Learn about the Visible Unlocking Policy

The Visible unlocking policy protects members who want to activate and use Visible services. Visible locks new devices purchased from Visible to work exclusively on the Visible network for a limited period of time to minimize fraud.

Note: New devices are cellphones that are not:

Used
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
Refurbished
Preowned

What does unlocking a phone mean?

Visible has software that prevents a member from attempting to activate a device designed for the Visible network, on another carrier’s network. When Visible unlocks your device, the software stops working, allowing you to activate the device with another carrier.

If you are planning on traveling internationally, Visible has international plans to care for your needs. See the International Services page for more information.

Note: Not all Visible devices work or have full functionality with other carriers, because each carrier uses different technologies on its network.

Bringing your phone to the Visible network

So you have a phone you want to use on the Visible network. Your device needs to be:

Compatible with the Visible network
Unlocked and ready for use

If you are unsure if your device is unlocked, reach out to your current network carrier. Have this information ready:


Name on the account	Hey, that’s an easy one!
Account number	Find it on your monthly statement or in your online account.
Account owner’s PIN	Pins can vary in the number of digits. Note: Work with your current network carrier to determine your pin.
Phone number of the device	Another easy one!
IMEI	IMEI means International Mobile Equipment Identity or the unique number of the device. You must dial *#06# to locate the IMEI. Note: The information will appear on your screen.

What happens if my phone is locked and I try to use it on the Visible network?

We know you are excited about being a part of Visible, but if your previous carrier locked your phone, the SIM card will not work.

Check if your phone is carrier locked:


Step	Action
1	Check your phone’s Device Settings: iPhone 1. Go to Settings > General > About. 2. Look for the Carrier Lock or SIM Lock status. 1. If it says No SIM Restrictions or similar, the phone is most likely unlocked. Samsung 1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status or Network > SIM Status. 2. Look for Network Lock or similar. 1. If it says Unlocked or Network unlocked, the phone is most likely unlocked. Google 1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status > SIM Status. 2. Look for Network Lock or similar. 1. If it says Unlocked or Network unlocked, the phone is most likely unlocked.
2	Try a different SIM card 1. Remove the SIM card from your phone. 2. insert one from a different carrier. 1. If the phone: 1. Accepts the SIM card and connects to the network, it's most likely unlocked. 2. Prompts for an unlock code or displays an error message, it's most likely carrier locked.
3	Contact the carrier or manufacturer: 1. Reach out to the carrier that originally locked the phone. 2. Provide your phone's IMEI or serial number. 3. Ask if the carrier locks your phone. Note: Alternatively, contact the manufacturer's (Apple, Samsung, or Google) support and inquire about the phone's lock status.

What happens if I use a non-Visible SIM in my Visible locked device?

If you attempt to install a non-Visible SIM in your Visible locked device, you will receive a “SIM Not Supported” error message. This means Visible software locked the SIM.

Visible’s unlocking policy

[Effective June 1, 2026 (“Effective Date”)]

Visible keeps every single person in mind, so look for the case that resonates with your account.

Visible locks any smartphone you purchase through Visible for 365 days. Your smartphone will unlock upon request after 365 days if you meet the following conditions:

You purchased the smartphone on or after the 1/20/2026 (Effective Date).
You activated the smartphone more than 365 days ago.
Note: This means you have an active plan on your phone, whether it’s an upgrade or a new line.
The device has at least 365 days of paid service.
Note: If you stop paying for service, your progress toward the 365-day requirement pauses. It will resume once you reactivate your account and continue until you reach a total of 365 paid days of service.
There was ordinary usage of the smartphone in compliance with our Terms of Service
Nobody reported the smartphone as lost or stolen.
There are no signs of fraud with your account or the smartphone.
When you financed a device on a monthly mobile plan on or after June 1, 2026:

Your smartphone will unlock upon request after 365 days, provided you meet the conditions above.
You also have the option to request to unlock your device early if you pay off the device loan through Affirm.
- Note: For customers on multi-month or annual mobile plans, your smartphone subject to a device loan purchased on or after June 1, 2026 will unlock upon request after 365 days, provided you meet the conditions above.

Note:

Visible denies unlocking requests if a member abuses the policies or systems, including the unlocking policy.
- Visible’s Unlocking Policy is subject to change at any time, without advance notice
Not all Visible devices work or have full functionality with other carriers, since each carrier uses different technologies on their networks.
Visible cannot unlock devices:
- Purchased outside of Visible.
- Replacement provided by Assurant or Apple.
Activating a SIM card on a different device is not a device activation. The device purchased from Visible needs to establish a network connection and register on the Visible network in order for your device to become active.

Military personnel

If you are a Visible customer in the military and receive relocation orders outside of Visible’s coverage area, Visible unlocks your device and suspends your service at your request. Make sure to reach out to the Visible Care team via chat, and they walk through the review and validation process of your request.