Help Center

GSM Phones purchased from Tello are already unlocked and so no international unlock is required for use overseas.
If you came to Tello with a locked device then you will need to get the device unlocked with the original carrier.
Tello does not lock or unlock devices.

We don't offer roaming just yet but we do have 2 great alternatives for calling and texting when you are traveling abroad or simply in an area of poor coverage at home.

Wi-Fi Calling & Text
This is a feature available on the vast majority of Tello GSM-compatible phones and you can check your phone settings to confirm.
It allows for calling & texting via the closest available Wi-Fi network which could be at a hotel, your office, at home, or even a Wi-Fi hotspot.

If you have set up Wi-Fi Calling correctly, it does not use up data from your Tello data plan, it just uses minutes from your calling plan as normal.
See more details on this blog.

"My Tello" App
You also have the option of using our free "My Tello" app to make calls through Wi-Fi.
You cannot receive calls via the App and texting is also not available via the App - it is only to make calls.

The "My Tello" app is free to download for iOS and Android users.

When calling from the Tello app in the USA using your own Data plan, the costs are higher than if you were using the regular Tello calling service because the App uses your Data allowance.
On average, the app uses 1 MB/min.
Therefore, please use the App over a Wi-Fi connection if possible.

To make a call, simply dial the destination number from the keypad (always include country code) or choose from your phone "Contacts" tab (ensure the number is in international format).