Activate your mobile

Get started with your mobile

Activate your SIM, eSIM or set up a new device.

Pre-Paid SIM activation

Please ensure your mobile device is compatible with our 4G/5G network and is able to make emergency calls, including 000.

You'll need:

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

Are you an existing Telstra customer?

Make sure you’ve signed in to My Telstra when you start activation. This will ensure your new service is visible in your My Telstra account.

Are you moving your service from another network?

You’ll need access to that service to receive a verification code (via SMS) during activation. Continue using your old SIM until activation with Telstra is complete. For more information on transferring your number, visit our switching support page.

What are you using your new Pre-Paid SIM for?

If you’re using your service to make calls, select 'Calls, text and data' when prompted. Otherwise, select ‘Data only'.

To activate a replacement SIM for an existing Pre-Paid service, follow these three steps:

Insert your replacement SIM

Step 1
Connect to Wi-Fi if you’re not already, as you’ll need this to complete activation.

Sign in to My Telstra

Step 2
Make sure you open the My Telstra app on the phone with the SIM you’re activating. You can download it if you don’t have it.

Activate your SIM

Step 3
Within the app, go to ‘Get Help’, then ‘My Orders’ and select the order you placed for the SIM. Select ‘Activate your SIM’.

If you're a new customer wanting to activate a Pre-Paid eSIM, or an existing Telstra customer wanting to add a new Pre-Paid eSIM service, follow these three steps:

Buy a plan

Step 2
Select the eSIM tile on the homepage or the ‘Services’ tab. Reconfirm and purchase your plan.

Activate your SIM

Step 3
Connect to Wi-Fi and follow the prompts to install eSIM on your phone. Your service will be connected as soon as the eSIM installation and transfer from your current network provider (if required) is complete.

If you're an existing Telstra customer wanting to transfer from a physical Pre-Paid SIM to an eSIM, follow these three steps:

Open My Telstra

Step 1
Open the My Telstra app on the phone you’re transferring your SIM.

Transfer to eSIM

Step 2
From the ‘Service’ tab, select the relevant service and scroll down to ‘Transfer or restore eSIM’.

Complete activation

Step 3
Follow the prompts to complete eSIM activation.

Once you transfer to eSIM, your physical SIM will stop working and cannot be restored. However, you can switch back to a physical SIM at any time by ordering a replacement physical SIM.

Upfront SIM activation

Please ensure your mobile device is compatible with our 4G/5G network and is able to make emergency calls, including 000.

If your SIM is for a new Upfront service, you don’t need to activate it. We’ll do it for you automatically once we know you’ve received it.

Otherwise, to activate a replacement SIM for an existing Upfront service, follow these three steps:

Insert your replacement SIM

Step 1
Connect to Wi-Fi if you’re not already, as you’ll need this to complete activation.

Sign in to My Telstra

Step 2
Make sure you open the My Telstra app on the phone with the SIM you’re activating. You can download it if you don’t have it.

Activate your SIM

Step 3
Within My Telstra, go to ‘Get Help’, then ‘My Orders’ and select the order you placed for the SIM. Select ‘Activate your SIM’.

It can take up to four hours for us to complete activation of both new and replacement SIMs. If your service hasn’t activated in this time, switch your device off and on again.
 

Don't want to activate your SIM just yet?

You can do it later or wait until your service is automatically activated seven days after your delivery is confirmed with us. If you choose to wait for the automatic activation, continue using your current SIM until your Telstra SIM is active. Remember, as soon as your Telstra SIM is active, your current SIM will stop working. 

If you're a new customer wanting to activate an Upfront eSIM, or an existing Telstra customer wanting to add a new Upfront eSIM service, follow these three steps:

Choose a plan

Step 1
Select either a mobile plan or data plan. At checkout, select ‘Get a new number’.

Select eSIM at checkout

Step 2
Choose the eSIM option instead of a physical SIM when purchasing.

Activate your eSIM

Step 3
Connect to Wi-Fi and follow the prompts to install eSIM on your phone.

eSIM is not yet available for customers who wish to keep their number when switching from another network provider.

If you are an existing Telstra customer wanting to transfer from a physical Upfront SIM to an eSIM, follow these three steps:

Open My Telstra

Step 1
Open the My Telstra app on the phone you’re transferring your SIM.

Transfer to eSIM

Step 2
From the ‘Service’ tab, select the relevant service and scroll down to ‘Transfer or restore eSIM’.

Complete activation

Step 3
Follow the prompts to complete eSIM activation.

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.
Learn more about eSIM

Device set-up

Set up, manage and troubleshoot your new phone or smart device with our range of step-by-step guides.
View device guides

Turn your old device into credit

Trade in your pre-loved eligible phone, tablet or smartwatch.
Explore trade-in

Questions about Telstra mobiles?

My Telstra app

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

Download My Telstra

Support

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

Go to support

Send us a message

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

Message us

Contact us

We're here to answer your questions.
 

Contact us