How to unlock a Telstra phone

We have good news if you’re wondering how to unlock your Telstra postpaid phone. Your phone most likely comes pre-locked if you bought it within the previous seven years or so. This implies that you should have no trouble inserting the SIM card from any operator. If you think your older equipment might be tied to Telstra, try the procedures listed below or get help from Telstra’s support staff.

To unlock a Telstra phone (or any carrier-locked phone in Australia), there are a few methods:

1. Official Carrier Unlock
Contact Telstra and request they provide you with the unlock code for your specific phone’s IMEI number. Most carriers will unlock phones if:
– Your contract has expired
– The phone is paid off in full
– You provide proof of ownership
Telstra may charge a fee (usually $25-$80) for providing the unlock code.

2. Third-Party Unlocking Services
There are companies that can generate unlock codes for a fee, usually $20-$50. This involves providing them the phone’s IMEI and model details.
Popular unlockers in Australia include: UnlockBase, DirectUnlocks, DoctorSIM.

Make sure to use a reputable, reviewed service.

3. Phone Unlocking Hardware/Software
For more tech-savvy users, you can purchase unlocking devices, cables or software that can remove the carrier lock on certain phone models by communicating with the phone’s hardware.
This often requires specific codes and technical steps.

4. Carrier Contract Buyout
If you’re still on contract, you may be able to buyout/pay the remaining balance to Telstra, at which point they should provide the unlock code free of charge.

5. Find Your IMEI Number

The IMEI number of your phone is the only requirement for unlocking a Telstra phone. An IMEI, short for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a code that is exclusive to your device and typically consists of 17 digits. If you no longer have the box your phone arrived in, there are a few alternative ways to locate it. It is frequently located on the box your phone came in.

You can start by just dialing *#06# and then pressing the call button. Using this code will just show your IMEI number on your screen—not really placing a call. Make sure you record it or make a note of it somehow.

The exact process can depend on your specific Telstra phone model and contract status. Be sure to backup data first, as unlocking can wipe phones in some cases. Getting an official unlock code from Telstra or a trusted third-party is usually the safest method.