Will an unlocked 5G phone work on Verizon's 5G network?

[Roberty]

Like the title asks, if I buy an unlocked 5G phone will I be able to use it on Verizon's 5G network?

 

[Gorilla]

To my knowledge there are several pieces here. 1st, Verizon's 5g uses different tech than other carriers which is why the Verizon version of 5g phones tends to cost extra (S20 FE was like $50 more for the Verizon version). So there is the compatibility aspect.

Second, Verizon frequently does not have the imei for unlocked devices in their list which prevents usage until you go through customer service and get high up enough that you get someone that can add your imei. This has been the issue for a bunch of the OnePlus 7T deals lately where they are compatible with Verizon's 4G but aren't in Verizon's system and could not be used until customer service added them.

 

[Roberty]

To my knowledge there are several pieces here. 1st, Verizon's 5g uses different tech than other carriers which is why the Verizon version of 5g phones tends to cost extra (S20 FE was like $50 more for the Verizon version). So there is the compatibility aspect.

Second, Verizon frequently does not have the imei for unlocked devices in their list which prevents usage until you go through customer service and get high up enough that you get someone that can add your imei. This has been the issue for a bunch of the OnePlus 7T deals lately where they are compatible with Verizon's 4G but aren't in Verizon's system and could not be used until customer service added them.

Thanks for the info, brother. Costco is running the phone I'm looking to buy on a Black Friday deal coming up and it's a Verizon version phone so I'll just wait until the 20th

 

[cybereality]

It depends on the phone.

I know with the Pixel 5 I just got, the unlocked version works on all carriers (including Verizon) but the Verizon version is locked to them.

I made the mistake of buying the Verizon version and I've still yet to be able to connect on 5G. Not sure if it's my area or some other technical issue.

But I will only buy unlocked phones from now on, Verizon support jerked me around and told me some BS on the phone after talking with them for 2 hours and it still doesn't work.

Not all phones may support all the 5G technologies (I think there are 2 versions popular in the US) so do some research first.

 

[kirbyrj]

Verizon 5G is mostly mmWave, so get a phone that supports that standard.