Will a Privacy Phone work with my SIM, network and travel?

Yes. Insert a nano-SIM, or add an eSIM. The phone an unlocked, new Australian-model phone.

How a Privacy Phone works with SIM, network and travel

• Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and the networks that resell them work, including Boost, Amaysim, Kogan Mobile and ALDI Mobile.
• You keep your number. Port it the usual way, or move the SIM across.
• Every model has one nano-SIM tray and one eSIM. Use the split for work and personal, or for a travel line.
• We ship in 4G mode. Turn 5G on in Settings if you want it. Calls still work either way.
• Take it overseas on 4G in most countries. A local prepaid SIM or eSIM works in the usual way.

SIM and eSIM on a Privacy Phone

Add an eSIM from the carrier’s QR code in Settings. Some carrier apps want sandboxed Play. The User Manual covers both paths. How to add that is in install apps on a Privacy Phone.

You can put the two lines in different profiles if you want them further apart. That is in isolation features.

Using a Privacy Phone for travel

Take the same phone. Proton VPN is already on it if you want an Australian-looking connection for banking or mail while you are away. See Proton apps.

A handful of countries use bands an Australian Pixel does not tune, including some US millimetre-wave. Voice and data still run on 4G in almost every case. If you live on one overseas network, contact us before you order.

Why 4G is the default

Our standards set the radio to 4G. It is a smaller radio surface, the battery lasts longer, and the networks you use in Australia still carry the call. Toggle 5G when you want the extra speed.

Android Auto on a Privacy Phone

Install Android Auto from sandboxed Play. The User Manual has the steps. Wired or wireless, depending on the car. Maps, calls and media. If a head unit is fussy, turn on the compatibility option in Settings.

Common questions about SIM, network and travel

Will my number move across to a Privacy Phone?

• Yes. Port it, or move the physical SIM. eSIM moves by the carrier’s transfer, not by popping a tray.

Do I need a Google account to activate the SIM?

• No.

Does 4G mean I cannot use 5G?

• No. It is the default. You can turn 5G on.

Will a Privacy Phone work on a ferry or a regional tower?

• It uses the same cellular hardware as a stock Pixel. Coverage is the tower, not the operating system.

-> Shop Privacy Phones

-> See all FAQs