ELI5: Phone unlocking?

[Nograts]

I'm dropping Verizon and hoping to take my two phones (S4, I5) to T-mobile. I dropped almost a grand for these two phones a few years ago when they were the new hotness, and I really don't want to buy a new phone just so I can go to T-mobile.

Is there a way to get Verizon to unlock these phones for me? I kind of hinted at it, but didn't ask outright just in case they caught wind of me jumping ship. Also, if I DO have to buy new phones, is Amazon unlocked the best route? I guess if I have to get new phones I'll get the biggest baddest mofo out there but make sure it's unlocked this time.

 

[cronos]

They are already unlocked. You don't have to do anything, just insert the SIM card. In some phones (like the S4) sometimes you have to manually change the setting to LTE/WCDMA, but otherwise, everything should automatically work.

Note that the above statement is true for all Verizon-branded 4G LTE devices released from around the end of 2012 or so or newer.

 

[Oyeve]

The S4, you need to use tmos APN. other than that you're solid.

 

[s44]

As everyone said, Verizon LTE devices are all unlocked from day one. That said, the CDMA iPhone 5 doesn't support any of T-Mobile's LTE bands, so you'll be on HSPA+ only.

 

[Nograts]

Thanks for the responses! This is fantastic news!