If you’ve picked up a cheap Optus prepaid phone or you’re still using one from a few years back, switching to a better-value plan is tempting. Amaysim offers some of the most competitive prepaid SIM-only deals in Australia, with generous data, unlimited calls and texts, and access to the Optus 4G/5G network. But the big question many people ask is: Can Amaysim be used on Optus prepaid phones?
The short answer is yes — in most cases it works straight away, especially if your Optus prepaid phone is locked to the Optus network. Amaysim runs entirely on the Optus network, so an Optus-locked device will happily accept an Amaysim SIM card without any unlocking required.
Let’s dive deeper into exactly how this works, what conditions apply, potential gotchas in 2026, and step-by-step advice to get you connected smoothly.
Why Amaysim Works Well with Optus Prepaid Phones
Amaysim is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that has used the Optus wholesale network since day one. Optus even acquired the company back in 2022, but Amaysim continues to operate as its own brand with separate plans and customer systems.
Because both services share the same underlying towers and frequencies, compatibility is excellent. Real-world user reports and forum discussions consistently confirm that Amaysim SIMs work in Optus-locked handsets — whether they were originally bought as postpaid or prepaid devices.
In fact, many people deliberately buy inexpensive Optus prepaid phones knowing they can pop in an Amaysim SIM for cheaper ongoing costs.
Key Conditions for Success
While compatibility is generally high, a few important requirements must be met in 2026:
- The phone must be Optus-locked (or unlocked) Phones locked to Optus will accept any Optus-network SIM, including Amaysim, Coles Mobile, and other resellers. Phones locked to Telstra or Vodafone will not work with Amaysim.
- Network compatibility — 4G VoLTE or 5G required Since October 2024, the Optus network (and therefore Amaysim) no longer supports 3G-only devices or older 4G phones that lack proper VoLTE and emergency calling capabilities. Most phones sold in Australia in the last 5–6 years are fine, but very old handsets may be blocked.
- Unlocked phones are even better If your Optus prepaid phone is already unlocked, it will work with Amaysim as long as it supports the Optus 4G/5G bands.
Amaysim’s own help centre states clearly: “So long as your device is compatible with the Optus network and unlocked, you should be golden!” Even for locked Optus devices, the rule holds true for network resellers like Amaysim.
Also read: Are 1800 numbers free from Amaysim mobiles?
How to Check If Your Optus Prepaid Phone Will Work
Before you buy an Amaysim SIM, do these quick checks:
- Use the official Optus Device Checker Dial *#06# on your phone to get the IMEI number. Take the first 8 digits and enter them into Optus’s online Device Checker tool at optus.com.au/support/checkdevice. This will tell you instantly if the phone can connect to the Optus 4G/5G network in 2026.
- Test with your current SIM If the phone is already working on Optus prepaid, there’s a very high chance an Amaysim SIM will also work.
- Amaysim coverage map Double-check that your area has good Optus coverage. Amaysim provides the same network reach as direct Optus customers — covering about 98.5% of the Australian population.
Step-by-Step: Switching to Amaysim on Your Optus Prepaid Phone
- Order your Amaysim SIM Choose from their popular 28-day prepaid plans (many now include 5G access even on cheaper tiers). Delivery is fast and activation is straightforward via the Amaysim app.
- Insert the SIM Power off your Optus prepaid phone, insert the new Amaysim SIM, and turn it back on. In most cases, it will connect automatically to the Optus network.
- Set up APN if needed For data and MMS, Amaysim provides simple setup guides. Usually the settings apply automatically, but you can find them in their help centre if internet doesn’t kick in right away.
- Activate and recharge Follow the prompts in the Amaysim app or website to activate. Top up credit or choose a plan, and you’re good to go.
If your phone was bought directly from Optus or Amaysim as a prepaid handset, it is usually locked to Optus by default. Amaysim customers can unlock it for free once every 6 months (or $25 after that) by texting UNLOCK to 9999 with an active Amaysim SIM inserted.
Common Questions and Potential Issues
Will calls, texts, and data all work? Yes — voice calls use VoLTE, texts work normally, and data speeds match what direct Optus prepaid customers get (up to 150Mbps on 5G for many plans).
What about 5G? Newer Amaysim plans include 5G access. As long as your Optus prepaid phone supports 5G and is compatible, you’ll enjoy faster speeds in 5G areas.
Can I keep my existing Optus prepaid number? You can port your number to Amaysim during activation. The process is free and usually completes within a few hours.
Older phones? If your device is from before 2020, run it through the checker tool. Many people successfully use mid-range Optus prepaid phones bought in 2022–2024 with Amaysim without any problems.
Why Switch from Optus Prepaid to Amaysim?
Optus prepaid can be convenient, but Amaysim often wins on value — better data allowances, longer expiry options on some plans, and no surprise charges. Because you’re still on the exact same network, you won’t notice any drop in coverage or call quality.
Thousands of Australians already make this switch every year and report smooth sailing.
Final Verdict
Yes, you can use Amaysim on Optus prepaid phones — and it’s one of the easiest and most reliable combinations in the Australian mobile market. As long as your device passes the Optus compatibility check and supports 4G VoLTE or 5G, you’re almost guaranteed to have a hassle-free experience.
Before making the move, always verify your specific phone model with the official checker. Once confirmed, ordering an Amaysim SIM could save you money every month while keeping the same great Optus network performance.
If you run into any setup issues, Amaysim support is responsive via chat or phone, and their online guides cover almost every common scenario.
Also read: Are amaysim customers affected by optus data breach?
