How to check if your phone will work in Australia

Nathan Lawrence - Freelance Contributor

Last updated 11 December 2025

Contents

In this phone guide:

Will my phone work on the Telstra network?
Will my phone work on the Optus network?
Will my phone work on the Vodafone network?

Phones aren't exactly cheap nowadays. So it's understandable that Aussies are looking at imported phones to knock some serious money off hefty RRPs. Outside of a potentially limited warranty, the other catch is that not all international phones will work in Australia. That's important to consider whether you're visiting Australia or buying a phone for use in Australia.

Here's what you need to know to ensure your phone will work in Australia, specifically because the Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone 3G networks in Australia are no longer available. But it's not just 3G phones that won't work on Australian mobile networks; certain 4G phones won't work either if they don't support Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) Emergency Calling.

Older phone compatibility

Older phones may not work at all in Australia. This includes 3G-only handsets, 4G phones that don't support the 700MHz band, 4G phones without VoLTE, and 4G VoLTE phones reliant on 3G for emergency calls.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has a Check My Device website where you can input your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to check compatibility. To find your IMEI number, dial *#06# on your phone and make note of the relevant info in the pop-up.

VOLTE vs. Emergency VOLTE

VoLTE is a fancy term for describing 4G compatibility. In practical terms, VoLTE uses data to transmit mobile-to-mobile voice calls instead of relying on 3G (or 2G) mobile networks. While every 4G phone supports VoLTE, not every 4G phone supports VoLTE Emergency Calling. Without that support, you can't dial 000 emergency services from a phone in Australia. Because of that, the mobile network owners in Australia are required to block those phones.

Use the relevant mobile network links below to see if your phone supports full VoLTE. Alternatively, check with your phone's manufacturer to verify that it includes VoLTE and VoLTE Emergency Calling. Note that you may have to update your phone to receive full VoLTE functionality.

Will my phone work on the Telstra network?

In the wake of its 3G network shutdown, Telstra has a Device Capability Checker website to verify whether your mobile phone will work on its mobile network, including Telstra mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Dial *#06# on your phone, then input the first eight digits of your IMEI on the Telstra Device Compatibility Checker site to check whether it will work.

Telstra notes that you may need to update your phone software and confirm that VoLTE is enabled on your device. Follow these steps to update VoLTE settings on an iPhone or iPad:

Open up Settings
Tap on 'Cellular'
Go to 'Cellular Data Options'
Choose 'Voice & Data'
Confirm the VoLTE toggle is on

Android phones differ between manufacturers, but you should be able to find relevant VoLTE settings on eligible devices by going to settings, 'Connections' (or equivalent), then checking the options under 'Mobile networks' (or equivalent).

Note that if you're using a grey import phone or are visiting Australia with an international handset, your device will be blocked on the Telstra mobile network if it doesn't support VoLTE, including VoLTE Emergency Calling.

If you're in the market for a mobile plan on the Telstra network, here are popular picks from our database.

#1	Boost Mobile	Boost Mobile $39 Prepaid 60GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 60GB data on first 6 recharges, then 30GB from 7th recharge. New customers only. Activate by 02.11.26 $39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Go to Site	$39.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#2	Tangerine Telecom	Tangerine Telecom 30GB 5G Mobile SIM 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks Deal: 50% off plan fees for 4 months - $15/mth for 4 months then $30/mth. Offer available until withdrawn. $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Superloop	Superloop SuperSim Saver 4G Plan 15GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: FREE 2nd recharge for existing Superloop broadband customers or new customers signing up for a mobile & broadband service $25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$25.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Exetel	Exetel Plus One eSIM Plan 130GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$40.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#5	ALDI mobile	ALDI mobile $28 Mobile Plan 12GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Uses parts of Telstra’s 5G and 4G mobile networks $28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$28.00 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	Telstra	Telstra $84 Essential Upfront SIM Plan 180GB data Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices $84.00/mth Min. cost $84 Link not supplied	$84.00/mth Min. cost $84	Link not supplied

What is a grey import phone?

A grey import phone is one that's an international version of a phone that may or may not be sold in Australia. For a phone to be sold in Australia, it has to be compatible with the Australian mobile networks. International phones don't have to meet those requirements, so they may be either partially or fully incompatible.

Will my phone work on the Optus network?

Optus says that mobile phones and cellular-capable smartwatches that don't fully support VoLTE will be blocked on its mobile network. If you want to check whether your phone is compatible with any plan on the Optus mobile network, including Optus MVNOs, first dial *#06# on your phone and make note of the first eight digits of your IMEI number. Input those IMEI digits on the dedicated Optus Blocked Device Checker website.

As with Telstra, if your international phone doesn't fully support VoLTE (including VoLTE Emergency Calling), you won't be able to use it with any plan on the Optus network in Australia.

If you're interested in a mobile plan on the Optus network, check out these popular plans from our database.

#1	SpinTel Editor's Pick	SpinTel Editor's Pick $23 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT WhistleOut Special: Enjoy $11 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $12/mth for first 6 months, then $23/mth $12.00/mth Min. cost $12 Go to Site	$12.00/mth Min. cost $12	Go to Site
#2	Dodo Editor's Pick	Dodo Editor's Pick Medium Mobile Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: 50% off for first 4 mths! Get the Medium Mobile Plan for $15/mth for first 4 mths. New and returning mobile customers only. Ends 27.10 $30.00/mth Min. cost $15 Go to Site	$30.00/mth Min. cost $15	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $60 Optus Choice Plus Plan 100GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device Deal: $39/mth and 100GB/mth for first 12 months, then 60GB/mth and $60/mth or as notified. New services. Ends 12.11.26. Terms apply. $39.00/mth Min. cost $39 Go to Site	$39.00/mth Min. cost $39	Go to Site
#4	Yomojo	Yomojo Starter 29GB Plan 29GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#5	Coles Mobile	Coles Mobile Prepaid $220 for 365 Days 145GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: Get the $220 SIM for only $169! Offer ends 27.10.26 $169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$169.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	amaysim	amaysim UNLIMITED 240GB Long Expiry 240GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Get 240GB for $199 (includes $121 off) on first renewal. Offer ends 31.10.26. New online services only. T&Cs apply. $199.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$199.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Link not supplied

Australian 3G network shutdown

Vodafone completed its 3G mobile network shutdown in January 2024. After some shutdown extensions, Telstra and Optus followed suit, and they had closed their respective 3G networks as of November 2024. If you have a 3G mobile phone or a 4G phone that doesn't support VoLTE Emergency Calling, you won't be able to use it on the Telstra or Optus networks. Even if your 3G or 4G phone without VoLTE Emergency Calling initially works on the Vodafone network, it will stop after a few months.

Will my phone work on the Vodafone network?

Vodafone doesn't have a device compatibility checker like Telstra or Vodafone. Instead, Vodafone has a list of approved devices by manufacturer. If you want to know whether your cellular device will work on the Vodafone mobile network, ensure it's one of the options below:

Alcatel 1 2019 4G (5033TL)
Alcatel 1B 2020 4G (5031G)
Alcatel 1V 202 4G (5007U)
Alcatel 1S 2021 4G (6025D)
Alcatel 3L 2020 4G (5029D)
Apple iPhone 6 and newer
Apple iPad 4 and newer
Apple iPad 4 and newer
Google Pixel 3 and newer
HMD Pulse+ 4G (TA-1602)
HMD Pulse Pro 4G (TA-1588)
Huawei P30 4G (ELE-L09)
Huawei P30 Pro 4G (VOG-L09)
LG K42 4G (LM-K420YM)
LG Velvet 5G (LM-G900EM)
MobiWire V Pro 4G and newer
MobiWire V Smart 4G and newer
MobiWire V Lite 4G and newer
MobiWire V One 4G (GX2421)
MobiWire V Flip 4G (GF28E1)
Motorola Moto e7 and newer
Motorola Moto g6 4G and newer
Motorola Edge 20 Fusion, 50 Fusion, 30 5G, 30 Pro 5G
Nokia 1 Plus 4G (TA-1111)
Nokia C01 Plus 4G (TA-1387)
Nokia C02 4G (TA-1522)
Nokia G21 4G (TA-1418)
Nokia 110 4G (TA-1549)
Nokia XR20 5G (TA-1362)
Oppo A16s 4G, A38 4G, A57 4G, A60 5G, A91 4G, AX5 4G
Oppo Find X2 Lite 5G, Find X5 Lite 5G, Find X5 5G, Find X5 Pro 5G
Oppo R15 Pro 4G, R17 Pro 4G, Reno8 5G, Reno Z 4G
Samsung Galaxy A05s 4G, Galaxy A8 4G, A11 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy S8 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 2017 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 4G and newer
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4G and newer

If you buy an international phone to use in Australia, it may work for a few months on the Vodafone mobile network, but then it could be blocked if it's incompatible. That's because Vodafone allows international VoLTE phones that don't support VoLTE Emergency Calling to work for 90 days before blocking to help visitors have non-emergency phone functionality while visiting Australia.

Check out this list of popular plans from our database if you're interested in perusing mobile plans on the Vodafone network.

#1	TPG Editor's Pick	TPG Editor's Pick 30GB Small Plan 30GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $15/mth for first 6 months, then $30/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 25GB Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 5G/4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T+Cs apply $30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30.00 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small - 365 Day Flex Plan 220GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 220GB data for only $149 (incl. $30.90 off + 80GB bonus data) on the Small 365 Day Flex Plan. Offer ends 11.10.26 $149.00 Per 365 Day Renewal Go to Site	$149.00 Per 365 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#4	Vodafone	Vodafone $58 Small SIM Only Plan 65GB data Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Includes $13/mth off plan fees for first 12 months when you stay connected to this plan. Ends 29.10.26. T&Cs apply. $45.00/mth Min. cost $45 Go to Site	$45.00/mth Min. cost $45	Go to Site
#5	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick	Lyca Mobile Editor's Pick Unlimited Plan S 50GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: $15 for first 6 renewals when you activate this plan. Offer ends 31.12.26. T&Cs apply $15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$15.00 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#6	iiNet	iiNet 100GB Large Plan 100GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $22.50/mth for first 6 months, then $45/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Link not supplied	$22.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Link not supplied

Australian carrier bands

For a phone to be fully functional in Australia across all mobile networks, it needs to support a range of Australian frequencies across 4G and 5G networks. If your phone only supports some and not all frequencies on a mobile network, it may work in some parts of Australia but not in others.

Read our full guide on Australian network frequencies to check if your international device is compatible.

Nathan Lawrence

Freelance Contributor

Nathan Lawrence is a freelance writer with over 11 years of experience. He has contributed to publications including WhistleOut Australia, Review.org/au, IGN, STACK, Fandom, Red Bull, and AusGamers. Nathan specialises in researching, writing, and editing content around technology, telecommunications, and gaming.

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