how to unlock visible phone

If you recently purchased a new phone from Visible, you may want to know how to unlock Visible phones.

The process for unlocking a Visible phone is quite different from other phones. This is because Visible phones are technically not locked. They are only locked for a short temporary period, where you must use the Verizon SIM card.

To unlock a Visible phone, you have to wait for a 60-day period to elapse. After the 60-day period, your device should be able to hold any other SIM card on the 61st day from the time of activation.

If you have a Visible phone that did not get automatically unlocked after 60 days do not worry. We will walk you through the steps to unlock your device.

Keep on reading to find out the exact steps you can take to unlock your Visible phone.

What Does the Visible Policy Say About Phone Unlocking

what does the policies say

The Visible unlock policy is slightly different from most of the other phone providers. Unlike other phone providers, the responsibility to unlock the phone lies with Visible.

While its policy seems to be quite favorable, it is quite unfair to those who pay for their phones fully. 

As a matter of fact, the policy infringes on some users’ rights. According to the Federal Communication Commission, any device should be unlocked after it is fully paid for. However, Visible Mobile requires that you wait for at least 60 days.

Key factors that make up the Visible device unlocking policy are as follows:

  • A device will only be unlocked within 60 days from the time of purchase or activation.
  • The user will not have any role to take in activating the device
  • Those who wish to unlock their devices early must have a valid reason such as relocation.
  • Those who intend to activate earlier must contact the visible team and should have paid the full value for the device

How to Unlock Visible Phones Step by Step

how unlock your visible phone

The first step to unlock Visible phones is to wait for the lock period to expire.

If you have just purchased a phone, give it a 60-day period and try using a different SIM card. Even if you are yet to complete payment for your device, it should be unlocked.

If you are unable to unlock your device this way, there are steps you should take. Remember, some devices are not automatically unlocked.

Further, there are those who may want to unlock earlier. Here are some steps you can take to unlock your phone earlier.

1. Find Your IMEI Number and Other Requirements

The first step to unlocking your device should be finding your IMEI and any other requirements. There are many requirements you will need if you want to unlock your device earlier.

If you will be using a third-party unlock site, you must get the IMEI. The same applies if you choose to contact Visible for early unlock.

Below are the steps to find your IMEI.

find the imei number

Method 1: Dial a Code on Your Phone

  • Open the dialer or phone app on your phone
  • Dial *#06# on the keypad
  • Your phone’s IMEI number should appear on the screen

Method 2: Check Your Phone’s Settings

  1. Go to Settings on your phone
  2. Tap on About phone or About device
  3. Look for an option called “IMEI”, “IMEI number”, or “Status”
  4. Your phone’s IMEI number should be listed under this option

Method 3: Check on the Back of Your Phone or Under the Battery

  1. Turn off your phone
  2. Remove the back cover or battery (if possible)
  3. Look for a label or sticker that displays your phone’s IMEI number
  4. Note down your IMEI.
Note: The exact location of the IMEI number may vary depending on the phone model and manufacturer. If you're having trouble finding it, you can also try checking the box or documentation that came with your phone

2. Fill out the Phone Unlock Request Form

fill out the unlock request form

For Visible Mobile, there is no official unlock site. However, they provide room for any person who wants to unlock early to contact the support team.

All you have to do is log in to your account and contact support. Inform them of your desire for easy unlock and provide valid reasons.

How to request unlock:

  1. Visit the Visible Unlock Site.
  2. Tap on the Chat Icon in the Bottom Right corner of your screen.
  3. Enter a request to Unlock the phone early.
  4. Provide your Email address and wait for further guidance.
Note: You must provide your functional email so as to receive the phone unlock code. Double-check your email to ensure that you have used the appropriate characters.

3. Complete Virtual Activation Without Unlock Code

complete the virtual activation

If your request to unlock the Visible phone is accepted, you may receive an email confirming that the phone is unlocked.

In other cases, you may receive an email with an unlock code. If the request is declined, you have to wait for 60 days.

If your phone is unlocked automatically, you should activate it without using a code.

How to activate the unlock automatically:

  1. Using a pin, eject your Visible SIM out of the phone.
  2. Power Off your phone.
  3. Insert a New SIM card that is not compatible with Visible into your phone.
  4. Your phone will turn on and the New SIM card should be registered.

4. Compete Unlocking Using Unlock Code

complete using the unlock code

In case you receive an email with an unlock code, it will be your responsibility to complete the unlock process.

While this is not common it does happen to some Visible customers.

Below are steps to unlock using the code.

How to unlock a Visible phone with an unlock card

  1. Open the email you receive with an Unlock Code.
  2. Write down the unlock code on a piece of paper.
  3. Remove the Verizon SIM card from your phone and replace it with a different one that is not compatible with visible.
  4. Power off your phone by pressing the power button and selecting Power Off.
  5. After a few seconds press the Power Button and wait for the device to turn on.
  6. Enter the unlock code on your keypad.
  7. Tap on Ok and wait for the phone to complete unlock.
Note: On some phones the unlock code might be rejected. If this happens, you must contact Visible for further details. However, such cases are rarer and your phone is likely to get unlocked.

5. Reset Your Mobile Network Settings

reset the mobile network

Once you have replaced your old SIM card with a new one, you should reset your Network Settings.

This is a recommended option even after the 60-day automatic unlock period. Resetting your Mobile Network will allow your new SIM card to function fully.

This is the only way to update your VPN and allow your SIM to access the internet.

How to reset Network Settings on iPhone

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap on General
  3. Scroll down and select Reset
  4. Tap on Reset Network Settings
  5. Enter your passcode if prompted
  6. Confirm that you want to reset your network settings by tapping on the Reset Network Settings button.

How to reset Network Settings on Android

reset the mobile network android
  1. Go to Settings
  2. Tap on System
  3. Select Reset options
  4. Tap on Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
  5. Tap on Reset Settings
  6. Tap on Reset Settings to confirm your actions
Note: Resetting your mobile network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices. 

Summary

Now you know how to unlock Visible phones. If you have a Visible phone that you have been looking forward to unlocking, chances are that it is already unlocked.

If you have used your phone for more than two months, just pop a new SIM card and insert it in.

If you want yours to be unlocked much earlier, please follow the steps above. Contact Visible and they may send you an unlock code.

Read Next: How to Fix Visible eSIM Activation Error?