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How do I check if my phone is unlocked in Australia
Mobile Phone & Internet Blog | MATE | 6 June 2022
How to check if your phone is unlocked
Luckily for Aussies, many mobile phones that are sold through telcos these days are unlocked. An unlocked phone can save a lot of hassle down the track if you ever want to change your plan by switching mobile carriers.
Maybe you want to sign up with MATE for a SIM-only mobile plan with unlimited talk & text, no contracts and other great perks? But how can you find out if your phone is unlocked in Australia? If it isn’t, how do you get it unlocked? In this guide, we take you through the long and short of unlocked and locked phones — regardless of whether they’re prepaid or postpaid phones.
We also show you how to unlock your phone if you need to switch providers and whether there may be an unlocking fee.
What is a ‘locked’ mobile device?
If you have a locked phone, this means that it’s tied to a particular mobile network carrier (typically Telstra, Optus or Vodafone in Australia). As such, only a SIM card provided by that particular carrier will work with that specific phone. This essentially prevents you from freely opting into other plans with other telcos, as you could do if you had an unlocked phone.
Which mobile phones are locked and which ones aren’t, including prepaid phones?
Not all phones are locked to a carrier. Before switching networks, use the table below to check your phone unlock status.
| Phone Type | Locked or Unlocked? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Postpaid Phones (Newer Models) | ✅ Unlocked | Most phones sold by major Aussie telcos today are unlocked. |
| Postpaid Phones (Older Models, 2013-2015) | ❌ Locked | Older models may still be locked to a carrier. |
| Prepaid Phones (Any Year) | ❌ Locked | Most prepaid phones are locked to the carrier they were purchased from. |
| Outright Purchased Phones | ✅ Unlocked | Phones bought outright from Apple, Samsung, JB Hi-Fi, etc., are unlocked. |
| Refurbished or Second-Hand Phones | 🔄 Varies | Some are unlocked, but it’s best to check before switching networks. |
Is your phone unlocked? Here’s how to check
Want to check your phone unlock status? Follow these simple steps:
Method 1: Contact Your Provider
- Call your network provider and ask if your phone is locked.
- Some providers also have an online portal where you can check your phone’s lock status.
Method 2: Swap Your SIM Card
- Turn off your phone.
- Remove your current SIM card and insert a SIM from a different network.
- Turn your phone back on and check for a network signal.
If you can make calls and send texts → Your phone is unlocked!
If you see an unlock code request → Your phone is locked.
Pro Tip: Before making a decision, you can buy a cheap prepaid SIM from a petrol station or supermarket to test whether your phone is locked.
How to unlock a phone that is locked to a network using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
Unlocking your phone from a carrier is easier than you think! Follow these quick steps to unlock your device using your IMEI number.
5 Easy Steps to Unlock Your Phone
- Find your IMEI number
* Dial #06# on your phone.
* A 15-digit IMEI number will appear
* Note down only the first 15 digits - Check your phone’s lock status
* Use an IMEI checker online to verify if your phone is locked
* You can find IMEI checkers on manufacturer or carrier websites. - Contact your mobile carrier
* Call or visit your carrier’s website
* Request an unlocking code using your IMEI - Check for unlocking fees
* Some telcos charge a fee for unlocking, especially for prepaid devices
* Postpaid phones are usually free to unlock after the contract ends. - Complete your unlock process
* Your carrier will send an unlock code (or unlock it remotely).
* Insert a SIM from another provider to check iff it’s successfully unlocked.
The takeaway
Chances are that if you’ve recently purchased a postpaid mobile through an Aussie telco — it’s unlocked. This means you’re free to browse the market for the best value-for-money mobile plans. Just like any one of MATE’s SIM-only mobile plans, which offer unlimited talk & text, data banking, and no lock-in contracts. Check it out for yourself!
