{"menuItems":[{"label":"Key points","anchorName":"#key-points"},{"label":"How to unlock a Telstra prepaid phone in 4 easy steps","anchorName":"#how-to-unlock-a-telstra-prepaid-phone-in-4-easy-steps"},{"label":"What do I do if things go wrong?","anchorName":"#what-do-i-do-if-things-go-wrong"},{"label":"Why unlock?","anchorName":"#why-unlock"},{"label":"Put your unlocked phone to good use with a SIM-only mobile plan:","anchorName":"#put-your-unlocked-phone-to-good-use-with-a-sim-only-mobile-plan"}]}
Key points
Network locking is rare these days, especially for contract phones
Cheap prepaid phones are the most likely to be locked
There may be fees involved to unlock your device if you have been using your phone for less than 2 years
If you own a mobile phone (and let's face it, most of us do) then the chances are pretty good that it's not locked to a specific mobile carrier. There was a time when locking phones to a carrier was commonplace, but these days all phones sold on contract are provided unlocked. You've already signed up to pay for a two year contract, so if you chose to go to another carrier with the handset, you're on the hook for costs anyway.
The exception to this rule is if you've purchased a phone for use on a prepaid plan, and especially if you purchased it directly from your carrier. In that case, a proportion of its purchase price is generally absorbed by your carrier, on the assumption that it will make up for it in prepaid fees. In that case, the phone is locked to the carrier's network, and if you throw in a competitor's SIM into it, it will refuse to function properly.
That's when you need to unlock it for use on all networks, which thankfully isn't too tricky. Here's what you need to do to get a phone locked to the Telstra mobile network unlocked:
How to unlock a Telstra prepaid phone in 4 easy steps
Find your IMEI: The International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) is your phone's unique identifier, and you need it for Telstra to identify your phone. The easiest way to find it is to dial *#06# (Asterix - Hash - Zero - Six - Hash) from your phone. You should see a 17 digit code displayed - write it down.
Contact Telstra: You can unlock your phone online from Telstra over the phone by dialling 13 22 00 and following the vocal prompts to go through the process of unlocking your handset.
Pay the unlocking fee: Telstra's charging scheme for unlocking prepaid phones varies a little depending on how long you've been using the phone on its network. If you've been using the phone for more than 2 years there's no unlocking fee. For phones in use on Telstra's network for between 6 months and 2 years there's a $25 unlocking fee, and if it's been in use for 6 months, or you've never activated it on the Telstra network, an $80 fee is charged. This can be paid for by credit card or from your main prepaid credit balance, but not your bonus credit.
Wait: It can take a little time for Telstra to send the unlocking instructions for your handset. Once that's sent through and applied, you should be good to switch to another carrier network at will.
The process is ever so slightly different for iPhone users if you happen to have purchased an iPhone from Telstra on a prepaid basis.
How to unlock a Telstra prepaid iPhone
Find your IMEI: Finding the International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) on an iPhone is a little easier, because you can locate it simply by heading to Settings>General>About from any iPhone handset.
Contact Telstra: For iPhone customers, Telstra you can unlock by dialling 13 22 00 and specifically requesting an iPhone unlock, or by using Telstra's online iPhone/iPad unlocking page.
Wait: As with other handsets, iPhone unlocking won't always be instantaneous. Once Telstra's sent through the relevant instructions, it should then be plain sailing for using any other SIM card in your iPhone.
What do I do if things go wrong?
If you hit a snag, or your phone won't seem to unlock, or it all just seems too hard, one particular benefit to being a Telstra customer is that it does operate a large number of retail outlets. If you're in trouble, head into a Telstra store, and they should be able to smooth out the unlocking process for you.
Why unlock?
Unlocking your handset gives you the flexibility to switch carriers, and that's one of the key benefits of a prepaid plan in the first place. It's obviously ideal if you wanted to switch to another carrier network such as Optus or Vodafone, but equally valid for matters such as international roaming.
If you don't mind changing numbers while overseas, you can drop a local provider SIM into an unlocked phone and pay local rates while you travel, but not if your phone is entirely locked down.
The one obvious caveat here is that for any reasonably new prepaid phone that was already quite cheap to begin with, that $80 unlocking fee may not be the best financial step. With many Android handsets now regularly dipping below $100, it may make more sense to simply pick up a new handset, but remember to responsibly recycle or re-gift your unwanted handset if you do.
Put your unlocked phone to good use with a SIM-only mobile plan:
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
A multi-award winning journalist, Alex has written about consumer technology for over 20 years. He has written and edited for virtually every Australian tech publication including Gizmodo, CNET, PC Magazine, Kotaku and more. He has also been the Editor of Gizmodo Australia, PC Mag Australia, CNET.com.au and the Tech and Telco section at Finder. Alex has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New England and a serious passion for retro gaming.
Thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear you are unable to unlock your Telstra mobile. You can try two other options to unlock your mobile phone. Please see below:
Contact Telstra: You can unlock your phone online from Telstra over the phone by dialling 125 8880 and following the vocal prompts to go through the process of unlocking your handset.
Pay the unlocking fee: Telstra’s charging scheme for unlocking prepaid phones varies a little depending on how long you’ve been using the phone on its network. If you’ve been using the phone for more than 2 years there’s no unlocking fee. For phones in use on Telstra’s network for between 6 months and 2 years there’s a $25 unlocking fee, and if it’s been in use for 6 months, or you’ve never activated it on the Telstra network, an $80 fee is charged. This can be paid for by credit card or from your main prepaid credit balance, but not your bonus credit.
Wait: It can take a little time for Telstra to send the unlocking instructions for your handset. Once that’s sent through and applied, you should be good to switch to another carrier network at will.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
As a friendly reminder, while we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.
To unlock your HTC phone, please steps below:
– Visit Telstra’s Network Unlocking page
– Enter your handset’s IMEI number in the appropriate field.
– Click ‘Submit’
– You will directed to the Confirmation page. Here, you should be directed to a screen that notifies you of the 72 hour wait period for network unlocking Telstra phones.
Please note that Telstra often charge a fee for unlocking pre-paid or mobile broadband devices. For phones and modems activated for less than 6 months, the fee is $80. For phones and modems activated between 6 months and 2 years ago, there is a $25 unlocking fee. If you’re a prepaid customer, these payments can be made using your existing credit.
I am unable to unlock my telstra NextG prepaid phone.Telstra shop no help. gave me a phone No; to Ring 1300 720 179 but No.seemed to be engaged permanently.
Telstra Pre-Paid mobiles (including iPhone) and mobile broadband devices are locked for use only on Telstra’s network. There is a fee to have your Pre-Paid mobile phone unlocked.
– $80 for devices activated for 6 months or less, or never activated; and
– $25 for devices activated for more than 6 months up to 2 years.
There is no unlocking fee after that.
To unlock your Pre-Paid Mobile, or check your unlocking fee, follow the steps below:
1. Press * # 0 6 # on your mobile, and write down the code that’s shown. This is your mobile’s IMEI number.
2. Contact the Telstra Pre-Paid Unlocking Centre direct on 125 8880 and follow the prompts. If you’re calling from a non-Telstra phone call 13 22 00 and say ‘Pre-Paid’ then follow the prompts. If you’re calling from overseas, call +61 439 125 888 (international call charges will apply).
3. You can pay the unlocking fee using your main Pre-Paid credit balance (not your bonus credit), via credit card or in store.
4. You’ll be asked for your phone’s IMEI code and will then be advised of the unlocking fee and payment instructions.
5. Once payment is completed you will be advised of unlocking instructions.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Important information about this website
finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.
Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.
Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money.
When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
Please note that the information published on our site should not be construed as personal advice and does not consider your personal needs and circumstances. While our site will provide you with factual information and general advice to help you make better decisions, it isn't a substitute for professional advice. You should consider whether the products or services featured on our site are appropriate for your needs. If you're unsure about anything, seek professional advice before you apply for any product or commit to any plan and read any disclosure documents (such as any Target Market Determination (TMD) and/or Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)) issued by the provider before making a decision.
Providing or obtaining an estimated insurance quote through us does not guarantee you can get the insurance. Acceptance by insurance companies is based on things like occupation, health and lifestyle. By providing you with the ability to apply for a credit card or loan, we are not guaranteeing that your application will be approved. Your application for credit products is subject to the Provider's terms and conditions as well as their application and lending criteria.
Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.
my Samsung phone did not recognise #06# code when I pressed it.I am on Telstra prepaid over 5years. thanks
Hi Alfred,
Thanks for your comment. Sorry to hear you are unable to unlock your Telstra mobile. You can try two other options to unlock your mobile phone. Please see below:
Contact Telstra: You can unlock your phone online from Telstra over the phone by dialling 125 8880 and following the vocal prompts to go through the process of unlocking your handset.
Pay the unlocking fee: Telstra’s charging scheme for unlocking prepaid phones varies a little depending on how long you’ve been using the phone on its network. If you’ve been using the phone for more than 2 years there’s no unlocking fee. For phones in use on Telstra’s network for between 6 months and 2 years there’s a $25 unlocking fee, and if it’s been in use for 6 months, or you’ve never activated it on the Telstra network, an $80 fee is charged. This can be paid for by credit card or from your main prepaid credit balance, but not your bonus credit.
Wait: It can take a little time for Telstra to send the unlocking instructions for your handset. Once that’s sent through and applied, you should be good to switch to another carrier network at will.
Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
How to unlock a Telstra HTC phone?
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
As a friendly reminder, while we do not represent any company we feature on our pages, we can offer you general advice.
To unlock your HTC phone, please steps below:
– Visit Telstra’s Network Unlocking page
– Enter your handset’s IMEI number in the appropriate field.
– Click ‘Submit’
– You will directed to the Confirmation page. Here, you should be directed to a screen that notifies you of the 72 hour wait period for network unlocking Telstra phones.
Please note that Telstra often charge a fee for unlocking pre-paid or mobile broadband devices. For phones and modems activated for less than 6 months, the fee is $80. For phones and modems activated between 6 months and 2 years ago, there is a $25 unlocking fee. If you’re a prepaid customer, these payments can be made using your existing credit.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am unable to unlock my telstra NextG prepaid phone.Telstra shop no help. gave me a phone No; to Ring 1300 720 179 but No.seemed to be engaged permanently.
Hi Adolf,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Telstra Pre-Paid mobiles (including iPhone) and mobile broadband devices are locked for use only on Telstra’s network. There is a fee to have your Pre-Paid mobile phone unlocked.
– $80 for devices activated for 6 months or less, or never activated; and
– $25 for devices activated for more than 6 months up to 2 years.
There is no unlocking fee after that.
To unlock your Pre-Paid Mobile, or check your unlocking fee, follow the steps below:
1. Press * # 0 6 # on your mobile, and write down the code that’s shown. This is your mobile’s IMEI number.
2. Contact the Telstra Pre-Paid Unlocking Centre direct on 125 8880 and follow the prompts. If you’re calling from a non-Telstra phone call 13 22 00 and say ‘Pre-Paid’ then follow the prompts. If you’re calling from overseas, call +61 439 125 888 (international call charges will apply).
3. You can pay the unlocking fee using your main Pre-Paid credit balance (not your bonus credit), via credit card or in store.
4. You’ll be asked for your phone’s IMEI code and will then be advised of the unlocking fee and payment instructions.
5. Once payment is completed you will be advised of unlocking instructions.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold