Locking a phone number means activating a Number Lock on your line, making it unable to be ported to another carrier until the lock is removed. This is done to protect your number from being stolen or used for fraudulent purposes. If you wish to switch to a different carrier, you will need to remove the Number Lock first. It is important to secure your phone number and prevent unauthorized transfers to maintain control over your communication services. To unlock a Verizon phone, you can simply wait for 60 days, and Verizon's unlock policy will automatically release your phone from network exclusivity. Once your Verizon account is active, you can easily unlock your postpaid or prepaid phone. Protecting your phone number is crucial to ensure the security of your personal information and prevent identity theft.