Can I use a different cell phone in place of my free government cell phone?
Readers ask us this question (or variations of it) every single day. They don’t like the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone they were given or it’s broken or someone gave them a new phone. Whatever the reason, a lot of people ask if it’s possible to switch.
There are lots of factors that always lead us to our standard answer: Maybe.
In addition to that we also say, “Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, so you’ll need to ask your service provider’s customer service team if the phone you want to use is compatible with its network.”
So we thought we’d take a whack a explaining what the second part of that answer means and maybe even make it possible for you to figure out if that other cell phone is compatible with your free government cell phone company’s national cell network. And we’ll try to do it without getting neck deep in technological jibber jabber.
Step One: CDMA vs GSM
The first thing you need to know is that there are two different cell phone technologies — CDMA and GSM. When we say “Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks,” that means that CDMA cell phones won’t work on a GSM network. And vice versa. CDMA cell phones only work on CDMA networks and GSM cell phones only work on GSM networks.
CDMA is an acronym that’s short for Code Division Multiple Access and GSM stands for Global System for Mobiles.
In the United States, the five major cell phone networks break down like this:
CDMA = Sprint, Verizon and U.S. Cellular
GSM = AT&T and T-Mobile
Most of the rest of the world uses GSM, but that is neither here nor there so we won’t bore you with an explanation of how that came about.
Which free government cell phone companies use which networks?
There are major changes afoot in the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone industry — mergers, acquisitions and consolidation — that will reduce the number of companies you can choose from. But at this point in time, here are the leading companies (as taken from our The 2016 List of Leaders: Who’s who in the free government cell phone business?“):
Here are the leading Lifeline Assistance companies and the cell networks on which they work. Find your service provider and you’ll quickly see which technology it uses.
- Safelink Wireless – AT&T GSM, T-Mobile GSM, Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA, U.S. Cellular CDMA. Depends on geographic location.
- Assurance Wireless – Sprint CDMA
- Access Wireless – Sprint CDMA
- Budget Mobile – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA (NOTE: Hearing aid-compatible phones are both CDMA GMS-compatible) Boomerang, which has taken over the accounts of many Budget customers is currently negotiating a contract with a national GSM provider.
- Life Wireless – AT&T GSM
- Assist Wireless – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA
- Q Link Wireless – Sprint CDMA
- TruConnect Mobile – Sprint CDMA
- Total Call Mobile – Sprint CDMA
- Blue Jay Wireless – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA
- Terracom Wireless – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA
- True Wireless – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA
- Tag Mobile – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA, T-Mobile GSM
- StandUp Wireless – Sprint CDMA
- YourTel – Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA
What the difference means to you
Uh-oh. We better start explaining what all this means to you, because we can already see your eyes starting to glaze over.
The simple fact is, it’s much easier to switch phones if your free government cell phone company uses a GSM network. Here’s how PCMag.com explains it:
It’s much easier to swap phones on GSM networks, because GSM carriers put customer information on a removable SIM card. Take the card out, put it in a different phone, and the new phone now has your number. What’s more, to be considered GSM, a carrier must accept any GSM-compliant phone. So the GSM carriers don’t have total control of the phone you’re using.
That’s not the case with CDMA. In the U.S., CDMA carriers use network-based white lists to verify their subscribers. That means you can only switch phones with your carrier’s permission, and a carrier doesn’t have to accept any particular phone onto its network. It could, but typically, U.S. carriers choose not to.
Many Sprint and Verizon phones now have SIM cards, but that isn’t because of CDMA. The SIM cards are generally there for Sprint’s and Verizon’s 4G LTE networks, because the LTE standard also uses SIM cards. The phones may also have SIM slots to support foreign GSM networks as “world phones.” But those carriers still use CDMA to authenticate their phones on their own home networks.
What about LTE?
Now that you know about the the differences between CDMA vs. GSM, you should also know that those differences will eventually disappear. Why? Because all cell phone carriers are moving to a new technology called 4G LTE. It’s a new, globally-accepted wireless standard.
“Does that mean,” we hear you saying, “that every cell phone will be LTE-compatible and that I can use whatever phone I happen to own in place of my free government cell phone?”
In a word, no.
Here we go running the risk of getting too technical again:
Turns out that different cell phone carriers are using different frequency bands, with different 3G backup systems. And there are very few cell phones that will work will all the different LTE bands.
In one extreme example, Sprint’s new Spark network employs an esoteric LTE variant that doesn’t work with any other U.S. carrier’s phones. Genius, huh? But Sprint is not alone. Turns out that very few phones support all of the different LTE bands.
Let’s turn this over to PCMag.com for another of their excellent explanations:
A growing number of phones support all of these standards, but it can be hard to tell which ones. The iPhone 6, the iPhone 6 Plus and the Google Nexus 6 are the most flexible. iPhone 6 and 6 Plus units from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon can all be used on all three carriers, but they lack Sprint’s special LTE bands. Sprint iPhones have all the bands, but Sprint has strict unlocking policies. Nexus 6 phones will technically work on all four carriers, but Sprint only allows phones purchased from Google or Sprint on its network.
HTC One (M8) and Samsung Galaxy S5 phones from Verizon will work somewhat on AT&T’s and T-Mobile’s networks, albeit with limited coverage because while they have CDMA, GSM and LTE, they don’t have all the frequency bands AT&T and T-Mobile use. Variants of those same models sold by AT&T and T-Mobile won’t work on Verizon at all, because they lack the CDMA radio needed for Verizon. It’s a mess.
As clear as mud?
Please allow us to make a bit of sense out of all of this because even after this incredibly detailed explanation, the answer to the question “Can I switch my free government cell phone for another phone I own?” is still the same.
Maybe.
If you have a GSM phone, you may well be able to switch SIM cards from one phone to another. If your free government cell phone is a CDMA model, your “other” phone will must also be CDMA-compatible. And even then it may not work.
And none of this may matter because we’re rapidly moving to an LTE-centric world.
You’re welcome. We’re glad we could help.
Blacc says
I HAVE MY PHONE ON FOR 7 DAYS I CALLED THEM THEY PUT IT BACK ON FOR 3 DAYS2 DAYS LATER THE PHONE IS BACK OFF I’M WONDERING WHY all I did was search the web and make a couple phone calls I thought the phone posed to stay on for a year
Free Government Cell Phones says
It should have been good for a year, Blacc. Have you contacted your service provider’s customer service team to ask what’s up?
Emily Hardy says
Can my safelink service be used on sprint ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 to ask Safelink customer service that question, Emily.
tonesia says
is Samsung Galaxy sky compataible with safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s one category of question we never answer, Tonesia. Contact Safelink to find out if specific makes and models are compatible with its network.
Deborah James says
Is boost compatible for safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
Boost does not participate in the free government cell phone program.
Sharon says
Can any of these services provide nano sim cards?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a good question for their customer service teams, Sharon.
Kim says
What if I buy a unlocked no carrier phone will that work with a qlink
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a good question for the Q Link customer service team, Kim. But we suspect that the answers will be “maybe” depending on the phone.
Stephanie Wynia says
I have an att prepaid go phone. I want to byop to lifeline service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact any of the companies offering service in your state to see if that specific make and model is compatible with its network. Here’s where you can find all the plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Karen says
My cricket Galaxy Grand Prime is locked . Can I switch it to my free assurance wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a good question for your Assurance customer service team, Karen.
Kelly and Jeff Rightmire says
You have worked very hard on getting my husbands phone to work and I thank you as I got it to work by stepping just outside my door. Verizon has always worked here even though we live in a dead zone, We were worried it was a different provider but we were confirmed that Verizon was having a few issues. Thank you for all your help!
Josh suttles says
I have a assurance wireless government phone. Can I switch my SIM card to a galaxy J7 V.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a good question for your service provider’s customer service team.
Shun Moncrief says
I’ve received my SS card but it said locked some card when I in its doesn’t work what do I need to do
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out what the problem is and how to fix it.
Jan says
Can I use sim card in boost Mobile phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Jan.
Billy Duplechain says
Very easy to understand and I am cell phone and computer illiterate so good job
Fred says
What!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Can’t disagree with that, Fred.
Phillip says
Is my gsm phone s truconnect where I can put it in
Free Government Cell Phones says
Anyone want to take a whack at figuring out what Phillip is asking?
Kelly says
I don’t use GSM phones they don’t connect anywhere here.
Terrance Graham says
i need a free ssi phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to read this website.
Maria Uribe says
You sent me a SIM card. I don’t have a phone to put it in.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We didn’t send you anything, Maria. We are not your service provider. You must speak to that company’s customer service team.
Den says
Can I use a straighttalk unlimited service plan on this assurance wireless government phone ????? Someone please help and give me anwsers?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you talking about ending your free government cell phone plan and replacing it with a paid Straighttalk plan? If so, you may be able to, but it’s impossible or us to know without knowing what kind of phone you have. Here’s what you should do: Figure out the make and model of your phone and call StraightTalk to find out if your phone is compatible with its cell network. Good luck.
Aaron says
Me And My Girlfriend Received The Exact Same Phone From CA Lifeline Access Wireless. . Treswave model:TW801 . But She Lost Her SIM Card . . So Since I Have A New Phone I Agreed To Allow Her To Use My SIM Card From My Lifeline Device Which Is The Exact Same Treswave Model:TW801. And Insert It Into Hers . Since They Are The Same Carrier Wev Figured Nothing Would Go Wrong. . But After Properly Installing My Sprint SIM Card Is Into Her Phone. .The Data Turns Off After Approx.3 Mins After Device Is On And Network Conncected And The Little SIM Card Symbols Appears At Top Of Screen. Please Tell Me What To Do To Make It Work..
Please And Thank You..
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t have a clue, Aaron, because we are experts in the Lifeline program, not in cell phone technology. Why don’t you put the SIM card back in the original phone and use it to call 6-1-1 which will connect you to Access customer service.
Kelly says
One sim card from one phone will not work with another as the IMEI code is for the original phone. You cannot swap them out. That goes with any phone on less yo can change it with the provider directly you will have to contact customer service and explain what you are doing and if they permit that.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is incorrect, Kelly. If both phones are unlocked it’s quite possible to switch the card from one phone to another.
Matthew Kelly says
Is a government phone sim compatable with the T-Mobile Revvl
Free Government Cell Phones says
Some are, some aren’t, Matthew. It depends on what kind of phone you have. Here’s an article that may answer all your questions:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Debra Pye says
What is Qlink now? This says it’s not GSM but on their site they recommend a GSM phone the LG X Charge so I’m confused now.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service or tech support with tech questions, Debra.
Sharon says
My American Assistant battery went belly up .. the company won’t give me another battery or phone .. gave me the option of purchasing a new phone .. I chose to purchase that phone on Amazon. After inserting my sim I am able to use all the features e.g. make/receive calls, texts, camera, etc. However I am unable to use the internet. Their representative informed me I must purchase the phone (same phone/model..Maxwest Galaxy 4G) from them in order to get on the internet?? Any thoughts as to why this is the case??? I am hesitant to purchase the phone from them ..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Obviously, there’s no way for us to analyze your tech issue, Sharon, but it is not true that you are required to use the same make and model and purchase it from them. If we were you we would look for another company in your state that uses the same national cell network and sign up for its BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. Here’s where you can find all the free government cell phone service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
shawna babin says
What phone do I use while waiting on some card case I’m handcap and been falling slot so o need this phone working plwe
I have a lot of some cards that why I asked if could use one of thos
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what you’re asking nor who those “other cards” came from, but we assume you cannot use them as part of your free government cell phone plan. Does your phone work at all? If so, call 6-1-1 and you’ll be connected to your service provider’s customer service team.
Me says
Because they want to service the phone if you didn’t buy it from them they won’t give you service I am surprised you can call out out or anything on it. Most services want you to buy their phones or get their phones. They are going to cut one or some of your services if you didn’t buy it from them if it a government phone the service doesn’t get re-reimbursed for the phone if you get it somewhere else.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Me, but not one word of what you wrote is correct.
Betty Gregory says
I have assurance wireless can I put a tru connect SIM card n my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your Assurance customer service team, Betty.
Beverly Bain says
I am 87 yrs young and alone. I need a cell phone for transportation and safety. Got approved by Qlink. Received phone that I can’t make head of tail of. Don’t want internet, camera, books etc. etc. etc. Just want a phone that is simple and just makes calls.
Jitterbug looks easy but what service will work with it….and is it under the government program????
Can you help?
Mrs. Bain ***********@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Jitterbug is NOT part of the free government cell phone program, Beverly. Here’s how we’d suggest you solve your problem. Find the company you want to enroll with. Contact that company’s customer service team to find out if they offer a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. If so, you can go out and buy a basic flip phone that you can then use as your free government cell phone with that company. But PLEASE make sure that you find a phone that is compatible with that company’s national cell network BEFORE you purchase.
Sharon says
I have an american assistance phone on Govt lifeline pgrm.. battery went belly up .. they say they have no replacement batteries for my phone model and gave me option of PURCHASING a refurbished or new phone from them ($44.95 – $59.95). Since I did not damage or lose my phone I feel they should replace it free of charge .. not my fault the battery gave out. Only had the phone 2 or 3 years .. would a new battery have given out so soon? Who can I complain to about this. If I ultimately decide to switch services, what is the best lifeline phone available in Chicago, IL.?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Sharon, they are not required to give you another free phone. And, unfortunately we need to say unfortunately, again because it’s impossible for us to say which service is best in any particular neighborhood. There are just too many variables.
Sheryl Smith says
I have the UMX phone so I’m going to get a new refurbished iPhone 6 plus I hope very soon I hope it will work with my phone. Hope hope pray praypray that’s all I got
Erika says
I am currently on a link but I very much want to change to your company
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, Erika, so we only offer information, not cell phone service. Check out all the service providers and plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sharon says
I purchased a “factory unlocked” iphone 4S on ebay; when I inserted the sim from my american assistance phone I was able to make calls and take/upload photos, however I could not receive calls. The apple store rep said it was because my american assistance phone’s T-mobile was tied to verizon. Thoroughly confused, I just left .. should have asked for a senior staff. When I later called american assistance tech, they said their t-mobile service was not tied to verizon! Any thoughts as to why I could access some of the phone’s features (calls/photos, & I believe texts) but not be able to receive calls???
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are experts on the free government cell phone program, Sharon, but complete morons when it comes to tech issues. Sorry.
Alan Knowles says
Great article. However my TruConnect phone is an AT&T GSM Samsung S6.
I switched from Safelink because neither my S6 or S7 would work anywhere but WiFi.
tim says
I have an iPhone XR and my service provider is AT&T.
I just received my new Sim card from Safelink wireless.
When I put The new Sim cardn my phone ,It says that it’s not compatible I thought that AT&T was GSM network and it was compatible how come it doesn’t work
Free Government Cell Phones says
No way for us to answer that question, Tim. Call Safelink customer service.
Paul says
I have a Galaxy S7, how do I set up voicemail with Truconnect SIM card inserted in phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Google the make and model of your phone and the words “user manual.” Then you can look up the instructions.
Norma arnold says
So terrscom costomer service said I can get a unlocked t mobile phone and switch sim cards and it should work but where do I get one? T mobile said no of there phones are unlocked
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just Google “unlocked T-Mobile cell phone” and you will find a gazillion places to find them. EBay, Amazon, all the major electronic retailers.
Kathleen says
I need a phone I got the SIM card
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you know exactly which plan or company you signed up with, Kathleen? First thing you need to do is get in touch with its customer service team to get the exact details of your account.
Mr. G says
Just taking a second to commend the moderator of these comments, you must be a zen-master/saint ect… I read 10 mind numbing minutes worth of questions and answers… took all my strength not to interject on every one to share my opinions, and throw insults and various expletive-rage at the seemingly infinite and apparently helpless masses, endlessly asking a never-ending string of variations on three core questions in one form or another… ..Anyways!! You made my day!! next time you go looking for a new job… include screenshots… you are pro.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are there any openings for zen master/saint? We checked Craig’s List and couldn’t find any. But rest assured that we will be applying.
SHAUNA STETZ says
I need a new phone have had mine two yrs speaker phone only works.screen cracked…but can nv reach someone that can help me at Safelink!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe it’s time for you to switch service providers. Here’s where you can find all the plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s another article that tells you exactly how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Alan Knowles says
Try TruConnect . Safelink sustomer service had me reboot and then start all over. Never worked. Switched to Truconnect and just plugged SIM and worked 1st time.
Douglas Stevenson says
my phone was lost,So I got another one,wiko same as the lost one ,Now I want to change my old info to my new phone,can I do this?how long would it take?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea, Douglas. We are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. Contact your service provider by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Caleb says
I have an old Samsung Galaxy 8 from AT&T and now I’m using a ZTE from Safelink. Can i just swap out the SIM cards since it appears they use the same network. I’m confused by your article.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service team, Caleb.
Lee says
I am going to buy a phone off of someone that is us Cellular and is locked she said I can unlock it I have SafeLink wireless will it work it is a LG k8 plus
Free Government Cell Phones says
Before you buy it, please speak to US Cellular to make sure that specific make and model of phone is compatible with its network. In addition, please be aware that U.S. Cellular only offers Lifeline discounts, but does NOT participate in the free government cell phone program.
Cathy Doster says
I have a sprint iPhone 6. Is it compatible to use free SIM card and also how can I tell if my iPhone 6 is unlocked? Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Those are good questions for your service provider’s customer service team. You can also Google the answers, but we don’t have enough information to answer your questions.
Tyris says
My phone is not ringing when I call so can you help that
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Linda rhodes says
My SafeLink phone does not work at all I do not know what happened to it it’s not the battery I have no clue what happened I need to get a different phone. They are going to stop my service because I’m not using the phone please get back to me ASAP
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, your service will be cancelled if your phone goes unused for 30 days or longer. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to purchase a replacement phone. As an alternative, you can also switch your account to a different service provider and they will give you a phone for free. Here’s where you can find all the companies offering free government cell phone plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Michael, Mackey says
Can I switch from my government phone to a Coolpad just by switching the Sims card over to another phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That question is waaaaay over our pay grade, Michael. Check with your service provider’s customer service team.
Becky says
Keep me updated
Free Government Cell Phones says
Keep checking back here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net
thomas roe says
I HAVE THE (QLINK NETWORK WIRELESS) IS IT CDMA OR GSM OR LTE,
WHY I AM ASKING IS BECAUSE AM LOOKING TO PURCHASE A UPGRADED BUDGET PHONE, AT WALMART SUPER STORE.
TO REPLACE THE QLINK S3001z PHONE.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to be connected to customer service.
Terri L Low says
My brother has one of those free cell phones I’m not sure if it’s qlink or SafeLink but the screen got cracked and he’s having a hard time with it I gave him my free cell phone that I never used but I don’t know what he’s done with it I wonder if he put his free cell phone SIM card in my old Samsung j7 from T-Mobile would he be able to give this Samsung phone to work?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only customer service can answer that question for you, Terri.
Alvina wright says
I have a Moto e5 play will your sim card work in it a Verizon phone 4g
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not our SIM card, so we can’t answer your question, Alvina. Contact your service provider.
Linda Paeltz says
I revived a q links phone and I cannot get cell internet service here. So I would like to cancel this service if they can’t fix it for me and get a safelinks phone
Can u please yell me how I do this?
Thank you Linda Paeltz
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch, but you will not be able to do it until you have had your current account for 60 days or longer:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Sorry, but that’s one of the Lifeline program’s primary rules. And the good news is that the rule used to say you had to keep your account for one year.
Temica Mosley says
I received a truconnect SIM card in the mail, but not a phone. Can I use it in the Assurance Wireless phone that I have?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Truconnect customer service can answer that question for you, Temica.
Peg says
I switched from Assurance Wireless (because the phones they provided kept malfunctioning and were not reliable) to Safelink. The phone Safelink provided didn’t support voicemail because the phone’s technology was outdated. Safelink would not send me a replacement phone. At least with Assurance, I had voicemail when the phone worked. I thought all phones came with voicemail. If I switch to another wireless service, will I have this same problem with the phones they provide?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t even imagine a phone that doesn’t come with voicemail. All phones given to new customers are supposed to be smartphones, and we don’t think there are any smartphones that don’t come with voicemail. Readers? Anyone else have this experience?
genedy says
I’ve had a lot of problems with my not so “smart” phone.Play store is not compatible. You tube shuts off on its own.email problemated since February 2019.I suppose i could just get another .too much trouble i guess we get what we pay for…$0.00.
Michael lee Sargent says
I need a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to apply for a phone.
Jen says
Can I use my iPhone 6 Plus off my metro pcs to transfer to safe link government phone service as I do recieve medical and snap benefits in the state of Illinois .
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink customer service to find out if it’s possible, Jen.
yolanda bako says
I have a ZTE Z899VL govt issued cell phone. It works terribly and often leaves me in the rain waiting for a cab from a doctors office because the cab cannot contact me to explain where it is waiting. The phone also calls other people I dont need to speak to while I am on an important call with soneone I do need to speak to. The workers that answer the customer service line are in the Philippeans and do not understand the concept of bringing communication to the old and poor and technology non savy folks. They just keep reciting a script which obliterates any possibility of getting a better working phone. They cannot even call me back to test why I can’t receive certain calls.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It may be time for you to switch free government cell phone service providers, Yolanda. You can find all the other plans available in your state, check this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that will tell you exactly how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Liz says
I have a free government phone, it is a very old Samsung Tracfone Wireless. My son has bought me a new LG Stylo 4 Tracfone that says it is compatible with both GSM and CDMA networks… Should I be able to transfer free government minutes and phone number to the new phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is certainly theoretically possible, Liz. But you should definitely call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to discuss it with your service provider’s customer service team.
Gwendolyn Christmas says
I have a galaxy j3 Luna Pro. Can I change from straight talk service wireless to qlink wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link wireless customer service to find out if the extra make and model of phone you already have is compatible with Q Link’s cell network.
Chanice L Joseph says
I was given a Samsung galaxy s7 active phone can i transfer my free government minutes to it? If so, how can i do it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article, Chanice.
Monique says
I have qlinkwireless that I transferred to my boost mobile Samsung galaxy j7 refine. What Mobile network is best LTE/CDMA OR AUTOMATIC? I was also wondering if mobile network had something to do with having problems with sending and receiving MMS.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is absolutely no way for us to answer your questions, Monique, because we are not your service provider and do not have access to the info we’d need to answer them.
Denise Hall says
Yes I was approved I think but don’t have a phone so how do I get one sent to me
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact the company you enrolled with, Denise. We have no way of knowing which one that was.
Lisa Painter says
Yes i was approved i think but dont have a phone so how do i get one sent to me
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you were approved, it should be sent to you automatically. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out the status of your application.
Donna Harms says
Have a qlink phone will Sprint help me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sprint has nothing to do with the free government cell phone program other than providing the cell network on which most of the Lifeline companies operate.
Nathan Buck says
Was wondering if a Samsung Galaxy s6 would work with q link wireless. I looked on the compatible phones list but it wasn’t on there. But it is through sprint.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact the Q Link customer service team for the most accurate answer, Nathan.
Cody says
My name is Cody. I have a LG Rebel 4 an I’d like to change from straight talk wireless to Q link wireless. Is that possible?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Straight Talk does not participate in the free government cell phone program, so the answer is yes, you can change from a paid plan to a Lifeline plan.
Joe Devereaux says
I have SafeLInk and a SamSung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro. A friend gave me his old Apple I phone 7 and it’s unlocke. d. Will this phone work on SafeLink ? Someone said, I won’t be able to get updates and Google, Facebook and alike. They said, I should buy a refurbished Apple I Phone X. But if the UNLOCKED I Phone 7 will work I won’t have to put out all that money for a I Phone X. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink can answer your question accurately, joe. Give them a call.
Teresa says
Can I use my daughter old HTC phone from metro pcs as my phone and still keep my government number . And would the HTC phone now be my government phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends on if your old HTC phone is compatible with your Lifeline service provider’s network. You’ll need to contact customer service to find out if the phone is compatible.
Corey says
Does any one have a phone i can use with qulink the one they send me works but it outdated and i want use the internet to do class asiments but cant update Google cuz thers no room for it to be updated or no off a chip phone i can buy and use
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can buy a photo almost anywhere phones are sold, Corey. But make sure that phone is compatible with your service provider BEFORE you purchase it.
Marco says
I would like to switch from assurance to safelink or anyone that works with any iphone, how can i do this? i do have assurance at this moment.
Thank You.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch. But PLEASE check with customer service BEFORE you enroll to make sure your iPhone will be compatible with the new service provider’s cell network:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
KATHLEEN STOUDT says
i have a goverment truconnect plan. What phones are compatable with this plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 to speak to customer service and/or check out the phones offered on the TruConnect website.
Jessica Taylor says
I have a metro pcs blaze ZTE Max its not activated and I dropped my government phone into a toliet and it’s messed up won’t work. Can I switch my government phone number and service to my ZTE???
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article above, Jessica?
Martin Baylor says
Can I bring my Samsung Galaxy J3 to Safe Link Wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
We stay as far away from network compatibility questions as possible, Martin. Contact Safelink customer service and ask your question.
SHARIE says
My sister dropped her Life Wireless phone and shattered the screen, I want to surprise her with a replacement and an upgrade if possible, but not sure how to do that..
Any help would be much appreciated!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We love it when someone asks a question we’ve never had before and that’s exactly what you’ve done, Sharie. Unfortunately, you cannot upgrade your sister’s phone through her free government cell phone company because you are not the customer and cannot get access to her account. We would suggest that you go out and just buy her a phone that she can use with that account.
HOWEVER, AND THIS IS A BIG HOWEVER, you must make sure that the phone is compatible with her service provider’s cell network. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. Keeping that in mind, you may want to just buy her a gift certificate for a phone. She will still need to make sure that whatever phones she buys is compatible BEFORE she buys it.
Good luck. You sound like a great sister.
Angel says
I have a safelink ZTE phone which is broken can I switch SIM card to a new ZTE phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We avoid answering that type of question, Angel. Check with your service provider’s customer service team to get the answer with your question.
Jane Simpson says
Hello, I joined Safelink 02/03/2019, I had to purchase a new phone, but the phone they said would work turns out the service is not available in my area.!! I have called them several times , but I never get a answer. These people don”t want to work with us.!! So I had to give up Safelink.! I am so disappointed with them. I have to have CDMA not GSM ! I am out the money that I spent on the phone , plus the monthly plan. !! What a con they are !!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you checked out the other companies on this page that use CDMA technology? Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the free government cell phone plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Johnnie says
Can u used ur phone u have now a d keep same num that’s on the phone u r using from tmoble my phone be shut off my sister got for me within 2 days sevice left on it
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you switch service providers you can keep your current phone number. When you speak to customer service you must repeatedly tell them, “I want to port over my current phone number.”
Lisa Brown says
I have a Lg Phoenix plus at&t prepaid cell phone. I want to get a iphone 5s. Are they compatible. Can I take my sim card out of the Lg and put it in the iPhone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and ask your question to customer service.
Jane Bazzell says
Ok so can I use my card on a.straight talk LG phone??
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea, Jane. We don’t know what kind of “card” you have nor what model of phone. Your best bet would be to contact the company you want to enroll with. Talk to customer service and they will undoubtedly be able to answer your question.
Misty says
My free phone has issues and sometimes won’t call out, and I can’t hear the other person . Is there any way to get another free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone in order to speak to your service provider’s customer service team.
Cassandra Isom says
My Qlink phone was stolen a year ago..a girl has been using it ..and won’t return it.the only way I can shut it off is to pay for a new phone..is there an way around this?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Absolutely. You should have done this back when it first happened. Have you reported this to your service provider’s customer service team? If not, do so immediately. If they will not issue you a new phone and phone number for free, you always have the option of switching to a different service provider. You will be a new customer and qualify for a free smart phone. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
N.G. Davis says
If you haven’t found the solution to the problem yet, I had suggested this same solution to somebody else – go to the police. The phone is in your name. All they have to really do is trace it or better yet, call her and ask her what she is doing with YOUR phone.
Yshans says
So I’m a lucky one with a Sprint sim card that requires an unlock code to use in any other phone other than the dinosaur aged phone that dies numerous times a day. That is when it’s not crashing. And when it crashes it takes forever bc it has to show one app (not responding) at a time!!! How do I find out who to contact about a new phone or unlock code? Any advice??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone (when it’s working) and you will be automatically connected to your service provider’s customer service team.
Susie says
will a LG G3 Verizon phone that is flashed to also be used on PagePlus (verizon network) work on the government phone in Fresno California?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t have a clue, Susie. Not a single, solitary clue.
Teresa says
Checking to see if my prepaid us cellular can be compatible with safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
No. They are completely different programs.
Cynthia Neargardner says
I’m still with Qlinks, after canceling 2 months ago.now I’ve purchased a Samsung Galaxy J7. What service could help me out. Sorry I’m so confused
Thanks in advance. Cynthia Neargardner
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the companies offering free government cell phones in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
We make a rule never to answer which phones and compatible with each network. All the info you need is in the article on this page, but if you are not secure with it, please contact each company’s customer service team.
Lynwood says
I have an iPhone SE from Mtero PCS, SafeLink lifeline sent me a ZTE they both have some cards but I’m afraid I’ll screw my service up. I’ve been using iPhones exclusively since the iPhone 3 was introduced and I’m old and navigating the Android is a pain will they interchange
Sean says
Can I use a iPhone 6s that was on a cricket service with my lifeline free government service
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on who your Lifeline service provider is and whether the iPhone is compatible with its service. Call customer service to get the most accurate answer.
Rachel Castillo says
I have a sim card with reconnect and i have it in a sprint phone but its not working the meid number is 08916556860328**** can u help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Rachel, but we cannot. We don’t know who “reconnect” is and we are not affiliated with your service provider.
Steven Ploeckelman says
what companies have a US based customer service call center? All I know is that Safelink does not and I cannot understand most of what they are saying when I call them. this makes it next to imposible to get my problems resolved.
Steven Ploeckelman says
It’s been more than 3 days since I posted and I haven’t heard anything from you regaurding my question “what companies have a US based customer service call center?”. If you can’t answer this question or you are researching it please let me know one way or the other. thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot answer the question. This is far beyond our area of expertise, Steven.
Steven Ploeckelman says
thank you for answering
Nancy Moore says
Steven have you found a company? Im so disgusted with safelink. Frankly even if you could understand the customer service reps and their managers, the advice leaves me feeling that Im stuck in reruns of groundhog day. A friend just gave me the contact info for corporate safelink….
David says
What model and threw what company is compTiable with my safelink account
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article above, David?
shannon says
what do i have to do to get a free cell phone from you and how long does it take to get one
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can’t get a free government cell phone from “us.” We are an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone company. Find the companies that offer plans in your state, check out all those plans to find the one that fits your needs best, and enroll with that company using he contact info we provide for each company. Here’s where you can find all the plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
James Hill says
Will a Samsung Galaxy j1 work for qlink wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Q Link customer service or tech support can answer that question.
Linda says
I have qlink zte warp elite with Sprint. Sprint has limited coverage here and I lose bars all the time. I looked up and saw my phone is cdma. 1. Can I switch it to Verizon? 2. It has a space for a SIM card but no card, can I put in a card for storage? 3. I see an LTE icon…should I download this to my qlink cdma phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not qualified to answer that kind of tech question, Linda. But either Sprint or Verizon customer service probably can. Give one or both of them a call.
Danny says
Is there a list anywhere I can see, I was approved for a qlink phone and service. When I ordered the phone I accidentally put the wrong letter of the alphabet in my mailing address due to the last apartment I lived in the phone show delivered yet none of my neighbors say they ever received it and Q Link says too bad that post office says delivered there’s nothing I could do. So I have been trying to shop let go and there are so many phones these days. The problem I’m having is I don’t know what phone exactly to look for what model for qlink and when I asked the qlink service staff they say I have to check that I m e d which most people don’t even want to take the time to do and I don’t have the money to waste to buy a phone that’s not going to work if you know of any way to help guide me to place I can know which phones I should be looking for I would be such in your debt thank you Yuma Arizona
Free Government Cell Phones says
Look on the Q Link website to see what kind of phones they offer.
Lee says
Wouldn’t it be considered a lost or stolen phone? They should have some kind of protocol or procedure to follow for those situations.
Beau says
I have metro pcs powered by t-moble. My one imei number starts with 3596 ……
I got approved by slink but I already got a phone a year ago and when they cut it off I lost it. And I’m tryied to use my phone but it was not compatible. Is my phone comparable with safelink. If not who can I use. I can not afford a phone right now
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink can tell you if that specific make and model is compatible. Call its customer service team.
Tina Hudson says
I had a ZTE CRICKET PHONE IS IT COMPATABLE TO USE
Free Government Cell Phones says
Is it compatible with what?
Katelyn says
I’m interested in a T-Mobile phone! I use life wireless so I’m curious if my sim will work in it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check with Life Wireless customer service to get the most accurate answer, Katelyn.
Jesse white says
I got Verizon fipcellphone it don’t use SIM card can I still get food stamps cellphone number for it
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re going to take what our father used to call “a wild-assed guess” and assume that you mean a free government cell phone when you say “food stamps cellphone.” The answer is a resounding maybe. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. So you can probably use your Verizon cell phone and cell phone number IF it is compatible with your chosen service provider’s network. What you need to do is contact your chosen service provider’s customer service team BEFORE you enroll to confirm that your specific make and model is compatible with its network. If it’s not compatible, attempt to enroll with a different company that is compatible.
Colleen J. Hall says
My phone keeps turning off my WiFi . I have the internet at home but the gov. Phone turns it off, why?
Colleen J. Hall says
Maybe my qlink phone you gave me doesn’t run on spectrum internet?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We haven’t given you anything, Colleen. This is an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone company. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No idea, Colleen. But there’s no way we could possibly know because we are NOT affiliated with your service provider in any way.
Kim says
Colleen did you find anything out about Wi-Fi turning off? Mine does the same.
Maria Rodriguez says
My LG phone was working fine until the new month came and now all I get is a message saying ” Welcome to Verizon wireless, this call cannot be complete due to restrictions” HELP
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Ava says
Can I use my phone for Free government service with imei #
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, but we’re not quite sure what you’re asking, Ava.
Andrew says
I’d like to know why my unlocked Moto e4 from metro Pcs/TMobile won’t work right. It’s got data, plans active and in order but I cant call or text and the number won’t show up in settings. Everything says it should be working but it’s not.. Im lost and so was technical support they said tower problems.
Help is appreciated
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no way for us to know what’s wrong with your phone, Andrew. You need to contact your service provider.
vanessa G Young Davs says
Well they really worked a number on my phone ! cant even use the phone ts cut
off by network and the wf1 No matter what you do they phone w1ll not connect,
! dont know what to do . t will not worry but dont have a phone For the last tme
the phone wll not work. bugaboo…..
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, Vanessa, so we cannot solve your problem. You must speak to your service provider’s customer service team.
Vivian Reinhardt says
Why does your co. use so many networks? I want a GSM phone. What does it mean that I can’t control my phone? Does LTE mean the same of no control.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not a Lifeline provider, Vivian. This is an independent informational website. You need to speak to customer service at a Lifeline company.
Laurie Teske says
If I put your sim card in my current phone that has a plan does it erase my plan and it just becomes a SafeLink phone or does it just add to my current plan? I have an Alcatel phone which is AT & T.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get the most accurate information.
K. says
So my Qlink sim card is sprint, cdma right? But i have a at&t phone, and the phone says the sim card is not compatable, So I have to find a sprint phone for my qlink sprint sim card to work in another phone? (iphone specifically)
Free Government Cell Phones says
We avoid tech questions like the plague, K. Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to get the most accurate answer to your question.
begrudge android/windows.love says
Really great site. Problem
Had an old ztw from safelink, brokem, bought a total wirelsss moto prepaid, called sl cs, transferred service to new devoce w exist prepaid sim
It worked for a while. One day sim error issue came up out of nowwhere. I opened restared phone. Worked for a bit longwr. However, my voicemail box was deleted, and aftwr calling to check.message, got a verizon brans set up (?). Somehow my carrier was changed to verizon wirelss, now my sevice does not work w highspeed or the default low speed. Restart phone-get LTE for a sec, then brick-not data.
any insights? How can i get off of vwrozon and back to gsm? Cam vwrizon block oe blacklist my.device for.some.arbitrary.reason?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are experts on the free government cell phone program, but complete morons about tech issues, BeGrudge. Try calling your Lifeline company’s tech support team.
Kathleen Elliott says
Ok I read what you have posted. So if my gov. Free phone is a GSM And the phone I want to change to is also GEM I’ll t can be done?
Free Government Cell Phones says
GSM to GSM should work, Kathleen.
Allen G carter says
I have a galaxy 6 sprint phone will it work with q link service
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact q Link customer service to find out if a specific make and model of phone will work with its national network.
Dee says
My friend has a blu government phone and he paid for a metro pcs $50/mth account, to have internet, but can’t get on line. What does he have to do, to be able to use his metro pics account on his government blu phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible for us to say, Dee, because Metro PCS is not part of the free government cell phone program.
Natasha LaTulip says
I have been through dozen phones or more trying to replace my smart phone from QLink and I’m frustrated to find it so difficult to find the exact one. Also I have a nice one pre ordered but need to call back to finish the payment for it to be shipped and I was told that I should be able to do that online when I sign into my account but I can’t find it. Wish a link or instructions could be sent to me to help.
My QLink # 719-369-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
First of all, you have one of the coolest names we’ve ever run across. Second, unfortunately, we are unable to answer any questions about the inner workings of Q Link because we have no connection to that company. This is an independent informational website.
Linda says
I bought a zte warp elite. 1. It will not let me text unless I send a pic with message. I thought I was deleting apps I never use…there was one called BOOST that I uninstalled..MISTAKE.. made reception and sending almost impossible. 2. Should I have wap enabled? (I have a one foot space in one room that I can text)
Free Government Cell Phones says
We just can’t advise you on tech issues, Linda. You need to seek advice from your service provider’s customer service/tech support teams. You can reach them by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Cheryl Folop says
My brother, who is disabled, currently has a TracFone with SafeLink (T-Mobile I believe). We bought him the phone for Christmas, just a year ago, and it’s already having problems. We have a family plan with Verizon that we have had for years. What is the best way to change his free phone plan to be more compatible with ours? Should we put him on our plan? Will he have to change his phone number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what you’re asking, Cheryl? Are you wanting to get your brother off the free government cell phone program?
Bonnie Givens says
I have. G7 lite verizon . Will it work
Been unhappy because it costs why to much.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea who your service provider is, Bonnie, so we have no idea what’s compatible with what.
Dawn M Mitchell says
Can i use a qlink phone that was active in soneone elses name as long as its a qlink phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We need more information, Dawn.
crista wright says
Thanks.
Richard says
Thanks for the great news! Now I don’t a reson to drink tonight but I will find one
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hoist one for us, Richard.
Susan Fontenot says
I need a replacement phone. My phone’s microphone is no longer working. I have tried calling (from another phone) and texting your help line but have not receive help. I only get a recording. I need to speak to someone.
Please call me at 337-660-**** ASAP. I need a usable phone. I have to be out of town the week of March 17-23 and will have no other phone available.
Can I go to a local distributor for a free replacement? I live in ********, LA.
Please contact me ASAP.
Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you enroll today, you may be able to get a free government cell phone that quickly, but it’s doubtful.
Susie says
Can I use a flip phone with QLink? Or does it have to be a smart phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Q Link customer service can give you an accurate answer to that question, Susie. Contact them by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Stephen Ujcic says
What government cell phones are compatible with qlink wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Q Link will give you a phone that’s compatible with its network.
STephen B Fowler says
I need a phone that is compatible with this SIM card I got from SafeLink Wireless it’s a three-in-one Sim kit and I can’t get it to work on my LG K7 Android so will you please send me a phone that it will work with cuz I need a phone and all I have is a SIM card that will not work in anything I got
Free Government Cell Phones says
We stay as far away as possible from technical questions like this, Stephen. Contact your service provider’s customer service team for more info.
Binali says
I want free phone please help me how to order
Free Government Cell Phones says
All that information can be found right here on this website, Binali.
Tina Hudson says
I would like a free cell phone would you help me on how to order one
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s what this website is all about, Tina. Just click around and you’ll learn everything you nee to know.
Johnny Ray mooore says
I have a government phone it is a ul40 from assurance wireless is it compatible with my LG
Free Government Cell Phones says
We think you’re asking if your LG phone can be used with your Assurance account. Is that correct? The best way to get that question answered is to contact Assurance customer service.
Robin Franks says
Lg phone model # LGLS676
Tribute he phone
Imei
#359842087190841
Will this work for the bring your own phone?
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know who your service provider is. You’ll need to contact its customer service team to get your question answered.
Lori says
I have a Verizon Galaxy 6Edge Plus phone. I have put my government Safelink SIM card in the phone, but am not able to send or receive photos via messenger. I also do not have access to voicemail. I have called Safelink and was told to purchase a different SIM card at Wal-Mart that would fix the issues.
HELP!???
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t really analyze the problem remotely, Lori, but we’re going to make a wild guess that the phone you have is not compatible with Safelink’s network. Have you checked the article on this page to see if that sounds correct?
Brad says
Do you know what android phones are capable with qlink
Free Government Cell Phones says
We 100% avoid answering questions like that, Brad. Instead we urge you to contact the service provider’s customer service team.
Amy says
My Grandmother desperately needs a cell phone and I’ve filled out the application for Safelink to get her one but they responded back saying her address already has a phone and they won’t send her one. She has never had a phone from them nor any other company and neither has my Grandfather. I’ve emailed and called them to be told each time the same thing which is they won’t send her a phone. How can I get her a phone? Can they not tell whoever used her address to get a phone is not actually a 85 year old woman with no cell phone knowledge to me texting or using the Internet and the phone would never be pinging on any tower but the closest to her home except for the occasional appointment or groceries? Is there anything I can be do to help this situation turn around? She should not have to go without just because someone wanted to fraud the phone company. Thanks for any help and guidance you can offer.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call in again and ask to speak to a supervisor. Ask them to check your grandmother’s name against the name of the person who supposedly has the account at that address. If that does not work, you can contact USAC.org, the organization that supervises the free government cell phone program. It has a service to help people in your grandmother’s situation.
Linda F Pate says
my phone got broke and i have to fight with it to use it everyday i dont like it because it is to small so can i drop yall and go with another carrier where i can go to walmart and pick the phone that i want im going blind and need something bigger
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most Lifeline companies allow you to bring your own phone to their plan, but you need to make sure that you purchase (or use) is compatible with its national cell network. You can also purchase an upgraded phone from your service provider, but we hear so many complaints about those phones that we think you should go with the BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. If your service provider doesn’t offer one of those plans, feel free to switch to a service provider that does off it.
Richard says
They’re doing the same thing to me Amy and I’ve been a safelink user for years and I even still have the phone they sent to me and the same address. I let it lapse because I was locked out of my email address and couldn’t recertify. So, I had no service for only about a week. Soon as I reapplied they told me they can’t start my service again because someone at my address already has lifeline service. How could someone else have lifeline service at my address? they would have to send the phone here and I would have got it in my mailbox. It doesn’t make sense. Its insane.
Velvet Burmaster says
I have a phone that I think will work.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to make sure your make and model are compatible.
Lisa says
What’s my phone number!? I can’t find it and you didn’t tell me when I recieved it!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. Contact your service provider by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Patricia says
I have a government phone now. I bought my baby a play phone for Christmas, you know the orange one that sings? Is that one compatible with safelink?
I’m kidding. I had a good laugh reading how blatantly you responded to some of these ridiculous requests/ questions and the reactions of offense you recieved back from a few. Please don’t change. Maybe if you repeat to “contact your service provider” a couple more times one of them might catch on?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Congratulations! You win the award for “Comment of the Day.”
JB says
You said ” Step One: CDMA vs GSM
The first thing you need to know is that there are two different cell phone technologies — CDMA and GSM. When we say “Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks,” that means that CDMA cell phones won’t work on a GSM network. And vice versa. CDMA cell phones only work on CDMA networks and GSM cell phones only work on GSM networks.” And then you listed “Safelink” as a carrier who’s phones use both GSM and CDMA???? Please explain this.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on what part of the country you live in.
JB says
So what do you mean by that? In one state they have GSM compatible phones and in another they have CDMA phones?
Free Government Cell Phones says
They may even have different networks within the same state depending on the specific geographic area.
Margaret S. says
I need help with my smartphone getting to be used as a SafeLink phone everything’s been taken care of through the SafeLink people except I got disconnected from them I cannot make a call from my new phone which is straight talk but I want to use my Safelink service remind SafeLink phone transferred over to my Straight Talk phone which is a j7 cloud please help I have a ticket number contact me back at this email address I got disconnected I have no way to get ahold of customer service through SafeLink I need SafeLink to please contact me through email I don’t know how to get ahold of them it without my service being on thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not your service provider, Margaret, so we cannot help you with technical issues. You need to contact that company’s customer service or tech support team.
Dixie says
Can you use a trek phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider to find out if any specific make or model is compatible with its network.
DOUGLAS E RUSH says
i here i have a free phone and it only free through them direct…only if they send me the phone
but i see the same phone on e-bay for 200.00 cheaper 100% the same
so i am woundering if i can get it free if i buy it i have assurance wireless free
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure what “I am wondering if I can get if free if I buy it” means. If you mean, “Can I get free service if I buy my own phone,” the answer is yes — as long as the phone is compatible with your service provider’s network. If you mean something else, let us know and we’ll try to give you an answer.
Blanca E Mendoza says
I have a government phone it’s a ZTE
And I have a crack screen I want to know which phones are capable to my phone so I can buy a new one and switch my chip to a new phone
I’ll be waiting for ur respond thank u.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Due to the daily volume of comments and questions we receive, we are unable to personally respond to all of them, so we hope you see this response here, Blanca. Your best bet is to speak to your service provider to get an indication of which cell phones are compatible with its network.
Janet Jordan says
Will q link phone work on verizon network?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always hesitate to answer this type of question and always defer to your service provider’s customer service team. Give them a call.
Lance Matthews says
I wanna know if my SIM card from safelink phone works in my iPhone 5? If not can I get a other SIM card from safelink that will work in my iPhone5
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink can answer that question for you, Lance.
Deborah Fenton says
I had assurance wireless and the first phone they sent me was not working, so they sent me a new phone and that one was also not working, they said they will send me another one, which would be #3, I told them no I would find another government program. I found qlink, but I do not have a phone at all since I had to return both phones back to Assurance and Q link will not send me a phone. I asked qlink if I could buy one from them at a reduced rate and have not heard back.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t be certain what the problem is, but we can take a guess, Deborah. The rules of the Lifeline program say that you cannot change service providers more than once every 60 days. Sounds as if you have not reached that 60 day limit. On the other hand, the rules of the program also say that your account will be terminated if your phone goes unused for 30 days. Have you reached either that 30 or 60 day period yet?
nicole secrist says
How can I test my phone to see if I can use it
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not sure what your question means, Nicole.
Blair Stamm says
Thank you for the lesson on the difference between The two types of lack of a better term phone systems, I am working on a proposal for my job on the the benefits of having a lets say Metro PCS p[hone and an Obama phone. If you have a little spare time, could you jot down your opinions on the two types of phone? I would be forever in your debt if you could make that happen.
Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are experts on the Lifeline program, Blair, not on cell phones themselves. Sorry.
Greg says
I’ve had a few zte n817 and no matter where I’m at or the WiFi area.. Everytime I turn data on my phone doesn’t work correctly even on home WiFi.. I’m happy to use a free phone but why do they do that.. Waiting on a Sim for a lg volt.. Hopefully I can use my data without 10 minutes of the phone acting up.. This is my 3rd one now.. Ughhhh
Free Government Cell Phones says
Wish we could help, Greg. Well, maybe we can. Most free government cell phone companies offer Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans. You go out and buy the phone you want (one that is compatible with your service provider’s network) and use it in place of the phone your provider gave you. That may solve your problem.
Sandy says
Can I get another free phone if the one I have is never working right,?I really appreciate your service and everyone has been helpful if I had a problem. I thought if the phone is tore up or stolen you would replace it free.Thanks😊
Free Government Cell Phones says
It probably depends on how long you’ve had the phone, Sandy. If you made a complaint to your service provider as soon as you received the phone and discovered that it didn’t work, they are much more likely to replace your phone for free. If you’ve had the phone for a while, they will probably require you to pay a relatively small fee ($25 or so) for a replacement phone.
dave says
great F’ing explanation… im writing your name in on my next presidential ballot…
Free Government Cell Phones says
In the words of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, “I will not run if nominated and will not serve if elected.” But thanks for the compliment.
BeOhBe says
This is BS! Where it’s the “Complete, and we mean COMPETE, list of CDMA phones” you promised us in your search blurb?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Who put the burr under your saddle today, BoOhBe? Looks like you’re going over this website with a fine tooth comb to find things to bitch about.
In this case, we don’t control the words selected by a search engine in response to your search terms. In fact, we had to review this article to figure out what you were talking about. It looks like you are referring to an answer we gave to a reader question. Our answer was “Q Link’s website provides a complete (and we mean absolutely COMPLETE)” list of cell phone makes and models that work with its Bring Your Own Phone program. In other words, we never promised a complete list of CDMA phones. Don’t blame us for your poor choice of search terms nor for your lack of understanding how search works.
Take a Valium. Relax. Stop leaving angry comments. We hope you have something better to do with your time.
MonicaTFP says
Take a valium! Lol I agree!
Tom says
I simply want to get out from Q link but keep my Q link number. I want to find a carrier that I can transfer to.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No problemo, Tommo. You can find all the companies that offer free government cell phone plans in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Find the plan that fits your needs best and enroll with the company by using the contact info we provide on that service provider’s page.
Lisa says
I want to upgrade my cell I am trying to find out if I can use my old phone I have a Verizon Samsung slide is ut compatible with safe link
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to get hold of Safelink customer service to get your question answered accuratately.
Rebecca Hernandez says
It it possible to change your service provider from a CDMA to a GMA?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Absolutely. If you switch service providers, the new provider will give you a phone that is compatible with its network.
Jodi Workman says
My friend has a government phone it won’t call out screen busted he can still use wifi how can we get a replacement ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
He should contact his service provider’s customer service team.
Cheyenne Williams says
My screen is broken and part of the the time when I tap on something where the cracks and spider web places are it doesn’t work. So what do I need to do to get a different phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Patsy says
I need to replace my virgin mobile with assurance wireless mins.what kind of phone do I need to buy.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to the Assurance customer service team to make sure you get the most accurate answer.
Kie'Yaunshe says
Y’all full of bulls**t
Free Government Cell Phones says
A pleasure to meet you, too, Kie.
BeOhBe says
I agree. You give non-answers, and are aggressively rude to boot. You’all should take some public speaking classes.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What you call “non-answers” we call “giving the reader the most accurate information we can possibly give.” Now as to being aggressively rude, go tell it to someone who gives a damn what you think.
Kathryn Laughlin says
I have understood you completely. I don’t like the answers but it is not your fault. I .. appreciate your support. I am sorry you have people disrespect you like they do .
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have broad shoulders and we take handle the occasional abusive reader, Kathryn.
eichard eggson says
I am already signed up for lifeline, however its been at least 3 weeks that may services has been interrupted. please reply at ********@gmail.com to Richard B. Egson
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, Richard. You need to speak to its customer service team, not us.
Arf Doggie says
Please update this article, these companies are not being strait with the customer, qlink is keeping unsuspecting customers in the dark and not telling them what affordable phones they can use, just check their Facebook page, it’s either buy our zte crap or buy one from the list which has phones priced over $300, it seems like their exploiting the vulnerable who are in bad health and those who’s survivability depend on a phone, I talk to some who have been stuck in limbo for 2 or 3 months, the zte (817) phones they have been giving for free come with the very minimal specs (1.8 gig HD & 0.5 ram 1.0 ghz processor) and they crash 97% of the time, if you don’t know how to clear the cache for every single app update, no updates… Just to make a call or answer a call is pure hell, it’s so sad having to explain to these older folks about the whole thing, many aren’t making doctors visits any more, it’s another government fleece from the get and it’s one that exploits the voiceless as usual… ✌️
Free Government Cell Phones says
Q Link’s website provides a complete (and we mean absolutely COMPLETE) list of all cell phone makes and models that work with its Bring Your Own Phone program. You do not required to buy a phone from Q Link. You can buy one anywhere you can find a good deal, new or used.
Lisa King says
I need a sim card
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Nicole says
Have a cricket ZTE phone can I use it with byop plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article, Nicole?
Patti Sedlack says
Today was rude, maybe she didn’t understand it. And how do you know what type of phone it is
Free Government Cell Phones says
We asked a simple question, Patti. If you think that’s rude, how about this: Shut the hell up and go bother some other website.
Jolena says
Can I use my simcard,qlink to stt@t phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Jelena.
Arf Doggie says
Qlink works through locked sprint phones or their affiliate services, they have a list of higher priced phones on their website or you can buy a cheap used one and try your luck… 😁
Paula player says
All wanted was to replace my stand up wireless phone with another one of theirs broke my screen really bad
Free Government Cell Phones says
In that case, you need to contact StandUp’s customer service team to see what they can do for you.
Kamesha Cardona says
Can I switch my qlink to Samsung Galaxy J-3 Verizon
Free Government Cell Phones says
How could we possibly know, Kamesha? We don’t know what phone you have now nor who your service provider is. Ask your customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Jolena says
Can’t use my ZTE qlink phone because it feel in the water don’t work what I have to do get another new one phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service, Jelena. But expect them to require you to pay some reasonable fee for a replacement phone.
Arf Doggie says
They will charge you $25 or you can look for a decent used one from sprint…
BeOhBe says
Camesha answered Both those questions in plain English! I will repeat your own words to you, “Did you read it?” Obviously not!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, this is a criticism we have to accept. She did give the info, but our answer remains the same — contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Arf Doggie says
Go to qlink website and they will have a list…
marie says
Anyone switch a jitterbug model phone over to be able to use lifeline free phone service?
Sarah w. Allen says
I have a jitterbug
thresea haney says
I have a TracFone it’s iemi number is 99000894386**** compatible with assurance wireless service….
Free Government Cell Phones says
And…?
Sosa says
First of all I apologise if you’ve already answered this question. I skimmed through all the questions and comments and only saw safetynet mentioned once or twice but the info was irrelevant to my problem. I have a Safetynet SIM card and a SafeLink phone that says it doesn’t recognize the SIM when inserted. Is that my answer right there that they’re not compatible or am I missing a step?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Sosa, but it’s impossible for us to troubleshoot your phone to figure out what the problem might be. Contact your service provider’s customer service and/or tech support team to get your question answered.
charlene says
if I have a T-Mobile phone can I use safelink wireless use your own phone and get free service from the lifeline assistance program? (is that a locked GSM?)
If I want to use a simple mobile plan what kind of phone do I use? all I know is that simple mobile uses T-Mobiles towers?
Is there such a thing as a simple mobile phone like a locked to simple mobile GSM phone?
and if the phone is locked to simple mobile can I use safelink service?
the government program safelinkwireless service says I can use my own phone and get free service, would I have to buy a GSM unlocked? and if I had a GSM locked, which carriers can it be locked to to use my safelink wireless free government assistance by lifeline service from safelink wireless…
If I want to get safelink service what kind of phone should I buy to be compatible with their service since I live in Hawaii, Honolulu (island of Oahu) my service area is 96797 to 96744 (Waipahu to Kaneohe)
which is like most of the island I kinda have to travel for work and stuff..
does safelink activate its free service with use your own phone with a sim card?
what is a sim card and what is the point for its use? is it for prepaid services like safelink wireless? does T-Mobile use sim cards too? does sprint? does the CDMA and GSM locked or unlocked coincide with the use of sim cards or is it the contract no contract or pre paid services like straight talke and simple mobile or trac fone?
Thank you I’m so confused
-Charlene ram
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Charlene, but you have asked far too many complex questions for us to answer here in the Comments section. We could (and in some cases have) written full articles on some of those issues. You should start by reading the article on this page, which we think will answer a number of your questions. You can probably get others answered by speaking to the service provider’s customer service teams. Hawaii has very few Lifeline free government cell phone programs, so we wish you the best of luck.
Arf Doggie says
Okay Charlene, it’s very simple when it comes to GSM sims cards from safelink, if you have a locked GSM phone, you will have to get it unlocked or buy an unlocked GSM phone and put in the safelink GSM sims card, if you go out and buy one used, test it first with the safelink card to make sure you aren’t getting a locked phone with a usage obligation or a blacklisted stolen phone… I know safelink is much like t-mobile and simple to get going, my friend uses an unlocked GSM Huawei with a safelink sims… Good luck 🤞…
Lilly says
Can an easy wireless government phone be switched over to boost mobile on my account, if the phone`s SIM card is a sprint SIM?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a clue, Lilly. The people at Boost should be able to answer your question.
Virginia Jackson says
Someone stole my phone and I can’t find a compatible phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you asked your service provider how much a replacement phone will cost?
NaNa says
Can I have my Son buy me a “Jitterbug” phone and use it in place of this phone? I’ve looked and looked.
Does anyone know a nice BIG button BIG screen phone that I can use here?? Thanks anyone
Free Government Cell Phones says
If the Jitterbug phone is compatible with your service provider’s national cell network, you can use it.
NaNa says
Can someone please tell me how to use “DATA” I always use up minutes ,but never Data. I’ve left this question on many pages and have wasted year+ of DATA.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call your service provider’s customer service and/or tech support team. You can also Google your phone make and model and the words “user manual.” Soon as you find the user manual you can look up the answer to your question.
Oden says
Thanks for the info. I know first hand why people want to use thier own phone. If you have a new Samsung galaxy s5 sm-g900v 6.0.1 you really don’t want to use a phone that is not even close to being as good. I am curious about one thing though. Why is a primitive phone offered when there are more advanced ones sold in the store?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Because the cheap ones are free.
NaNa says
Wow you admit you give out and sell “CHEAP” phones!!!!!!
I had to replace 1st one and I was sure they said new one would larger screen or buttons. Neither! Worse. Someone just had the number so I had to change it. Had to change 1st phone number ,also! Someone just had phone number.
This new one has more glitches than 1st one. Biggest problem it dials 911 while I’m in middle of call.
!?
Just because it’s cheap…well yes matter of fact they are cheap!!! cheap cheap!!
My shaky elder finger dials wrong numbers every, yes everytime I call someone. Screen and buttons too small for elders!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Nana, but “we” do not admit that we give out and sell “CHEAP” phones!!!!!! Because as we have said at least a thousand times, ‘we” are an independent informational website, NOt a free government cell phone company.
Laura Eunice says
Why does my phone say not registered to network
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since we are not your service provider, there is no way for us to know the answer to your question, Laura. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
David Wheeler says
This is the best explanation that I have received. I appreciate your candor and honesty. It has allowed me to make a decision that I will have to purchase a phone from my provider. Disappointing, but it’s what I have to do if I need a new phone.
Chad says
Is coolpad compatible with Qlink wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check with Q Link customer service or tech support.
Arf Doggie says
If it is a Spint phone or mvno (Virgin Mobile and others) and you have filled any minimum usage requirements, you should be able to use it as long as you don’t unlock it, their website says most sprint affiliates will work with qlink, but if you unlock it, it will not work properly… Just last week I got my mother’s old LG tribute from Virgin Mobile (sprint) started up through qlink and now she is enjoying life again, and I mean like 100% upgrade and that old tribute isn’t worth more than 20 bucks… Good luck… 😁
April says
Do any of the companies offer flip phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
We get this question frequently. All free government cell phone companies are now required to provide new customers with smart phones. You can check each company’s website to see the kinds of phones they offer.
Shalon Frye says
Do the free government phones from assurance have an sd card in them? What causes the phone to not turn on sometimes but other days it works fine? If it comes w an sd card, is it REQUIRED to be able to turn the phone on?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not the right people to ask about cell phone technology, Sharon. If you want to know something about the free government cell phone program, fire away. But you’ll need to ask someone else about SD cards.
Joyce Greenwalt says
I have never heard of a phone needing a SD card to power on however it will always need the sims card which is totally different. My Mom had a phone that would give her problems powering up on occasion and it was her SD card it had somehow got corrupted because when you took it out the phone would power right away
Taylor says
Could I transfer my qulink phone thats allready active to my old phone thats not active ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe, but maybe not. It depends on whether your old phone is compatible with Q Link’s national cell network. Here’s an article that will explain it all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Kayla says
Can simple mobile phones be compatible with qlink wireless? Or metro PCS?
I lost my phone and cat afford to get a replacement phone. If not, how can I deactivate my service and is it possible too reapply?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article, Kayla.
John Smith says
Well, for all of you GSM phone users and are loyal to a certain company. I won’t say the actual name to be discreet. But when you teach your children the alphabet, I was taught, ..”A” is for apple….But I digress.
Anyway, I have an iPhone 6s+ that a friend gifted me after I became disabled and unable to work. I was so thankful because it worked with my old computer. So, in MY experience, my q-link phone works like a charm despite it saying the service is from Another network—So keep your Spirits up and Sprint to the finish line as you try to activate your phone…..
Carmen says
I received my lifeline government smartphone and am very disappointed. I charged it fully asap and then activated it. I left it overnight to do all the updates. Well next morning I connected to my WiFi no problem. I cannot place any calls tho. I walked thru my home trying to find a signal with NO LUCK. Here I am in a bad situation this morning NEEDING TO PLACE A CALL (kind of important) & I can’t even do that. I started looking online trying to find out on my own about QLink service cause whenever I spoke with didn’t tell me what service provider you run off. But anyways SPRINT DOESN’T WORK OUT HERE WHERE I LIVE. WHAT good will this phone be if I can’t get cellular service? I wanna say that when I applied there was something asked about service area. Don’t quote me on that tho I could be wrong. One thing I’m NOT wrong about is SPRINT SERVICE SUCKS OUT HERE IN THIS LITTLE TOWN I LIVE IN. I know for a fact that Verizon never drops calls & reception is amazing. It sure would be handy this morn but .I. Is there ANYWAY you can provide me with another network like Verizon.???? Please don’t tell me I would have to pay anything cause that won’t work for me. Being on a fixed income is the reason I applied for Free Government phone. Hopefully I can get some assistance in this matter. TIA
Free Government Cell Phones says
The article above gives you more detail on which companies use each of the national networks.
Stevy Geise says
Is TracFone compatible with Qlink wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We never answer questions like this, Stevy, because we do not want to lead any readers astray. We recommend that you call Q Link customer service to get the most accurate answer.
Kim says
Will an at&t phone airtime card work with a life wireless plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
We avoid answering questions like this, Kim. Your best bet is to call Life Wireless customer service with the specific make and model of your phone.
Kim sawyer says
Would a iPhone 6 work for a self link
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume you mean Safelink, not Self Link. But either way, you need to speak to customer service to find out if that particular make and model will work.
Andrea says
My roommate is a life wireless user and she’s using an at&t phone and she is without signal more often than with signal what is there that we could do to get full signal working for her?
Her number is 918774****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Andrea, but you’re asking a question that’s outside our area of expertise. We’d suggest that you contact Life customer service and/or tech support to see what they have to say.
Arf Doggie says
Get a cell signal booster…
Michelle says
Thank you!
I read your complete article and I can’t believe that if these people that are asking you questions related to your topic read it as well as explaining in A…B…C…details did not get the message!!! SMH.
Michelle
Debra Mitchell says
Please call me my phone is lost or stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not your service provider, so we cannot call you. If we did call, we don’t know anything about you or your account, but we could call and talk about the baseball play-offs or politics or some other topic of your choice. But we couldn’t talk about your account or your missing cell phone.
Patricia Wood says
I need a better phone than the one I get from Qlink. It is small had to use keyborad and overheats all the time
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can upgrade through Q Link or you can purchase a phone elsewhere and use it as your Q Link phone. WARNING: Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So before you buy a phone elsewhere, speak to Q Link customer service or tech support to make sure that the make and model you want to buy is compatible with the Q Link network.
Tonya Woolsey says
Does a Samsung j36 work with the Obama program
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article, Tonya?
Shirley Hall says
My phone tore up im with stand up wireless can i use a samsung phone with my wireless provider
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends on the make and model, Shirley. To get the most accurate answer to your question, please contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Amber says
What company would I be able to get a sim for an iPhone 6 Plus in Indiana?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to tell you which phones are available where and when from any particular service provider, Amber. The phones are handed out at random, so the person just before you may get one make and model, you may get another, and the next person in line may get a third different make and model.
Jose says
Does access wireless sim work on other sprint phone???
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get that question answered, Jose.
Cassandra says
I got a life wireless chip and free phone about a year ago, but at some point the phone itself broke. I still happened to have my other smart phone from when I had service with at&t and it was an LG 4 LTE I believe. I had no knowledge about the plans and risk of switching, but I needed a phone and was desperate so I tried it. It worked. I’ve happily had it ever since. However, a day ago the phone got wet and now it’s basically a paper weight. I’m distressed and don’t know what to do. I need a phone. So since I still don’t fully understand how this works, I want to ask you; since I have life wireless and it worked the first time with my old phone, should/can I go to an at&t store and just buy a phone but not the plan? Even if I have to make payments on it? Will it work again or am I barking up the wrong tree here? Please help. I really don’t know where to go from here. I keep hearing about ‘unlocked’ phones but I don’t get it. Hoping to hear from you soon. Thank you in advance.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What you describe would be one possible solution, Cassandra. Another one would be to buy a cheap phone from eBay or Amazon, etc. And finally, you could switch to a different free government cell phone company and you would then qualify as a new customer and receive a smart phone. Here’s an article that tells you more about how to make that simple switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Joel Walters says
Is there a free cell phone service that uses verizon in OKLA.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way for us to track which company uses which network in any one particular locale, Joel. The only thing you can do is contact the companies offering service in your area to find out which ones use Verizon. Here’s where you can find all the companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Rick says
I have just received my free government qlink phone.I have an older phone from cricket wireless that I want to use. When I insert the nano sim card it asks for a network unlock pin. How can I fix this since using my old phone is much more convenient for me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to your service provider’s tech support team, Rick. If it’s possible, they should be able to talk you through the process.
Niki says
Did you figure it out?? Im having the EXACT same problem
MElliott says
I contacted the top 5 companies on the list that say they accept sprint CDMA phones and they all said no. I’m sorry for sending a second comment today but I figured I could do more research than just one plan. Again I appreciate your time.
MElliott says
I currently have an iPhone 6s with Sprint and when I called Safelink a few days ago they informed me Sprint is the company they do not accept. Every website I’ve researched said Safelink accepts Sprint CDMA phones. Has there been an update that hasn’t been published? I do not have WiFi at home and I can’t afford to buy another phone. Safelink seems to be most popular in Florida. Any suggestions? Your time is greatly appreciated.
Megan Brown says
I have access wireless can I hook up a unlocked verizon CDMA phone??
Free Government Cell Phones says
We avoid answering questions of this type, Megan. We’d suggest contacting Access customer service to get an accurate answer.
Rebecca cummins says
I have a stand up wireless (life wireless) sim card that is active, will it work with any gsm phone or just some At&t phones? Customer service was absolutely no help at all. Thanks in advance!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are experts on the free government cell phone program, NOT on cell phone technology. If customer service can’t help you, ask to speak to tech support.
Nicole says
Can i use a ZTE Android N835
Julie McCracken says
My daughter receives f.s, Medicaid & tanf. She has two young school children that uses iPad for school, she applied for home internet, she didn’t qualify how come?
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, so there is no way for us to know which plan she applied for nor why she was turned down. She should contact the customer service team at that company to ask why she didn’t qualify.
Sarah Randall says
The Lifeline Program offers EITHER free cellphones and service OR free or discounted internet service. You can pick one or the other, but not both. So, if she already has a government cellphone, she would not be eligible for the internet program.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Sarah, but you don’t know your proverbial ass from a hole in the ground and we will not allow you to mislead our readers. ALL free government cell phone companies offer plans that include free talk, text and data.
Bernie Sanders says
Read it again Mark. Lifeline offers two choices: either free cell phone service OR a discount on internet/landline service (unlike cell phone service, this isn’t required to be free, which means it never is). You only get to pick one. If you already have one you will be turned down for the other.
Linda Jak says
My SafeLink phone is dying. Is there a list of phones I can pick from preferably from Walmart ( closest retailer). Since I really cannot afford fancy phones. Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
The answer is YES and NO. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you need to choose a phone that will be compatible with the Safelink network. You might want to visit the Safleink website to see which phones the offer, and take that list to Walmart as a guide to which ones you can use. But MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT BUY A WALMART CELL PHONE until you find one you want and then speak to Safelink customer service to make sure that make and model is compatible.
George says
Does SafetyNet Wireless offer nano sim cards?
My parent’s SafetyNet phone came with a micro sim card. I have an older unlocked phone I want to give to them but it only accepts nano sim cards.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to speak to SafetyNet’s customer service or tech support team to get your question answered, George.
Clinton Casteel says
I have a ZTE MOBILE through Boost/Sprint how am I to transfer my Qlink government mobile number I very to my personal Android since my Qlink phone is busted
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service, Clinton.
Arf Doggie says
You can get the numbers by opening the battery compartment and they will be on the battery itself or under the battery if it is removable.
Rea says
When enrolling with Safelink Wireless and choosing the “bring your own phone” option, it asks you to choose between a T-Mobile compatible SIM card and a GSM SIM card.
As far as I know these two are the exact same.
I received a SIM card that was labeled “T-Mobile Compatible GSM” and it does not work in my CDMA compatible phone. I have called Safelink numerous times to try to get a new, correct SIM card but I am told I can only get one by going to a retail location (both retail locations in my state for 2 plus hours away from my home).
Any advice on what to do or where to go from here?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your first action should be to call customer service and ask to speak to a supervisor. They’ve left you in a crazy position and it should be up to them to fix it.
If they refuse to help you, you should read the article at the link below and do everything it says. It often gets action when other things don’t.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
And if that doesn’t get your problem resolved, it may be time to switch to a different service provider. It’s simple to do and there’s no waiting period. Here’s an article that tells you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Ashley Sims says
My TMobile revvl plus keeps saying searching I’m not sure if I done the correct apn settings update but I was suppose to have a phone mailed but when checked the mailbox only a Sim was mailed I’m stuck and need immediate assistance.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to call your service provider’s customer service team, Ashley.
Tammy Pottorff says
I bought a refurbished standup wireless phone but it says it’s locked when I put my SIM card in its asking for a 4-8 pin number thing how do i unlock the phone to get the pin? Using my previous sim card from my old standup wireless phone that broke? Standup wireless isn’t an option as a carrier for the unlock river site I’m confused
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are experts in the Lifeline program, Tammy, NOT in the technical workings of cell phones. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support teams.
Lana Johnson says
Simple answer can I take my my Q Link phone and change for a new different phone can I do that please text me
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t text you, Lana, due to the volume of comments and questions we receive every day. The answer to your question is that you need to contact Q Link customer service to find out if they will give you one for free or if they will charge you a relatively reasonable fee.
A says
I Have a Galaxy J3 Luna Pro that has never been activated through any cell phone service or provider. If my phone happens to be compatible with qlink, can it be done since my phone has never been activated or registered in any way?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, if the phone is compatible with Q Link, you should be able to use it as your Lifeline phone.
Carl Leonard says
I have a government cellphone and my service is Qlink. 1st I can’t talk to a real person, ever. 2nd they don’t have a website. If it is it’s in Spanish. 3rd they’re several recordings stating I don’t have any minutes and I received 1000 on 9/1/18. 4th they are changing or transferring to another service. What’s going on. I don’t understand because of my stroke. Can someone call me or email me in simple talk Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We just checked the Q Link website, Carl, and it came up in English for us. Give it another try. Unfortunately, we cannot call you due to the volume of comments and questions we receive every day.
Mark Adams says
I have am unactivated trac phone…still new, Samsung model#SGH-S390G
Free Government Cell Phones says
Is there a question hidden in your comment, Mark?
Diane says
Ahahahaaaaaaa!!!! Good question!🤣🤔
Karen Sarten says
I have my Dad’s old T-Mobile Galaxy 5on phone. Can I switch it to my goverment Safelink service? If so, do I need to purchase something and how do I do it? THANK YOU!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe, maybe not. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Karen, so you’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to find out if that particular model is compatible with its network. If so, they can tell you exactly how to do it.
Karen Sarten says
Thank you for your quick response. What information do I have to have on hand to give my provider to switch the phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Proof of income or proof of participation in one of the government assistance programs. Here’s more info on those requirements:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
James says
Will a LG 5 phone with Verizon service, be compatible with QLink service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get an accurate answer.
Carrieann marks says
What does cdma or gsm stands for
Free Government Cell Phones says
Code Division Multiple Access and Global System for Mobile
Gab says
Hello. I have Truconnect but I would like to use this straight talk iPhone my mom gave me but she only had it for 7 months before getting a new phone. Ive tired to look into getting it unlocked to use it but it has to be actived for 12 months. I also read that SafeLink could work with this iPhone but I’m not sure. I don’t want to switch services if I cannot fore sure use this phone. Hopefully this made sense.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call Safelink customer service to find out if the phone is compatible with its network.
Lonna says
That breaks it down for me all that jib jab reading for nothing go straight to the source.
Thank you
Becky says
Safelink did something to my Straighttalk Iphone over the phone so I could use it on Safelink. It was easy.
Destiny Powers says
Can qlink wireless switch a straight talk phone qlink so I can use it for qlink
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends on the make and model of the phone, Destiny. Not all Cell phones are compatible with all national cell networks. So you need to contact your chosen service provider’s customer service or tech support team to find out if your Straight Talk cell phone is compatible.
Bridget Proulx says
Which company covers Oklahoma GSM or CDMA?
Free Government Cell Phones says
GSM and CDMA are technologies, not companies, Bridget. Both are available in Oklahoma.
Louann Gibbons says
My mom has a Galaxy J3 Luna Pro with Straight Talk Phone Service. She’s had it 2 months and now in a nursing home where they take all of her SSI CHECK but 30 dollars a month. She is on Medicaid and the 30 dollars is spent on hygiene products she needs in the home. Can we switch this phone to free Gov phone! Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t guarantee you that your particular make and model of phone is compatible with any particular network, but it will surely be compatible with one of them. Contact the free government cell phone service providers in your state to find out which ones will be compatible. Here’s where you can find the companies and their contact info:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Gary says
Can you use a Samsung Galaxy s5 from veroxon and use it through assurance wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
For the most accurate answer, speak to Assurance customer service or tech support, Gary.
cory whitmoyer says
i have a free android government phone and i lost my service do to not my making 1 call in 30 days. i am wondering if icould get another sim card to use in this phone for free through another service other than life wireless. i am in grand forks noth dakota and was told that there were no carriers here. could you please refer me to someone who could tell me a litltle more about this
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are a number of other companies offering free government cell phone service in North Dakota, Cory. You can check them all out at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check with each of their customer service agents to find out if you can use your existing phone with their networks.
Sonilla Ayoubi says
Hi, I tried many many I phones like 6, 6s plus,7 ,7s plus and many other,but still saying not compatible. Now what can I do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure we understand what the issue is, Sonilla.
heath says
This article was Very informative. Thank you.
People, read the article! If you have a question that wasn’t answered, call 611 and talk to your India representative who will tell you what this article hasn’t.
SMH.
Thanks again for the article I it has helped me understand what I was looking for.
Jesus jaramillo says
Which Obama phone has unlimited data talk and text I want to buy a new iPhone but I don’t do the limited data which has one unlimited I don’t care if it’s 4g or not as long as I can always browse the web.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check all the free government cell phone plans available in your state at the following link, Jesus:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jennings A Mccallum says
Don’t know how to change my.tempo.com to Quicklinks.com & keep my Lifeline & same phone Number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you step-by-step how to switch service providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And when you speak to customer service, just tell them “I want to port over my current phone number.”
Kimberly says
Can i switch to a Verizon phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only if it is compatible with your service provider’s national cell network, Kimberly.
Kimberly says
I need to see if I can switch my q link number to a Verizon phone because my phone is broken
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service, Kimberly.
Adrian hawkins says
I have a total wireless why can’t I use that phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our psychic repair line is down right now, Adrian, so we won’t be able to troubleshoot your phone. In the meantime, perhaps you can contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Crystal says
Can anyone tell me what the heck kind of phone I can use with my assist wireless t mobile sim card I’ve tryed so many no luck help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s a crazy idea, Crystal: Check the Assist website to see what kind of phones they offer. You can also contact customer service.
Kathleen Marie says
Thank you for providing Lifeline info. I think I understand a little bit more. I am currently with Assurance Wireless who as you know, is connected to Virgin Mobile and using the Sprint network. The free phone they have sent me is the ZTE Quest N817. It says it is a CDMA/Edvo model. I am very unhappy with it’s ability to stay operational in general (I’m on my third replacement) and it’s performance when it is working. There is always at least one feature, but usually more on the blink. I want to switch my service provider to Truconnect in hopes of receiving a better free phone. I would like to keep my number as it has become established with so many entities that contact me. My question is Truconnect offers both GSM and CDMA phones with LTE on most of them. Do I have to choose another CDMA phone in order to keep my number when I switch? I think the free phone that Truconnect uses is LG K3. I read somewhere that Truconnect uses the CDMA Sprint network I will be travelling to Mexico again and would like to know what I need to do in order to have service within Mexico as well as capability to send and receive calls to/from the United States. , Is there a phone I should look into to buy or just wait and buy a cheap system when I’m in Mexico (about 10 days max) Thanks so much for your help!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Truconnect’s customer service team can answer all your questions, Kathleen. You can find its contact info on our Truconnect page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Anthony Rivera says
MY old, God-awful free cellfone : ALMOST , almost worse than a string with 2 tin cans. Anyway it’s moot. That crapcell is broken and obviously I’m hoping my $40 LG PHOENIX 3 is compatible with your service, though I’m sure I know it’s not. I’ve tried 4, 5 different cells to no avail. Pathetic. As pathetic as charging me for a replacement crap cell u provide. Are there even T E N compatible cells to ur stellar plan? I would’ve been happier NEVER KNOWING some cells are ….. U get it. Help
Signed, frustrated
612-381-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not “our” service, Anthony. This is an independent informational website that is NOT affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies.
Kellie Marks says
I have an iPhone 7+ and am trying to find a government SIM card that will allow me to send sms messages such as pictures through text. Which would be the best company to go though?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve stumped us with this question, Kellie. Any readers want to give Kellie an opinion?
KAY says
Kellie maybe it depends if its cdma like boostmobile sprint verizon these dont use sim sim cards there’s a list of compatible phones that might work
K. Montgomery says
Perfect explanations. I wish all info could be this simple, even if it is slightly dumbed down. It’s enough info to know.
KV says
What if your qlink phone does not have a sim card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service, KV.
mel says
Could you give me a list of compatible phones for qlink wireless? That would be so helpful if you can . Thanks!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible, Mel. That list is longer than Uncle Sam’s arm on April 15. Do a little Googling for “CDMA cell phones.”
Pam says
Uuhhh. Thanks?😊
Free Government Cell Phones says
What’s the problem, Pam. We provide you with the information you need and that’s not enough? Can we get you some lemonade? Some bonbons? Give you a neck rub?
Ralph Woestemeyer says
I am a bit confused, i am looking at a phone that seems really good, but I’d like to find out if it is compatible with Q-Link wireless before I buy it. However their tech support is less than stellar and I can not get any answer from them without providing an IMEI number, and since it is sold online I can not do that. The network information provided by the seller is: Network type :2G;3G;4G. 2G : GSM1900/1800/850/900, 3G: WCDMA:2100/850/900,
4G: LTE-FDD:2100/1800/2600/900/800, WLAN: 802.11 a/b/g/n(2.4G+5G), Bluetooth: 4.1. I have no more information than that, could you tell me if this phone would be compatible? Itcard availa is a large, very rugged phone, which is what I need , and it has dual Sim availability.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We NEVER answer this question, Ralph, because it’s above our pay grade. We’re experts on the free government cell phone PROGRAM, but NOT on cell phone technology. Sorry.
Jessie Whitmore says
My screen is broken it has been messing up know for a while but know it want even power on after charge it
Free Government Cell Phones says
What are you asking us, Jessie.
Gina Ewing says
why is sprint the only phones exceptable to transfer my qlinkservice too ? the phone they sent me is so incredibly slow i cant even use it
Free Government Cell Phones says
Q Link operates on the Sprint network, so only phones that are compatible with that network can be used. It’s all explained in the article above, Gina.
But Q Link also offers a Bring Your Own Phone program that you might want to look into.
Robert Comerford says
At my location can only get service with Verizon or US Cellular. Which providers will work for me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
They’re listed in the article on this page, Robert.
Bridgett NICKO Moore says
What if I don’t remember my phone number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will connect you to customer service and they can tell you what your number is. Or you can call a friend’s cell phone and caller ID will show them your number and they can tell you what it is.
Anthony says
Can I put my chi from my free phone that’s verizon into my iPhone 8 that’s also verizon but from the verizon store
Free Government Cell Phones says
To get the most accurate answer, check with your free government cell phone company’s customer service team.
karla rojas says
i lost my Qlink phone and need another one
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact Q Link customer service, Karla.
mel says
Have to order replacement from qlink that cost 25 dollars. Call qlink wireless.
Emely Gonzalez says
Hello this Emely Gonzalez I have problem with phone because of Network No 4G LTE please help me call me 856 676 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t call you due to the volume of questions we get every day, Emely. But you should speak to your customer service team ASAP.
angela says
Y do u say get in touch with your service company.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Because no one can tell you which phones are compatible with your service provider than your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Reyna says
I just want to know if i can get a flip phone I have a new vortex free min phone but I want a flip phone I want to know where I can get one .i would like to know where I can go or call to change it .And if I can
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each company offers different selection of phones, Reyna. And those selections constantly change. So it’s almost impossible for us to answer. We actually doubt if any of the free government cell phone companies are offering flip phones anymore, but many companies offer a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) option that would allow you to purchase your own phone and use it with the Lifeline program. You will need to call the companies offering the plan in your state to determine which of those phones are compatible with their network before enrolling. Here’s where you can find a list of all those companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Michael says
Hi. I own an AT&T LG Phoenix smartphone (prepaid). Can I switch it to a SafeLink SIM Card? If yes, will OT work, and can I keep my AT&T number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink customer service for the most accurate answer to that question, Michael.
Rosa says
Which cell phone can I use with assurance wireless /. Virgin Mobile /. Sprint ??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Assurance customer service or tech support can answer that question accurately. But if you go to the company’s website you can view the other phones they provide and that may help you out.
Yolanda says
Need to upgrade phone..we are eligible for phone upgrade.
719 671 ****. What IS the next step & what company ate we thru? I know it’s Sprint but have no idea how to do this.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Seriously, Yolanda? We aren’t mindreaders, so we have no idea who your service provider is. But you can find out by calling 6-1-1 and speaking to customer service.
Shelia Dalton says
My phone I own is boost lg.can I change my qlink zte over to it. I am really slow at understanding what I read. So please help me out
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service to get the most accurate answer, Shelia.
Kenneth Vaughn says
Yes I am trying to switch over to this phone from my Qlink phone.i have put in the ONE I and MEID numbers but it gets to a certain part then just stops. I would greatly appreciate your attention and assistance in helping me resolve this matter.
Thank you in advance
Ken Vaughn
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact the customer service team for the company you are trying to switch to.
Debra Nash says
Can I transfer my safelink service to a ZTE Imax champ LTE phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check with Safelink customer service or tech support, Debra.
Arin says
I have a trackphone and I have a lifeline sim how do I get my sim to work with this phone. Trackphone ZTE
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to your service provider’s customer service team to get the most accurate answer, Arian.
Carl pendergrast says
My phone is broken need new one
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Carl.
Ricky Sawyers says
My zte n817 accutance sprint cdma the one i wanted to transfer to is a LGL62VL premier trackphone but dont no if its cdma or not i just got it only use on wifi for now
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Ricky.
Wendy phillips says
What about a flip phone? What is it compatible with?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s impossible for us to answer, Wendy. It depends on what make and model of flip phone you have, and which service provider you are enrolled with. Read the article above for the info you need.
Jeremy says
Love the input.. I been having a problem using att unlocked gsm phone with metro pcs service.. Lte and signal data work fine..but when i make a phone call or recieve on.. Data drops off and it has the worst phone reception. And i cant use data while in the phone.. Ive googled endless ways to try and get an answer..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad we could help, Jeremy.
Joe says
Also I see wearing you can get in over my phone if you are low income or no income. I got a statement from Department of Social Security showing I had no income for the whole year will this suffice? I was told when I called customer service that it was
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why are you asking us to verify if customer service already gave you an answer?
Joe says
Is TracFone compatible with qlink?
This phone is a Verizon CDMA phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
The best way to confirm the answer to your question is to speak to Q Link customer service, Joe.
Deborah Freeman says
Yes I have an old phone from Verizon that is called the note 3 which carrier should I get my government phone plan from
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can narrow it down using the list shown in the article above, but then it’s a matter of contacting each of those companies in your state to determine which technology is used in your area. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Pete Barrera says
My daughter has an what they called OBAMA PHONE but the phone broke so she decided to purchase a phone thru OFFER up an IPHONE 5 she went to one of those Mobile repair phone to switch the SIM card. Turned out it don’t work to his particular phone. Her dilemma is this WHICH PHONE SHE CAN USE.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out the phones offered on your service provider’s website, Pete. That will give you a pretty good idea of which makes and models of phones might be used on your service provider’s network.
Priscilla says
Holy crap are these questions real? Who are these people and are they human??
FRANCIS XAVIER AIELLO JR, says
Ms.Pris,
I thank GOD for people like you asking relative and intelligent questions. I often feel like I’m on another flat earth somewher
Andrea says
For real. I’m astonished at the amount of people leaving comment so so if this is their phone carrier or personal problem solver/researcher, and most people aren’t even giving the accurate info to even help them if they were talking to their carrier. Endless confusing and indecipherable quandaries being directed at the poor host and proprietor of this valuable website and resource! I cannot begin to imagine answering nearly the same questions thousands of times over, or reading statements from people when those questions are literally covered within the post/page they’re commenting on and the statements– contrary to what’s in the article! It’s a tiresome and thankless job but I wanted to chime in & let you know that your efforts go noticed to some, like me, and I’m incredibly thankful– not to mention, in awe– of all the time and research you constantly put in to make this a consistently-updated, thoroughly researched, and seemingly ‘the’ only resource for those using these services. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Awwwww, thanks, Andrea. It’s comments like yours that keep us going. Well, that and a genetic streak of masochism.
Krisfit says
To the webmaster: I honestly adore your masochism; it’s inherent throughout the myriad replies. A side of sadism, anyone?! Keep up the good work! Anywho,I stumbled on your site while trying to find info on how to swap from one network to another… Kudos
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hah! Much appreciated, Kris.
J Santana says
I have inherited a Verizon iPhone 8 and am having a hard time finding a provider that will accept it on the CA Lifeline program. The ZTE phone they sent is a toy…any suggestions?
Free Government Cell Phones says
All you can do is contact customer service at each of the free government cell phone companies offering service in your state and ask them each if that make and model will work on their network. Here’s where you can find the companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Deidre Fudge says
who can i speak with to see if my verizon g3 will work on a cricket plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Cricket customer service.
Derek says
I have a verizon LG Vs500pp prepaid phone. The sim card I have doesn’t fit in the LG. What do I have to do or get to make it work?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The first question you need to ask is, “Is this phone compatible with my service provider’s network?” Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get the answer to the question.
John Daily says
can i use a zte n817 from assurance wireless as a replacement for a zte n817 from qlink wireless ?? and keep qlink wireless service ??
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one type of question we always shy away from answering. You best best is to contact Q Link customer service or tech support to get your question answered most accurately.
Marcella Perkins says
I was given a T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy J7. Is it compatible with Qlink?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service or tech support to get your question answered most accurately, Marcella.
Marsha says
If you have assurance wireless can u use a zte majesty pro
Kimberly Starnes says
Can a track phone be switch over to safe link
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably. But you need to contact Safelink customer service to confirm that your specific make and model will be compatible with its network.
Valerie boothe says
I have a new never used trac phone lg82vl. Will it work with Safelink? it came with a trac phone sik so im hoping it will. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one type of question we never answer, Valerie. You need to contact Safelink customer service to get your question answered.
Matt says
I wouldn’t recommend contacting Safelink customer service about anything, ever, under any circumstances.
You’ll get directed to a call center in India for Tracfone, who don’t even know what Safelink is.
I can’t even explain to you in any Earthly language how many times I had to call over the course of 5 months, how many hours I spent talking to people who kept redirecting me.
Safelink CS does not exist… it’s just a labrynth of nightmares.
Ron Gibson says
Same experience here. Safelink is such a joke and in Florida thats all we have along with assistwireless which uses a screwy version of CDMA. A $10/month account with Red Pocket is less pain than trying to work with the idiots at Safelink/Tracphone. Tracfone is actually owned by a Mexican Telecom company and operates under several different names. They will make you HATE cell phone industry.
Antonio Sandoval says
I still don’t understand why our Cellular phones are not communicating with each other. I call my wife from my phone, and there is no answer, the call is received by an answering machine.
When she calls me, the same thing happens. I want to know what is the reason this is happening? Can anyone explain?
Antonio Sandoval says
We are hooked with Metro PCS, we have to different lines in the same account.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you should call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to connect with tech support.
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing you need to know, Antonio, is that Metro PCS does not participate in the free government cell phone program.
Loretta says
Forgot entouch wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
You might want to give us a little more detail, Loretta, because enTouch does a great job monitoring the comments on this site. They can’t help you if they don’t know what the problem is.
guadalupe curiel says
i have a flip phone from q link that i used a while back, samsung can i use it again .i have aerterisis and cannot use a smart phone. please reply
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can use it IF it is compatible with your service provider’s network. Speak to customer service or tech support to find out if it is.
Nick Taylor says
Hi I was wondering if this phone would work with Q-link Wireless I’m pretty sure it will but it never hurts to double check.
Apple iPhone 6S 16GB GSM/CDMA Unlocked
Unlocked: Will work with all carriers
Model: A1688
Processor: 1.84 GHz Twister
Storage: 16 GB
Memory: 2 GB
Display: 4.7 in
Resolution: 750 × 1334 pixels
Camera (rear): 12 MP
Camera (front-selfie): 5 MP
Dimensions: 5.44 × 2.64 × 0.28 in
Weight: 5 oz
Operating system: iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 11.2)
Color variations: Black, White, Gold, Rose Gold
Includes charging hub and cable
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to speak to Q Link customer service or tech support to get a definitive answer to your question, Nick.
Michelle Estes says
My phone has as been stolen I need to put service on my replacement phone with the same number
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Michelle.
Anthony says
Ok I have a ultimate Mobile Xperience (UMX- MXG401) Government phone what are compatible cell phones I can switch to?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to your service provider’s customer service or tech support team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
James meinking says
Do I need to call tech support to use this phone with my LA Sim carf
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what your question is, James. That being the case, yes, you should probably contact your service provider’s tech support team.
Kale says
What I really need to know is how can I upgrade my cdmc qlink phone so it will be 4G or at least a little faster.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re experts on the free government cell phone program, Kale, but NOT on cell phone technology. We’d suggest that you call 6-1-1 on your Lifeline phone and ask to speak to your service provider’s tech support team.
Timia swanson says
If I’m buying a phone off line and it say sprint only but (CDMA + GSM) can I use the phone on a Verizon network because I typed the imei on Verizon, at&t , and T-Mobile and all of them accepted the imei number except for T-Mobile
Free Government Cell Phones says
Way over our heads technically, Timia. The best idea is for you to contact customer service at whichever service provider you are enrolled with. They should be able to tell you which makes and models are compatible with its network.
Gio says
Hello can I use a iPhone 7 Plus to this ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article, Gio?
Ruben vasquez says
Hi my qlink phone is still active but i cant see who is calling because the screen is shattered i have call to see if it can be re-placed without having to pay the $ 25.00 dollars
Free Government Cell Phones says
It may well depend on how long you’ve been a customer and if you happen to end up with a customer service agent who’s in a good mood when you speak to him/her. Give it a try. You have nothing to lose.
Teresa says
Alrite, I’ve got a Samsung Galaxy 8 plus phone. Its from T-Mobile.
Which company will take this as my free phone? If any at all. Someone please point me in the right direction. I’m loving my phone and would love to continue to use it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to answer that question, Teresa. It will be up to you to contact your preferred service provider to find out if your particular make and model of phone will be compatible with its cell network.
B.C says
You explained differences in networks and all this additional tech stuff, but you didn’t answer the question, nor did you attempt to do so. QUESTION: Which (types, name some) phones can I use with Qlink Wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always decline to answer that question directly because there are so many variables for each individual make and model of phone, BC. Rather than give our readers potentially incorrect information, we urge them (and you) to contact the customer service team at your service provider (or your potential future service provider) for the most accurate answer.
Alyssa says
I have a Verizon Samsung 3 can I use it through assist wireless or easy wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We urge you to contact Assist and Easy Wireless customer service teams to get the most accurate answer to that question, Alyssa.
Cindy says
How do we make our 4G work or turn LTE on because my 4G doesn’t work and sometimes my LTE work for a bit then it’s gone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible for us to answer tech questions, Cindy. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to be connected to customer service and tech support.
gary says
I have a Sim card in my government phone can I buy a prepaid phone and do it that way
Free Government Cell Phones says
We never comment on tech issues, Gary. Your best best is to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
anita says
can i use my safelink wireless tracfone sim card in a gs8+ att phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink customer service or tech support can answer that question accurately, Anita.
Phillip White says
I have qlink wireless as my phone provider and I want to upgrade to a newer phone with more memory can I use about any type of Android phone as long as it is a CDMA will it work.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is such a tricky area that we always recommend speaking to your service provider’s customer service team instead of taking our word. You can contact them by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
B.C says
QLink Wireless Support Services are non-existent! They suck! Once I wanted to know if I replaced my phone would my number be replaced. Nobody will ever answer the phone. It’s a circular nightmare! You look through Customer Service Website. If you’re lucky you’ll find an email address for customer service and support services. You send an email, with a simple yes or no question. Will my phone number be replaced, if I replace my phone? Can it possibly get any simpler than that? They will respond to the email with pre-written templates that send you back to the support site, that didn’t answer your question in the first place. Over and over again, no matter how you revise your email, you get the same circular response. I was freaking out. They pose as support. Yes or no? that’s all I wanted to know. QLink never answered the question. Now, I can’t get an aswer regarding which phones are compatble with the “Bring Your Own Phone Program.” Circular nightmare again. Their phones, which I;ve 4 of them now, SUCK! But, they can’t produce a list of phones that will definetly word.
Tara Rangel says
Hi can I switch my assurance wireless to a sprint phone I own
Free Government Cell Phones says
To get the best answer to your question, contact Assurance customer service.
Erica says
I have a qlink cell phone now and tried to switch it to an iPhone 5s. Everything matches but it so says incompatible. Any suggestions?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Erica. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if your iPhone will work with its network.
Phillip White says
Yes you might have to log in to qlink on your account and give them your sim number or have qlink to send you there sim card that should get you up and going.
Melvin says
I think I used to have a straight talk a long time ago it was stolen and I never reported it how do I go about real rolling for a government Straight Talk phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Straight Talk and the free government cell phone program are two completely different animals, Melvin. You can check out all the Lifeline free government cell phone programs at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Felisa says
So it is good to say that my Moto e4 Sprint all in all is compatible with my assurance wireless and my Sim card should work. correct?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always answer questions like this by telling readers to contact their preferred service provider’s customer service team to get the best answer to this question.
Shirley says
I have a Verizon IPhone 4s ,,can you tell me what Free Gov Phone ,Co. Can I bring it to ?? So confused ,,, I guess CDMA
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would strongly recommend that find your favorite service providers, then speak to its customer service teams. They should each be able to give you 100% accurate answers.
Alex O. says
Is an unlock phone OK to use over in Afghanistan I am thinking about setting phone over there to of buddy of mine
Free Government Cell Phones says
That question is way beyond our area of expertise, Alex. We don’t have any idea if an unlocked cell phone can be used in Afghanistan. Maybe some of our readers have experience and can give you an answer. Readers?
Bama Hemphill says
Hi I am so lost ok my phone is a ZTE chapel, ZTE maven2 which is the same just different companies I assume well my bring your own.phone was unlocked in which its a at&t so I was able to set my SafeLink account on the at&t well I’m able to upgrade and I was wondering if other unlocked phones or at&t or other carriers that are.unlocked if my phone was compatible please explain thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you read the article on this page, Bama, you should be able to work out the answer to your question. It’s impossible for us to answer it without more specific information.
Shalonda says
Could I keep my free government assistant cell phone number but by a new device with another carrier?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can keep your current phone number. BUT (and this is an important “but”) you must tell your new service provider that you want to “port over my current phone number.” Say it at the beginning of your conversation, several times during the conversation, and conclude the conversation by confirming that your number is being ported over to your new phone/service provider.
Will says
Was just wondering if i could put my safelink sim card in my cricket lg fortune
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe, maybe not, Will. It depends on if the specific make and model of phone is compatible with Cricket’s network. We’d strongly recommend that you contact customer service or tech support to get an answer to your specific make/model. you can call them at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone
Gretchen G. says
I have a qlink wireless phone and the phone is crap and is to slow. I bought a lg tribute hd boost mobile prepaid phone from target. Can I use this phone with my qlink wireless government plan? From what I’m understanding they both are CDMA correct?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll probably be able to use it, but we absolutely hate to answer this question. PLEASE contact customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. They should be able to answer your question accurately.
Gretchen G. says
Ok will do. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
AL PACHUTA says
Hi my dad has a free phone an it pooped the bed just wondering if i can set up a phone from total wireless its a zte zmax champ or zte z917vl pretty cheap phone just wondering other was a kyocera c5215 any help would be great thanks Al pachuta
Free Government Cell Phones says
Al, you have veered into one of the few areas in which we are unwilling to answer a question. We would feel awful if we lead you astray. So we suggest that you call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to speak to customer service.
Austin says
So basically the phone has to be right cdma/gsm and the right company and it will work?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is theoretically true, Austin.
Nicole says
What if I have a metro phone ,, can I switch the sim card in my assurance wireless to my metro phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to confirm that your specific make and model is compatible with the Assurance cell network.
Julia Welch says
I just want to know if I can switch my cricket # to my gov. Cell. Does cricket account have to be activated at that time I want to switch. Lost cricket phone and can recover my cricket cell # until 19th Feb. Thanks!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Theoretically, the switch can only be made when you open your free government cell phone account, but you should call your service provider’s customer service team to see if it can be done. Good luck, Julia.
ANNETTA Cooney-Armstrong says
I need a new phone cause mine finally gave out but I can’t buy another one. No job. Had the same phone for more than 4 years. Can I get anew one sent to me. Or use a Old Metro PC ONE.
I TURN MY PHONE ON BUT IT STARTS AND SHUTS DOWN CONSTANTLY. SO I BORROWING SOMEONE PHONE TO TEXT YOU THIS. MY PHONE IS A EMERGENCY PHONE DO FAMILY CALLING. My Phone number is 317 200 ****. By the phone I’m useing is 317 869 **** and I put his email down below so you can tell me what to do. THANK YOU
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hope you read this response, Annetta, because we are unable to personally reply to each of the comments and questions we receive. Just too many of them.
You may be able to use that old Metro PCS phone, but you’ll need to get that verified by your service provider. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so the ability to use it is completely dependent on whether it is compatible. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get the specifics.
Victoria says
I have q links can I switch to safe links and get a better phone the one I have is messed up
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you qualify to switch service providers, yes, you can move. All new customers now receive smartphones, and you will be a new customer to Safelink.
Here’s an article that tells you all about how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Katherine Simonds says
My head hurts now 🙁
Kimberly Crowell says
Is a SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 phone a compatible touch screen phone for my Assurance Wireless lifeline plan? The carrier is Sprint.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should get the answer to your question from Assurance customer service, Kimberly. We make a point of avoiding answers to this question because we do not want to lead any readers astray.
Mia Hamlin says
Can my husband go to a phone store an get a phone an will they give him his free service on the new phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, Mia. You need to enroll online or by phone. Here’s where you can find all the free government cell phone companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Mia Hamlin says
He has an Obama flip phone that he uses but it sometimes work I called qlink wireless they said the only phone they have is a smart phone they have no flip phones an he can’t use a smart phone can I go to Sprint an get him a flip phone an will they put his service on it
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Mia. So before you buy a phone, contact Q Link customer service to find out if the specific make and model you want to buy is compatible and can be used as part of its Bring Your Own Device program.
Lori Owens says
Can i use a lg stylo 1 with my assist phpne
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an area where we defer to the Lifeline companies’ customer service and tech support teams, because we do not want to lead you astray. Contact your customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your Lifeline phone.
paul aaron willis says
found a phone from sprint and worked to bring your own phone.moto e
Judy I Jones says
Can I I switch over m qlink
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you everything you need to know about switching service providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
nicholas slocum says
can I buy a SIM card from you
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, you can’t because we are NOT a free government cell phone company. This is an independent informational website.
Bettye Stevenson says
I am on Qlink and I would like to know if I can use a Tracfone is it compatible
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to Q Link’s customer service team and be prepared to give them the specific make and model of phone so they can tell you if your phone is compatible with its network.
Tiffany atkins says
Can i use my boost mobile LG stlyo3 on my Qlink account
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service or tech support to get your question answered, Tiff.
Robert Howard says
Just like to know if a galaxygrand prime would work
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article, Robert? It depends on which service provider you’re talking about because not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks.
Kathryn says
I had my free phone fone sometime now until it just blissed out one day. Now i can’t use it at all so i would like to know what phones are compatible with Q-link $
Free Government Cell Phones says
The list goes on and on and on forever, Kathryn. We’d suggest that you do an online search for the words “cdma phones.”
Gary says
I’m on Qlink. I appreciate the free phone they sent me but it’s huge. ZTE max plus. I’m been wanting a new one. But don’t want to buy another the one they have. I see they have bring your own phone program now. But you have to enter some stuff on back of phone to see if it works on their system. Which makes it difficult if you wanna order a phone online from Amazon or any store. What I read from your site is Sprint phones might work on Qlink? I guess they have to be unlocked. Just wish Qlink would post a list of phones that would work so I would know what to get.
P.Ann says
I check my old Galaxy because i just updated to a newer one. It was from sprint but it says it is not compatible. I just got sent the new ZTE from qlink because the previous phone was acting up, but the new phone they sent is way worse than the old one!
Jason says
I got a smartphone from assurance wireless and I want to use the SMS in a iPhone but every time I put the SMS into the iPhone it say SMS will get locked someone please help me
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact the Assurance tech support team.
Laverne Jessie says
He also tried Assurance, but they sent him a Smartphone and he can’t use one.
So I contacted them and asked what flip phone I could get him and they told me
a Alcatel one touch retro. I purchase one. Than another manager told me I couldn’t use it
I had to purchase one from them. So I called to purchase a phone. Than they said the government only wants them to use smartphones. My father is 85 years old with know knowledge of a smartphone. HELP, HELP PLEASE
Free Government Cell Phones says
We think the last customer service rep gave you incorrect information. All the free government cell phone companies are required to give you a free smartphone, but you can use a flip phone if you have one that is compatible with the service provider’s cell network.
Deanna Crump says
I have My 2nd Qlink phone and it also sucks. First one stopped working and the one now has crappy service. Too many.drop calls and doing things on it’s own. Need a different provider that works in Yuma Arizona
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone companies and plans in your statute, Deanna. There are so many variables that it’s impossible for us to tell you which one has the best service and signal in your specific location.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
syndi says
Is a Lumina 635 8.1 NokiA of cricket a coma model
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get the answer to your question, Sandi.
Sim McPhee says
I’m sure having problems connecting this LG Escape 3!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Sim.
Petra says
I just wanted to compliment all of you for your amazing utilization of patience. I would just like to comment on the task of just trying to get the tech people on the phone. They don’t want to talk to anyone obviously, so why don’t they just put the compatible models on their website(qlink) is my provider.. I refuse to word service. This is a service. Thank you very much for your help and Happy New Year& God bless!
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a very good question you ask, Petra. Listing the compatible makes and models would certainly make things simpler for customers, and the companies could save the cost of sending out phones, so it seems like it would be a good idea. We’ll ask some of our contacts and see what they have to say.
melissa says
I’m excited for a reply on this. I’ve been trying to get information from Qlink on compatible “bring your own phone” phones and don’t provide any info other then “ask the sales rep for the MDEI (or something similar), go to our website, put in the # and see if it’s compatible.” I’m not going to waste the time of a store clerk to get a bunch of numbers to find a phone that will work and I’m not wasting money to buy 40 different phones just to find one that will work. Very frustrating.
Free Government Cell Phones says
To each his/her own, Melissa.
Billie says
Thank you for the information that you have provided. It gets a little hard to follow sometimes, but it is very detailed and thorough.
I do have a question but I am not sure if you’ll have the answer. However, I’m confident that you’ll point me in the right direction. If you have “free service” with a provider (i.e. Safelink) and after 3 months would like to switch to a different “free service” provider (i.e.Life Wireless) , is that ok? If not, then why?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you have data as part of your free government cell phone plan, you currently need to wait one year to switch service providers, Billie. If you only have talk and text, you can switch after 60 days. This is supposed to change according to some new FCC edicts, but they have not yet announced when those changes will take place.
Here’s an article that will tell you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Audrey. N. Thomas says
I have a smartwatch ,It stopped working I called in and she said I could get a Sims card for MI I phone ,I have to order it .where do I order from?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Audrey, but we don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.
Jorge chav says
Great read. I’m curious to find out which carrier offers the best rate for adding data. Most offer 2GB with plan. I’m currently on access just found out its $25 per gig if you run out
Darren Deterline says
GOT Safelink Wireless PLAN I SEEN ABOVE THAT Verizon IS CDMA, IM NOT SURE CDMA IS DOES OR DOES NOT DO AND GSM MY ISSUE IS MY 5-6 YR FLIP STYLE CELL IS NOT DOING VARY WELL NEEDING A NEW PHONE Seen WaterProof Type Is On Amazon FLIP TYPE I LIKE BEST I ONLY USE 10 MIN Month TO CALL OUT I DONT DO Fancy Tricks Likes TEXTS or Dont Plan On It SEEING Some $20-90 AMAZON I DID CALL MY PROVIDER LAST NITE THEY WAS ABLE TELL ME ABOUT LG L442G AS LONG Phone WAS A TRACFONE They Told ME It HAD 2 BE UNLOCKED FOR IT TO WORK MY Old Flip open CelL Don’t Have a SIM Card That Removes Ill Needs ONE Sent To me I’m guessing My OLD Tracfone the Service Is THRU Verizon Here Pennsylvania it is Not Thru AT&T LIKES MOST OF ONES Seen or is ADVERTISED I SEEN 100’s Cell Phones ONLINE TRACFONE What I SEEN HAS AT&T Will Work With Verizon ? I’m Not Sure AS LONG Cell Phone Was UNLOCKED I’m Sure These Likes Ford & Chevy & Not Same Sorry I’m A Lo Tech Red Neck The Only Reason Im Asking B4 I goes Order The Wrong Cell End Up $$ Useless Paper Wt Just Hate Waste My $$ That $ I doesn’t Got Waste Or I not Needs A SafeLink Cell Any Help It Be MOST Appropriate I’m Dumb When Comes To These New Gadgets Never Knew It Was So Hard Get A Phone Read About Others Buy Ones Wont Work 4 there Plans Issue Now Days They Come With Out Buttons Why I has Buy Me A Old Man Me Its A Simple To Use This Flip Type Online Seeing Few Not Sure What Best 4 $
Cindy Harmon says
I talked to someone from safelink they said to get a phone with a new sim card I told them I had a unlocked phone in my friend had a new sim card but it was from att the guy told me he could put my account from safelink over on the sim card from att to call back when my friend gets home with the new sim card so I did I talked to a lady this time she saying it want work I don’t have the money to go out in buy a new sim card what can I do
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call in again. When you get customer service on the line, ask to speak to tech support. They should be able to give you an accurate answer.
Jason says
I want to know how if I can transfer my qlink wireless account to a coolpad phone and keep my qlink account just wanna stay with qlink is there anyway?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always ask readers to contact their service provider’s customer service team to get the correct answer to this question, Jason. Not all devices are compatible with all cell networks and they are the best ones to answer your question.
Karen V. Xiong says
I would like a galaxy note 4
Free Government Cell Phones says
And I would like a pony. You need to check the service providers in your state to find out which ones offer that make and model, Karen. Here’s where you can find that list:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
You are much more likely to get the phone you want than we are to get the pony we want.
Lisa says
I’m curious, did one single person read all the info that is posted above? What a bunch of straight up idots!! I know that your patience has to run thin answering the SAME exact question, over and over and over and over!! Thank you for the information that you posted above, it has been very helpful.
Free Government Cell Phones says
To tell the truth, Lisa, we damn near celebrate when we get a comment like yours. Thanks.
Jasmine Bruening says
Can I make my Samsung sm-J100VPP my q link phone .my number is 812-209-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not Q Link, Jasmine, so we cannot answer that question. Contact Q Link customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
John says
After the comment left RIGHT before this Ladies, and she STILL asked the same question. Wow, you are all saints. I wouldn’t have a job very long answering these questions.
Thank you though.
I was actually reading all the stupid questions AFTER I found my answer in about the first 3 you already answered.
THEY ARE FREE TO BOOT, WHAT MORE DO THEY WANT? use what they GAVE you and stop bothering people with completely stupid questions people.
That’s where we’re at these day’s though.
ENTITLMENT
Bethany says
I live in the desert of Arizona and until id found the LTE app my signal was iffy now it surches for signal for my Qlink phone and it’s great it’s even coming out with a map of were it can recieve from, just thought I’d share that .
Sharon Wilson says
I have been getting emails from qlink about gov cell phones I put my zip code in they say I quilify then after filling out all my info they say they dont offer service in my area I just spent over an hour trying to find what network they use according to you guys they use sprint cdma so I checked sprint network coverage and according to there map we have excellent sprint coverage so whats the deal I have been trying to get the gov phone with qlink for over a year. Someone really needs to tell them that they dont know how to do there job or where there coverage areas are I dont even work for them or any phone company and I did there job in lil over an hour and its taken them over a year and they still cant get it right….
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you’re having this much trouble enrolling with Q Linni, it sounds like it’s time for you to try a different service provider, Sharon. You can find all the companies and plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Michele says
I have life wireless device now. I like to know what kinda phone can I get in the store. That will work with the SIM card that comes with the phone. It has one SIM card. The SIM card is standard size and has a mirco SIM in it. So the question I have is which phone can I get that will work with it. I’m being told that I can use any unlocked AT&T or T-Mobile devices. Then I’m told different from someone else that it has to be T-Mobile phone. So I am so confused.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you spoken to your service provider’s customer service team? If not, that’s what you should do next. They should be able to give you the info you need.
Michele says
I can get any unlock t-mobile or AT&T phones that take the micro Sim card only. So does any one know where or what kind of phones that will work with that Sim card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to get that kind of info from your service provider’s customer service or tech support teams, Michele. Give them a call.
Marie says
Ok I’m going to ask probably the a dumb question to most however I am trying to get my child ready for a trip and I want her to have a phone to call in case something happens and she needs to get a hold of me. Qlink states that you can check uing the imei esn numbers to check compatability and I tried a few phones that we had here. My question well 2 questions are. 1. does anyone know when you bring your own device how long it takes them to activate it. and 2. can I find the numbers needed on the box in the store before buying the phone………………….So I lied it was 3 Has anyone had to do this and how did it work out for you?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Any readers want to help out Marie by telling her about your experiences?
A. F. says
Why is Assurance so evasive on what phones will work with their network? Why don’t they just publish a list of compatible phones instead of saying ‘use the crap phone we gave you’? Other Lifeline providers are more forthcoming with phone information, but not Assurance.
Jennifer says
Can I view my actual deleted text messages when I need to? I love that I can view the call log bc my daughter uses the phone and she’s 13, as a parent though I would like to be able to view the comtent of her texts. Can I go to a sprint store? I have a q link acct through the lifeline program. I have tried several times to ask their tech help etc but cannot get a response. Please help. Thx.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would suggest that you do a google search for the make and model of your cell phone plus the words “user manual.” Soon as you find the manual you should be able to look up the answer to your questions.
Marie says
as with most phone companie we have delt with in the past you can get a copy of texts from the phone company however 9 times out of 10 they want you to have a police report about someone harrassing you. otherwise they do not exist. My brother has a teenager that has gotten into trouble and the best thing to do is find a parental app that keeps anything from being deleted without a password off the app store.
Gary Holcomb says
What LTE bands does AT&T use
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a clue, Gary.
Carlos says
Can I use a samsung s5 from sprint on accses wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always hesitate to answer that type of question, Carlos, because not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. We wouldn’t want to lead you astray, so we recommend that you contact Access customer service or tech support for an authoritative answer.
Jeff says
Since i got my phone it wont turn on or charge,i have been trying to call tech support from a different cell phone but never got a hold of anybody,so what do i need to do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try calling customer service and ask to be transferred over to tech support.
Robbyn Hensley says
I cannot afford a new phone, however my phone has become slow and the screen is damaged. Can I get an upgraded phone sent to me? If so, what do I need to do to start this process. Thank you.
Robbyn Hensley
Free Government Cell Phones says
You may get lucky and find a customer service rep who will send you an upgraded phone for free, but it’s unlikely. You will probably be required to pay a relatively small upgrade fee.
Another option is to switch to a new Lifeline company. All new customers must be given smartphones, and you will be a new customer and qualify for one.
Caroline says
I am trying to connect my lg k7 to my assurance wireless account, but they are evasive on the phone. Is it just a matter of changing over my sim car, or do i have to buy this tracphone unlocking kit that they say is available for around $25 (and why tracphone).
If not is there other lifeline network that anyone knows works with an lg K7?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve never heard of an unlocking kit. Tracfone has been evasive about this issue and has even had trouble with the FCC. Do not pay the fee.
Amanda says
Can I use an at&t iPhone that hasn’t been unlocked with life wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That all depends, Amanda. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out about your specific phone.
Mary says
I have been trying for 3 months to get my new cell phone to connect to SafeLink.Their tech support staff is useless. They hang up on you or cold transfer you back into the queue when they can’t figure out the problem. I filed complaints with the FCC and USAC. Now they are telling me that the SIM card that I bought at their BYOP web page is for T-Mobile and they have limited coverage where I live. They say I need an AT&T SIM card. One guy wanted me to pay $80 for a new SIM kit!!! This is the third time they’ve told me they are sending me out a new SIM. I don’t know if this is the solution. Every person you get transferred to tells you something different. I thought both AT&T and T-Mobile were GSM so the SIM cards are the same.
Any suggestions on what to try next if the new AT&T SIM card doesn’t work (that’s IF it gets here at all)?
Melissa says
can I switch my number to my old LG phone? I got a replacement want to activate my LG instead
Free Government Cell Phones says
The best answer we can give you is maybe. That’s because not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Melissa. So you need to check with your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to find out if your specific phone is compatible with its network.
theresa Martin says
can i use my boost mobile phone instead of my free government phone on qlink wireless network
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Theresa. So we would suggest that you contact Q Link customer service or tech support to find out if the particular make and model of your Boost phone will work with its network.
Annette Paschal says
I had a ZTE that you issued it doesn’t work any more can my service be transferred to another zte
Free Government Cell Phones says
We did not issue the phone, Annette, because we are an independent informational website, NOT your Lifeline free government cell phone service provider.
daniel mikeworth says
i have an old iphone 4 gsm unlocked 3g lte is it compatible for the byop plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
You don’t say who your service provider is and that’s really the key, Daniel. Not all cell phones are compatibl with all cell networks. So if you own a phone already or know which one you want to purchase, PLEASE contact your service provider’s customer service team before you purchase to make sure your preferred make and model is compatible with its network.
MICHEAL A HALL says
Is my version note3 compatible with access wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to speak to customer service or tech support to find the answer to that question, Michael.
Charles D. Rhoades says
Will a new jitterbug flip phone work for a free government
cell phone service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Does it match up technically with the way we outlined the situation in th article.
Tom Winston says
I got safelink service and i want to see if i can still have that service switched to an unlocked sprint galaxy note 4 model # SM-N910P
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink customer service or tech support can answer that question for you, Tom.
Tanya Harlan says
Can I transfer my q link service to my Verizon phone and have my q link wireless number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Depends on the make and model of the phone, Tanya. Read the article above for more information.
Mark says
Just got mother in law a free sim card only. Thought she was getting a phone, but when all was said and done, he handed her a Sim card. ??????? Luckily I had an old Budget Mobil phone I hadn’t used in two years. It uses T-MOBILE. I put her sim card in that junk phone for her. It works. I was working on getting two FreedomPop phones released to see if I could let her use one of them? The list above says that Budget Uses Sprint, but that old phone uses T-MOBILE. The FreedomPop phones are Sprint. The phones have been released by FreedomPop. FreedomPop is the worst service possible. Should the sim card work on anything? It has two removable pieces of plastic so it can fit any sim card slot. HTC Desire and Samsung Galaxy S5. Will one of those work? My son tried earlier and he said 4G couldn’t turn on or something like that?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no way of knowing if a specific make and model will work without more info, Mark. The only way to make sure if a specific make and model of phone will work is to contact your new service provider’s customer service team.
randykirkland says
What about samsung Galaxy not2
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an area in which we always defer to the service providers’ customer service teams, Randy.
Jami says
I would like to know where a rep for a qlink tent is in Phoenix Arizona today November 9th 2017
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scene of so much fraud and abuse, Jami. It’s much safer if you enroll by phone or online.
Ronald Betts says
If you are unsatisfied with the company I am with,and would like to go from a CDMA phone to a GSM phone,what do I need to do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch, Ronald:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find all the Lifeline companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Corey says
I just tried to set up my Safelink Sim on a Att Samsung Galaxy Express 3 purchased at Walmart that I previously used on Straightalk. When I booted up the phone it requested a “network unlock code”. I’ve done some Google searches but I’m at a loss. The safelink Sim is tmobile fwiw.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that may help, Corey.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Read the article and then contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Pamela Bernice Menefee says
When I got my phone the screen was broken I can’t afford 25 to send it back an get new one however I’ve got more phones here can I switch it over to one of them an how if so
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article, Pamela. And then speak to your service provider to find out if any of your phones are compatible with your service provider’s network.
Douglas says
I need my qlink # moved but they are closed Saturdays?
Free Government Cell Phones says
What do you mean when you say you need it “moved.”
Susan says
My smartphone is 3G N817 from Assurance Wireless which works off of Virgin Mobile/Sprint network. The thing that I have tried to tell Virgin Mobile is that when I pick up calls in my apartment, the person on the line doesn’t hear me or I don’t hear them. My phone or area where I live is so sensitive with making calls or receiving calls that it is useless to be in my apartment for doing any communications on my smart Android cell phone. My calls are dropped in my area or maybe because of my phone being a 3G. I can only text in my apartment. My google searches even drop and go offline. Why even have data plan when my phone or area doesn’t get good reception. I do not like going outside to make calls because of the noise from cars and no privacy. I put my speaker button on and still it is difficult to call when cars go by. I live by a large shopping center. Question to you: Is there a cell phone data plan that is 4G or 4G LTE that is offered from the California government free phone providers for a stronger and faster data reception and calls made and received better? My phone is CDMA. I need to keep my same cell phone number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way for us to know what each company’s signal strength is in your particular location, Susan. Ask your friends and neighbors which networks they are on and which ones have the best signals.
Amy says
Would i be able to use my motorola w315 for safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
We try to avoid answering this kind of tech question because we don’t want to lead you astray, Amy. Contact customer service for an answer to your question.
Gary gilberthorp says
Can I use verizon galaxy note 4 edge on a boost carrier?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only your service provider can answer that question, Gary.
penny white says
Can I add minutes to my qlink phone using a $ 15.00 safelink card
Free Government Cell Phones says
Now there’s a question we’ve never been asked before. We would assume that you cannot, but you should contact Q Link customer service to confirm our guess.
Bud ruch says
Have quick link phone. Takes no sims .and have phone want to use takes sims card how can I get new sims card
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service or tech support, Bud.
Cheng xiong says
How can I switch my service to Verizon instead of the one I have
Free Government Cell Phones says
Verizon does not participate in the Lifeline free government cell phone program, Cheng.
dorrene mckinley says
i have a samsuge glaxi 7 from verizon . i put a straight talk prepaid . i just want to change my straight talk phone number and put it on my assurance phone . if i can how do i do it
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you how to switch from one company to another, Dorrene:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Cody bates says
I have an at and t one touch.. Will it work for the Safelink free min phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always advise our readers to contact their service provider’s customer service team on compatibility issues. We’d hate to lead you astray.
She She says
I currently have an Assurance Wireless account with a ZTE phone. I have learned they are compatible with iPhones. But, I would like to use my older model Sprint iPhone 4s. Would that be compatible? Meaning: 1. Is the iPhone 4s too out of date to use? If not; 2. Assurance Wireless uses the Sprint network (both CDMA), so since my iPhone 4s was used with Sprint, is it compatible/can it be easily activated with Assurance Wireless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Assurance can answer that question for you, She She. Call them at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Oscar Aguilar says
I have my free service provider cell phone ZTE n817 and I don’t know how to unlock it to used with another like total wireless straight talk Verizon and at?t let me know Wich phone Is comparable
Free Government Cell Phones says
If we understand your question, you’re asking which make and model of phone Is compatible with Total Call Wireless. The way to get the best, most accurate answer to that question is to speak to that company’s customer service team. You can find that contact info here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Tiffanie says
Can I use a cricket phone with safelink?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We make a point of avoiding questions like yours, Tiffanie, because we don’t want to mislead any of our readers. You should contact Safelink customer service or tech support to make sure you get an accurate answer.
Dewayne says
I have a Alcatel one touch with a SIM card slot and my safelink phone is also a Alcatel one touch with a SIM card slot and has a SIM in it can I switched from one to the other only difference is that it’s a up grade and I think it is a straight talk carrier but don’t Verizon wireless network what they bounce off right
Free Government Cell Phones says
We make a point of not commenting on specialized tech questions like this, Dewayne. We’d suggest that you should call Safelink customer service or tech support to get your question answered.
Craig Tilghman says
its a government safelink sim card
Craig Tilghman says
how do i activate my sim card in my phone. metro pcs
Free Government Cell Phones says
Metro PCS does not participate in the free government cell phone program, Craig, so we have no idea how to answer your questions.
Don peyton says
Appreciate the inormation —-
You kind folks ate trying to educate the Public , in a simple way to very complicated system, ——
Thank you ——–
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very kind of you, Don. Much appreciated.
Mike says
I have q link n recently broke my phone, I have multiple phones what carrier can I use for q link??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article above, Mike.
Sheila Fowler says
How can I get in my phone I forgot my password.It is a ZTE legacyN817 Please does someone know need help.Sheila F
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Sheila.
JoshK says
I have an HTC One M8 T-Mobile phone. Got the T-Mobile sim card from Safelink. Put everything in for the APN and not getting anything. Tried different APN variables rate I’ve seen online and to no resolve my HTC is just a paper weight right now. I’ve had this for on straight talk before and it worked great till they started cutting my service off.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you contacted Safelink’s tech support team, Josh? If not, that should be your next step.
JoshK says
They should be making there way into work shortly and they’ll definitely be getting a call. Got a code and unlocked the phone for good measure. Which begs the question how did I use this phone ( w/ the at&t card from a straight talk kit) for months.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hah! Damn good question, Josh.
Johnnyboy says
Love that response!! ^^
Keoni says
Does it matter if my sprint iPhone is unlocked or locked for it to work with access wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
It needs to be unlocked, Keoni. But that’s a simple process (It must be simple because this comment moderator just did it and I am technologically ignorant).
Kenya Knight says
Can you use boost moblie phone with assces wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Depends on the make and model of the phone, Kenya, because not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. Contact your service provider to find out if your specific phone is compatible.
Rolinda Reed says
I have an alcatel phone thru at & t.it does have a sim card where my qlink goverment phone doesnt. Can i put my qlink service on it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service to get a definitive answer, Rolinda.
Eric Story says
Considering the question can not be answered definitively, I am impressed with information given. I am not sure I have any better idea if I can make the change I would like to, but I am sure I have the information I need to research it further. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do this for thankful people like you, Eric.
JANICE SHELBY says
I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR PHONE
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then that’s exactly what you should do, Janice.
Trena Shows says
I am eligible for a government phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good for you, Trena.
Yisel says
Every time i call customer service there is no option for talk to representative i have a galaxy 3 and was once used for boost mobile it has no service and i would like to use it for my Q link service please help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you attempted to contact customer service by email or online chat through the company’s website?
DonnaMae Heiden Allen says
Maybe this can be explained to me. I live in an area in Texas that is mainly serviced by AT&T. From the list of providers, I find that two companies provide a free government phone based on the AT&T calling area. Yet, when I apply to those specific companies (and now, at this time, all of the companies), they all state that they are not currently servicing the area I live in and will get back to me.
I could see if I was in a backwoods area, but I am within 9 miles of a larger city, and (as mentioned before), AT&T is a widely used service provider.
Any explanation would help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to know the inner workings of AT&T, DonnaMae.
Rosa says
Which iPhone is compatible with true wireless??
Jennifer Flores says
So does that mean that I can have my Sprint phone activated to my Q link wireless # since they are the same network?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That should be correct, Jennifer, but you should still confirm by contacting Q Link customer service.
Gloria Hernandez says
Me gustaria saber donde comprar un celular compatible con el q tengo ya q me esta dando problemas el celular es un Vortrex y me lo dio la compañia Standup wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
“I would like to know where to buy a cell compatible with the q I have already q is giving me problems the cell phone is a Vortrex and gave me the company Standup wireless.”
You can purchase a replacement phone from your service provider. Call 6-1-1 (customer service) to find out what kind of phones are compatible with the service provider’s network.
sandy says
can i use the sims card from safetynet government phone to a sprint galaxy 4 i put it in but phone still not working how can i get the sims card to work in the galaxy4
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Sandy. We don’t know if that particular phone will work with a SafetyNet phone. You need to call customer service or tech support to find out for sure.
Leah says
Hi I’m with qlink wireless is thia the same as safelink, I have a HTC 510 phone I use on that network that no longer works. I don’t want the smaller phone they are offering as a replacement so what are my options.can I keep my same number as well. Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, Safelink and Q Link are two completely different, competitive companies that both offer free government cell phones.
If you can’t get a larger, better, smarter phone from your current Lifeline free government cell phone company, you can always switch to a new company. That will make you a new customer and all new customers are supposed to receive smartphones. Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s an article that tells you which free government cell phone companies offer the program in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Whitney says
Im on the lifewirelrss free phone service. Will my free phone service work with a tracfone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve hit on one area where we do not answer questions, Whitney. There are so many variables and we don’t want to steer you wrong. Your best bet is to call customer service.
paula says
Yes my assurance phone has stopped working I have called and haven’t had the problem fixed how can I replace my phone when I can not get it fixed
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have a comple choices, Paula. First, you can pay to upgrade to a different phone. Most of the Lifeline companies make upgraded phones available at pretty reasonable prices. Second, you can switch to any other service provider that does business in your state. All new customers (and you would qualify as a new customer if you sign up with a different company) are supposed to receive smartphones.
Here’s an article that will tell you who all the companies are in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Angie says
I have a Straight talk ZTE can I switch to IT.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Angie. You don’t mention who your service provider is, but you should call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will connect you to customer service/tech support. They will be able to tell you if that specific make and model is compatible with their network.
Donella VanArsdale says
I have a Assurance Wireless free government phone, it is a Sprint 3G and I would like a phone case (leather) if possible.. I have been able to find one it’s like the phone itself doesn’t exist.. Please help me to figure this out or let me know which phone compares so that I can purchase a case for my phone.This is very frustrating, please email me with an answer..
Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find phone cases with great prices on eBay or Amazon, Donella. Probably better and cheaper than you can find them anywhere else.
Robie Robinson says
Do assurance wireless life line offer other upgrade phones? I was told you only have 2 choices, the phone they send you or a $25 phone that they offer. Is this true or not? Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The phones available vary from day to day, Robbie. So there’s no way for us to know what’s being offered.
Judy Bochette says
My Sprint phone is not working very well and I would like to upgrade it. I know I get free service and I appreciate that. I just need to be able to hear clearly on my phone. Thank you for your help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you saying that you have an account with Sprint? Sprint does not participate in the free government cell phone business (except to allow free government cell phone conpanies to use its national network).
Taren says
I have T-Mobile life wireless so that is compatible with iphone6??
Free Government Cell Phones says
We make a practice of never straying into answering those questions, Taren. Your best best would be to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support teams.
Paula Lee Hall says
My qlink has no sim card how can I switch phones as my qlink phone now doesn’t work at allow it will not even turn on and its fully charged
Jessica says
Hi ! I have an Qlink free phone but it does not have a sim card, I was wondering if there is any phone i can buy and do the switch ? or am I stuck with this phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
What do you mean when you say it doesn’t have a SIM card? Was it delivered to you missing a SIM card?
YO says
THANK U FOR THE INF,
Vincent Howell says
Hi, I received my phone yesterday with the new phone number, but I was wondering if I could have my number ported from Cricket wireless because I will have to make so many updates with the new number? Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
It may be possible, but it’s probably too late. If we were you we’d contact your service provider’s customer service team ASAP to ask your question.
Karen Bruce says
My friend has one of your Qlink phones. Someone stole it and when he got it back, the screen is broke to where you can not read it. Is there anyway you could send him another phone or can he use the aim card in his tracfone lg?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t send him another phone because this isn’t Q Link, Karen. Your friend needs to contact Q Link customer service.
Lucy says
So I contacted Blujay wireless and they told me any phone will work as long as it is an open network phone…. So how do I know that?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s how the situation is described by SmartBiz.com:
So What Does All This Mean?
Chances are, today you buy…a cell phone by going into a store, choosing from the available phones and signing on for a contract in order to get the price on the ticket.
All of this “locks” you into the carrier in a number of ways. You have to use the phones they certify, the applications they put on the device, the services they offer through their network and under the terms of the contract you sign (and which you can’t void without paying a hefty fee). You typically can’t use the phone on other networks (though there are SIM card exceptions) and until recently even your phone number was tied to your wireless carrier.
In this new more open world, all of that (theoretically) changes. Imagine purchasing a phone at Best Buy or Amazon.com — the perfect phone for your needs. You then take that phone to any carrier you want and sign-up for service. If you like, you can take the phone to a second network, for instance, when you are out of town or more likely out of country. When you get the phone home, download all of the applications you want via the Web, mixing and matching just the software you need.
Sounds great, right?
Well, there’s a few caveats. The phone purchase is likely to be quite a bit higher, due to the lack of carrier subsidies supporting your “unlocked”, more open handset. And the services you end up buying from your carrier may be a la carte and pay-by-the-bit, which means you’ll need to be smart about what you sign up for and careful about how you use your phone.
Anna Arce says
Great information thank you so much. I learned alot.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are definitely welcome, Anna. We’re here to help.
Shawna says
Can i switch my qlink phone number to another phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to, Shawna. There are a few quirks here and there, but in general you can take your number with you. It’s called “porting over your current phone number.” Make sure you tell the customer service rep that’s what you want to do and confirm that it has been done before you end the call.
phillp ray says
I have ZTE phone can I switch phone to another wink phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so we advise you to contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if your specific make and model of phone is compatible with its network.
LJ says
Is safelink wireless in washington 3G or 2G?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question best answered by Safelink customer service, LJ.
Alice Mathews says
send this info to my cellphone please and thaNK YOU
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know what information you are referring to, Alice, but it doesn’t really matter because we cannot respond to individual emails or comments. The volume that we receive is just too great. All the information you need can be found right here on this website.
STEVEN J CORREA says
Hello this is way to confusing. Is there an easier way too find out if the phone I want to use is compatible?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sure, Steven. Call your favorite Lifeline company’s customer service team and ask them if your make and model is compatible.
Alex says
I have a ZTE q link foodstamp assistance phone and was just given a new unlocked iPhone 5 for my birthday can I transfer my service to it
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t mention which free government cell phone company you are enrolled with, Alex. To assure that you get an accurate answer to your question, it’s best if you contact your service provider’s customer service team. You can do that by calling 6-1-1 on your Lifeline phone.
Tammy Reynolds says
My mom is eligible for a free government cell phone but she would like the capability to have photos developed.
Is there a QLink phone or other phone with an SD card feature/slot?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t get into any tech details of the phones, Tammy. Contact Q Link customer service to get your question answered.
Ray Klapal says
Have an old third party Kyocera Dura xt locked cell phone that was on Sprint cdma Network. Can this phone be used on Assurance program. If not can you recommend a big button phone for a Senior that has problems using his fingers?
Thanks,
Ray
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service or tech support to find out if your Kyocera can be used on the Assurance network.
We don’t know of any big button phones, but maybe some of our readers have some recommendations. Readers?
Kayla says
We just got the Ojji Life phone yesterday but it’s all its onboard memory is dedicated to the factory apps. Our SIM card can be “installed” but the Ojji Life doesn’t use SIM card memory for app usage. It’s frustrating.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We know what you mean. We just had the cable company internet guy here at the office four for and a half hours yesterday and when he left, nothing was resolved. Sometimes dealing with these people is incredibly frustrating, isn’t it.
Marquee says
I have a coolpad 3300A version P1 i broke my LCD screen I was wondering if my boost mobile ZTE model# N9518 can replace my coolpad
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s one area in which we will not give a definitive answer, Marquee. The best thing for you to do is call your service provider’s customer service team to get an accurate answer.
Joan Schaper says
I need a land line for my life line service. AT&T had dropped all of us life line customers and I cannot find a landline service. I have a iPhone 4s? 4 c cell phone. Because of hearing problems and a small speaker in my phone I can barely hear it even when set on highest volume.
So I I really need ur help ion finding me a carrier.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t really cover landlines here, because they are only discounted Lifeline plans, not the free plans that we specialize in. What state are you in, Joan?
Belinda B Lance says
I just want to know if my assurance late phone can be changed to samsung galaxy on5 android
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Belinda, and we don’t want to lead you astray, so we’d recommend calling Assurance customer service to get an accurate answer.
Brian says
Hi my comment is i need help i have tag moblie and i receny got a prepaid walmart t moblie phone from my brother which doesnt use it anymore i reset it to factry to but my sim never is read. I been called tag and went to t moblie just now am frustred at how t moblie just tryed to make me buy service yet im a single dad i dont have that type of income at the moment. But can anyone help me try to set my sim card up or help me get more information to see if ivan even use this galaxy opminr prime phone please and thank you i hope someone trys to help i cant run around all day just trying to figure it out nor have a phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Any suggestions for Brian, readers?
jen says
go to this link n follow the instructions…i just did it with safelink on a seller refurb ZTE Tracphone i got for $25 on ebay from a store that in huge alerts on EVERY phone they sell THIS IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SAFELINK,,,, but i went to the safelink version of this one n checked n it said it was…took the risk…VERY VERY HAPPY i got it in 3 days n i went to the site n followed how to activate link…i was up n runnin in a total of 8 mins…i DEFININATELY let em know it is compat now…form letter email repeated NOT compat….oh well, lost who knows how many sales….follow link…GOOD LUCK!!!
https://www.tagmobile.com/blog/steps-to-bring-your-own-device-to-tag-mobile/
robin r says
the only phone tower i can get a signal from is a verizon tower and sometimes not often thats iffy which company would be best to use without being hassled with being mandated with gsm phone that wont work and sprint and att do not work have tried them
thx
robin
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to know which company would offer you the strongest signal where you live, Robin. But the list on this page tells you which free government cell phone companies use the Verizon network.
Blake says
I broke my qlink phone, but it has a sim card… can I switch the sim card to a factory unlocked iphone 5?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always defer to the Lifeline companies’ customer service and tech support teams on this type of question, Blake. Contact them to get the most accurate answer possible.
Lorry Ann Vivirito says
I would like to receive a new phone, as my phone was stolen & I now have no communication! which phone could I get & how long before I can receive one? I am looking for a new apt to rent right now, and I really have to wait to make phone calls & for anyone to get back to me? Please help me to find a new phone & which phones can I pick out?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article for you to read, Larry.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
We can’t tell you which phones are available because we’re not your service provider. You can find out either by going online to your service provider’s website or by contacting customer service.
GARY FOLLIN says
I lost my assurance wireless phone. Can I transfer my service to a Samsung note 4 ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends, Gary. Not all phones are compatible with all cell networks, so your best bet is contacting your service provider to find out if that phone will work with its network.
Susan C Hawkins says
I talked yesterday with a Safelink rep and we finally came to the conclusion that my free phone is caput(will not charge-we tried every -thing). I told Patricia that I actually have 4 cell phones and she said I might be able to use one of them if is compatible with Safelink ;.one of two I have in mind is a Motorola and the other is a Samsung.I understand that you would need the IMEI # and other info. Can you help?.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot help you, Susan. The Safelink rep has far more information that we do (we actually have ZERO information about the technical aspects of your specific phone).
Richard says
Would an iPhone 4s or iPhone 5 or 5s work with Assurance wireless? How to remove the SIM card from the free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to discuss that issue with customer service at Assurance.
Roozter says
Regarding Safelink Wireless –
The website says “byop” program takes gsm but I know they operate on the Tracfone cdma network as well. Can I use a TF compatible cdma phone with Safelink? Do they use TF sim cards?
Just an FYI – Access Wireless (Sprint) allows compatible, unlocked byop devices not purchased from Google/Sprint. I upgraded to a little smartphone that way.
Quinn H. says
I’m interested in going with Tag’s Lifeline phone. Am I to understand that you’ll get a phone that uses ONE of the Networks listed above? It says they use Sprint-CDMA, Verizon CDMA, and T-mobile-GSM. So basically, I won’t know which network they connect me to until I get a phone sent to me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
As you may know if you’re a regular reader, we often defer on tech questions. We asked our tech guru and he said, “It’s a bit of a mystery.” He referred us over to a site called WhistleOut.com, which said this:
“Newer model phones have been tested to work and be compatible with both software technologies – CDMA & GSM.
T-Mobile and AT&T run their networks on GSM technology whereas Sprint & Verizon run on CDMA. Most phones are set up to work on ONE technology rather than both.”
However – the iPhone 6, 6+, 6s, 6s+ and Google Nexus 5 models and Nexus 6 models are compatible with all carriers 4G LTE speeds. Newer model phones have been wired to be compatible with both technologies.
Some other devices such as the Galaxy s4 is compatible with all carriers on 2G network speeds. It can’t handle 4G LTE speeds on another carrier other than its own.
For example, a Verizon iPhone 6 will work on T-Mobile and Cricket and Sprint.”
In other words, it depends on which phone you have and probably which free government cell phone company you are enrolled with.
Kay Woodall says
So, with all of that (very informative and helpful) information taken into consideration, my final conclusion would be that if i have a 4g LTE freedom phone thru american assistance, I am unable to use its SIM card in a t-mobile phone, because of its LTE capabilities? Am i understanding (basically) the info given?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We “think” T-Mobile has LTE capabilities, but this is really out of our area of expertise. We’d hate to steer you wrong, Kay. So your best bet would be to contact American Assistance customer service or tech support to get an official answer. Please come back and tell us what you learn.
Roozter says
Comparing network sims & LTE capability is like comparing apples & oranges.
Sim cards determine the company network on which the phone will work ie T-mobile, Vzw, etc.
LTE refers to the wireless capability of the device ie 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE. This explains it all nicely – https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/4g-vs-lte/
Two other issues impact the transferability of a phone. First most phones are “locked” to the network they were originally used with. You can buy them unlocked but they cost more. If out of contract the company will usually unlock if you call them. Read this – https://www.lifewire.com/before-you-buy-unlocked-phones-577494
Secondly, the companies operate on different network types and bands. Tmobile, AT&T, and international networks use GSM devices. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA devices but on different bands so the devices generally aren’t compatible. Search “gsm vs cdma” for more info.
It seems Am Assistance uses Sprint and Verizon networks (cdma) so your phone is not compatible. To be sure just search for specs on the phone with the model number.
Hope this helps!
Belinda says
I called my carrier Blue Jay Wireless to find out how I could get an upgrade phone locally (I live in Hawaii) but I was informed they no longer had reps servicing my statr. I was told to purchase a tmobile phone because they were compatible with their network. And so I did. But when I tried to insert the sim card into the new phone, it didn’t work. So, now what do I do to get my service back.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to Blue Jay customer service, Belinda. Does your original phone work with the original SIM card? If so, you can simply call 6-1-1 to be connected to customer service.
Sandra says
I just received the free tag phone. It says free emergency only and that it had no cellular network plus I don’t know what the phone number is. How do I set it up to use it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Congratulations, Sandra. We’ve never heard that one before. If we were you, we’d contact customer service.
Katterine says
Can I use my Alcatel one touch phone?
Also i am VERY FRUSTRATED that i cannot speak with a live person.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What company, Katherine? Have you gone to the website to see if they offer an online chat function?
ANDI says
THANK YOU. BEING IGNORANT OF TECHNICAL WORDING AND THIER MEANING; I HAVE BEEN EDUCATED. I THINK! ASK ME TOMORROW WHAT IT MEANS. 🙂
Kathy Dugger says
I have an Assurance wireless phone, one of the small brew. No ,had it for year’s, screen is soooo messed up ,how can I get an upgrade ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We think your computer may have autocorrected something, Kathy, because we have no idea what “small brew” is. But your message is clear enough. Here’s an article that tells you more about upgrading:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
However, all companies are now required to give their new customers upgraded smartphones. If your current service provider own’t give you one, maybe you should switch to a new provider. As a new customer, you’d get a smartphone. So here’s an article about how to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
eric olsen says
My phone broke I dont want to by a phone as I have another phone Qlink gives out and want to switch it can i do that as ive tried calling press 5 over and over and it wount send me to tech support?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Visit the Q Link website, click on “Help Center,” then click on “Contact Us.” You’ll get an email form that goes directly to customer service. Keep in mind that the website warns that you may not hear back for 72 hours.
Mee Ison says
i have a “trueconnect” phone with a sim card, it says the service is from T-Mobile. I am wondering if the sim card will work in a Verizon phone or Sprint tablet, both take a sim card but smaller in size.I have trimmed down a simcard to fit before and it worked but i would like to know which is more likely to work before i do this again.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all national cell networks, Mee. Only your chosen service provider can tell you if a specific phone will work on its network. So don’t purchase any phones until you know the make and model you want. Contact your chosen service provider customer service to ask if that make and model will work with their network.
Steve says
Hi @ Mee
Quoting the above article-
” In the United States, the five major cell phone networks break down like this:
CDMA = Sprint, Verizon and U.S. Cellular
GSM = AT&T and T-Mobile ”
These are import as to the radio’s that are installed in the GSM and CDMA phones – so it’s not of a fact that’s true of both network types now use a SIM card for their 4G LTE network technologies – it’s that in all of the 5 US carriers are using different bands within the radio Frequencies allowed in the US. 4G LTE is high speed DATA over the networks and phone calls will use a lesser based transmission technology like 2G, 3/3.5G – AWS UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA, HSPA+, CdmaOne, CDMA2000, EVDO, WiMAX,
A CDMA only based radio phone will not work on a GSM network nor vice versa. Cell Phones work as in both voice and data on a given cellular network using the phones radio which will offer within it the different transmissions technology and frequencies bands it will works on.
See my post- Steve says – December 17, 2016 at 7:19 pm / “Wireless Frequencies / Bands”, to where I’ve given some detail to breaking down the related of the 5 major cell phone carriers used frequencies and in operational bands they use.
Very few cell phone manufactures cater to giving a buyer the opportunity of both radio types in the GSM/CDMA networks being on board (installed) in their phones / and then not all models of phones they’re selling offer the radio’s for both GSM/CDMA capability in a single manufactures phone line. But there are a few manufactures that do offer this – so think of a phone with only one radio type being able to spin in just one direction – and – then one offering both that of GSM/CDMA radio’s installed in it can spin in both direction then. This is my choice and requirement in a phone. These are usually upper middle to higher end phones classed units.
Then you’ll be getting into another realm where a phone manufacture sells an unlocked phone from their factory as opposed to one they have made that’s been branded to one of the 5 major cell phone networks. These are usually SIM locked to a carrier and you’ll see a carriers splash screen logo at the phones startup showing the carriers name. And not seen when it’s been factory unlocked to accept any network SIM – again per radio’s installed and bands allowed to work on any network.
This one type of carrier locked phone can be unlocked to accept another network carriers SIM card per the capabilities/conditions of the branded phone and carriers rules. Again dealing with radio’s on board of the specific phones bands the radio’s will accept, and then of the carriers terms/financial obligations being met too.
Least of all to say-
Any phone issued by an Lifeline provider won’t be in a class to these phones as I’ve tried to described above. As to what you’ll get (maybe even by upgrading to a better phone through the Lifeline providers) cause it’s an extremely budget phone being able to run on the service they offer. The phones I’ve mention above are the upper middle tier to higher level class model phones.
So there really is more to swapping out a SIM card to the whole picture here. Lifeline is an economy class ticket on a free ride if you qualify for it. It is what it is as being free for those in need.
BYOP people need to consider this as well with Lifeline use.
Steve
PS: Would be interesting to see the FCC implement the requirement for the Lifeline program to include Wi-Fi calling as the now offered broadband could benefit that Lifeline users base and since 4 of the major network carriers offer it to their customers.
Of course that would mean Lifeline providers having to supply better Smartphones than now being offered. If you can even call the Lifeline providers phones a true Smartphone.
Least to a work around like if your handset doesn’t support Wi-Fi calling, Apps like FaceTime, Google Voice, Line, Skype and WeChat allowing you to make voice and video calls over Wi-Fi as well as to sending text messages.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks, Steve. Oddly enough, we hadn’t seen your name show up in the comments recently and we were just wondering where you’d gone.
Steve says
Hi FGCP,
Probable be more disappearing of myself as spring and summer come to be and I go outside. If I find a question interesting or can offer some depth in an answer then I’ll answer. I will still be a loyal reader here through out the categories I have taken an interest in.
Steve
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good to know, Steve. Hope you enjoy the nice weather. Watch out for mosquitos.
Kevin K says
Thanks for this website and comments. I live in California and given the flakiness of telecom companies I want to practice due diligence in picking a wireless cellphone provider. 2 questions:
1) Does anyone know the current status of the lifeline benefit port freeze in California? (Still to be implemented June 1, 2017?)
2) I’ve read the comment that a life line customer should consider opting out of data service when starting a wireless phone plan, which would allow changing providers in 60 days, but am concerned that the provider might send a free phone that is not data capable.
Is it possible to apply for a life line voice and data wireless phone plan with a carrier (12 month port freeze), then, if the carrier is not good, quickly change service to voice only so that the port freeze period is reduced to 60 days? (Can a lifeline customer change to voice only service at any time?)
Free Government Cell Phones says
This sounds like a question for Steve, our ace expert on the intricacies of the Lifeline program. Care to render an opinion, Steve?
Stewart malone says
Can I switch to Sprint wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sprint does not participate in the free government cell phone program, Stewart.
Steve says
@Kenin K.
Answers:
2.[For example, if the customer switches their benefit from broadband to voice, the 12-month port freeze period ends “immediately”, and a new 60-day benefit port freeze begins.]
If you get any static from your chosen provider, send them the Link I’ve supplied and quote the texts above – as USAC is under FCC, but above all Lifeline providers in the Lifeline program. . .
Example/ at day five on a data and voice plan you opt-in to a voice only plan, then as soon as the change happens – you start your 60 day port-freeze time period/term length, and then when served that 60 days, so at day 61 your in a month to month bases with that LL provider. Theoretically you could get a new phone and LL provider every 60 some days.
You can stay that way (M to M bases) till you have to requalify for Lifeline benefits for the next year, OR at any time you can contact a new Lifeline provider in your state and ask them to do a transfer of your Lifeline benefits over to them (possibly porting your Phone Number as well), Though I’m thinking you may not get another new phone from them with porting your number – they might just send you a SIM card for your old phone, unless going from GSM network (T-M/AT&T) to a CDMA network (Sprint / Verizon) of the networks – that these Lifeline providers use on the neighborhood towers for your cell signals.
Benefit Port Freeze Periods:
http://usac.org/li/program-requirements/benefit-port-freeze.aspx
After the benefit port freeze period expires, the customer may continue using the Lifeline benefit on a month-to-month basis or transfer their benefit to another provider.
Customers may transfer their Lifeline benefit “”to another service from the same provider at any time””. For example, if the customer switches their benefit from broadband to voice, the 12-month port freeze period ends “immediately”, and a new 60-day benefit port freeze begins.
1. Oregon and California received waivers to delay to implementation of the benefit port freeze provision for subscribers in those states. The port freeze will begin on June 1, 2017 in California and Oregon or AS SOON as the state databases and processes are updated to comply with the Order, WHICHEVER DATE IS SOONER.
Any questions you may still have contact your present LL provider or the new one you wish to transfer over to. NEVER let a LL provider cancel your Lifeline benefits account with them as your stuck in limbo till your port-freeze term period expires, which the BOTTOM LINE meaning – is your without Lifeline service for a spell.
Steve
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thorough as always, Steve. Thanks.
Amanda Moore says
Steve
I really like that you’re just kinda here but not here..lol..Makes me feel better knowing you’re somewhere in the shadows just hanging out waiting to be needed..You have VERY informative answers..I like it!!
FGCP
Has anyone in theseforums ever told you that you’re funny?? Well if not then here’s your first..YOURE FUNNY..And kinda,well, a lil bit of a smart ass..I like it!!
Sometimes if ppl would take the extra second or 3 that it takes to thoroughly read a post they would find the answer to their question was right in front of them the whole time..But I guess if they did do that there would be no need for most of that smart assness I spoke of..I don’t know who you are but I sure do like reading your responses..And yes I am that chick in the shadows with Steve that is the real creeper..LMAO..hehe
Kidding as always
Amanda
Techera Walker says
My ZTE dropped in puddle of water last night and now completely ruined. Screen flashes a few time, and then black! And almost week ago now found my Droid Maxx phone finally at my Brother’s. Bottom line yes or no can I transfer my QlinkWireless plan over to it? Provider would be Verizon?
Thank You,
Techera
Free Government Cell Phones says
Different phones are compatible with different networks, Techera. The only way for you to get a definitive answer is to contact Q Link’s tech support or customer service team.
Steve says
@ Techera Walker
Next time this happens put it in dry rice to dry out in a zip lock bag.
Then you need to ask Q-link if they offer BYOD in the case of switching the SIM out and registering the MEID/ESN number of the phone in your account that you wish to use now.
Steve
Shannon says
AWWWW Man!!! Okay, I’m going to try to keep this as short as I possibly can, which isn’t easy for “long-winded” me. First of all, you guys deserve an award for the endless, repetitive questions coming from a lot of folks who are either lazy, ignorant, eternally 5 years old wanting mommy to fix it, or all of the above. You, in my opinion are doing a great service…however, after spending quite a bit of time reading articles and the pleas for help over and over AND OVER again about the very thing you just took them step by step through…you have to wonder how some of these people even found you to begin with!
That being said, I’ve been to your page before, some time last week, ended up with about four tabs open, put it off, came back, and here I am a third time. Same question in mind with no definitive answer. In fact, I’m a bit more confused now as to what to do because of the uncertainty that seems to be present about, oh geez, was it Budget or Safelink? Sorry, my brain is mush right now. At any rate, because I bought and sold cell phones for several years to supplement my rather laughable income, I’m already “knowed-up” (please excuse the poor grammar and slang) on the CDMA/GSM differences etc. I’m also pretty certain about what cellular providers I prefer, and the one I loathe, (Sprint) regardless of what their rating is. This is my problem: there is no question I qualify for Lifeline okay? There is also no question about what I need (want) from this great program. The question is can I, and with what company, and is that company worth a crap when it comes to service? I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 which I am quite fond of. I would like to keep it. Doing a SIM unlock is not a problem for me. Right now it would be considered an AT & T phone. When I bought it I had intended to unlock it anyway, as I prefer T-Mobile, they’ve always had superior call-quality and outstanding customer service for me in my area…though I did pay attention to yours and others reviews. Now for the question. It would be so nice if I could just go to a fairly reliable “sub-carrier/provider” if you will, that offers lifeline and operates on the GSM networks, and they won’t blow up my phone because I don’t want to use the cheap one they’re willing to give me. I would be SO grateful if you could answer this question for me because going back and forth trying to figure out which company is which and what plans they offer…it’s giving me a migraine, okay? I’m looking for unlimited everything….gotta have data…seems that it’s doable…so where do I go? I’m in Sacramento, California where the choices, as per your article, are plenty…but are they really? Seems like most of these companies lean more towards CDMA.
In a nutshell, I guess I’m asking based on your knowledge and expertise and (cough, cough) feedback can you possibly narrow this down to maybe one or two companies who will offer unlimited/unlimited with data AND allow me the use of my phone, which being GSM shouldn’t really matter, as long as they are…should it? Gosh, I’m doing it again…please, any advice, besides 3 Excedrin would be so appreciated! (And I’ve already been up and down the lists several times too, I really need to narrow this down somewhat).
Sorry I didn’t keep to my original desire to keep this short…there are some things that are just too difficult for me to do! You guys are doing an awesome service and I applaud you, your patience and your self-restraint…I really don’t think I could do it myself…wow!!! Oh, and by the way, I am very aware that I do have a slight problem with punctuation, but that is the ONLY thing I have in common with one of your rather irate, rambling “not sure what that guy was trying to say other than don’t mess with him!” So no need to tell me…my English professor in college already did! lol!
Thanks so much for any advice you have to offer! And thank you also for this informative website as well!
Okay guys, (and/or gals?) it’s Miller time…on me! AFTER you answer my question!!!
Thanks again!
Shannon
Free Government Cell Phones says
Oh, my god, that’s the funniest (not to mention longest) comment we’ve ever received, Shannon. And thanks for the kind words. We are humbled by your effusive praise.
We understand the problem with going back and forth between pages, but it’s unavoidable. If we didn’t break things up into easy to digest articles, we’d have one article longer than the Encyclopedia Britannica.
You’re on the right page to determine which free government cell phone companies use which networks. Unfortunately, most of them use Spring, which appears to be your least favorite network. We’d suggest that you print out the list of Lifeline companies and their networks that you’ll find on this page, then go to our California page to find out which of those companies offer service in your state. You can find the state listings here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Good luck, Shannon. Let us know which company you decide to go with.
Steve says
@Shannon – January 27, 2017 at 7:39 am
Gosh I’ve been beat for most words conveyed here on FGCP.
Is Shannon from the windy city? Ha Ha. Or my relation?
Bottom line: Shannon look at Life Wireless: You will get a cell phone plus unlimited voice and text, plus 500 MB of data, there in CA. I use them too in Midwest, and here their on the AT&T network…
Plus they gave me free minutes on my birthday, which just happened to be of count to my age I reached. To bad I wasn’t 100 years old.
All Lifeline providers customer support is the pits, Life Wireless ones are friendly, but you may have to seek out a supervisor to get anything done. . . Don’t believe me just read all providers pages here and see peoples report of ineffective CS.
One word of knowledge, tell them you want to OPT-IN to a voice only plan at first – else, if you get the data part in a plan your locked in to the phrase “Port-Freeze” which you are anyway in a voice only plan, but the voice only plan is a 60 day port freeze compared to a 12 month data plan port freeze. After the port-freeze term expires you’ll then be on a month to month bases.
This is important if you don’t like Life Wireless or any other one you’d happen to choose. If you get stuck on a plan with data included – get a written record of such as emails of your telling them you want to change your plan to an opt-in to voice only plan and after it’s been changed, you’ll only have to wait 60 days to move away and choose another provider.
The correct way to move away, is a transfer of your Lifeline benefits over to another provider by contacting the (new) Lifeline provider and telling them you want to do a Lifeline benefits transfer over to them – from X company. NEVER CANCEL OUT YOUR LIFELINE ACCOUNT WITH THE CURRENT LIFELINE PROVIDER, or you’ll be stuck till your current port freeze term expires and without any Lifeline service to boot.
Life Wireless covers this in changing of your plan and act as if it’s news to them, it’s on their homepage in “Changes In Your Plan”
box, then at bottom in “What other plans are available?” See: Second, you may select a voice-only plan, and will be subjected to a 60 day port freeze. USAC has info. on it to, as they are setup by the FCC, they collect and deliver funding through four programs focused on places where broadband and connectivity needs are critical. As so basically administers the top-end of Lifeline.
http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/usac-and-my-company.aspx
Benefit Port Freeze Periods:
http://usac.org/li/program-requirements/benefit-port-freeze.aspx
After the benefit port freeze period expires, the customer may continue using the Lifeline benefit on a month-to-month basis or transfer their benefit to another provider.
Customers may transfer their Lifeline benefit “”to another service from the same provider at any time””. For example, if the customer switches their benefit from broadband to voice, the 12-month port freeze period ends “immediately”, and a new 60-day benefit port freeze begins.
Lucky you Shannon:
Oregon and California received waivers to delay to implementation of the benefit port freeze provision for subscribers in those states. The port freeze will begin on June 1, 2017 in California and Oregon or as soon as the state databases and processes are updated to comply with the Order, whichever date is sooner.
If a subscriber cancels service or is de-enrolled for non-usage during the benefit port freeze: The service provider cannot continue to receive reimbursement for that subscriber.
The customer still cannot re-enroll in the program with another provider until the period ends.
Shannon, other than finding a Lifeline Company your happy with their service all way round. The other things I’ve brought up are important to know. Hope this helps you out : )
Steve
Raymond Barberio says
Hi my name is Raymond barberio where you at Army Ranger I fell on some hard times back in 2014 and I got one of your phones and I currently need that phone numbers extremely important that I get it on only for the government the VA but other government agencies I know the number ends in six zero I am not going to allow this to cost me money I have contacts you can call Sooner Roy Cooper well when he was the Attorney General now the governor as well as other do you name that Pat McCoy they all know me and I live in Wilson North Carolina and when I set out to do something dammit I do it and right now we have a president just looking to cut cut cut the entitlement bandwagon I’m speaking for myself I don’t see any reason anybody needs to have a cell phone these phones were originally because of the greatest president ever had Ronald Reagan on landline in case you need to call your doctor or a job but these people are looking for doctors and jobs are looking to deal drugs with them or sell them with this minutes and and cop a bag of dope with the remainder of the money I can get these funds every goddamn one of them and his first hundred days done and back to a landline if you want a landline will give you a landline so you don’t want to screw with me I’m in I’m not going to run my mouth I’m not going to say a goddamn thing anybody until I if I don’t get my phone number so you can call that threatening you can call it whatever but that’s just fact of the matter that’s what’s going to happen and I’ll have my car go to do you say and mingle with the old was I know up there and I know a lot of obvious now cuz I was up there that a different job now that you know when you get out of the house as soon as they all become lobbyists make a bunch of money f*** people around that’s just the way to go from it works I love them all so I can’t stand Raleigh Senator McCain he’s a great guy but don’t play with me on this number or delay it I called your office tonight several times and you have this email I just hang up on people just hanging the f****** on them like we’re not even human because people need help sometimes when they fall down I don’t need help now buddy I’ve got 3.8 million dollars in the bank now because the housing market f****** I couldn’t sell my house is from 07 you know up until recently because of the housing market collapse and now it’s picking up so I sold two of my houses and that’s what I got form and I’ve got more property in a couple more houses so I don’t need your cell phones anymore but I appreciate it when I did get it I mean you don’t think about it hard time but they can hit anywhere just like a tornado so my number and it again with six zero you can email me that number as soon as you can and I never talk to you I’ll just leave it alone and let them freaks up there on the hill you know the 436 whatever they call them down then the well there too what the hell they wanted to buy the field to going to get you all anyway I mean young you got to be on the chopping block if if if you look at it what he wants to cut already you have to be out of your mind of things to do cell phones are going to exist after his first hundred days they’re going to repair them and make it landlines cuz most of the people that have them or drug dealers or people the elderly but they dealt drugs or alcohol extra parents are alcoholics or grandfather alcohol hell when I got here in about two or drunk so don’t play no games with the ranger is I will f*** you up I mean that’s just straight-up me I’ve been locked up I’ll walk right in your office and beat your goddamn ass that’s just the way I am I have a great evening
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call us crazy, the but thing that disturbs us most about Raymond’s rant is that he doesn’t seem to comprehend punctuation.
Steve says
@Raymond
You should really hang with a better bunch of people.
They’ve messed with your mind son, because you don’t know where to reach out for help.
Free Government Cell Phones website you’ve posted on knows nothing about your rants or the number you wish to retrieve. They (FGCP) only spread news and stories (articles) about the industry behind Lifeline.
In no way do they (FGCP) have anything to do with your Lifeline account, number, or any of your personal information. I can understand your being mad – but – son your focusing on an innocent party here. You should buy them all a fat steak and bar tab, if your as rich as you say.
If that number means money to you then you should port out that number to someone else to use it on their cell service. If you forgot your information you used then it’s all your fault really isn’t it. Be mad at yourself and not an innocent party/website – which don’t know you but only form your comment.
Let me ask this very directly and clearly who’s fault is it?
DazednConfused says
I hope one of you reported this crazy SOB.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Nah. We’ve received worse.
Amanda Moore says
I agree that he should be reported to proper authorities..Ya know in the times we live now ppl like him are the ones who do exactly what they say they’re gonna do and walk into a hotel,rent it for 3 days then kill 58 ppl and wound 500+ others..I sure hope he finds the tell help he needs and it’s not in reference to the phones..This guy is not only obviously pissed off and has had enough but is also pretty much on point..Well about most of what he was trying to say..or what I could make of it that is..I agree also with the absolute need of grammar..But then again I could use a crash course my damn self..However that seems to be the least of the things I feel this man needs some help with..I sure hope he finds peace within himself cause if ever I have read the comments of someone who needs it I believe it would be this man..And let it be said Thank you sir for serving our nation..I see your sacrifices we’re not only many but were made in great depth..My forever respect for you..I am going to contact the ppl I know in the broken systems we have try to find him and see what can be done and hopefully save him and probably others before he either hurts himself or causes any pain to others..It’s only the right thing to do!
Anita says
I have broke my phone that was issued to me will my daughters spare LG G3 phone be compatible with my gov. Assurance service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no way of knowing, but you should contact Assurance customer service or tech support to get that question answered.
Josh says
So does anybody know about using the phone number that you get from a Lifeline company and turning (porting it) over to another cell phone company and and they cancelling the service you have Lifeline but being able to keep the phone number that you got
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, virtually all the Lifeline companies will allow you to port over your current phone number, Josh.
Steve says
Dear FGCP Admin.
I like the Technical aspect to knowledge, as if in I don’t know something already (or forgot it mostly) I use a search engine to find out, my favorite is StartPage – as my homepage and search engine.
It’s the most private I’ve used thus far.
Wikipedia = informative site about most everything in a general sense.
HowStuffWorks = insight into the way many things work.
“Here we go running the risk of getting too technical again:
Turns out that different cell phone carriers are using different frequency bands.”
Wireless Frequencies / Bands
AT&T
Network Technology: GSM, HSPA+, UMTS
3G Frequencies: 850, 1900 / 3G Bands: 2, 5
4G LTE Frequencies: 700bc, 1700 abcde, 1900 / 4G LTE Bands: 2, 4, 12, 17
T-Mobile
Network Technology: GSM, HSPA+, UMTS
3G Frequencies: 1900, 1700, 2100 / 3G Bands: 2, 4
4G LTE Frequencies: 700a, 1700def, 1900 / 4G LTE Bands: 2, 4, 12
Sprint
Network Technology: CDMA
3G Frequencies: 800, 1900 / 3G Bands: 1, 10
4G LTE Frequencies: 850, 1900g, 2500 / 4G LTE Bands: 25, 26, 41
US Cellular
Network Technology: CDMA
3G Frequencies: 850, 1900 / 3G Bands: 0, 1
4G LTE Frequencies: 700ab, 850 / 4G LTE Bands: 5, 12
Verizon
Network Technology: CDMA
3G Frequencies (MHz): 850, 1900 / 3G Bands: 0, 1
4G LTE Frequencies (MHz): 700c, 1700f, 1900 / 4G LTE Bands: 2, 4, 13
@Frequencies – where the sm. case alphabet letters are, is a representation of the BLOCKS in that Frequency used for Uplink (MHz)-(Mobile to Base), and Downlink (MHz)-(Base to Mobile), this is what I seem to understand from reading much.
*Frequency bandwidth blocks are essentially the amount of space a network operator dedicates to a network.
https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/110711-what-is-lte
“As clear as mud?” – Well in the sake of water which as a lake, pond, stream, and some rivers is mostly clear unless you stir up the bottom, sometimes in understanding something the bottom does get stirred up of the mind and makes cloudy the understanding then – just seek the knowledge and give time for the silt to settle and then understand it.
That’s the great thing about the Web – it’s full of knowledge and right in your home without having to leave it – just turn off the TV and put on your thinking cap and read-watch instructional videos.
If you can form a question, you can find an answer most likely.
A mobile phone operator or wireless provider is a telephone company that provides services for mobile phone users.
There are two types of mobile operator:
(1)a mobile network operator which owns the underlying network and spectrum assets required to run the service.
(2)a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) which buys wholesale service from an MNO and sells on to its own customers.
Will My Phone Work – is a pretty good site to figure out if your specific phone is compatible on other networks. It lets you pick manufacturer, model, even specific model number, then which network you want to check its compatibility on. http://willmyphonework.net/
Interesting Facts:
For the last 15 years, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been a major source of natural resources for the mobile phone industry.
Tracking and Privacy:
The movements of a mobile phone user can be tracked by their service provider and, if desired, by law enforcement agencies and their governments. Both the SIM card and the handset can be tracked.
Additional Note: – for using other than a supplied or upgrade phone by a Lifeline provider you must do diligent research in understanding.
A cell phone on one major network having the capability of some or same Bands and Frequencies for another major network (ie: AT&T going to the T-M ) will most likely have to be Unlocked for the SIM card to work or you’ll get SIM lock(ed) and similar notices.
Then to for DATA to work like in Broadband from your Lifeline provider of your SIM card, is the APN (access point names) deep in the phones Settings that will need to be entered and correct to be able for data Internet use.
Steve
Elise says
I purchased an unlocked HD phone, I called Safelink after purchasing to make sure the phone would be able to work under the program with no problems. The Rep checked the serial number and stated the phone would work fine. I would just have to purchase a compatible SIMS from them. I purchased the SIMS, saw that it was AT&T. I have no AT&T coverage in my area nor is it in any other location. I explained to 10 reps my issue including supposedly supervisors and was told lies. 3 stated I could use any carrier, 4 stated I had to use specific carries, 1 stated I needed to call AT&T to find out if they were the carrier and have them unlock the phone, the other stated what 7 said in a 3wk period, which was that they were sending a Verizon SIMS, which was just to get me off the phone. I never told them the phone was an AT&T phone, they made that decision. The last Rep stated they he wasn’t going to activate the phone under Safelink even if I got their card, I needed to go buy a tracfone from Walmart, Best Buy,Dollar Gen or Target. I hung up bcz it was obvious that I was not going to get good service from anyone at “Tracfone wireless “. I’m stuck with a $85 dollar phone that I could have sent back to the merchant had I known they weren’t going to connect it under the Safelink plan.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check with other free government cell phone companies in your state to find out if your phone will work with their networks, then switch over to one of the companies that’s says yes. Here’s where you can find all the companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Steve says
Hello – Please observe I’m only trying to be Helpful to Lifeline users…
As this is a FCC-mandated, government-sponsored program, called LifeLine Assistance, the financially disadvantaged can receive a cell phone and anywhere from 500 to an unlimited number of minutes and texts every month — at no charge. (I edited for Dec. 2-2016 changes)
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/ (HOME Link)
Then if (the stats remain correct), Fifty-eight Lifeline phone providers in all, we present them in alphabetical order in the following list. Most offer close to the same plans, but the plans do vary in the number of minutes and texts they offer. So make sure you compare each one offered in your state to make sure you are getting the best plan for you.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
It would be helpful to a Lifeline user to know if any Lifeline providers on this articles list of the 2016 Leaders, in that if any of them have been FINED by the FCC for any fraud and waste, as well as any misconduct (resulting in double billings to the Lifeline program) in their participation to offering the FCC-mandated government sponsored program of Lifeline Assistance.
I think this is a service you should offer to your readers of printing the already publicly known information available about the fraudulent actives of any Lifeline providers. As (below) in the ruling bodies are having a somewhat of a difficult time in their endeavors to seek a resolve to the harm by fraud given in the Lifeline program providers.
Then anything you would offer in the topic of fraud to a Lifeline users knowledge would help them to make the best decision to which of a Lifeline provider to patronize with their use in their Lifeline benefits applied to them.
It’s simple to me, that any knowledge Free Government Cell Phone would cover in the TOPICs of Fraudulent Actives, like to also offer the Parent Company(s) of Lifeline providers and then list any and all of their Trade Names, their Founder(s), Subsidiary(s), business partners.
For an overall picture – if there exists a monopoly by anyone Lifeline Company structured entity to have more than one offering in the Lifeline Program.
It would help Lifeline users to put their foot down and stop patronizing bad Lifeline companies as the first step in anything that they can do personally in combating the abuse in the Lifeline program…
Also since the FCC has added in the broadband to the Lifeline program, which now requires a (port freeze) or in simple terms a locking of the Lifeline users benefits for a period of time to their chosen Lifeline provider now -12 months before they are able to change to a new Lifeline provider when broadband is used.
It’s a very important need to know of any prior fraud and abuse by a Lifeline company in the Lifeline program.
A year ago last month (Nov. 2015) an article appeared and mentioned-
Through an FCC investigated found that 12 carriers had broken rules.
The FCC proposed about $100 million in penalties against companies involved with defrauding a low-income phone subsidy program in 2013. (Then another article pointed to noted), the FCC has yet to collect the vast majority of those fines two years later, and lawmakers have started to take notice.
In response to political attention, the FCC “modernized” the Lifeline program in 2012, and it was under these new rules that it hit carriers with roughly $100 million in proposed fines. Few of these fines have yet been levied. The FCC’s defense is that it never issued fines to Lifeline carriers, but instead issued proposed fines, which are officially called notices of apparent liability, and can be contested by the companies they target.
The FCC says that it conducts an intensive investigation before even proposing a fine. But actually enforcing a penalty requires the Justice Department, adding time and complexity to the process. Often, the easiest outcome for both the FCC and companies after a notice of apparent liability is reaching a settlement, which is intended to protect the consumer as well as a long and drawn-out court case would.
Thank you,
Steve
Steve says
Enforcement of the rules and the fines could maybe bankrupt some of these bad players in the Lifeline program. I think any action is long over due and a bad Lifeline Program provider should loose their eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) status within the States where fraud has been proved, and be revoked by the FCC in general to never again have a participation in the Lifeline program ever as a lifelong ban of that company.
They should not just be of FINEs levied against but, also of prison time as well to their Officials (Officers) in their structured Lifeline business, when of fully knowing that they were stealing indirectly from the Government, and as well as all the Americans that foot the bill in paying the federal Universal Service Fund.
Some consumers may notice a “Universal Service” line item on their telephone bills. This line item appears when a company chooses to recover its USF contributions directly from its customers by billing them this charge. The FCC does not require this charge to be passed on to customers. Each company makes a business decision about whether and how to assess charges to recover its Universal Service costs. Companies that choose to collect Universal Service fees from their customers cannot collect an amount that exceeds their contribution to the USF. Incumbent ETCs also cannot collect any fees from a Lifeline program participant.
https://www.fcc.gov/general/contribution-methodology-administrative-filings
Only then with the harsh penalties will other Lifeline Companies see that the FCC means business and curve-stop-refrain to any other mis-dealings that were to hint of an abuse and/or fraud by them the Lifeline Company providers…
Steve
Marylin Marquez says
Access Wireless is a leading Lifeline company, but they’re not on your list. Which technology do they use?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Oops. Good catch, Marylin. We will add Access immediately. In answer to your question, Access uses the Sprint CDMA network.
LScott says
These cell phone company’s (heathens) continue to keep a NOOSE around the people’s neck.
Free Government Cell Phones says
To be fair, it is not the fault of the phone companies. Different technologies have been developed, and exist in different areas of the country/world. And phone service providers had to choose which network type to support. So a phone works for either one or the other (although some more expensive phones support multiple technologies).
While the phone companies are far from perfect, they are giving you free service, so we would never call any of them “heathens.” For better service and more versatile phones, you can always pay $50+ a month for a traditional Verizon, Sprint, etc phone plan.
Geeky Gramma says
When You say CDMA and GSM Phones aren’t Interchangeable, it isn’t completely accurate; at least not for some No-Contract Prepay Cos. (I know, these aren’t Free Gv’t Phones, but some underrated ones are pretty good–not to mention Co-operative, w/ BYOP).
As far as Gv’t “Free” Phones, they’re progressively less usable, forcing one to “upgrade,” out of Pocket. That’s what I’m having to do with “Assurance Wireless” (“Paylo Virgin Mobile,” now, part of “Sprint” which uses CDMA)–in spite of my having a perfectly good “LG Rumor2” w/ a Slide-out QWERTY Keyboard, (I need due to Dis-Ability), and it IS a CDMA Sprint Phone–an Assurance Wireless Supervisor told me “…this phone isn’t ‘Compatible’ nor Elligible…” and to my Reply “I do Understand the Reasons you don’t, (that Phone has more Feature-Capabilities than you’re allowed to offer…”), she felt obliged to say “You’re right…” and recommended I go to “Virgin’s Paylo” site, (there, I found a Samsung slide-out QWERTY keyboard Phone which is also a Full Touch Screen, and far more Capable in all features than my 5-yr-old LG Rumor 2. What is their Problem, for cryin’ out Loud?
robert says
they aren’t providing any service for free. the gov’t is paying them. you think it is a charity?