Activate your mobile

Get started with your mobile

Activate your SIM, eSIM or set up a new device.

Pre-Paid SIM activation

Please ensure your mobile device is compatible with our 4G/5G network and is able to make emergency calls, including 000.

You'll need:

  • internet access
  • your ID (driver licence, passport or Medicare card)
  •  access to your email account (to receive a verification code)
  •  the SIM serial number (SSN) printed on the SIM card or device package 
  • device to use for activation (many customers prefer a desktop computer or laptop)

Are you an existing Telstra customer?

Make sure you’ve signed in to My Telstra when you start activation. This will ensure your new service is visible in your My Telstra account.

Are you moving your service from another network?

You’ll need access to that service to receive a verification code (via SMS) during activation. Continue using your old SIM until activation with Telstra is complete. For more information on transferring your number, visit our switching support page.

What are you using your new Pre-Paid SIM for?

If you’re using your service to make calls, select 'Calls, text and data' when prompted. Otherwise, select ‘Data only'.

Ready to activate your Pre-Paid SIM?

Upfront SIM activation

Please ensure your mobile device is compatible with our 4G/5G network and is able to make emergency calls, including 000.

If your SIM is for a new Upfront service, you don’t need to activate it. We’ll do it for you automatically once we know you’ve received it.

Otherwise, to activate a replacement SIM for an existing Upfront service, follow these three steps:

Insert your replacement SIM

Step 1

Connect to Wi-Fi if you’re not already, as you’ll need this to complete activation.

Sign in to My Telstra

Step 2

Make sure you open the My Telstra app on the phone with the SIM you’re activating. You can download it if you don’t have it.

Activate your SIM

Step 3

Within My Telstra, go to ‘Get Help’, then ‘My Orders’ and select the order you placed for the SIM. Select ‘Activate your SIM’.

It can take up to four hours for us to complete activation of both new and replacement SIMs. If your service hasn’t activated in this time, switch your device off and on again.
 

Don't want to activate your SIM just yet?

You can do it later or wait until your service is automatically activated seven days after your delivery is confirmed with us. If you choose to wait for the automatic activation, continue using your current SIM until your Telstra SIM is active. Remember, as soon as your Telstra SIM is active, your current SIM will stop working. 

eSIM. The simpler SIM

Getting connected with eSIM is quicker, simpler and more eco-friendly. Learn how to activate an eSIM or check if your device is eSIM compatible on our dedicated eSIM page.

Device set-up

Set up, manage and troubleshoot your new phone or smart device with our range of step-by-step guides.

Turn your old device into credit

Trade in your pre-loved eligible phone, tablet or smartwatch.

Questions about Telstra mobiles?

My Telstra app

View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via messaging and much more.

Support

More information about mobile phones can be found in our Support section.

Send us a message

Want help with your SIM? Get in touch and we'll help you as soon as we can.

Contact us

We're here to answer your questions.