How to Unlock a Public Mobile Phone

By Kevin Kearney

Last updated 19 July 2023

Contents

In this guide:

Unlock a Public Mobile phone
Bring an unlocked phone to Public Mobile
Public Mobile BYOD
Best Public Mobile BYOD plans
Frequently asked questions

Public Mobile is a prepaid subscription carrier, offering 3G, 4G, and 5G cell phone plans on the Telus network, with options starting as low as $15/month. But unlike other prepaid carriers, like Lucky Mobile and Chatr, Public doesn’t sell phones of its own to its customers—instead,you’ll need to bring your own phone and ensure it’s unlocked before activating.

If you purchased a Public Mobile phone back when they were selling devices and now want to unlock it, it’ll take just a few simple steps, including:

Registering for the Public Mobile Community forum.
Finding your IMEI number.
Locating the exact model of your phone.
Contacting Public Mobile.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about unlocking phones in Canada, how to unlock a Public Mobile phone, and show you how to bring an unlocked phone to Public Mobile.

How to unlock a Public Mobile phone

In 2017, the CRTC updated the Wireless Code to mandate that all phones in Canada are sold unlocked. This means phones purchased since then don’t need to be unlocked to transfer service to a new carrier–all you need to do is contact your new carrier and explain you’d like to transfer your number.

If you purchased a phone from Public Mobile before the Wireless Code’s change, you will need to unlock your phone if you’re switching to a new carrier. To unlock your Public Mobile phone, follow these steps:

Public Mobile Community Forum screenshot — *The Public Mobile Community website is the carrier’s primary customer support center.*

Register for the Public Mobile Community forum. Before receiving assistance from Public Mobile customer service, they ask that you create an account on the Public Mobile Community, where you’ll eventually receive instructions from a customer service agent.
Find your IMEI number. This is the unique identifier for the phone and will be needed when you deal with Public’s customer service agent. You can find your IMEI number by typing *#06# in the dialer app; all of your device’s information will instantly appear on the screen.

The model of your iPhone can be found with just a few quick taps through “Settings.”

Androids list their own specs, including the name of the model.
Locate the exact model of your phone. You can find this on an iPhone by clicking on Settings > General > About. The Model Name and Model Number will be displayed. You can find this on an Android by opening Settings > About device.
Contact Public Mobile. Once you have the above information, you should speak with a Public Mobile customer service agent through the Public Mobile Community forum. They will be able to unlock your phone for free from there.

How to bring an unlocked phone to Public Mobile

All Public Mobile plans are BYOD, allowing you to save money on your monthly bill. If you’re planning on using a device that was purchased in Canada before 2017 (or outside of the country at any point), you’ll need to unlock your phone before activating your new Public Mobile plan.

Follow the steps below to unlock your phone and bring it to Public Mobile:

Screenshot of iPhone Carrier Lock setting — *iPhones will tell you whether or not your phone has been unlocked.*

Check to see if your phone is already unlocked. Even if you know you purchased the phone before 2017, there’s a chance it’s previously been unlocked. On an iPhone, you can check the status by going to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock. Many older Androids allow you to check if your phone is unlocked under Settings or Network, though many newer handsets no longer display that status. If your phone doesn’t list this information, you can always try inserting another carrier’s SIM card into your phone. If your phone is still locked, then move on to the next step.
Find your IMEI number. This is the unique identifier for the device. You can find your IMEI number by typing *#06# in the dialer app.
Contact the carrier to unlock the phone on their end. The carrier will handle the process from that point on. Remember: they are legally prohibited from charging you for the service.
Purchase a new Public Mobile plan. When you activate a new plan, a Public Mobile agent will explain how to use your freshly unlocked phone on their network.

Benefits of bringing your phone to Public Mobile

It’s a good feeling to pair a new smartphone with a new cell phone plan, but it’s not usually the wisest financial move. BYOD plans afford customers cheaper monthly payments and freedom from financing contracts.

If you’re looking to activate a new Public Mobile plan and want to maximize your savings, you should bring an older, unlocked device from another carrier. But if you’re looking to sign up for Public Mobile and also want to snag a new smartphone, you can grab an unlocked device from Amazon and activate it with your new plan.

Best unlocked phones on Amazon right now

Phone	Operation system	Display	Cameras	Shop this phone
Apple iPhone 14	iOS 16	6.1"	Rear: 12MP, 12MP Front: 12MP	Purchase on Amazon
Google Pixel 7a	Android 13	6.1"	Rear: 64MP Front: 12MP	Purchase on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S23	Android 13	6.1"	Rear: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP Front: 12MP	Purchase on Amazon
Motorola Moto G Pure	Android 11	6.5"	Rear: 13MP, 13MP Front: 5MP	Purchase on Amazon
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G	Android 13	6.4"	Rear: 50MP, 12MP, 5MP Front: 32MP	Purchase on Amazon

How much data do I need?

How much data you need depends on how you use your data. If you’re mainly using your phone for calls, texts, and web browsing, you’ll be fine with 2 or 3GB per month; power users who stream and game on the go will want a plan with over 10GB and might appreciate the peace of mind that comes with an unlimited data plan.

The average Canadian mobile customer uses less than 6GB of data per month. Before you buy a new cell phone plan, study your monthly data usage so you can make an informed decision. And remember: bigger is not always better!

Want to learn more about shopping for data plans in Canada? Be sure to read our mobile broadband usage guide.

Best Public Mobile BYOD phone plans

Public Mobile’s new 5G plans, like the $60 Unlimited Canada-US Talk + Text + 25GB and the $65 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 50GB, are best complemented by the newest smartphones on the market, like the iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7a, and the Samsung Galaxy S23.

If you’re looking for more affordable options to match Public’s budget plans, such as the $25 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 1GB or the $39 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + text + 20GB, then we recommend more basic devices like the Motorola Moto G Pure and the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G.

Interested in more options from Public Mobile? Check out the carrier’s most popular plans below.

#1	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $35 Unlimited Canada-US Talk + Text + 50GB 50GB at 5G full speeds up to 250Mbps Deal: Receive $1.75/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $35 + $5 Upfront Go	$35 + $5 Upfront	Go
#2	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $19 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 1GB 1GB at 4G speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive $0.95/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $19 + $5 Upfront Go	$19 + $5 Upfront	Go
#3	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $23 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 6GB 6GB at 4G speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive $1.15/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $23 + $5 Upfront Go	$23 + $5 Upfront	Go
#4	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $29 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 20GB 20GB at 4G speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive $1.45/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $29 + $5 Upfront Go	$29 + $5 Upfront	Go
#5	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $15 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 250MB 250MB at 4G speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive $0.75/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $15 + $5 Upfront Go	$15 + $5 Upfront	Go

How to unlock a Public Mobile phone: FAQs

Who is the carrier for Public Mobile?

Telus is the parent carrier for Public Mobile. Public's prepaid wireless service operates on Telus' nationwide 4G and 5G networks.

What phones can I use with Public Mobile?

You can use any mobile phone that’s compatible with the Bell (including Koodo and Virgin) or Rogers network (including Fido and Chatr) with Public Mobile, assuming the phone has been unlocked from its carrier.

Does Public Mobile sell phones?

No, Public Mobile does not sell phones. The carrier is BYOD, so you can purchase an unlocked phone from a retailer like Amazon and use it to activate a Public Mobile plan.

How do I unlock my cell phone in Canada?

You can unlock your cell phone in Canada by checking your IMEI number and then telling your carrier you would like your phone unlocked. You can find more specific details in our guide to unlocking your phone in Canada.

Is Telus shutting down Public Mobile?

No, Telus is not shutting down Public Mobile. Public Mobile recently rebranded as a prepaid subscription carrier that offers 5G plans.