Does GrapheneOS work in Australia?
Short answer: yes. GrapheneOS runs on every major Australian carrier for calls, SMS, mobile data, VoLTE and VoWiFi, supports eSIM, and runs the vast majority of Australian banking and government apps through a sandboxed Google Play profile. It is a standard Google Pixel — the same hardware your carrier already certifies — running open-source software. Here is exactly what works, and how.
GrapheneOS works in Australia. Because it runs on Google Pixel hardware that is already certified for Australian networks, you keep full carrier functionality: voice calls, SMS/MMS, 4G/5G data, VoLTE, VoWiFi (Wi-Fi calling), eSIM and physical SIM. Banking, myGov and everyday apps run via a sandboxed Google Play install. The only differences you will notice are fewer trackers and far less data leaving your phone by default.
Will it work on my carrier?
Yes. GrapheneOS supports the three Australian mobile networks — Telstra, Optus and TPG (Vodafone) — and every reseller (MVNO) that runs on top of them, such as Boost, Belong, Aldi Mobile, amaysim, Felix, Kogan and the rest. There is nothing carrier-specific to "activate": you insert your SIM or scan your eSIM and the phone connects the same way any retail Pixel would.
This is the practical advantage of building on Pixel hardware. The radio, the modem firmware and the network certification are identical to a phone bought from a carrier store. GrapheneOS changes the operating system, not the cellular hardware.
Calls, SMS, VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling
Voice & VoLTE
Standard voice calls and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) work on Australian networks. With 3G now shut down nationally, VoLTE is essential for calling — and GrapheneOS handles it on supported Pixels out of the box.
SMS & MMS
Text and picture messaging work normally. Group MMS and RCS behaviour depends on the messaging app you choose; the default messaging app handles SMS/MMS reliably.
Wi-Fi calling (VoWiFi)
Wi-Fi calling is supported on Australian carriers that offer it, which is valuable for calling from areas with weak cellular coverage.
eSIM and dual SIM
GrapheneOS supports eSIM on Pixels that have eSIM hardware, so you can provision an Australian eSIM or a global travel eSIM without a physical card. You can also run dual SIM (one physical, one eSIM) for separating a personal and a work number. Every device we prepare can ship with a privacy-focused eSIM already provisioned if you want one.
Banking and government apps
This is the question that stops most people from switching — and the answer is reassuring. GrapheneOS lets you install sandboxed Google Play: the full Google Play Store and Play Services, running as ordinary apps inside a sandbox with no special system privileges. From there, the overwhelming majority of Australian banking apps install and run normally, including the big four and most neobanks, alongside myGov, the ATO app, and digital ID and payment apps.
A small number of apps that demand the strictest hardware attestation can be temperamental, and there are sensible workarounds. We maintain a current, Australia-specific list on the dedicated GrapheneOS banking apps in Australia page. If a specific app matters to you, ask us before you buy and we will tell you exactly where it stands.
What you actually get from Privacy Devices
We start with a brand-new Google Pixel and prepare it before it ships: GrapheneOS installed with verified boot relocked, sandboxed Google Play configured so your apps work, Mullvad VPN set up, an optional eSIM provisioned, and the operational layer — duress PIN, auto-reboot, profile separation — armed to your specification. You unbox a phone that already works on your Australian carrier and already runs your apps.
If you would rather understand the trade-offs first, read prepared GrapheneOS vs DIY flashing or the broader GrapheneOS phone Australia overview. Every hardware device is backed by our 12-month warranty.
GrapheneOS in Australia — FAQ
Does GrapheneOS work in Australia?
Yes. GrapheneOS works on all major Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, TPG/Vodafone) and their resellers for voice calls, SMS/MMS, 4G/5G data, VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, eSIM and physical SIM. It also runs most Australian banking and government apps via a sandboxed Google Play profile. It is a standard Google Pixel running open-source software.
Does VoLTE work on GrapheneOS in Australia?
Yes. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is supported on Australian networks on compatible Pixel devices. This matters because Australia has shut down its 3G networks, so VoLTE is now required for voice calling on 4G/5G.
Will my bank app work on GrapheneOS?
In almost all cases, yes. GrapheneOS supports sandboxed Google Play, and the major Australian banking apps install and run normally through it. A small number of apps with the strictest attestation requirements can need a workaround. See our GrapheneOS banking apps in Australia page for the current list.
Does eSIM work on GrapheneOS?
Yes, on Pixel devices that have eSIM hardware. You can provision an Australian carrier eSIM or a global travel eSIM, and run dual SIM with one physical SIM and one eSIM.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. You insert your existing SIM or transfer your eSIM exactly as you would with any new phone. Your number, plan and carrier stay the same.
Does myGov work on GrapheneOS?
Yes. myGov, the ATO app and common Australian government and digital ID apps run via sandboxed Google Play on GrapheneOS.
Do I lose any functionality compared to a normal Pixel?
For everyday use, no. Calls, texts, data, banking, maps, ride-share and messaging all work. The differences are by design: far fewer trackers, no Google services running with system privileges unless you choose to add sandboxed Google Play, and much less data leaving the device by default.
Works on your carrier. Runs your apps. Tracks far less.
A standard Google Pixel, prepared properly before it ships. Same-day dispatch from Australia. 12-month warranty. Crypto accepted.
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