Help Center
Quick Links
Does my phone need to be unlocked?
Yes. If you want to use your current phone with Tello, it must be carrier-unlocked.
What is an "unlocked" phone?
An unlocked phone is a device that isn't tied to one specific provider. It gives you the freedom to choose your own carrier (like Tello!).
Important: Checking your status
Tello cannot check if your phone is locked and we cannot unlock it for you.
* Only you can confirm this by contacting your current carrier or the person who sold you the phone.
Our online Compatibility Checker only checks if the tech inside your phone works with our towers—it cannot see if the phone is locked.
What happens if I use a locked phone? If you try to use Tello on a locked device, you’ll probably see a "SIM Error" or "Invalid SIM" message. You won't be able to use your Tello service until your previous carrier unlocks the device for you.
✅Pro- Tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked before you try to activate your Tello SIM to avoid any service gaps!
What is an "unlocked" phone?
An unlocked phone is a device that isn't tied to one specific provider. It gives you the freedom to choose your own carrier (like Tello!).
- Is my phone locked? If you bought your phone from another carrier or are still paying it off on a contract, it is likely locked to that network.
- Is my phone unlocked? If you bought it directly from the manufacturer (like Apple or Samsung) or have already finished your contract, it might be unlocked.
Important: Checking your status
Tello cannot check if your phone is locked and we cannot unlock it for you.
* Only you can confirm this by contacting your current carrier or the person who sold you the phone.
Our online Compatibility Checker only checks if the tech inside your phone works with our towers—it cannot see if the phone is locked.
What happens if I use a locked phone? If you try to use Tello on a locked device, you’ll probably see a "SIM Error" or "Invalid SIM" message. You won't be able to use your Tello service until your previous carrier unlocks the device for you.
✅Pro- Tip: Make sure your phone is unlocked before you try to activate your Tello SIM to avoid any service gaps!
