Although Verizon is one of the easiest carriers when it comes to using any SIM card you want, since most iPhones are unlocked from day one, many visitors are wondering if they can switch from Verizon to AT&T.
In order to give a definitive answer to this question:
- We will take a look at all the possible IMEI status combinations that a Verizon iPhone can have
- when you can switch to AT&T
- and how to pave the way and unlock your device when you can’t
What you need in order to switch from Verizon to AT&T
The most obvious requirement when you want to switch from Verizon to AT&T for free is no other than the SIM Lock Status which needs to be UNLOCKED.
However, this is not the only one because at the same time the Verizon iPhone must be totally clean, which means:
- Not blacklisted (Lost, Stolen, Replaced, Fraud)
- Has no outstanding financial balance issues with Verizon (Unpaid bills or pending installment plan)
So, a clean and unlocked Verizon iPhone is the way to go.
From there on, you will only have to enable the SIM Unlocked status with an extremely easy procedure.
1. Go to iPhone Settings
2. Tap iCloud
3. Sign in with your Apple ID
4. Turn OFF Find My iPhone
5. Insert an AT&T SIM card and restart the iPhone (In fact, you can use any SIM Card you want)
6. When the phone turns on plug iPhone into iTunes (If iTunes prompts for you to restore, follow the steps that will be provided on screen)
Just make sure your iTunes is updated to the latest version and your iPhone will be unlocked from Verizon in a few minutes.
But that was the easy part. Let’s see what to do if your iPhone doesn’t qualify for AT&T switch.
When the iPhone is SIM Unlocked but Blacklisted
As it turns out, most times switching from Verizon to AT&T is not possible when the iPhone is blacklisted by Verizon.
When an iPhone is blacklisted in the US, you won’t be able to use it in the States at all. Fortunately, you can easily resolve this issue with a Verizon Unblacklist service, which is one of the most stable services in recent years.
When there is SIM Unlocked but has outstanding finance on Verizon
Quite similar yet not the same with the blacklisted devices, Verizon will block (or “bar”) an iPhone in case of unpaid bills or installment plan.
When the iPhone is barred, again you won’t be able to use it with any Mobile Network in the US unless you pay your debt. Of course, only the original owner can do that. If you bought a used Verizon iPhone then you won’t get this chance.
The big difference here is the alternative commonly called Verizon Unbar Service. On the one hand, it will remove the BARRED status from your iPhone and eventually you will be able to switch to AT&T, but on the other hand, the debt will remain.
This may lead to not being able to use this iPhone with Verizon again, but at the same time your goal is already achieved and actually, you can now use all GSM networks in the US so maybe this is not a major problem after all.
When the iPhone is SIM Locked
Quite rare but it might happen a simlocked Verizon iPhone can only be unlocked when it’s CLEAN. If it is blacklisted or barred you will have to remove these statuses before proceeding with IMEI Unlock.
Of course this will drive up costs significantly and I’m not sure if it’s worth it for older models but unfortunately, there is no alternative.
Looking for a trustworthy 3rd party Verizon Unlock Solution?
If you still can’t switch from Verizon to AT&T then, here is the ultimate Verizon Unlocking Solution.
- Just fill in your IMEI and email, answer a few questions about your device and get the service you really need.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the info since these guys can always IMEI Check your device and fill in the blanks. Especially useful when you are dealing with a used Verizon iPhone.