Activate your mobile

Activate your mobile service 

Select your service type and follow the instructions.

What type of service would you like to activate?

Pre-Paid activations

You will need:

  • Internet access 
  • Device to use for activation (Many customers prefer a desktop computer or laptop)
  • Access to your email account (To receive a verification code)
  • Your ID (driver licence, passport or Medicare card)
  • The SIM serial number (SSN) printed on the SIM card or device package 

If you have other Telstra services 

When you start the activation log in to your existing account. This will ensure your new service will be visible in My Telstra.

If you're moving your service from another carrier 

You will need access to that service to receive the verification code (via SMS). Continue using your old SIM until activation is complete.

Service selection  

When asked ‘What do you want to use your service for?’ For Mobile Broadband activation, select ‘Data only’ and for Mobile Phone Activation select ’Calls, text, data’.

To activate a replacement SIM

To activate a physical replacement SIM for an existing Pre-Paid service:

  1. Insert your new SIM

  2. Sign in or download the My Telstra app

  3. Activate your SIM

New Post-paid physical SIM activation

Insert your new SIM into your device. If the SIM is for a new service, it will automatically activate once you accept delivery.

Note: It can take up to four hours to complete activation. If your service hasn’t activated in this time, switch your device off and on again.

Activate a physical SIM when moving from another provider to Telstra

  1. Insert your new SIM

  2. Sign in or download the My Telstra app

  3. Activate your SIM

To activate your SIM later

If you don’t want to activate your SIM now, you can do so later or, wait until your service is automatically activated seven days after your delivery is confirmed. If you choose to wait for the automatic activation, continue using your current SIM until your Telstra SIM is active.

Activate a replacement SIM

Upfront plans

If you're on a month-to-month plan, and pay each month using AutoPay, then you’re on an Upfront plan.

  1. Insert your new SIM
  2. Sign in or download the My Telstra app
  3. Activate your SIM

Other plans

If you're on a month-to-month plan and pay for your service via a bill, then you're not on an Upfront plan.

Please call 13 22 00 to activate your replacement SIM. SIM replacements cannot be activated by our Messaging teams.

eSIM Pre-Paid activation

To activate an eSIM service on your device, please download the My Telstra App.

How to transfer from a physical SIM to eSIM

For existing Telstra customers with a physical SIM card.

  1. Open My Telstra app

  2. Transfer to eSIM

  3. Complete activation

Note: Your physical SIM will stop working and cannot be restored. However, you can switch back to physical SIM at any time by ordering a replacement physical SIM card.

eSIM. The simpler SIM

Getting connected with eSIM is quicker, simpler and more eco-friendly. 
 
Learn how to activate an eSIM or check if your device is eSIM compatible on our dedicated eSIM page.

Questions about Telstra mobiles?

My Telstra app

View your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, contact us via messaging and much more.

Support

More information about mobile phones can be found in our Support section.

Send us a message

Want help with your SIM? Get in touch and we'll help you as soon as we can.

Contact us

We're here to answer your questions.