How do I unlock my phone from the Telstra network using IMEI?
Take me to
If you believe your phone is locked to our network, you may be able to unlock it by retrieving your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number that is used to identify your device.
To check if your phone is locked to a network or not:
- Insert another SIM card into your phone from a different provider
- Wait a few minutes, then turn your phone off and back on.
If your phone is unlocked - the different provider name will appear in the status bar.
If your phone is locked - you’ll get an error message saying you need to insert a valid SIM. You won’t be able to make calls, send texts or browse the Internet.
To unlock your phone, you’ll need to find your IMEI.
Find your IMEI
To unlock your Pre-Paid device, you’ll need to find your phone’s IMEI number.
On an Android device
There are four ways to locate the IMEI number:
- Dial *#06#, or
- In the Settings menu, select About Device > Status, or
- Look under the battery, or
- Find it printed on the original box your device came in.
On an iPhone
There are three ways to locate the IMEI number:
- Dial *#06#, or
- From the Settings menu, select General > About > IMEI, or
- On the SIM card tray or back of the phone, depending on your phone model.
Once you’ve located your phone’s IMEI number, contact us so we can provide instructions on how to unlock your device, and if an unlocking fee will apply.
Call 13 22 00 and say, ‘unlock device option’ when prompted. You can call Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm AEST.
Good to know: Remember to back up your phone before you unlock it or you may lose your data. It could take up to 7-10 days to unlock your phone.
Frequently asked questions
You can unlock your Telstra Pre-Paid mobile, or mobile broadband devices so they work on another network.
If your service has been active for over two years, we don’t charge an unlocking fee, but if your service has been active for less than two years, we charge:
- $80 for devices that have never been activated, or active for six months or less
- $25 for devices activated for six months to two years.
Once you’ve located your IMEI, contact us so we can provide instructions on how to unlock your device, and if an unlocking fee will apply.
Call 13 22 00 and say, ‘unlock device option’ when prompted. You can call Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm AEST.
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