Total Wireless is attractive for its low-cost plans and devices, but most units sold are carrier-locked, which severely limits flexibility. Users often discover they cannot switch networks, use international SIM cards, or resell their phones without unlocking. As Total Wireless now operates under TracFone (owned by Verizon), its unlocking policy strictly follows Verizon’s rules across all TracFone brands.
If you are asking how to unlock a Total Wireless phone for free or what happens after the 60-day period, it is essential to understand the 2025 Total Wireless unlock policy in detail. This guide provides expert insights into the requirements and limitations. And if your challenge is not carrier-related but instead being locked out of your iPhone, advanced solutions such as PassFab iPhone Unlock offer a professional way to regain access without Apple ID or passcode.
Part 1. Overview of Total Wireless Unlock Policy
Total Wireless has a device unlocking policy stating that any phone activated on or after November 23, 2021, will be automatically unlocked after 60 days of active paid service. Due to these policies, people on forums like Reddit and Slickdeals frequently share confusion about whether they meet the unlock requirements, how the 60-day rule works, and when their phone will actually unlock. Below, we have mentioned everything about these policies along with why Total Wireless sets unlocking restrictions on devices.
Contract obligations – TracFone has set unlocking restrictions to ensure users follow the contract policy of keeping the services for a minimum period.
Fraud Prevention – Total Wireless phone unlock policy ensures that people can’t buy discounted devices in bulk and resell them for profit on other networks.
Pricing – Some phones are sold below retail price during activation, so Total Wireless 60 60-day unlock policy ensures you stay long enough for them to recover that discount through your service payments.
Important:
The 60-day unlock countdown starts from the first day of activation with paid service, not the day you purchased the phone.
Part 2. Total Wireless Unlock Policy 2025: Eligibility & Rules
Below, we have mentioned everything about Total Wireless unlock policy eligibility and rules.
1. Eligibility Requirements
- Your device should have an active plan of 60 days.
- Make sure the device is not reported lost, stolen, or involved in any fraud.
- You should pay the actual amount for your device if purchased at a discounted price.
2. iPhone vs. Android
- iPhones – Unlocking on iPhone happens more smoothly and automatically once eligibility is met.
- Android devices – Android devices may require a manual unlock request from Total Wireless.
3. Recent Policy Changes (2025)
New Unlock Policy of Total Wireless 2025: For devices activated on or after November 23, 2021, Total Wireless (a TracFone brand under Verizon) follows the updated policy requiring 60 days of paid active service before automatic unlock. For devices activated before November 23, 2021, the requirement remains 12 months of active service , or users may optionally pay a fee. Additionally, some Android models may need extra verification before unlocking.
Important:
Whether your Total Wireless phone unlocks after 60 days or 12 months depends entirely on its activation date. Make sure to check when your device was first activated.
Part 3. How to Unlock a Total Wireless Phone Free
If you have finally decided to switch to another career and want to unlock your Total Wireless phone officially, this section is for you. Below, we have discussed a step-by-step guide that you can follow to unlock the Total Wireless phone for free.
Check Eligibility
To unlock your Total Wireless phone, make sure to check the 60-day active service policy. Ensure the phone is not reported lost or stolen during the process.
Contact Customer Service
You must call Total Wireless customer support to get information about the unlocking process. They will also check your account and see if you are eligible or not. Also, they will verify your account, so make sure to provide the correct MEI/MEID number.
Wait for Confirmation
Once you have provided all the information, the next step is to wait for confirmation. If you are using an iPhone, then it will unlock automatically after the confirmation. However, Android devices may need a manual unlock code or instructions to complete the process. The whole process willTake around 2-3 working days.
Test your Phone
Once you get the confirmation message, insert your SIM and see if it’s working for other carrier networks. If yes, it means you can now enjoy services from other networks like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.
Part 4. Common Issues & Limitations
As mentioned above, your device will be unlocked automatically, but sometimes the unlock requests can fail for several reasons, such as:
- Your device is not eligible according to the new TracFone unlock policy. For carrier unlocking because of an unpaid balance or a contract not completed.
- You didn’t provide the correct information during the process.
- The waiting period is too long.
In conclusion, the official carrier unlock process generally works, but it is limited and not always straightforward. If the problem is not related to the carrier, but instead involves the iPhone itself being locked, you should use other methods to unlock your device.
warning:
If your iPhone is locked due to passcode, Face ID, or Apple ID issues (not carrier restrictions), tools like PassFab iPhone Unlock can help you regain access to your device quickly.
Bonus Tip: What To Do if Your iPhone Is Locked?
Not every problem with a locked iPhone is caused by the carrier. Sometimes the issue is with the device itself, such as a forgotten screen passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. In these cases, the carrier’s unlock policy won’t help. Instead, you need a tool that can directly give access to your iPhone. Undoubtedly, PassFab iPhone Unlocker is the best app for unlocking your iPhone devices. It is an all-in-one iPhone unlock Tool with a 100% success rate.
Key Features
- Fast: Remove screen lock/iPhone Passcode/Activation Lock in minutes
- Secure: Bypass screen time/MDM lock without data loss
- Easy to operate : Unlock by yourself at home without hassle
- Compatible: Compatible with the latest iOS 26 and iPhone 16 models
Steps to Unlock your iPhone Device with PassFab iPhone Unlocker:
Don’t remember your iPhone password? Don’t worry, you can follow the steps below to unlock your iPhone device within minutes.
Download and install PassFab Android Unlock on Windows or Mac.
Launch PassFab iPhone Unlocker app and click the “Start” button.
To remove the lock from your iPhone, you have to connect it to the PC. After connecting the device, click the “Next” option.
Now, download the matching firmware package, but first choose the location where you want to download it. Once done, click the “Download” button.
Once the firmware package is downloaded successfully, click the “Start to Remove” option.
Soon, the app will unlock your iPhone. Once done, you will see a “Successfully Removed” message on the screen.
Conclusions
In 2025, unlocking a Total Wireless phone is simpler, as most devices qualify after 60 days of active service. Keeping this in mind, you can unlock iPhone devices immediately, while Androids may need extra verification steps. Above, we have mentioned all the steps on how to unlock a Total Wireless phone for free. On the other hand, if your iPhone device is still locked, it means the issue is with the device, not the carrier. In this situation, we recommend using PassFab iPhone Unlocker, which is a reliable tool used for unlocking your iPhone with one click.
PassFab iPhone Unlock
- Fast - Remove screen lock/iPhone Passcode/Activation Lock in minutes
- Secure - Bypass screen time/MDM lock without data loss
- Easy to operate - Unlock by yourself at home without hassle
- Compatible - Compatible with the latest iOS 18 and iPhone 16 models
- Supports Windows and MacOS
PassFab iPhone Unlock has Recommended by many medias, like macworld, makeuseof, appleinsider, etc.
FAQs
How Much Time Does it Take to Unlock a Total Wireless Phone?
After submitting the request, the process will be completed within 2-3 business days.
Does Total Wireless Charge for Unlocking the Device?
No, Total Wireless does not charge any fee to unlock your phone. If your device meets the requirements, then it will be unlocked automatically and free of charge.
Can I Unlock my Phone by Myself?
Yes, you can use third-party apps like PassFab iPhone Unlocker to unlock your device. The process is straightforward. All you have to do is download the app and follow the instructions for unlocking the device.
