Calling Triple Zero (000) from Your Mobile
In an emergency, every second counts. All Australian mobile network operators work together to help your Triple Zero (000) call connect — even if your usual mobile network, the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, isn’t available. If another mobile network is within range, your phone can still make a 000 call.
This guide explains how 000 calls connect from mobile devices, how emergency camp-on works, and the steps to take if your call isn’t connecting.
How a 000 call connects
When you dial 000 from your mobile phone:
- Your device first attempts to connect using your own mobile network.
- If your network isn’t available, your phone automatically searches for another mobile network and tries to connect through it.
- This automatic fallback process is called emergency camp-on.
You don’t need to change settings or take any action. Emergency camp-on works automatically and at no cost — even if your phone doesn’t have an active SIM card.
What is emergency camp-on?
Emergency camp-on is a built-in safety feature that allows your phone to temporarily connect to a different mobile network to complete a 000 call.
Key points:
- It activates automatically.
- It doesn’t require a SIM card.
- It only applies to calls to 000.
- It relies on another mobile network being available in your location.
If your 000 call isn’t connecting
Sometimes your phone needs extra time to search for another network. You may hear silence while this happens.
Try the following steps:
- If your call doesn’t connect within about five seconds, hang up and try again immediately.
- On your next attempts, stay on the line for up to 60 seconds to give your phone the best chance to connect. Hanging up and calling back multiple times will not get you connected faster.
What you’ll see on your phone
Different devices display different messages when emergency camp-on is available:
- iPhone: “SOS” or “SOS only”
- Android: “Emergency calls only”, “No service – emergency calls only”, or a small SOS icon
If your phone shows “No service”, it means no mobile network coverage is available from any operator. In this situation, your phone cannot make a 000 call using mobile networks.
Other ways to get help
If you’re out of range of all mobile networks, emergency camp-on won’t work. Try one of the following options:
- Use a landline or public phone, if available
- Connect to Wi-Fi and use Wi-Fi Calling
- Seek help from people nearby
- Move to a safer location if possible
- Use any available method to contact emergency services
Your safety is our priority. Access to 000 is essential, and we’re committed to providing reliable ways for customers to connect during an emergency.
Further actions you can take to get help quickly when you need it
- Install the latest software: your phone will get new features, updated security, but also there may be changes to how it’s programmed to handle these Triple Zero calls.
- Regularly restart your phone: a full reboot is recommended to ensure any network and mobile carrier connections are properly in place and configured.
- Turn on Wi-Fi Calling: this means that during a mobile network outage, your device can attempt to use Wi-Fi to route your Triple Zero call.
More information
For more details on calling Triple Zero, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications/phone/triple-zero.
