How to unlock your existing phone

Australia

Unlocking your mobile phone is a simple process for most Australian mobile providers:

  1. Call the customer service number of your provider (refer below)
  2. Ask to have your phone unlocked
  3. You may be charged a fee to unlock your phone (refer below), so have your credit card details ready
  4. Most providers will then provide you with an unlocking code which you will need to enter into your mobile phone. Follow their instructions carefully.

Network locking is rarely applied to post paid or contract phones, however, you may be required to pay out your contracted mobile phone before networking locking is removed.

Information is correct as at 1st August 2006, and is subject to change without notice.

Vodafone Prepaid
Cost: Free
Phone: +61 414 141 414 or 1300 555 007 The unlocking code is provided via email. Visit www.vodafone.com.au/unlock, follow the instructions and you should receive a reply within 3 days.

Vodafone Contract
Cost: Free
Phone: +61 414 141 414 or 1300 650 410
The unlocking code is provided via email. Visit www.vodafone.com.au/unlock, follow the instructions and you should receive a reply within 3 days.

Telstra Prepaid
Cost: AU$50 if the request is made within 6 months of registering your service; AU$27.50 if the request is outside of this period.
Phone: +614 3912 5109 Toll Free: 125 8880
The unlocking code is provided over the phone.

Telstra Contract
Cost: AU$50 if the request is made within 6 months of registering your service; AU$27.50 if the request is after 6 months; Free after 2 years.
Phone: +614 3912 5109 or 1300 720 179
The unlocking code is provided over the phone.

Optus Prepaid
Cost: $80 fee applies if removed within the first six months of activation. If you have recharged to the value of $80 no fee applies.
Phone: +61 2 9342 5678 or 1300 555 002
The unlocking code is provided over the phone.

Optus Contract
Cost: None. Optus contract phones are not locked.
Phone: +61 2 9342 5678 or 1300 300 937

3 Prepaid
Cost: $199 if request is made within first year; Free outside of this period. Note: Some 3 phones can not be unlocked.
Phone: 13 33 20
The unlocking code is provided over the phone.

3 Contract
Cost: Free. Note: Some 3 phones can not be unlocked.
Phone: 13 33 20
The unlocking code is provided over the phone.