or reactivate it from Verizon, you can still sell it legally. You can sell it via Flipsy a site that will help you find the value of your device and sell it.
There is a special section on the site that will quickly compare other offers coming from Trusted Verified Shops. From Flipsy’s results page look for “Locked or Blacklisted” and go to “See Offers.” This page will show you how much your phone is worth.
Finally, you may also sell your phone’s parts. Visit a local repair shop that will accept used phone parts. Don’t forget to disclose that your phone is blacklisted before you sell its parts.
Facts About How Verizon Blacklists Phones
Verizon will blacklist phones for non-payment but you may also call Verizon to block your phone in case it’s stolen or missing to protect all your information stored in your device.
If your phone was blocked because of non-payment, Verizon uses your device IMEI to block it, and only by paying your balance will this be restored.
Read Next: Will a Straight Talk Phone work on Verizon?
Conclusion
Verizon can blacklist phones because of non-payment. Always update your phone payments and call customer service if you can’t pay your balance to avoid blacklisting.
Now you know the answer to “Does Verizon blacklist phones for non-payment?” you must mind your monthly payments to avoid becoming blacklisted.
Set up payment reminders or use automatic payment with your bank to avoid interruptions on your service.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.