How do I unlock my Virgin Mobile phone?

By Steve Vegvari

Last updated 30 November 2023

Contents

Jump to:

Is my Virgin Plus phone already unlocked?
CRTC Wireless Code policies
What you need to unlock your Virgin Plus phone
FAQs

Unlocking your phone used to be one of those annoying carrier hurdles that involved fees, waiting periods, and customer service calls. In Canada, that’s typically no longer the case. Virgin Plus, the flanker brand under Bell, allows its devices to be unlocked. Though there is a caveat.

Thanks to CRTC wireless code rules, all phones sold by carriers like Virgin Plus must be unlocked or unlockable for free, making it much easier to switch providers, use a local SIM while travelling, or resell your device. The only stipulation is that Bell, and by proxy Virgin Plus, too, require customers to wait 60 days after purchasing a new device before it may be unlocked automatically.

Here’s everything you need to know in 2026 about how to unlock your Virgin Plus phone, what the rules require, and what to do next once your device is unlocked.

Is my Virgin Plus phone already unlocked?

Under normal circumstances, the answer would be yes. As of December 1st, 2017, the CRTC Wireless Code dictates that all mobile phones sold in Canada must be unlocked by the carrier. Canadian carriers must also provide free unlocks upon request as well to customers. For nearly a decade, this regulatory requirement ensured that all carriers sold unlocked phones to Canadian customers, removing the hassle from those purchasing a device from Virgin Plus or any other telecom company.

In April 2025, however, Bell began locking smartphones sold by Virgin Plus. The parent company claims that this was in response to heightened fraud and robberies occurring at Virgin Plus storefronts. Bell now locks Virgin Plus smartphones to its network for 60 days. Though it does offer to unlock phones that reach out to the carrier or use its online tool within 60 days.

This, of course, is in direct violation of the CRTC's Wireless Code. Although the CRTC has ordered Bell to stop selling locked phones "immediately," a request was sent in late 2025, and Bell is showing no signs of complying. This is likely in part thanks to a loophole in the carrier's claim regarding fraud and theft.

As of the time of writing, your purchased Virgin Plus phone isn't unlocked at the time of purchase. Though there are means to have it unlocked by the carrier. It's a frustrating position to be in as a customer, and hopefully, Bell will rectify the situation in 2026.

CRTC Wireless Code policies

As mentioned, the CRTC introduced the Wireless Code in 2017. This policy placed a number of regulations on Canadian carriers and revolves around unlocking phones. This nearly decade-old code firmly states that phones sold by carriers must be unlocked at the time of sale or unlocked for free on request. This applies regardless of whether you're on a contract or financing a phone. Canadian carriers are not allowed to charge to unlock a phone, no matter how old the device may be.

The Wireless Code also states that all carriers must offer a "trial" period for plans. During the first 15-days on a plan, customers can decide to cancel their contracts as well as get full refunds on "near-new condition" devices at no cost. Customers must also have used less than half their data pool during this time.

These policies remain fully in effect in the CRTC Wireless Code as of 2026.

What you need to unlock your Virgin Plus phone

If you are looking to request that your phone be unlocked by Virgin Plus, you have a couple of options. If you wish to expedite the unlock process ahead of the 60-day purchase window, you must call the carrier directly. As you go through this process, you'll need the following:

The device you wish to unlock nearby
The IMEI of your device
A non-Virgin Plus SIM card to confirm the unlock was successful (optional)

This process is completely free to the customer. Virgin Plus will not charge to unlock your phone.

Alternatively, you can wait for the 60-day period to elapse for your phone to be unlocked automatically. After the 60 days have run their course since the time of purchase, your device will be unlocked with no action needed from you. You'll be able to take your device to another carrier or pop a new SIM card in if you're travelling.

How to switch to a new cell provider

Switching to a new carrier always feels like an overwhelming task. Especially if you want to keep your existing number. Thankfully, carriers make it very easy to port your phone number over to a new provider. Here's our guide for more details on how you can swap carriers and keep your phone number.

FAQs

Are Virgin Mobile phones unlocked by default?

Currently no, Bell has begun to lock Virgin Plus devices sold as of 2025, despite regulations. Traditionally, phones sold in Canada since late 2017 are unlocked or unlockable for free.

Can I get a Virgin Plus unlock code for free?

Virgin Plus cannot charge for unlocking under CRTC rules. Thus, the carrier will provide the means to unlock your phone for free.

Do I need my IMEI to unlock my phone?

Usually, yes. It helps Virgin Plus identify your device. So, it's recommended that you navigate your phone's settings to have your IMEI on hand.

Can I unlock my phone for travel?

Unlocking allows you to use local SIMs and avoid roaming fees.

Steve Vegvari

Steve Vegvari is a 10-year writer in the gaming and tech space, writing for several Canadian publications. He's covered everything from the latest marquee games and hardware to smartphones, smart home devices, TVs, and smart lights. Steve emphasizes his love of weird, experimental tech while uncovering the pros and cons of the Canadian mobile market.