How to unlock a phone from Telstra, Optus or Vodafone

A travel eSIM only works on a phone that is carrier-unlocked, meaning it accepts SIMs and eSIMs from other networks. Phones bought outright from a manufacturer are usually unlocked, but some phones bought from an Australian carrier are locked to that carrier. Check before you buy an eSIM, because unlocking can take days.

How to check if your phone is locked

• iPhone: open Settings › General › About and look for Carrier Lock. Apple says “No SIM restrictions” there means the iPhone is unlocked.
• Android: there is no single setting on every model. Ask your carrier, or check the purchase details. A SIM from another network that works in the phone is also a good sign it is unlocked.
• Whichever phone you have, find its IMEI first: dial *#06#, or look in Settings › About. Carriers ask for it when you request an unlock.

Telstra

Telstra's support page (checked 16 October 2026) says phones on post-paid or Upfront plans may be locked, and month-to-month plans are not. Its listed unlocking fees are: none if the service has been active for more than two years; $25 for devices active between six months and two years; and $80 for devices never activated or active for six months or less. Telstra says to call 13 22 00 and say “unlock device option”, Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm AEST, and that unlocking could take up to 7–10 days.

Optus

Optus has an online page for unlocking a prepaid device from the Optus network (checked 16 October 2026). It asks for your mobile number and IMEI, takes payment by PayID and then sends an unlock code. Fees and timing are shown during the process. For a phone bought on an Optus plan, contact Optus.

Vodafone

Vodafone's support page (checked 16 October 2026) says not all of its devices are locked. It lists no fee for unlocking a device bought on a plan, a $50 fee for prepaid devices under six months and a $25 fee for prepaid devices over six months. Unlocking uses Vodafone's online unlocking tool, and you need a SIM card from another provider and the correct IMEI to finish.

Other providers

Many Australian providers use the Telstra, Optus or Vodafone networks but sell their own phones. If you bought your phone from one of them, ask that provider how to check and unlock it.

After unlocking

Check that your exact model supports eSIM in the compatibility guide, then follow the setup guide for iPhone, Samsung or Google Pixel.

Phone unlocking questions

Will a travel eSIM work on a locked phone?

No. A carrier-locked phone only accepts that carrier's SIMs and eSIMs. Unlock it first.

How long does unlocking take?

It depends on the carrier. Telstra says up to 7–10 days, so start well before your trip.

Does unlocking delete my data or Australian number?

Unlocking does not move your number: it stays with your Australian service. Apple says only your carrier can unlock an iPhone, and that once the carrier confirms the unlock you finish it by inserting another SIM, or, if you do not have one, by backing up, erasing and restoring the iPhone. Back up first either way.

Sources and last checked

Checked 16 October 2026: Telstra, unlock your phone using IMEI; Optus, unlock your Optus phone; Vodafone, unlock your device; Apple, unlock your iPhone for a different carrier. Fees and steps change; check the carrier's page before you start.