“Can I use my current phone with my free government cell phone service?” is the one of the most frequently asked question we get here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. And no wonder: Millions of Americans have spent hundreds of dollars to purchase their own cell phones and really want to hear that they are compatible with the free government cell phone program.
With that in mind, we put our team of ace research assistants to work gathering the official policies from each and every company that participates in the Lifeline Assistance cell phone program.
Bring Your Own Phone (also called BYOP) or Bring Your Own Device (also called BYOD) plans have become very, very popular in the Lifeline Assistance program. BYOP plans allow users to bring their own device, such as a smartphone, to a new carrier rather than purchasing a new phone from the carrier.
BYOP plans offer several advantages for Lifeline customers. (1) They can potentially save you money by avoiding the upfront cost of purchasing a new phone. (2) You can keep your current phone and phone number which makes it much easier to maintain contact with all your friends and family. Finally, (3) BYOP plans may offer more flexibility and choice because you can choose the carrier and plan that meets your needs best.
The Federal Communications Commission doesn’t require Lifeline Assistance service provider to offer BYOP plans to their customers. That being said, BYOP/BYOD plans are very popular with Lifeline customers and many service providers offer them.
Here’s what we advise: Check out all the service providers in your state. Find two or three that you are happy with. Call each of their customer service teams to ask if they offer BYOP plans, or visit their websites to see if you can find any references to BYOP. If you have a phone you’re happy with, enroll with the company that offers the most attractive BYOP plan.
Easy peasy.
Cam says
I was very curious about this or I think something like this. I just need a little clarity. .
What if that phone you want to bring over is carrier locked and you want to be able to text and call from the locked phone using the number of the phone with service? ( government or another unlocked phone).
Hope that made sense. Sorry I been trying to figure this out all day.-universal sim maybe?
* For the Calls: Are there any recommendations via apps or ways to do any of this wirelessly or through bluetooth please let me know. (I have tried nearby share, all the shares lol, bluetooth tethering, smart switch, and some apps that are not even worth mentioning).
I am really not trying to pay $50-$200 for any phone or service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The phone you want to use as your free government cell phone must be unlocked.
As to other ways of doing this, we will happily open this up to our readers for potential solutions.
V says
How long will we have to use the free phones? Will this let me keep my number safe as mine indefinitely? If we port in our cell phone number from another carrier, will our cell phone number remain secured as long as the qualifying plan and vendor continues to provide that service for our active account and its assigned (ported in) cell number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can keep a ported in phone number as long as your Lifeline account stays active. But if you were to let the phone go unused for 30 days or longer, your account can be cancelled. You will also need to re-certify annually. And you cannot violate any other rules of the program.
Katherine says
Can I use the envy2 by zerizon as a byod?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That all depends on which Lifeline free government cell phone company you enroll with, Katherine. Contact that company’s customer service team to ask them that question.
Katherine says
Ok thank you!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our pleasure, Katherine. Hope everything works out the way you want it to.
Henry says
The phone model that you are asking about was issued back in 2008 for Verizon by LG electronics (model VX9100). It has a QWERTY keyboard like the old Blackberry devices.
“As of 2019, the LG env² is no longer available, and can no longer be activated on the Verizon network due to the imminent shutdown of the 1x and 2G networks.”
This model appears to use 1G and 2G networks. Verizon recently shut down their 3G network at the end of last year. Very old phone models no longer will connect to the 4G and 5G networks. 6G is on the horizon. Sorry, but Verizon will not revert back to their old networks. You can contact Verizon customer service, but I am pretty sure they will repeat to you what I have said above.
Katherine says
I currently have an iPhone and I want to get an older phone the zero on envy two to be exact can I do that
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can get any phone you want, Katherine, but it must be compatible with the network used by the company you enroll with.
Marc says
I have a.free government-given Android SafeLink Moto phone. Should it work to take out the sim card and put it in an iPad with cellular capabilities? Or is it only compatible with Android phones?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s beyond our pay grade, Marc. Any technically-inclined readers want to pitch in?
Marc says
Hey. Thanks for the reply. Assuming an iPad w/cellular is the same technology as an iPhone (it’s basically an eXtra Large iPhone), then I could rephrase my question to be:
Should it work to take out the sim card from my free government-given Android SafeLink Moto G phon and put it in an….iPhone? Or is it only compatible with Android phones?
(Is this question within your pay grade?). Thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Marc, but we are experts in the Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone programs and plead 95% ignorance on technical phone questions. But we’re happy to open this up to our readers, too.
Henry says
You can go ahead and try it out. It will not break anything. The worst that can result is that the tablet does not connect. SIM cards are connected to a specific network such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. An Android and Apple iPhone operate on different operating systems, but the phone models will operate with specific channels in 4G and 5G that are connected to one of the major wireless providers. Some phone manufacturers make phone models to work only on specific wireless provider channels. That is why some of the older phone models made years ago have issues receiving a good connection with any provider service. You need the technical specifications of the phone and tablet to see if they are compatible. If not, then the SIM card will likely not work on another device. But to go back to your original question, SIM cards are not necessarily tied to one device type or Operating System. There are too many variables in question, so the best I can recommend is to just try it out and see if works or not. If it does work, make sure that the tablet is recognized by the phone service provider and that the service does not become inactive because of other issues (such as IMEI conflicts).
Angelica says
If I have service from tracphone can I still appy and get a free phone from assurance wireless??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. Tracfone does not offer Lifeline free government cell phone service, so you can have both.
Lynelle says
I have a SafeLink wireless phone that was sent to me for free. I had a phone through MetroPCS, Motorola one 5G Ace that worked perfect. Lost my job couldn’t afford Metro. Signed up for SafeLink got the phone and it is slow as hell. How can I switch my service from the phone they sent me B140 DL to the Motorola 5G Ace? When I called the lady at SafeLink they said my phone was not compatible with their service. But the website says it is can anyone help me please?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It appears that your cell phone is not compatible with Safelink’s network. The solution to your problem is to enroll with a company whose network IS compatible with your phone. Here’s an article that explains it all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Nicholas Minichiello says
I have an assurance wireless lifeline sim
I need a better phone. Can I switch the sim to another unlocked phone
Will it work say. With a galaxy a23 for instance.
Rob says
I haven’t tried, but I just talked to Assurance Wireless customer support because I had the same question. They told me you can only use a phone provided by Assurance Wireless, even if you have the same model phone that they carry, you can’t use it. Probably because they want you to have all of their malware on your phone. It’s really a terrible service. The account I was calling about is my sister’s. She has a developmental disability and the phone she has is loaded with system malware that eats up the memory that can’t be cleared or uninstalled because it came with the phone and are system apps.
Free Government Cell Phones says
As we understand it, Assurance has a Bring Your Own Phone program, so you should be able to do just that — bring your own phone. Is the phone you want to use unlocked? Is it a GSM phone? The answers to both those questions needs to be yes.
prince james says
When i called to verify i was told that they dont offer the service of BYOP
James Huffmon says
I have assurance wireless and I’m not impressed. Phone is a moxxee, very slow, I can be on the internet and it will go back to the home screen for no reason, hangs up during a call, battery is the worst.the password and secret question doesn’t work.i call and wait forever to talk to someone about it and either hangs up or never speak to anyone.
Rose Linzy says
Is it against the law to have 2 cell phones but 1 is a free ph by Lifeline & the other paid for by someone else? Both phones have problems the Government phone will sometimes not swipe
Free Government Cell Phones says
That would be legal. You cannot have two government cell phone accounts, but the situation you describe is fine.
Bruce Miyake says
Can i add my own service as a two step verication ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We need a little clarification, Bruce. Not quite sure what you are asking.
Edward S Garrett says
What’s the list of phone’s that are compatible with SafeLink ? I need another phone mines screen is bad cracked
Reply
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the Safelink website or speak to Safelink customer serviced. You can call them at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Faith says
SO…..an android phone cannot be used with assurance wireless even though the phones they send you are android??
Keith says
exactly, I don’t get it.
Nicholas Minichiello says
Yea I don’t believe that at all. Has anyone tried to put the sim in a unlocked android.
David H says
They want to you to be locked to only their phones which won’t last more than a year, and you’d have to keep buying phones from them. My Mom’s is now using the 3rd phone in the past 3 years, yet it continues to reset by itself. They’re asking for $70 to send her a replacement phone and they can’t even tell us what kind of phone they would be sending.
Rachael Johnston says
I have a resident at a long term care facility unit that has a government issued phone. It recently stopped working, she can no longer swipe, it’s no longer responding.
The resident would like me, the social worker, to send the phone back so she can get a new replacement.
Who do I send it back to, what’s the address? And what information is needed to send with to do so.
I am the social worker on the resident’s unit trying to assist. Please help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You never need to send back a free government cell phone. And even if you did, we do not know which service provider your resident is enrolled with. But the good news is that she can enroll with any company offering plans in your state. You can find them all here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lori says
Very well covered info. Thank you!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks, Lori. Glad to know it helped.
Peter Wiggins says
Go to http://www.lifelinesupport.org or http://www.usac.com/lifeline for most commonly asked questions. You can apply for service and find out which carriers are available in your area.
Android phones are compatible with Assurance, BTW. They even send you an Android phone. And stop using all this extraneous information like CDMA. All that does is confuse people. It’s all LTE now. You will get a phone from the carrier. If you don’t want their phone, it’s best to ask them what your options are.
Karen says
I live in Ohio and want to know if you could tell me which free government phone services provide cell phones that are not UMX phones. I went through Tracfone 3 years ago and they gave me a UMX with built in malware, and I read an article on the preloaded UMX infected phone. So after I got totally fed up with this, I went through assurance wireless to get a new free phone this year. I told assurance about the malware on the UMX phones from Tracfone, and they told me they didn’t know what kind of phone I would get, but that it would not have any malware. So I switched to Assurance. And sure enough, it’s the same UMX malware infested phone that Tracfone had. I’ll be trying to make or answer a phone call and it will go to random websites, so that I can’t make or answer phone calls, and the color quality for pictures is so faded that red looks like brown, and many family & friends have tried to adjust the color to no avail. I’m tired of these infected UMX phones. Is there a free government provider that has a good phone without the malware?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Readers? Any advice for Karen?
Karen.Law says
Free cellphones from safelink wireless is a lie I been with them 7 years,and have never received a free phone from them I’ve always provided my own I called a year ago and was denied for a replacement phone I’m really upset about that.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why have you stayed with them for so long, Karen? Here’s where you can find all the providers and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Just Jim says
I been Assurance for over 13 years and received a replacement
phone several times. The umax is not the greatest but ok.
Good live customer service.
A few times I was annoyed regarding their shipping policy.
5 to 7 business days is a long time without a ph8ne.
I was willing to pay fort expideted shipping.
But I usually receive a new phone within 4/5 days.
The only thing I wish is I could use my iPhone but
they say iphones not able to use on their platform.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad to hear you’ve had good experiences.
Henry says
That’s odd. Apple Iphones are often activated for the AT&T or T-Mobile networks. It is the Verizon network where they are not compatible. Assurance should be using the T-Mobile network.
Jesse says
The service kind of sucks but they have awesome phones is airtalk Wireless
Henry says
If you enroll in Lifeline plus ACP, AirTalk wireless will provide a free phone. Lifeline alone, no free phone. Some of the models offered include:
Apple iPhone 7
Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy A20
Google Pixel 3A
Note that these phone models are not the “latest and greatest” from these companies. These are previous years models, but are all 4G phones. The website does not say if they are brand new or refurbished items, but since they are prior year models, most likely will be refurbs or “scratch and dents”.
“Air Talk Wireless are providing a free phone to a few people, while they are also charging for a few people, we found that the quality of the phone is not up to the mark. Air talk phones are somehow legit but their products are very poor.”
The above opinion is not mine.
ALVIN CANTEEN says
Try CINTEX WIRELESS they have Apple iPhone SE, 6, 6s, 7 & 7 Plus, 8, Samsung Galaxy S8, S9 & S9 Plus, Google Pixel, 2, 2XL,3, 3A, 3AXL, 4 & 4XL, Pixel XL One Plus 6, 6T, 7T, Motorola Z4, & E4, Motorola G Stylus, Motorola Moto G7, Samsung Galaxy A32, Samsung Galaxy A20s, Samsung Galaxy S7, Note 8, Samsung Galaxy S11, A32, LG V50 TinQ 5G, & LM-Q730 Stylo 6, LMQ270 Stylo 5, Unimax U693CL, that you can choose from LG K51,V50 ThinQ, Moto G7 Power & play an the list keeps going.
Henry says
Note that most of the phones offered by Cintex are reconditioned phones (not brand new).. A 3rd party vendor company sells the used phones. I have read some complaints about the phones provided by the company from other customers.
WELDON a BEHRENS says
Received UMX phone from assurance wireless that I forgot PIN number, how to recover PIN number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Robin Phillips says
What phones r comparable with assurance wireless I don’t know if I have had my service for over a year
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your best bet is to get the answer to this question from Assurance customer service.
Jason says
This is just great(excuse the sarcasm). I have assurance wireless. Last night a spilled hot grease all her n the phone nees less to say its destroyed. Today went and bought a moto e unlocked. I put my sim in and its not accepted. How can I get it to work? Any help please. Please please. If I take the phone back they charge 30$ restock fee
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re experts on the Lifeline free government cell phone program, Jason, but we know nothing about fixing cell phones that have been dipped in hot grease. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Robin Manion says
I need to know which phones are compatible with my insurance wireless phone account so I can get another one the one I have is a piece of crap.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to get that answer.
luislast says
Assuming you mean ASsurance Wireless, rather than INsurance Wireless:
If you go to the Assurance website, you will find a link to phones they will sell you. These are, of course, all 100% compatible with their service. The same phone can also be bought from another party, but compatibility is not guaranteed, since their may be a difference between the two models (band, channel, etc.).
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve said the same thing a thousand times, luislast. Let’s hope Robin pays attention to you.
Mona says
Anything you get from assurance wireless will be a piece of crap. They come preloaded with malware.
Henry says
https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/01/us-government-funded-android-phones-come-preinstalled-with-unremovable-malware/?comments=1&start=120
Assurance sent out UMX phones that downloaded adware that could not be removed. These service providers are also following the “get rich click” scenario. There is money to be made in affiliate referrals.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That article comes from 2020 and we have written about it in the past.
Catherine Barnett says
Is a cricket phone compatible with assurance wireless service ? I had a assurance phone but the phones that they give you are junk i cant even browse the internet to seek employment b coz its so so slow and it then crashes so i have not been successful to do so , which is quite frustrating. I strongly feel if i am purchasing a phone to continue with the service that i have with assirance wireless then i dont understand why there should. Be a problem. Plz let. Me know if i am able to use my cricket phone I am looking forward to hearing. From you , thank you for your time in my regards to. Not able to communicate with no one via cellular device due to i cant keep the phone from crashing so i am requsting. That i uae my cricket phone .
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one of those questions for which we always tell our readers to contact their service provider’s customer service team, Catherine.
Joseph From Massachusetts says
I have an old Unimax U673C android smart phone that I bought from Assurance Wireless. It’s very slow and I can’t use it for anything other than texts, calls and( sometimes) data but my phone’s browser typically freezes or crashes because it’s so slow. Is it possible to purchase a SIM card from Assurance Wireless to use in my other more modern unlocked Android phone (which is T-Mobile compatible, btw)? It’s hard to find actual information on this anywhere because Assurance Wireless of course wants you to buy their own phones from their store (which is currently down with a notice that they’re checking out new phones to sell for the T-Mobile network and will be back soon)
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you spoken to Assurance customer service to ask that specific question? If not, that’s what you need to do.
Maxine hernandez says
I have a metro service but no fine can’t afford to get another threw metro so my ? Is can I use my metro service plan as the primary and the government or line as a secondary line
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. We don’t know who Metro is, but it is not part of the free government cell phone program as far as we know. So you should be fine having a free government cell phone as a secondary line. No conflict at all.
Kelly Marie Rutar says
How can I transfer my information on qlink phone 218 208 **** to a new phone 218 929 ****? Qlink phone is broke. I want my same qlink number and all information from qlink phone to be transfered, 218 207 **** from qlink phone that is broke, on a new different phone. I can’t open or turn on qlink phone its broke. I have a new phone emei number is 35208250334**** for the new phone. Please help
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea, Kelly. That’s a question for your service provider’s tech support team.
luislast says
If your information is backed up to cloud storage, you can restore the identical information to any other phone, either Android or iOS.
Airie says
I just wanted to say
I came here looking for a specific answer. You are definitely a horse’s ass. How many users have given you updated verified information? And your only comeback is “well if I’m wrong they’re wrong”?
Dude, grow some professionalism. If your info is outdated and inaccurate, admit it and make an effort to rectify it. Otherwise you’re just being a monumental douchebag to people who came to you for help.
I suspect my comment will not be published because you seem to lack that sort of integrity.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Oh, look, that unprofessional website printed my smug, nonsensical comment. It is truly beyond our comprehension how you expect us to provide readers with information that is more accurate than that which is offered by the service providers themselves. But we are clearly not as perceptive and clairvoyant as you are, swami.
Christopher says
Can i use a iphone with easy wireless if i bring it my self
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Easy customer service can take your make and model and figure out if it is compatible with its network. Give them a call.
Original Customer says
Please add ACCESS WIRELESS to your list in CT. 🙂
1.Great company
2. Reliable “home” OR personal use cell phone service.
3. Good quality phones.
4. Basic plan & free phone available.
5. Option to pay for upgraded phone ($40 & up) with or without payment plan and they increase your free service plan to second tier with unlimited talk + text with lots of data.
5.Clear calls & truly reliable service.
6. Yearly application for continued participation in program weeds out those who no longer need it.
7. Minimum requirement of 1 call or text per week to maintain account in good standing.
8. Easy, easy, easy to navigate web site.
= HAPPY CUSTOMERS. Highly recommend if available in your area.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Access is already on our Connecticut listings, Original.
James Brock says
I have a iPhone. So I need to get a phone from you to make it work. So can and how does that w.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You definitely don’t need to get a phone from us, because we don’t have any phones. This is an independent informational website, not a service provider’s website. You can find all the providers and plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
melvin bailey says
HOW DO i ASSURE THAT THE i-PHONE i PURCHASE IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PROVIDER IN MY AREA?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your chosen service provider’s customer service team before you purchase any phone.
Leo Smith says
Your answers about Assurance Wireless are WRONG.
!) it is part of Virgin Mobile USA, which STARTED OUT 50/50 owned between Sprint and Virgin Group, but Virgin group SOLD OFF their interest to Sprint some years ago.
2) EVERY PHONE that Assurance is currently offering in their “store” is an Android model.
3) While they don’t recommend it, pretty much ANY Sprint capable phone of recent make should be compatable with Assurance Wireless – specifically including from my PERSONAL experience for some years the LG Aloha “Virgin Mobile USA” branded model.
DO try doing some fact checking in the future before posting largely incorrect information.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The information provided came directly from the Assurance website, Leo. DO try not being a horse’s ass before jumping to conclusions.
B says
YOU WERE WRONG, he wasn’t being a horses ass, because he’s right, EVERYBODY who signs up for assurance wireless gets an Android phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Whether he’s right or wrong is immaterial in determining if he’s a horse’s ass. His attitude was horse’s ass-ish. And to repeat, the information we presented was taken directly from the Assurance website. If we’re wrong, the Assurance website was wrong.
jose jesus says
When was this article last updated? What is the source link for the referenced information?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We see a Pulitzer Prize is your future.
Mario says
Keyboard Hero- deserves a gold star. (How rude and unprofessional)
Your attitude is so pathetic. Perhaps you may be in the wrong profession dude.
Good grief!
David Patton says
Fantastic Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you! Oh,by the way; “Have you seen my phone?”
clayton aguilar says
I lost my assurance wireless phone. I have a used A10 metro pcs phone and was wondering if I could activated it with my current assurance wireless phone number. Because I don’t have money right now to order a replacement phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Assurance’s customer service team to get the most accurate answer on that make and model phone.
Lilia Gonzalez says
I NEED HELP PLEASE HELP ME.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t have applications, Lilia, because we are an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone service provider. You need to contact the service providers using the contact info we provide for each of them.
Tameka Jackson says
I have a friend he white your be his phone is off how can he get it on
Free Government Cell Phones says
Marvin Gaye can tell him how to get it on. The rest of your message is unintelligible.
Dena Hughey says
Can someone keep there phone number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article, Dena.
Della mendezdel59@gmail.com says
Can we keep are phone number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. When you speak to customer service at the new company, tell them that you want to “port over my current phone number.” Repeat it several times during the conversation and then make them confirm it before you end the conversation.
JT says
to help others im posting this info…
I signed up and received an assurance phone and service this week (January 2020). They currently are offering California residents unlimited talk / text and 5g data monthly for free. I got the phone and it was one of those Unimax 683e. I love my Moto x4 and wanted to keep it. I researched for days and everything was from you cant even have an android phone on their system to you now can but only ones purchased through their store (the Moto x4 is not in their store). I never set up the Unimax, instead out of curiosity, i opened the phone and took out the sim and just put it in my Moto, which i bought from Amazon last year. It was an unlocked version and used on Sprints network for a year and a few months ago switched to Ting (a Sprint mvno) I booted the phone and got a text for #9232 saying make sure i used the phone ever 30 days. i checked “my phone” settings and it had a different number. I tried makin a call and it automatically forwarded me to their call center. because it was afterhours an automated system answered asking if i wanted to activate my device. i said yes. the recording said it would be active in 5 minutes, and guess what, it was! Calls texts and data are now active on my moto X4 just by switching sims.
i verified online under my assurance account and seethe calls and texts, but it still lists my Unimax as my device…i pushed my luck and tried swapping itand once i entered the MEID number it came back saying that the phone was not purchased through them and not able to work on their system. Really??? cuz i have a phone here that says otherwise.
not sure if it was me never activating the phone they sent me, or the phone was already on the sprint network, or if effective January 2020 they allowed people to Bring You Own Devices….im too scared to call them inquiring thinking they will cancel my service? I wonder if they will catch on and shut it anyways?
so hopefully this info helps some people out there in their quest to using their own phone on Assurance instead of the low grade one they send you for free (which news broke today they found on those phones malware from the Chinese government…. no thank you)
I do have one question tho… i wanted to keep my old number and port it in. But since they assigned me one, can i still change it? if i call to change it will they see the different handset and close my acct? anyone know?
Sandy says
My mom has a free government phone. However it’s a smartphone and she is unable to use it. She doe have a regular flip phone that she knows how to use . Can this phone be used for her free minute s and service? Thank you Sandy
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s possible, but depends on whether your mom’s specific make and model of phone is compatible with the service provider she wants to enroll with. Here’s where you can find a list of all the companies and plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out to find the plan that fits your mom’s needs best, then contact that company’s customer service team to determine if her phone will work on their network. If not, go to the next company on the list. Your should be able to find a company that can work with her phone.
Leo says
Great website!!… Very helpful information.
Thanks & Happy Holidays!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
And a merry Christmas to you, too, Leo.
Timothy says
FYI: I just chatted with TruConnect customer service and was told that one can use any unlocked GSM phone for their BYOP Lifeline service.
Dreamz says
Hi can your phone service work with galaxy smartwatches?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Any readers what to take a whack at answering this?
Shirley Anna says
I have a free assurance wireless phone and by God it’s a “ANDROID “!!! And when you go to assurance wireless app store to purchase a brand new, and better mobile from assurance wireless it’s mostly Android mobile phones. So the information on this site isn’t at all correct. Absolutely not even close to correct about assurance wireless life line free phone’s.. This page needs to be totally written by people that have a free government funded mobile phone with any of these on your site. I’m not sorry for printing the truth about assurance wireless. Your information is totally incorrect. I’m on a samsung J7 and can bounce my assurance wireless account over on this if I want to. And for Pete’s sake A “BLACKBERRY IS IN THEIR ASSURANCE WIRELESS STORE TO PURCHASE!!!! I’m going to think it’s safe to say ” you have Google, so Google assurance wireless lifeline free government mobile phone store and get your facts straight. The only damn thing you can’t do with assurance wireless is move the assurance network to a different mobile and expect to keep the mobile number your moving your assurance wireless network to. That only makes since… wow, who published this information anyway?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Apparently your reading skills are not up to par, Shirley. The information that you find so lacking in accuracy IS A DIRECT QUOTE FROM THE ASSURANCE WEBSITE. If you want to complain about it, complain to Assurance, not us.
YoureATart says
Shirly is correct dear
Free Government Cell Phones says
We defer to the company’s website.
StephenJP says
OK so it’s not your fault but Shirley is right and it’s not her fault either. I just got a replacement gov. phone from assurance Wireless and it’s an Android with cameras front and back so it relatively up to date. I knew they had smart phones now but I wasn’t expecting something as nice as this. Compared to what I’ve been using for years it’s like going from a donkey to a car. Only I’m not used to it yet (the donkey was simple) I’m typically good with this kind of thing but this is a new OS to me so it may take a few weeks to get familiar with it. I have an older OPEN Android someone gave me that I use for as an MP3 Player so I was just curious if anything were to happen would I be able to switch in a pinch. I do appreciate the fact that you have this site so please don’t get me wrong. I just hate to see people argue when there both right in there own way. The fact that this site exists along with your argument help me today so Thank you (all).
Free Government Cell Phones says
As my old grandpappy used to say, “Screw Shirley and the horse she rode in on.” The fool said our information was incorrect when it was a direct quote.
Kevin says
It was written before they offered ANDROID phones,it just hasn’t been updated. Also they still make you buy the overpriced phone from them whereas other providers let you BYOP or have much less expensive offerings.
Leo Smith says
I did not have to buy an overpriced phone from them – I already had a phone from when I was on Sprint and was able to transfer it AND THE PHONE NUMBER over without issues.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Consider yourself lucky.
Shamaran Le'cole Edwards says
I had gotten one of the unimax phones. Which is the crappiest smartphone ever, with my sim card from assurance and my ex just recently broke it. But i was wondering if you or anyone could tell me how to get it to work in lgq7thin android phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can tell you everything you need to know about the free government cell phone program,Shamaran, but we know absolutely nothing about fixing them. But even if we did know how to fix them, how could we possibly tell you without knowing what’s wrong with your phone?
John k. says
So I can use my samsung j3 prime phone w/insurance lifeline?? Its unlocked to. Was a metropcs service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your Lifeline free government cell phone service provider’s customer service team.
Kenny says
I have qlinkwireless sim card I put in a Sprint phone lg v20 I called qlinks CS # and I did what it said to activate it. The test call failed. What do I do now?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call Q Link again and ask to speak to tech support.
Brian says
I’m having the same issue idk how to even get to talk to cs there all o get is a carousel of automated service
Holly Baldwin says
I called about the “free” phone.
1. This is a phone PROVIDED by the US GOVERNMENT..WHY then was it a foreign operator that had a difficult time understanding/explaining.
Being very cautious i avoided giving out personal information.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Let us know if you can find any American company whose customer service team is actually American and located in the United States these days. Don’t worry about the foreign accents because it’s common.
Monica says
How can I switch from a free cell phone service to free landline service? I have a house phone but no service and I would prefer to switch to a landline service for local calls or to at least dial out to 911 if an emergency. I’m a victim of domestic violence and my abuser ruined my life ruined my credit and even got my car repoed. It’s hard to get anything on my name. Is it possible to switch? Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no free landline service, Monica, and never has been. There used to be a discounted landline service, but it is begin or has been phased out. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news.
Shirley Anna says
Because most ,if not all of the free government funded programs are through, boost, virgin mobile, T mobile, and sprint because sprint bought them all out. Or merged with those carriers. I think At and T did also. Those carriers have no contracts. All of their operators are foriegn workers. And they always have been. Where you been?? Even cricket have foriegn operators. They get on my nerves and piss me off because I can’t ever understand them on the phone. But their smart sons a bitches when it comes to helping us fix our mobiles aren’t they. I guess you have to learn to deal with foreign help, or sit your butt down and start teaching yourself the ” tips and tricks ” about mobile know how’s and don’t!!! I’ve learned so much about mobile fones by reading exactly what I Google , or I YouTube it. But that may piss you off to, their all foriegn ppl teaching “us” how to do shit with our mobiles, and things not to do. Get over it. Lmao
Brooklyn says
Hi.
I’m not sure about how you would switch besides calling customer service & asking them about how to do that?
However I just wanted to let you know that, in the USA, if you have a landline phone plugged in but it doesnt have service running to it….you can still call out to 911!!! Its been that way for years. You can contact 911 emergency without actually having service on any cell phone or house phone. So, I know your comment was from july 2019….but I had to reply in case you didn’t know this still! Hope this helped you!!
P.S. –really REALLY hope you are out of that relationship now. You deserve so much better. So if you are out, good for you, you’re amazing & strong!!! & if you’re still in the relationship….please PLEASEEEEE try to get out of it & away from him. No one deserves to be abused every single day of their life, no matter what. Nothing is bad enough in life to have someone abuse you physically, mentally or emotionally… YOU. ARE. WORTH. IT. !!!!!! So sorry for ranting this much lol. Just had to get this off my chest. & to let you know that you can still reach 911. :]
Kristle foley says
Hey my name Kristle. And I recently felt out for a free SIM card through SafeLink and and it said it would work in any phone well I’m having problems even setting it up getting it on my phone I know how to put it in the phone so how do I activate it if I put it in my phone I’m not understanding what to do and I’m looking on here and trying to get the answers in that but it’s through SafeLink it’s a SIM card that said you can put it on any smartphone or any phone. I have a Samsung J-3 and I seen a couple things on here and I might go back and press it and see if that’ll work and go by steps by steps but I’m not trying to mess my phone up or do something in and it won’t work at all so if you could please email me or you can please give me a call back at this is my boyfriend’s number it is 859 777 **** thank you…. ************@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
These are not questions we are qualified to answer, Kirstle, because we are not your service provider. You’ll need to get in touch with them directly.
Tasha says
I’m having the same problem I put the sim card in and it comes up asking for a pin # configuration.its my old cricket wireless phone that I bought and I after had # transferred to another phone that I can’t afford the plan any longer.my old phone was a prepaid no contract. If you have any info I sure would like to set up my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Cricket does not participate in the free government cell phone program, Tasha.
Shirley Anna says
No, don’t do it. A sims card only works with the mobile phone it came in. ABSOLUTELY don’t mess your mobile phone up by pressing anything. That sims card isn’t working in your mobile phone because it didn’t come with that fone… Any mobile carrier will tell you it won’t work. When I upgrade to a better mobile, I remove the sims, write numbers that are on sims to paper, put sims with all my other sims, and sm cards and lock the mobiles and sims up. Never give your old mobile phone to anyone either. Once you put a email account in it, there’s your finger print. Any pictures or video you’ve taken can all be found.
Pam says
You shouldn’t talk about things you obviously know nothing about. I buy phones from online and put my sim card in them all the time. Why would I want to pay the price the carriers charge when I can get it cheaper. Just this week i have had two family members break their phones. One borrowed an old phone of mine for a day and a half and then loaned it to the one for two days. She then traded that phone with a friend because it was hard to use at her job. If you put your email in your phone you call transfer everything – not just contacts – pictures, documents, calendars. You can delete your email account from your old device anytime and stop syncing to it. You can then reset your phone and it will be just like when you bought it with nothing on it. Yes if you are the CIA or some genius hacker with tons of schooling and experience in forensic science your information could probably be recovered, but the feeling I get from your text is that you are not someone those type of people would be interested in. But hey what do I know – maybe you are a serial killer or sex trafficker? Or maybe like I said in the beginning you just don’t know what you are talking about.
Brandon says
How switch to different phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you asking how to use a different phone with your free government cell phone plan?
Amanda Sexton says
Got a sim card but want to put it on my att phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
And…?
Patrick branson says
I have a truconnect sim card i got in the mail..my question is how do i use it i have two phones one a Samsung j7 skypro tracphone and the other is a att prepaid phone i got from walmart..what do i do
Donald short says
Hello, I have a question about Stand Up wireless free cellphone. The question is how do I keep my phone number I have but, have it transferred from one company to Stand Up services??? I really need to keep my cellphone number because I’m disable and I need to keep in contact with my doctors, physical therapy and pharmacy. So, its important for me to keep my old number and not this new number provided by Stand Up wireless. Thank you for your time. Be waiting on your response.
From Donald in Michigan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch from one company to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
If you want to keep the same phone number, tell the customer service rep “I want to port over my current phone number.” Before you end the call, make sure you confirm that they have ported over your current phone number.
Kirk kindred says
I became a q link custmor.and I have a Tracfhone smartphone. I need to get a new sims card. My number is 765315****.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This website is not operated by Q Link, Kirk. You need to contact the company’s customer service team directly.
Lynn smith says
Can I give my free phone away to a friend who has no phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not legally or ethically.
Trish says
I need to replace my sim card
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Rashonna Hall says
I was wondering how can I make my phone become a government phone.Its an at&t phone.I cannot afford to keep mintutes on it for emergencies.Please Help.Thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most companies have a Bring Your Own Phone program that allows you to — obviously — bring your own phone to the free government cell phone program. Of course, it’s always vital to remember to speak to customer service first to make sure that phone is compatible with your chosen service provider’s network.
Michelle Davis says
Take sim card out and place it in a AT&T phone and it should work mine did
Kevin says
What code did you put in at the beginning?
Jimmie says
What code did u enter when you first turned the phone on with your government sim card?
Kelly says
I see several replies posted here that are absolutely uncalled for and bothered me enough to write my own response. Basically the tech, or phone center employee that is responsible for helping those that are asking various questions related to their individual issues, is responding to them as if they are 2 year olds, not helping them- rather it appears as if he/she is attempting to intimidate them or make them feel moronic. Unless this employee is capable of knowing all the answers to every question ever asked in the history of mankind, I suggest they drop the sarcastic, demeaning replies that are surprisingly even being posted. My assumption is that this employee just likes humiliating others and enjoys reading their own comments being posted. I’m fairly certain no-one else is learning anything from these replies, the waste of space and time involved for each reader is counterproductive and said employee needs to find a new career. Last thing I heard, “the customer is always right”. That quote is a guideline for telemarketing employees to refer to before they mutilate some unfortunate, ill informed consumers question. Obviously, if they are asking, they really do need your help. They don’t need to wait for unreasonable long periods of time, just so you can tell them they are stupid because they failed to see that the information was posted in the article. I’m sure that the respondent is also not perfect, and can also make mistakes on ocassion.
So what is it that I’m expecting back from my comment? I expect that any employee responding to these questions should know that just because those individuals posting questions might be indigent, less computer /phone savvy than others who don’t need this service, are human just like you, and they deserve respect. Your replies are mean, uninformative and uncalled for. Grow up! Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately for you, Kelly, we get to determine what is called for and what isn’t. We’ll do this job the way we see fit and if you don’t like it, you are free to go find another website that provides the amount of information we do. Oh, wait. There are no such websites. This site is the original, the biggest, and the most informative one covering the free government cell phone industry. Oh, and one other thing: Screw you. If that offends you, well, we’ve done our job.
Lc says
This respond was uncall for how can they have people like you working in a help center I just hope they fire you we don’t need people like you around when we need help. Weather is a free phone or $1000 phone your respond was very unprofessional and if you stress out and don’t like your job. Then get another one. I’m pretty sure you won’t last long with that attitude.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This comment moderator has been doing this job for six years now, received rave reviews from the boss in the last annual review, and expects to get equally glowing comments next time around. Sorry to burst your bubble, LC, but the bosses appreciate what I do even if you don’t.
Chuck says
The bosses give you glowing reviews and appreciate what you do because the standards for customer service have been completely eroded in this country. Most call centers are more concerned with churning out profits, rather than resolving issues. So get over yourself, you cretin.
Free Government Cell Phones says
1. We are not a free government cell phone company. 2. This is not a call center. 3. This comment board does not “churn out” any income. 4. You give us too much credit by calling us cretins.
Shirley Anna says
Kelly you are absolutely correct about this topic. Very well said. Big “shout out” to kelly. This page is driving me insane and I’ve only been on here this 1st time. I’m leaving , never to return. Bravo Kelly
..
Free Government Cell Phones says
And we bid you a fond farewell, Shirley. Let us know if you can find another website that offers you more, better information than we do.
Jerra Polley says
I got a piece of shit replacement phone from you so small gets hot fast havent been able to even turn on phone but you can leave message #510-691-**** want to switch assurance wireless to a phone with my account and my assurance ph#
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t get anything from us, Jerri, because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Aita says
i got cell phone before 12 days ago, i used it for just 2-3 day after that it doesn’t work so i call customer service and they send me another cell phone in 1/16/2019 at 2:30 pm its was working until 5 but it doesn’t work after why i want to know if you guys have office in tucson lets us costomer
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t have any office anywhere because we are not your service provider, Aita. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team again.
Lorraine Chapman says
I was sent an Obama/Trump phone and accidentally signed into my home Network and now I can’t call 611 or 888 to finish the setup so I can use my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Lorraine, but we are free government cell phone experts, NOT tech experts. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service and/or tech support team.
Erica says
Why is my phone coming back ” not compatible” with my qlink BYOP when it is listed as an eligible phone? I bought and iphone6 from walmart unlocked and when i put my IMEI number in, I get denied compatibility. Please help this make sense? Any ideas as to why this may not be working?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot explain it, so you should speak to your service provider’s customer service and/or tech support team.
Hugues Paul says
can I put my Obama sim card in a smartphone ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe. If they’re compatible it should work just fine. So we’d suggest that you should call customer service at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to check out the compatibility issue.
Shirley Anna says
Wow. There’s a reason your not a mobile technician. That information about swapping out a sims card to a totally different mobile device was stupid. Bad information you gave for yelling at all the other’s about ” not being mobile technician’s “!!! Your answer should have been simple. YOU ARE NOT A MOBILE TECHNICIAN THEREFORE YOU SHOULD NEVER GIVE OUT ANY MOBILE TECHNICAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE ON HERE, AND YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD HIM TO CALL HIS CARRIER. THIS PAGE IS SHAMEFULLY AND UPMOST EMBARRASSING. SEEMS IT’S SET UP SO YOU AND OTHERS CAN FREELY ABD KNOWINGLY MAKE OTHERS LOOK STUPID WHEN ALL THEY WANT IS HELP. AND THIS WEB SITE IS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE PLACE TO ASK ANY MOBILE TECHNICAL ADVISE FROM BECAUSE YOUR NOT A CERTIFIED MOBILE TECHNICIAN … THIS IS A SITE TO MAKE YOURSELF LOOK OR FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELVES AS YOU MAKE FUN OF OTHER’S. NEXT TIME YOU PURCHASE A MOBILE PHONE THAT COMES WITH A SIMS CARD, HOPEFULLY IT DOESN’T GET TAKEN FROM YOUR FONE BECAUSE IT WON’T BE WORTH A SHIT AND THERE’S ABSOLUTELY NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO GET YOUR INFORMATION THAT SIM CARD HOLDS ON IT. IT’S WORTHLESS TO ANYONE THAT WOULD REMOVE IT FROM YOUR MOBILE ALSO. DAMN YOUR YUH OUR MOTHER’S CHILD. THANK GOD. YOU MUST OF EITHER BEEN A BULLY GROWING UP, OR BULLIED BY OTHER’S GROWING UP AND IT’S BEING TAKEN OUT ON PEOPLE THAT AREN’T MOBILE SAVVY. IT’S EASY TO BE AN ASS BEHIND A KEYBOARD ISN’T IT? APPARENTLY YOUR KEYBOARD AND SCREEN IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN BE AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT TO OTHERS AND GET AWAY WITHOUT GETTING YOUR SMART ASS MOUTH SMACKED. I’M ONLY GOING TO RETURN TO THIS SITE JUST TO SEE IF MY COMMENT WAS POSTED OR NOT. I’VE ALREADY HAD TO COMMENT ON MISINFORMATION ON ASSURANCE WIRELESS THAT YOU POSTED… THE ONLY REASON I KNEW EVERYTHING THAT WAS GIVEN ABOUT ASSURANCE WIRELESS FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDED LIFELINE MOBILE IS BECAUSE I HAVE AN ASSURANCE WIRELESS CONNECTION. SO YOU AREN’T AS SMART AS YOU THINK YOU ARE, OR YOU WOULD HAVE THE CORRECT INFORMATION FOR THE QUESTION THAT WAS ASKED ABOUT ASSURANCE WIRELESS POSTED. THAT’S OK, I’M CERTAINLY HOPING MY COMMENT GETS POSTED SO THE CORRECT INFORMATION IS OUT THERE TO BE READ.
YOUR SARCASM IN 95% OF YOUR ANSWERS ON HERE MAKES YOU UGLY ON THE INSIDE DUDE… AND THAT’S WHERE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF A PERSON IS….
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please allow us to correct a few things you said, Shirley.
First, you say “It’s easy to be an ass behind a keyboard, isn’t it?” We will have you know, madam, that we are also asses in front of keyboards, over keyboards, under keyboards, and on each side of keyboards.
Second, you say “the screen is the only place you can be an absolute idiot to others.” Untrue. We have been and will be idiots in many places in our lives and we hope to be idiots in many other places before our time in this world expires.
Third, you say, “I’ve already had to comment on misinformation on Assurance Wireless that you posted.” As we responded to your other comment, the information we presented was a direct quote (with link provided) from the Assurance website. If you have a problem with the info, that problem should be with Assurance, not us. And, yes, that other comment was posted.
Finally, you say that we are ugly on the inside. If you had any idea what you were talking about, you would know that we are equally ugly on the outside.
Bye bye, Shirley. Nice talking to you.
Karen says
Do I need to buy a phone from the safelink site or can I buy one off a different site for cheaper?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can buy a cheaper phone from another source, but you must make sure that the make and model you purchase is compatible with the Safelink national cell network. We urge you to (1) choose the make and model you want to buy, (2) speak to customer service/tech support BEFORE you buy it to make sure that make and model is compatible, (3) and purchase that phone only AFTER you have spoken to customer service.
Nicole L Erwin says
I have a Samsung Galaxy j3 Luna pro it has a sim card in it and its with Straight Talk I want to know if I can u it for my qlink phone that I have already and use my qlink phone number on it. I want to know how I can change it
salvador mosqueda says
hello i really need big screen size know same iphone 6 plus size if u have avilible becouse i can see screen so big screen looks perfect csn see let u know i am deaf i have one phone lifeline but kiond of small kind of see ok but ,my phopne dont work broken if u have big screen or my iphone 6 plus ?? if not all then can u sent me big screen to replacement please screen size big for imporemtn to casll video calls for the deaf to see clear size communtion ?? oif u have pls text me 661 416 **** of mpt hopw aboput i do have big screen i phone plus 6 pls ?? i do hsve iphone if can connect to lifelione pls texty mer only 661 416 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Wow. Dozens of time every single day of the year we say, “This is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any free government cell phone company.” Our fingers hurt from typing those words over and over and over again. We can’t send you a new phone, Sal. What do we have to do to get people to understand this simple fact?
Johnny says
Well hey at least you’re answering each and every question! Good job on that! I, for one, know how frustrating it can be when people fail to read instructions that are blasted right in their face. I’m sure you don’t hear this often, but kudos to you for keeping your head on straight!!
Between you and me (lol) I love coming here to read the comments and responses. Your website is informative and helpful. Because you don’t hold each and every hand that comes here to ask rather useless questions, does not mean that customer service has gone to __(insert expletive of choice)__ in this country. I find it refreshing that someone who is in this type of service industry can remain humorous because let me tell you, after 8 hours of “babysitting” people with direction even the most indigent can see right in front of their face, makes you want to stick a fork in your eye to ease the pain.
Good job guys!! No…AWESOME job guys!
Free Government Cell Phones says
OK, Mom, we’ve told you dozens of times to quit leaving messages at our websites. You cannot fool us by using phony names like “Johnny.” But on the off chance that this comment wasn’t left by mom, thanks, Johnny. We appreciate it.
Shirley Anna says
SHUT THIS SITE DOWN
. IT’S ONLY UP FOR ALL OF YOU TO MAKE FUN OF EVERYONE THAT ASKS A QUESTION. AND YOU LIL BOYS/GIRLS ARE GETTING OFF ON IT. GEEZ HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU GET HATE COMMENTS A DAY??? WHY DO YOU GIVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT ANY MOBILE TECHNICAL QUESTIONS ASKED? YOU DO AN AWFUL LOT. YOUR REPLIES BACK ALWAYS START OUT WITH ” YOUR” TECHNICAL ANSWER, YET YOUR NOT IN ANY WAY, SHAPE, OR FORM AUTHORIZED TO GIVE OUT ANY MOBILE TECHNICAL INFORMATION BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT WHAT???? YOU ARE NOT A WHAT? HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO REMIND YOU NOT TO START YOUR ANSWERS WITH “WHAT YOU WOULD DO “, BEFORE YOU SARCASTICALLY REPEAT YOUR ANSWER WITH “YOUR NOT A TECHNICIAN OR THEIR MOBILE CARRIERS YET YOU HAVE EVERY FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROGRAM THAT IS OUT THERE POSTED FOR ALL TO READ AND IT’S NOT AT ALL THE CORRECT INFORMATION NOW IS IT BOYS? THIS IS MY 1ST TIME I’VE EVER BEEN ON THIS MICKEY MOUSE SITE AND I’VE ALREADY HAD TO CORRECT 3 OF YOUR ANSWERS YOU MISINFORMED A LOT OF PPL THAT READ THIS PAGE..
“YOU DON’T HAVE TO TELL ME YOUR NOT A MOBILE TECHNICIAN I ALREADY KNOW YOUR SO FAR FROM KNOWING THE EASIEST ANSWERS TO A PRETTY GOOD QUESTION THAT PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SIMS CARDS” YOUR A WASTE OF A NORMAL, FUNCTIONAL BRAIN… YOUR ON HERE JUST TO TRY AND BEAT THE PEOPLE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF YOUR MONITOR YOU PUNKS… STFU!!! I’D BE ASHAMED OF YOU IF I WAS RELATED TO YOU. OVER, AND OVER ALL YOUR DOING IS PICKING AT THE PEOPLE THAT JUST NEED A LITTLE HELP, YOU HAVE A FREE WEB PAGE FOR ALL OPEN QUESTIONS FOR ALL TO READ, SO WHY IS THIS WEB PAGE EVEN OPEN FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS WHEN YOUR NOT AUTHORIZED TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS? EVEN YOUR INFORMATION YOU HAVE POSTED ABOUT EVERY FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDED PROGRAM IS WRONG! IS THAT YOUR PROBLEM? YOU THINK BECAUSE MORE PEOPLE OUT HERE HAVE FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDED PHONES MIGHT MAKE US “STUPID”, OR MAYBE ” POOR AND STUPID “? AND YOU THINK YOU CAN TALK TO EVEN THE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE THE WAY YOU DID AND DO AND WE DON’T HAVE A THING OR TWO FOR YOU TO READ ABOUT WHAT WE THINK ABOUT YOU? I WOULD LOVE TO SHUT THIS SITE DOWN. BIG TIME. THIS IS FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE A FREE GOVERNMENT FUNDED MOBILE ( INCLUDING MYSELF) DON’T TAKE THE SHIT THAT ROLLS OUT OF THIS EXHAUSTED DUDES / AND HIS SHADOWS REPLIES. THEIR OUT TO BULLY AND MAKE FUN OF ANYONE THAT HAS A QUESTION ON HERE. HEY CAN YOU TELL ME IF YOU’D RATHER HAVE NORTHERN TOILET PAPER, OR CHARMIN TOILET PAPER TO WIPE THE SHIT THAT ROLLS OUT YOUR MOUTH EVERY DAMN TIME YOU SIT TYPING AND BITCHING OUT LOUD IN YOUR BEDROOM?? I’LL SHIP IT FREE JUST FOR YOU. DON’T BELIEVE ANYTHING THAT THIS WEB SITE REPLIES BACK TO YOU. JUST CALL YOUR CARRIER AND SEND THESE POOP BUTT PUNKS A COMMENT ABOUT THEIR SARCASM AND HOW THIS WEBSITE ISN’T EVEN CLOSE TO EVEN NEEDED, OR SHOULD NOT BE HERE. IT’S ALL A GAME FOR THEM. POST IT PUNKS
Free Government Cell Phones says
As our wise old granny always said, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” And you clearly can’t take the heat, Shirley. as we explained before, your previous comments were all based on your erroneous assumption that we had made an error when the truth is that we merely quoted the Assurance website.
We knew that if we gave you enough rope you would expose yourself for what you really are. This comment clearly shows all our other readers that you are a very angry, very ignorant nutcase with nothing better to do than post looney comments on this website. We’re done with you now. No more of your RANTING comments will be posted.
Kristie Hankins says
Nicely done…. I appreciate straight forward truth …. You dealt with the inappropriate , angry, self_entitled, rantings of “Shirley” with truth, facts and humor. You don’t sugar coat what you say. There is nothing wrong with the way you do your job. You acknowledged her issues one by one with honesty and truth backed with your sources of information. You did not allow her actions to effect doing your job for those who were there to ask a relevant question as it pertains to the relevancy and purpose of the site.
I came here to ask a question about the lifeline program and seen right away that my question isn’t relevant to your purpose . So I won’t waste your time asking anyways.
You are a great fit for the job…I am now going to contact my service provider. Have a great time.
Thank You
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks, Kristie. Shirley was an exceptional nutcase who doesn’t represent our average reader. We’re here to help, but we know what we know and what we don’t know and never forget that one is very different than the other.
Michele says
I read another lady’s comment saying you are very sarcastic. Unless you’re a robot I agree with her totally. Maybe this job isn’t for you. Usually company representatives go above & beyond (doing their jobs), that doesn’t sound anything like you.
QUIT TODAY..
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s another option: You find another website that offers you the vast volume of key information that we offer. Go for it.
Jeanine Robbins says
I would like to switch my Assurance Wireless phone number to an LG cell phone that I already have and I like it much better. When I called Assurance to find out how to do this, I was told to enter the MEID DEC and MEID HEX number, but it did not clarify which set of numbers I was supposed to use. Should I use the numbers on the Assurance phone or from the LG phone? Also, when I tried to go online to make the switch, there doesn’t seem to be anywhere that I can accomplish this option. Please help me to be able to get the number switched to my LG cell phone. Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re experts on the free government cell phone program, NOT on cell phone technology, Jeanine. Contact customer service/tech support again to get your question answered.
Leatreonnia Baker says
I currently have a qlink phone or I believe its lifeline service. Is it possible to keep this service with transferring my service to a phone that has been purchased for me. please respond as soon as possible this is of great importance
Free Government Cell Phones says
What does the article tell you, Leatreonnia?
AireaL says
I just need to know if there are texts codes to get apn,data, mins, ect… sent to me on an assist wireless VeryKool (phone type) phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service to find out what services each company offers, Aireal.
Donna says
Hi. I recently lost my cell phone I bought from Tracfone, I use the free, ‘Safelink’ program but I would like to purchase a new cell phone from a different company than Tracfone. Do you know of any companies that sell cell phones that are “approved” or work with ‘Safelink’? Examples: AT&T? Cellular One? Etc.?
I live in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. Thanks so much! Donna N.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We avoid answering questions like this, Donna. The best place to get the answer you need is by calling customer service at the company you want to enroll with.
Jessica says
How do I activate my safelink SIM card
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink customer service or tech support, Jessica.
Michele says
I live in Marysville ca. I got a life wireless phone. I want to upgrade to a much larger phone. But the Sim card only had two sizes. One for standard and for micro. But not a third one for nano. That’s what life wireless gives here. So how do I get a new phone?. Where or what phones take that size.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a clue, Michele. We’re experts on the free government cell phone program, not cell phone technology. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and ask to speak to tech support.
Michele says
I got a new Sim card it comes with all three sizes. So now the question I have. Since Life wireless updated to a triple Punch Sim cards and is partnered up with T-Mobile. What phones can I get?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Life Wireless customer service or tech support can answer that question, Michele.
Kristi Proctor says
Can I get my free minutes and free text on a new never serviced LG, iphone or Samsung phone. The phone that they sent keeps messing up(can’t make phone calls). I need to get another. Any help would be appreciated.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can use other phone with your free government cell phone account, but not all phones are compatible with all cell networks, Kristi. If you have a specific make and model, you should contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if that make and model will work with its network. In addition, here’s an article you should read:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Marry says
I’m trying to change phones how do I do it
Free Government Cell Phones says
We need a little clarification, Marry: Are you asking how to change phones or phone companies?
Melvin G Fagan says
So if it’s free then why do I get text messages thanking me for my payment?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s unusual, Melvin, but it may be a reference to the $9.25 per month the Lifeline companies are paid for each account. That’s just a guess on our part.
Ashley says
Can I twice my government phone to a I phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not quite sure what your question means, Ashley.
Angie says
My safelink account got deactivated, I power cycled phone, now it’s not reading my sim. I have another sim card that is not activated from a different company. Can I transfer my safelink phone number to that sim card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It sounds as if that would mean you have two Lifeline accounts, Angie. If that’s the case, it’s illegal to have two accounts.
Lyssa says
If i put my tmobile sim card in my free government assurance wireless phone, can/will my information such as : contacts, files, and apps transfer over ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service or tech support teams, Lyssa. Call them at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Marcelino says
Do I have another lifline account pending?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is absolutely no way for us to know the answer to that question, Marcelino.
sharon carter says
I am currently with American Assistance ,, I am continuing to have problems with their phone, e.g. loud irritating sounds when attempting to have conversations .. does their service allow for upgrading to other unlocked cell phones from major carriers?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know; you should call them and ask.
Antonio says
Thank You & Your Ace
Team researchers for answering my questions another question qlink virgin both give LTE Quest phones away do all the free providers give the same phone away if so it’s a piece of junk
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, every company offers a different selection of cell phones, Antonio.
Bonita Clements says
I would like the free service using the phone I already have and the number is: 614 377 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your current phone may nor may not work depending on the service provider you select, Bonita. When you apply, make sure you tell the customer service rep which phone you have to find out if it is compatible with that company’s cell network. If it is, tell them that you want to “port over my current phone number.”
Sim McPhee says
I’m just tying to transfer an older LG to Assurance, Qlink, that’s all i was trying to do.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You may be able to use the older LG phone, but it depends on whether it is compatible with your service provider’s cell network. Contact customer service. They should be able to answer the question for you.
Anita King says
Can i use my own phone with qlink
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is completely dependent on the make an model of your phone, Anita. Check with the company’s customer service or tech support teams to find out which makes and models are compatible with their network.
Ahmad says
I currently have Qlink wireless free phone and service, Can i use my own phone with Qlink free service, If i can’t use my own with Qlink, Can i transfer the service to another company? like (Safelink..).
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Ahmad. So you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if your own phone is compatible with your provider’s network.
Raymond patten says
Yes can I use my own phone for my god phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We suspect there’s a typo, Raymond, because we have no idea what a “god phone” is.
David Wuester jr says
Actually TAG mobile chips work in all T-Mobile phones perfectly. And once you get the APN settings tweaked you can do 4G* 😀
misty says
i did the byop i changed my iphone to safelink, how do i change my iphone back to my iphone number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Uh-oh, Misty. You may have a problem. You should have requested the same phone number by telling Safelink that you wanted to “port over my current phone number” during your enrollment. It may still be possible for you to get the phone number, but you need to call customer service ASAP.
Leia shaw says
My qlink phone was stolen and I’m using the internet to contact yall to see could I use a a old phone my father gave me it’s from TextNow and could I get my service transfer over to that phone he gave me it’s a LG tribute 2
Albert Ciafre JR says
Hello I am already a qlink wireless phone but today my screen was damaged. I was going to order another one for $25 but I have an LG K7 which is a much nicer phone but I never thought I could bring my phone to qlink wireless if I’m reading correctly. Did something change am I allowed now too ring my phone to qlink wireless? I was reading and if I’m not mistaken you just order a replacement SIM card? Please get back to me at your earliest convenience. My email address is **********@gmail.com change my qlink wireless phone number is 484 302 ****. I can still make calls and receive texts but the whole front of my screen is shattered. Also the volume hasn’t worked for the past year. Well whoever gets this thank you and have a nice day
Thank you Albert J Ciafre
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to bring your own phone to the program. But not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so contact your service provider’s customer service team to make sure the phone you want to use is compatible with your provider’s network.
Cliff kennicott says
I have a Kyocera phone and want to use it for qlink wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Q Link customer service or tech support to find out if your particular Kyocera model is compatible with the company’s network.
Connie D Taylor says
One more thing
I 4 got
..can I get Wi Fi at a cheep rate like 5 a month thru ATT???
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have another website, CheapInternet.com, that tells you everything you need to know about low-income internet service. Here’s a link:
http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Connie D Taylor says
I changed my service from SafeLink to life wireless about 9 months ago… I have lost the one issued to me since then….The rep. Told me when I got the phone if I wanted to change my issued phone to like a att phone that I just needed to use the sims card out gov.phone.
And as u no I don’t have the sims card.. if I give u my phone number social and all my info can u mail me a sims card,?
I don’t have a checking account or debit card and I’m on a fixed income (no income)so if It’s not free than I’ll have to send a money order if I get any extra funds.,😏
Thank you in advance for ur help.
Sincerely
Connie Taylor
FYI I got the phone on Benton AR
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Connie, but we can’t send you a SIM card because we are not a free government cell phone company. This is an independent informational website. You’ll need to contact Life Wireless customer service.
Treshaun says
Can I use a Cheap prepaid Verizon HTC phone for safe link service
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, Treshaun. We’d advise you to speak to Safelink customer service to get a 100% accurate answer.
jodi says
All I want to know is does q link wireless allow you to bring your own phone & if so how can I do it please help me
Free Government Cell Phones says
According to Q Link’s Facebook page, “Sorry but you can only use phones activated and shipped by Q link Wireless.”
Deborah Dickinson says
Have an accessvwirelessbphone. It is powered by obsolete battery. I can’t leave battery in phone drains down fast. Can’t reach network to replace. It’s a safelink program phone service.(government supported) . It so old it will not work to network site. I can’t use .com site. I don’t even have a car to find store. I can make calls getting is other story and can’t use net.Got any ideas?
Free Government Cell Phones says
A lot of our readers have complained that it’s impossible to reach a live rep at Access. We’ve also tried and failed. So we’re at a loss, Deborah. If you are unable to reach them, you can always switch free government cell phone companies and that will entitle you to a new phone from your new company. If you decide to take that route, here’s where you can find a complete list of service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lambert says
Q-Link provided me a phone that’s difficult for me to use. There’s no way to speak with a live rep. They offer a new phone but it’s one I have to buy sight unseen so it could be the same piece of junk they sent the first time! I filed an app with Safelink however they said I couldn’t switch until my contract with Q-Link was up! So the option you offered above will not work or it won’t work with all carriers.
MY ADVICE TO ALL: STAY AWAY, FAR AWAY, FROM
Q-LINK!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
When does your contract end, Lambert?
Michelle stanley says
O lista muy ole aspirante phon e and saz a as iraníes sentí me a réplica es ment phone. O mees switch acciona yo mee phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, this comment cannot be translated into English by Google Translate. Would anyone care to guess what Michelle’s is trying to say?
Jon says
Safelink allows Bring Your Own Phone SIM cards. I have used a Motorola Turbo 2 and then a Samsung Galaxy S5 with my Safelink service by using a BYOP SIM card in each device.
Tech Support will also offer to send out a BYOP or Safelink compatible card for your device.
Good luck communicating accurately with the call center associates, “supervisors/managers” included.They’re still learning some dialect of English.
PHIZZLE says
I had ordered a freedom pop sim online for $1.09 or basically 99¢ with an offer for 1 months premium service free,I filled out the contract carefully as I always do when signing up for anything,and it looked like everything was in proper order untill…
The sim got here,it would not work with my gsm unlocked Opo,no matter what and I’m no noob when it comes to mobile devices,got the apk ran the settings test,configured the apn and still nothing,called customer care and they just gave me the same procedure I did a hundred times even after I clearly explained to them I did it already,so the month went by and wasn’t able to make a single call unless on wifi.
So I discontinued to pursue the issue. Untill this unsettling matter came about;freedom pop sent me an email concerning the regards of my premium service plan month is up and there was insafiscent fund in my account to pay for another month.
I was confused about the situation so I followed the link in my email to learn more about whats going on,to my surprise it to me to the exact same contract I read and signed but this time it had a new noticabile check box that wasn’t there when I signed it the first time marked automatic top up [×].
Odd I don’t remember that being there?
I don’t trust auto top up anything, so let me uncheck that box!
Here is what this all lead up to; when I attempted to uncheak the box a message popped up stating, “sorry we cannot complete this request due to you need to have at least $5.00 on you debit/bank account in order to opt out auto top up feature to prove your not a scam”.
Know I think that was a not of entrapment considering I signed my contract with freedom pop for there free service plan of 500min. Talk 500 words text and 200 mb internet but I don’t get it now because I can’t opt out the auto top up on the complimentery premium month, seemed like it was the worst decision I could have made.
Be warned.
Brian says
So pretty much it’s just 6 bucks for free service that’s a deal
Jose says
Can I do any harm by putting a new sim card on a government phone that doesn’t have a sim card in it, I know it’s activated by them, I just like to know is there any harm or will I be hearing from them once I put in the new sim card.
Jose says
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
It might not work, Jose. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So you should discuss it with customer service or tech support before you do it.
Duane says
It would only work with a sim card registered via the company offering service . you need too have all the numbers registered this prevents theft selling phones etc .
john doe says
Can I use the life wirless sim on a T-Mobile phone? since life wireless also uses T-Mobile to run their network. Also the T-Mobile phones have the unlock device app that comes with them I’m currently trying to get it to acquire service. Could a phone be hacked to except the sim? I’m aware that’s illegal but its just a hypothetical question
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re way over our heads with tech questions, John. We don’t want to steer you wrong, so please contact your service provider’s tech support team.
George szentesi says
All phone companies would benefit to deny any not only free lifeline for rumored virtual reality operation and really must deny or reject that that type of device use the overall phone network
john doe says
Can you rephrase your comment I read it like 6 times and I can’t grasp anything your trying to say
Free Government Cell Phones says
Kind of sounds like it was run through a language translation app several times. We’re with you, John. We can’t make any sense out of it.
Zane Godinho-Nelson says
I have Qlink wireless, can I use my LG phone instead of the one they gave me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, Zane. So we can’t tell you if a particular model works with any particular service provider. You’ll need to contact customer service or tech support to get a definitive answer to your question. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Shawna Ward says
I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I could have a phone transferred to my q link account. I tried calling but they’ve already closed for the day and I’ve been trying to find out for a few days now. Any feedback would be awesome! Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Clarification, Shawna: Are you asking if you can use your own cell phone instead of the free government cell phone that was given to you when you enrolled?
kathy says
no, they don’t have bring your own yet. Safelink does but they’re ridiculous to get ahold of
Sammie says
I would really update your website with correct information at least for safelink. You can use a different phone since they have byop (bring your own phone) all you have to do is get a sim card kit go on their website which walks you through everything and that’s it. I got a phone from walmart that was a verizon phone and it works great didn’t have any issues setting it all up either
SLM says
Thank you as the one I received is a model I can not figure out how to use (nor those who buy it outright) (I was in a building fire and ended up indigent due to chemical injury, several degrees. I mention this for the many who think those receiving this type of service are “free loaders”.
At that. if one studies a typical phone bill you will see all sorts of taxes (fees) for all sorts of projects. In NYC even for repairing “potholes” – who knew!) and thus the safe links phone. I bought a simple, flip top at Walmart that is easy peasy for me yet I am always told by TracFone (safe links) that I can not do this – and read the legal (teeny print) to find out one can.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The problem, SLM, may be that not all phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. Safelink does allow customers to bring their own phones and even has a page on its website dedicated to that subject.
Yvette says
I keep seeing a statement that is not true. In California where I live, I get unlimited service with Assurance Wireless. At least I get free talk and text. And I have several friends who use other services and they get the same kind of service. Additionally, I believe these phones are not paid for with tax dollars. They are paid for by issuing us the old phones that you threw away when you replaced your old phones every year or two. So I guess ” One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please point out one place where this site stays California doesn’t have unlimited plans.
SLM says
The phones may not be but the service is. I used to work for a Wall Street Firm in NYC (financial graphics) believe me the uber wealthy do not pay taxes (nor major corporations unless 1% taxes on overseas accounts are considered a tax) Read Forbes. So I figured as small fry I have paid my fair share, lol.
Web site on who pays.
How’s that for clarity? The confusion arises because it depends upon whether or not you think a mandated fee tacked on to the phone bills of virtually almost every American is a tax or not. Some say it is, and some say it isn’t.
Federal Law requires telecom companies to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which in turn pays for the free cell phones program, in addition to funding telecommunications services (including high-speed Internet access) for eligible schools, libraries and rural health care providers.
A law of economics is that any tax on a corporation always results in the tax being paid by the consumer — taxes are always passed on. And this is the case with the telecom companies “contribution” to the USF. These companies collect the money from everyone that pays for phone service by tacking on a few cents to every phone bill. It’s listed on those bills as the Universal Service Fund.
To put it simply, the U.S. Federal government has mandated that every phone bill include this charge. And the charge, in part, pays companies who provide free cell phones for the poor — like Safelink, Assurance, and ReachOut — for each customer they sign up — some money for the phone and then an amount for each month of service.
Some consider a federally government mandated fee that funds government programs a tax, and some consider it a fee. We think the answer depends upon which side of the politically-charge government phone giveaway you are on.
What do we think? To be honest, to us a tax and a federally mandated fee are one and the same — so call it whichever you which. But that doesn’t mean we don’t think this is a valuable program for those in need. It is.
HJW says
Re Safelink Wireless & the ability to “bring your own phone”…depending on whether the phone is TracFone / Straight Talk compatible…yes, you can. They will even let you check first by entering the IMEI for any given phone into their site to make sure it is compatible with the program. I have no idea why in the world anyone would say no you can’t – when the information is right there on their site in plain view.
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/NewPublic/index.html
Gilbert Gross says
Great link. Thank you.
Abigail McDonald says
Can I buy a new phone?? I live in Missouri and I go thru qlink wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not quite sure what you’re asking, Abigail. Are you wanting to purchase a new phone from Q Link or from a different source?
Christie Schutes says
I have service through qlink wireless. I have another phone from qlink. Can I get my number transferred to the other qlink phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably, but you’ll need to speak to Q Link’s customer service team, Christie.
john k says
Yes, you can use your own smartphone with safelink, i use my iphone 6 with a safelink account, all i needed to do was buy a net10 byod kit, after i received my net10 sim kit i called safelink and they guided me to activate my iphone 6 with my safelink number, works great and no more bill, all though only half gb of data but thats ok because i use wifi everywhere and all text and call are unlimited.
Thanks safelink
john k
Linda Elsef says
I have a Safelink Wireless Alcatel phone but even with help am unable to make or receive calls. I will try to call for help again but it isn’t a good deal even though free if you can’t call anyone. I am disabled and also wear glasses. One, it is so hard to read due to small screen. Twi, I need this is call for help if I fall or need someone in home. I may need to call for emergency. This is not a phone for someone who has eyesight problems. I also want to say to use keyboard is a joke. Hit a “s” and you get a “d”. It is frustrating with so many typos. If you have a good phone use the program where you can use your own phone. CA does have that program with SafelinkwirelessCA.com.
MICHELE BUTLER says
To used the safelink BYOP program.,u need unlock phone or compatible GSM phone .i have a metrpcs Samsung core prime . It network is tmoble .purchases a tracfone kit, call safelink customer service gave him the sim number and he got me connect, my minutes was added. Hope this help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for that info, Michele. We’re sure a few of our readers will really appreciate it.
Detroit says
Can I purchase my own phone from Walmart to use with qlink number
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the phone, Detroit. Not all phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, so what you need to do is discuss it with Q Link customer service or tech support before you purchase anything.
Maria Felix says
Can the sim card (TAG cell phone) be used on another smartphone or basic phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
In theory, yes. But in reality, not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. The only way to find out if a particular make and model will work is to contact your service provider’s tech support team.
Leah Crowder says
How long do it take after approval data to get the phone from assurance wireless? In california?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There doesn’t seem to be any real rule of thumb, Leah. Most of the Lifeline companies say your free government cell phone will arrive in two weeks or so. Most of our readers say it’s far more typical for them to arrive in three or even four weeks. One unfortunate reader told us it took six months. Hopefully yours will arrive sooner.
Dale Butler says
I have a popular DZ09 Smart Watch which becomes a phone when a micro sim is inserted.Are micro sims available from Qlink and can you then use this as a BYOP?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Congratulations, Dale. You’ve asked us a question we’ve never been asked before. We don’t want to steer you wrong, so we’d suggest that you contact Q Link customer service or tech support to get the correct answer.
Shaun says
Safelink does in fact offer a BYOP plan. I have chosen this option myself. What you need is a sim card sent by safelink, and a T-Mobile phone or a GSM unlocked phone. I had Metro PCS and just had to call customer service for the unlock pin. In fact with the BYOP (bring your own phone) plan you get an additional 500 mb of mobile data for 3 months.
Val says
With Safelink BYOP plan you can use even smartphone with IOS??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Tech questions like that can only be answered by Safelink’s tech support team.
Barbara says
Am I able to transfer the phone number to a different phone and company?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Absolutely. But you need to make sure you tell the new company’s customer service rep that you want to “port over my current phone number” during your initial contact.
Anthony Plesa says
Porting existing phone number to safelinks
I did tell the safelinks operator that I wanted to “port my existing phone number from my previous carrier to this phone I’m calling on”. I had asked one time if she needed my previous carrier information along with ” are you still there” due to the long periods of silence. I had patiently waited for almost an hour during this process. The lady finally said after long periods of silence, ” sir, now just turn your phone off and then power on again. Then you will have a new number”. I immediately responded with, ” Then my old number will be ported over ” ? Before I could say another word I heard a click as she hung up on me. Wow. I’ll try again today.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Wow, indeed, Anthony. We hear story after story about bad service, so nothing surprises us anymore.
Kristan says
I understand that Assurance Wireless merged into Access Wireless and uses the Sprint network. I would like to use a Sprint smartphone with my Access Wireless account. Does Access Wireless participate in the Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) Program?
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an odd one, Kristan. As far as we can tell from the Terms & Conditions, Access allows Bring Your Own only in California. We wouldn’t want to bet on that being 100% true, so your best bet is to contact customer service.
jimmie dickerson says
can i tranfer my minutes from a track phone to a at&t phone ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. The only way to find out for sure is to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team. You’ll need to be able to give them the specific make and model of the phone you want to use. Good luck.
Gareth Chapman says
Can I transfer my current low income assurance wireless free service to a MetroPCS unlocked phone that has no Sim or service but has 10 times better signal strength in my area?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe. That’s the best way we can answer that question because not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. To get a definitive answer, you’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Mack says
I have Qlink wireless in Minnesota. The assigned phone giving to me was a virgin mobile handset. Can I use any handset with virgin mobile with this company?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You won’t be able to use all Virgin cell phones with Q Link, but you may be able to use some. The problem is that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. You’ll need to discuss this with Q Link’s customer service or tech support team.
Blue Violet says
I’m a new Safelink client, smartphones are indeed sent in my state (IN), I rc’d mine yesterday (Alcatel PIXI) and a plan was automatically assigned, no option to choose at enrollment but site claims one may switch later.
Most current info on Safelink Welcome Page states the three plans offered include a NO DATA plan with 500 mins/unlimited text; the other two plans are 350 mins and 500mb or 1GB data.
I hope that info helps anyone wondering if they wil get a smartphone (in Indiana at least).
HOWEVER to my amazement and dismay the phone does not make calls (gives error message). Will not connect to network (mobile network that is). CS reps were sooo very frustrating, I had to tell the one with whom I spoke how I knew the phone was not connected (shows network disconnected under SIM status) as they had NO IDEA why the phone will not make calls.
Ironically it connects to my wifi just fine, but I do not want to use it for internet, just for calls *bashing my head against wall*
CS tech support “opened a ticket” I must now wait 72h then call back.
I bought a BIG EASY PLUS for $19.99 w/800mins and a year service. My hope is to transfer the Safelink benefits to it and switch to the 500 mins no data plan.
Do you guys happen to know if a Tracfone with minutes on it will lose the minutes it comes with if it is transferrred to Safelink?
#poorandpissed
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since Tracfone and Safelink have the same corporate ownership, you should be ok. However, it would be a very good idea to coordinate this with Safelink’s customer service and/or tech support team.
Blue Violet says
Can you hear me hysterically laughing along with the sound of head against brick wall, from wherever you are?
“Coordinate with Safelink’s cust svc” oh you are a regular riot.
As of today I have spoken to SIX yes six CS reps re: the failure to connect. I was transferred to one after another. I was not going to wait 72 h as CS #1 suggested.
ALL SIX made me go through EVERY diagnostic step. I kept repeating that the phone obviously needed a new SIM card, please just send one. NONE had a CLUE. Just kept repeating rote instructions in a robotic fashion.
FINALLY the 6th person agreed to send one. It will take 7-10 days.
Thankfully I am not in a desperate strait. My immediate thought was how horrible this scenario would’ve been had I been disabled, or physically ill and really in desperate need of this phone to call doctors etc as I am sure many of the recipients are.
Signed,
A Beggar Who Cannot Be a Chooser and Realizes That
Linda Elser says
I am disabled and ill. I hate this phone that dies not make calls. I only have 30 days to make a call. I will try SIM card idea but I can’t read the screen. Keyboard makes so many errors. HELP
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that may help, Linda. It’s all about the vision/hearing/speech-impaired policies of all the major free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
Rebecca says
I need to know who accepts Verizon wireless GSM in Florida. I have an iPhone 4 that doesn’t use a sim card
Raymond Louis Barberio says
Yeah Assurance Wireless they’re not free cell phones their phones at the taxpayers pay for for people that claim that they’re disabled but they’re really not 40% of the people in North Carolina Caesar my Governors numbers 40% of the people are faking and you guys know that these people faking and by the way Obama didn’t start this off and he doubled down and took credit for Ronald Reagan started the program for people to have the landline back in the eighties so they can find a job or make a doctor’s appointment then George W bush came in the office and then he made it so phones then Obama comes in and take credit for the whole program and he created this program he claims and he’s giving away these phones left and right I assure you that you give him the more I like them right the people that don’t need them but if this is his legacy that he gave people free cell phone yeah he’s doing pretty damn good for the worst president we’ve ever had I mean he’s worse than Jimmy Carter and you guys are on the money I don’t know how you sleep at night stealing from the taxpayers like you because you know they were $25,000 for refrigerator Social Security these people need to get off for Social Security and they will soon cuz Donald Trump’s going to do it I assure you you will be losing customers left and right because they can’t afford this entitlement program it is half of our budget we can’t sustain it it’s not going to go your ride is about over Assurance Wireless you and all the other companies and got that free money and if I were president I would ask for the money back once we prove to people that crowded you guys and the fact that they should be made to pay us back as well as you pay the taxpayers back thank you Assurance Wireless for ripping us off
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have a little advice for you, Raymond. Try to familiarize yourself with the subject of punctuation. There’s this newfangled device they call “the period” that most people put at the end of sentences. We believe your comment came very close to the Guinness Book of World Records’ record for the longest run-on sentence.
Steve says
@Raymond Hi
Yes please use …periods… – it’s like breathing, you can only say so much with a lung full of air.
I think you got your information wrong on this “taxpayers pay for people phones”, it’s not from income tax money.
[Where does the money for Lifeline subsidy come from? You.
Take a look at your phone bill and you’ll see a charge — typically a few dollars a month — for payments to the “Universal Service Fund.” That’s the umbrella program covering various ventures, including Lifeline, that are designed to make telephone communications universally available to all Americans.]
http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/26/technology/mobile/tracfone-free-phones/
As you see it’s not from peoples Taxes and only part of this being charge is allotted to the Lifeline program.
Also if you know of FRUAD of the LIFELINE program by people report them… Submit a Whistleblower Alert !
If you are aware of waste, fraud, or abuse of universal service support, USAC encourages you to report it. USAC treats each report of waste, fraud, or abuse as a serious and urgent matter requiring immediate attention. All reports are considered confidential. Laws protect you from reprisals (i.e., any action taken against you because you filed this report).
If you would like to report an instance of waste, fraud, or abuse, please follow the procedures outlined below
http://usac.org/about/tools/contact/whistleblower.aspx
If you have information about a household receiving more than one Lifeline Program discounted service, please contact the FCC’s Lifeline Fraud Tip Line at (855) 455-8477
1.Contact USAC, If calling, tell the operator you want to report a “whistleblower alert” concerning universal service waste, fraud, or abuse. You will be connected to specially trained staff who will record your report.
2.The USAC staff person who contacts you will ask a series of questions to obtain as much information about the situation as possible.
You may choose to remain anonymous. If you opt to identify yourself so USAC can contact you for additional information, we will make every effort to maintain confidentiality as the investigation proceeds. If appropriate or required by law, USAC will turn over information related to whistleblower alerts and results of our investigation to the FCC or law enforcement.
3.After your report is received, it will be investigated. Because the report and investigation are confidential, USAC is not at liberty to provide the status or outcome of the investigation.
Balls in your court Raymond, play ball and please use periods…..
Steve
PS: Raymond you are aware that this is not Assurance Wireless and is in fact Free Government Cell Phones website, who covers all news and information in topics with articles and helpful Lifeline service providers knowledge to users of Lifeline.
Of course you did !
Janice says
Hi, I have Safelink, but the phone I’m using is old and the buttons are all wearing off. Can I get another phone from the company? If so is it free or do I need to purchase one? And another questions I have is, can I get a smart phone from Safelink? I thought I read somewhere on one of the Safelink sites that you can buy or upgrade to a smart phone. Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
The latest information we have is that Safelink is only offering smartphones in California. Readers have told us they are available in at least one other state, but we have not been able to verify that information.
Yes, you can upgrade (maybe to a smartphone, maybe not), but you will be required to pay a relatively low upgrade fee. Contact customer service.
Ruth Barr says
How can you get a free phone from the govt when you already have a cell phone that you are paying for? And why would anyone need two phones? This is wrong..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Lots of people end up in that situation, Ruth. For example, they may have purchased a phone when they had a job and could afford it, but then lost the job. They may have been given the phone as a gift. We could go on and on and on because there are many reasons people have cell phones, but can’t afford monthly cell service.
Alicia grant says
I have life wireless plan and need to know if I can switch my life wireless Sim into my Motorola soltice unlocked phone and it work or do I need to order a new life wireless Sim
Free Government Cell Phones says
Tech questions like that are above our pay grade, Alicia. We’re experts on the free government cell phone program, not on cell phone technology. You need to contact Life Wireless customer service to get a definitive answer to your tech question.
Michael says
I have Assurance service and their Kyocera cell phone. Is there any way I can connect my Assurance service to my regular desk phone that I’ve been using for years?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can, Michael, but it will no longer be free. Cell phone companies have figured out how to make a profit on the $9.25 monthly subsidy they’re paid for each customer, but landline phone companies haven’t. You can apply that same subsidy to your home landline, but the subsidy will be subtracted from your ordinary landline bill. In other words, it would be a bit cheaper.
Monique says
Will a sm-j320P -virgin mobile phone work with assurance wireless or assisted wireless services?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Same answer we always give to this kind of question: We’re experts on the free government cell phone program not on cell technology. So your best bet is to call those service providers and ask if that phone is compatible with the Assurance or Assist network.
andy says
The phone i received from budget is so terrible. Plastic, cheap, not clear. Can I use an unlocked ATT flip phone on budget mobile?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends on the make and model, Andy. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So the only way to know for sure is to contact customer service or tech support.
Delores Petrey says
Hello….I submitted an application for the free phone and my number is…..H447WWX. I don’t think I can learn to use the smart phone as I am 84 years old. Do you carry a basic phone? If so please send me a very basic phone instead of the smart phone… Thank you . Delores Petrey
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not the phone company, so we can’t help you directly. But the answer to the question about the phone is that most companies offer very basic phones.
Erica says
I’m trying to sign up on life wireless for a life line because they offer byod but when I select my state of residence (Oklahoma) I’m not given the option for online enrollment. I called customer service and was told I couldn’t apply over the phone either and to keep trying online. I been trying for a week and still the same thing. I want to apply for life wireless because I have a smart phone of my own I want to use. Every other state I select allows online enrollment but Oklahoma and Oklahoma is a state life wireless offers services to. I’ve also tried signing up on other devices including a computer with no luck. Please help me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure what we could do to help, Erica. If Life can’t solve your problem, there’s certainly no way we can. Keep trying. (We know that’s not what you wanted to hear, but it’s the best we can come up with.)
Kathryn L Godfrey says
i put my life wireless sim card in my droid Maxx. Is there a way to get my data plan to work that I purchased?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question that’s beyond our level of tech expertise, Kathryn. Not all cell phones work on all cell networks, so only Life’s tech support team can answer it accurately. Contact them online or by phone.
Anon says
Get a smart phone with dual-sim card ports. Use one port for the Obama phone and the other port for a Tablet Data plan sim card. Find a phone that’s compatible with the tablet data plan for the carrier you are interested in.
I have not tried this yet, but will soon possibly.
Anon says
You can also purchase a hotspot device and connect your current phone with the hotspot device via WiFi.
Cody says
I hAve an American assistance phone and I was just wondering if it works in other phones. My free phone quit reading the Sim card is why I’m asking
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Cody. You should call your service provider’s tech support team to find out which phones you will be able to use. Good luck.
Atara says
I’m getting a qlink phone. I used too have a safelink phone I switched to qlink. Can I use that same number That I had with safelink on my qlink phone or do I have too use the qlink number. .
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you speak to a Q Link customer service rep when you requested a change in providers? If so, you should have requested to “port over my old phone number” during that conversation. If you have not yet requested a change in service providers, make sure you tell the rep those words when you speak to one.
zeleyy says
can i switch my government phone to another phone of the same carrier (Assurance wireless)
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you asking if you can upgrade, or are you asking if you can switch to another phone you already own?
Lucy says
I’m asking if I have I Wireless can I switch over to Assurance Wireless that’s what I’m asking I do not like I Wireless it doesn’t give me very many minutes and he took them then that’s when I do buy them very fast Assurance Wireless my friend has and I like it better
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, it’s pretty easy to switch from one service provider to another, Lucy. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
ayesha qureshi says
I know access wireless set up booths, but how do I know when and where? and do they do it at the same place often?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve said this about a thousand times, but it’s worth repeating: We do not recommend enrolling in a Lifeline plan at a street tent or booth. There have just been too many cases of fraud and abuse coming out of the tents and booths — enough to tarnish even the honest ones. Please apply online or by phone instead.
Rashida M Henderson says
I lost my government phone how can I get another one
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s as if this article was written especially for you, Rashida. Read it and do what it says to get your phone replaced:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Linn Hough says
I have Q Link wireless and they are a pain in the butt. I never can reach them.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an idea for you, Linn. Try calling 6-1-1, which is the universal customer service number.
Bro@Home says
We are struggling to get a touch screen phone set-up for our Autistic Grandson. Free Gov program eligible and the device sent from Safelink/Tracfone LG 328BG10b. (The old dial pad cell phone with numbers and letters). Difficult to text and call for him. He does better on touch screen device. Safelink service this area is T-mobile. We purchased a $50.00 T-mobile smart phone @ Walmart, instead of a outdated Tracfone. (All Tracfone touch screen devices stated that they are not upgradable with Safelink free government program)
The T-Mobile Sim from LG device was locked to that phone according to Safelink. (T-Mobile confirmed live call the sim is their card).
So as we learned, any touch screen/smart phone device must first be compatible with the carrier that provides lifeline service in our zip code.
We called T-mobile for help after inserting T-Mobile sim to get set-up on Safelink lifeline network. T-Mobile support is best we have used from the many Electronics companies that list support. They flat out stick with you to a solution as far as their device is involved. They even transferred us twice to other sources of help. Unfortunately they could not activate the device because it is not unlocked to function on another carrier system (Safelink)
All support sources eventually referred us back to Safelink and only being able to use Tracfone because their devices are unlocked. Mind boggling that device is by one manufacturer, software operating system is by google, Lifeline is the free government program in the operating system, Tracfone is the secondary carrier and one of the four major carriers actually provides the signal for calls and text. Unfortunately, because of these 5 entities involved, help line’s only know about their part of the process so getting credible help to make a device function as expected is just about non existent.
At this point in the challenge to get our grandson a working device, we have been directed to get a tracfone sim card compatible with T-Mobile, then call Safelink to have them activate the new device to the existing account and free minutes on same. Only T-Mobile gave us a clue to the information we would need to provide at the time of activation. That is the Device IMEI number and device serial number, original phone number, name and last four of SS # of phone owner. Government ID # and who knows what else.
I have little faith that the device will be functional for the simple reason that going outside what the program offers means we are on our own. Carriers have control of all cellular systems here in Us and if we want the convenience of their service we frankly must pay to play or live without the convenience.
There does not seem to be much available regarding T-Mobile’s involvement in the program. If anyone out there has information that might direct us to getting any smart phone to function on the free government program, we appreciate your thoughts and help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We feel for you, Bro. The comments moderator’s wife teaches autistic kids so we know how much they can be helped by a smartphone or tablet computer. Please keep us posted on your progress. We’d like to hear more about your experience and we’re sure our readers would, too.
chad beutler says
You need to buy a byop sim card kit and contact safelink/TracFone to activate the simcard to work in smartphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you’re not familiar with the term “BYOP,” it stands for Bring Your Own Phone.
zhane says
How do I set up my government phone with the back phone that have the same number. I need to because the screen went black and won’t cut on and has mins.
zhane says
Back up phone I mean
Free Government Cell Phones says
We think you’re asking if you can have two free government cell phones on one account. The answer is no. (If that’s not your question, Zhane, let’s try again.)
Tanya says
Can I use my q link LG phone to be turned on to my account. At boost
Free Government Cell Phones says
Boost is not a free government cell phone company, so we cannot give you an accurate answer.
t fraser says
What Safelink does is they provide you with a crap phone that you can’t text with practicality so then when you want to step into this decade they gank ya. I have to imagine this is not only a dubious practice but possibly illegal.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve never heard the term “gank ya” before, but we like it.
rebbeca says
I have a T-Mobile zte I’m getting a phone from qlink wireless can I put my T-Mobile simcard in the phone I’m getting from qlink? My phone now that I got the battery dies quickly but I want too know if I stick the simcard from my old one if it would work and I can buy T-Mobile refilled cards then and not have the free minutes?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Q Link can answer that question accurately, Rebbeca. It depends on the make and model of the phone and whether it is compatible with the Q Link national cell network. Not all phones are compatible with all networks. So get in touch with customer service and see what they say.
Becky says
You should request a battery from the company.
Lupe Haro says
I would like to start service with reachout wierless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Lupe, but ReachOut is no longer in business. They shut down several months ago and all their customers were required to enroll with other companies. But you can still enroll with lots of other companies. Here’s where you can find all your potential service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Click around all of them to find the best deal (most minutes, texts, data plan, etc) for your needs because they each offer a little something different.
Riverbrat says
Hi, I have a somewhat confusing question. Ten years ago I had Virgin Mobile as my primary cell phone service. Four years ago I qualified for Assurance Life Line Program, and was able to port my current Virgin Mobile number over to Assurance Wireless. Two years ago, I was lucky enough not to qualify for the Life Line assistance, and went back to Virgin Mobile as my primary service, again, porting my current number back to Virgin Mobile.
Unfortunately, I now qualify for the Life line assistance program again. My question is, since my current number with Virgin Mobile has already been ported to a Life Line provider, can it be ported to a different Life Line provider? Like Q Link or Budget Mobile?
I’ve read many of your articles, and it seems that you can keep your current number if you transfer within the Life Line program. But can you port in, port out, then port back in?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Porting back in should not be a problem, River. But you should contact Assurance customer service just to verify.
John W. says
I surely didn’t read all the replies to all the questions nor did I read all of the article….but from what I gathered is if you own your own phone and it’s not a trac phone forget about using it. If you want an Iphone or Android …pay for it yourself
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not quite true. Several programs give away iPhones and Androids, but not to all customers. They are handed out randomly, so new customers may or may not get one.
Mellisa watts says
Can I use any smartphone with this program. I own a Droid turbo and I phone. If so how can I switch them. The phone I have with y’all I can’t see very well and my hands are so big I can’t text very well. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s completely dependent on the phone make and model and the service provider you choose. Not all phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you would be wise to contact customer service at y our chosen service provider to discuss the issue before you sign up.
Here’s an article you may find interesting and helpful. It tells you the smartphone/upgrade policies of all the major Lifeline service providers. It may help you choose the right company and plan for you:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Sarah J Marquez says
I already have 4G phone can I also have the free government phone. I’m on Medcated an I get snap. I’m I still eligible
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you asking if you can use your 4G phone as part of the Lifeline Assistance program? If so, the answer is maybe. It depends on the make and model of phone and whether it is compatible with your service provider’s network.
Sue Carpenter says
can i transfer my qlink number to a samsung galaxy
Free Government Cell Phones says
Theoretically, the answer is yes, Sue. But you must contact Q Link customer service to make sure the particular make and model of your Samsung is compatible with the Q Link network.
Poua Vang says
I have Qlink, but if I was to transfer my service to lifewireless, can I still keep my same number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Absolutely, Poua. You just need to make sure you tell the new company that you “want to port over my current phone number.”
Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch service providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Gina C Ewing says
I have a qlink? Can I transfer my service to my LG K7 Android?
Limpice says
Yes you can use any smart phone (iphone-Galaxy-Verizon-AT&T) with your safelink services. There are a couple ways to do this.
(1) You can try moving the SIM card to a new phone if it fits and see if it picks up service. Some people have said this worked great for them. Fast & Easy
(2) You can go to TracFone web site and buy a SIM that will allow you to move a smart phone over to your Safelink service. It’s called Bring Your Own Smartphone. http://get.tracfone.com/byop/?_ga=1.35429794.2034134536.1468715542
(3) Or you can buy the “Bring Your Own Smartphone” kit from your local Walmart for $10. But it only does AT&T – Verizon phones.
The phone needs to be compatible or unlocked GSM LTE or CDMALTE.
Maribel says
How to get a replacement phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells your exactly what to do, Maribel.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
And if you want to upgrade to a smartphone, here’s another article that tells you how to do that:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Ashlie says
I have a government phone and its turned off could I get it hooked up threw sprint and its from qlink
Free Government Cell Phones says
Has it been “turned off” because you are no longer part of the free government cell phone program?
Rhena Hall says
My ATT service has gotten to expensive due to governmentedicaid cuts in Arkansas.what phone service do you recommend for low income?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find a complete list of alternate Lifeline service providers for you state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Tammy says
How can I get my life wireless SIM card to work in my ZTE MODEL Z753G
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re experts on the free government cell phone program, Tammy, but not on cell phone technology. You’ll need to call your service provider’s tech support team to get that question answered.
Lisa Shelton says
Can i put my sim card from my safelink cellphone in a ATT or TMOBILE cellphone? because the safelink cellphone that they sent me is a tiny phone, my fingers is too big for the keyboard
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the phone, Lisa. Not all SIM cards are compatible with all phones and all cell networks. Contact your service provider’s customer service team or tech support team to verify before you try it.
Betty Jepsen says
Safe Link says i can’t ask for a differant phone cause this one is free, but doesn’t work right. And i need a trac that has a qwerty keyboard. And again the answer is no. So , i am thankful for the free trac, but i can’t use it half the time, the battery won’t stay charged and it skips when i am talking too someone like safe link and have too keep calling back. And i waited 8 hours on and off the phone too talk too a helper. I am buying a another trac with my own money from dollar stare here, and i wonder if i will be able too transfer my minutes over too it? Thank You.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If your new phone is a Tracfone and Safelink has approved it in advance, there’s no reason you should not be able to use the SIM card from your current Safelink phone. Here’s an article that tells you what you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-demands-tracfone-unlock-free-government-cell-phones
Patricia Rebolledo says
Can I transfer my lifeline service from Safelink wireless to reach out wireless so I can use an unactivated at&t HTC Status android phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, you cannot, because ReachOut is no longer in the free government cell phone business. Don’t worry, though, because there are lots of other companies that you can switch to. Here’s where you’ll find a list of companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that tells you how to switch to another service provider. It’s really pretty simple:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Lisette Baumgartner says
I would like to change my plan to #2 plan so that i do have rollover minutes. thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You do’t mention which company’s Plan #2 you are referring to, Lisette, but you’ll need to contact the company’s customer service team directly.
Lisette Baumgartner says
I was given a BlackBerry Phone as a gift would like to know if i can use my government plan on it. It is a Metro PCS . If not what would b a plan i can use this phone. My government phone does not work well and i wish to use my BlackBerry for a phone that i can receive an make calls. Thank you for a reply.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to contact the Lifeline free government cell phone service providers in your state and ask them that question directly, Lisette. If we had to hazard a guess, we’d say the Blackberry would not be compatible, but only customer service can answer your question properly. Here’s a link to our “States” page. Click on your state to find a full list of possible service providers in your area:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Debbie says
I have an old red flip phone that I got from u.s. Cellular a few years ago it could seems text but nothing fancier. I got the free gov. Minutes now but I keep accidently turning my safe link gov. Phone on accidently. Can I switch my u.s. Cellular flip phone to use my safe link on? Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question that requires an answer from Safelink. However, if we had to hazard a guess we’d say you probably cannot. Many older phones (and what you described sounds like an older phone) cannot be unlocked and used with another SIM card. But please verify that after giving Safelink the exact make and model of your phone.
Mark says
You can actually with Safelink. Mine at least actually goes through Tracfone. I called them, not Safelink and set up my old Verizon smart phone. I dont know of they ccan do all phones or not, but mine is working. Of course no internet unless your on wifi.
Mark Kramer says
Now Assurance Wireless has Smart Phones made by the ZTE Company which are coordinated with Google, They are “So So”, But, They are Free.
Bryton neal says
Can I take out my life wireless sims card and put it In a better phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends, Bryton. It depends on the make and model of your phone and it also depends on whether the new phone is compatible with the network used by your service provider. Here’s a recent comment from a reader that addresses your question directly. We cannot vouch for its accuracy, and we recommend calling your service provider’s tech support team, but here’s a link to the comment:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/reviews/life-wireless/comment-page-1#comment-258450
jeremy says
Yes im with i wireless and my phone shattered..i have a boost phone wich is sprint the same as i wireless..can i change the i wireless over to the boost sprint cell phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one of those technical questions that only your service provider can answer, Jeremy. Give them a call or contact them online.
Oruc Selcuk says
I am with Assurance Wireless,
They have the worst phones available for seniors! They are outdated, ZTE phones! They have contract with the Federal Government and making millions of dollars and provide us with lousy phones that you can’t have a decent talk with anyone! I have called them on 05/26, complained about the phone I have, I was told that there was nothing they could do about my problems!! I asked for an upgrade, I was told ZTEs were the only available phones.
I should have gone with the EasyLink, their phones are 4G, I have few senior friends and they are very happy with their phones.
I am going to send this phone back to Assurance Wireless and apply for a phone by SafeLink.
Free Government Cell Phones says
How long have your had your account, Oruc? If it’s been over 60 days, you can easily switch providers. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
If you’ve been with your current service provider for less than 60 days, you’re probably out of luck until you get to that two month timeframe. Sorry.
Mark says
I 100% agree with you on these ZTE phones, They Suck, But, I didn’t know there was anything better available, Thanks !!
lamesha odom says
Can you put a access wireless number on a verizon phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. Any number can be transferred to a new service provider. When you sign up with the new service provider, you need to tell the to “port over my current phone number.”
Rosa Arguello says
Can I use a T-Mobile pH with the free plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the model and which service provider you use. Contact customer service to get specific information.
Heather R Carr says
If I was to enter my son card from my budget mobile account would it work in my verizon wireless phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Theoretically, it would work. But there are often great differences between theory and the real world. You should check with Budget’s tech support team to make sure.
Kathy says
From reading your response advice able “Can I use my current phone with my free government cell phone service?” I’m assuming it to mean that:
1. People are attempting to use their personal cell phones with the safety link/government cell phone program
2. People are attempting to use their sim card in the safety link/government cell phone
Can you still have you own personal cell phone pay the bill yourself and have the the safety link/government cell phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. The free phone you receive is yours to keep even after you cancel your free government cell phone account. But if you can afford to pay for cell phone service, you should cancel your account. There are many people who need the service and funds are limited.
donna shipley says
I need to know where i can find a phone. Mine got washed in laundry. Please let me know at 1-423-777-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Quick question, Donna. Was the one that got washed in the laundry a Lifeline Assistance cell phone? In other words, would you be a new customer or merely replacing an existing free government cell phone?
Michael Moreno says
I have a gsm samsung and was able to put my budget mobile SIM in my Samsung with no problem as long as it is GSM.
Confidential Concerned Son says
I am posting from the State of California.
My dad has received a government phone from Budget Mobile.
He is very happy to be part of the mobile world now!
*** Here is the problem. The phone is so small that he can’t see. He can’t read texts, view email or anything. I will get him a larger phone if any would take the SIM card. Is there anything that will work?
Seeing him use a magnifying glass to use his phone isn’t right when there is plenty of larger phones.
If I have to get him one with a certain carrier or whatever. That will be fine.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like your dad needs a smartphone with a larger screen. Read this article to see each company’s policy on smartphones and upgrades:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Maria says
Tracfone just told me that as of 5/1/16 we are able to take a smart phone including iPhone and unlock it to be used with safe link service. This involves being sure smart phone is an ATT, T-Mobile and possibly Verizon phone. One should verify which carriers before committing to a smart phone. Also need to purchase a Bring Your Own activation kit in order to insert correct sim card. This is very new so I’m concerned how my iPhone will decipher between the SMS text messages and the imessages I presently receive through wifi. I guess I’ll have to ask apple about this. I don’t want to lose my capability to text photos when I have wifi but also don’t want family sending me photos that get lost in the web. I’m not looking for answers here. Just wanted people to know about this new policy. Thanks for your informative articles.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We will try to confirm your information, Maria.
BostonHolly says
I just spoke with Tracfone – twice, actually, first time bc I wanted to verify this info. and then again after I cancelled my brand- new plan (created 45 minutes ago) w/Budget Wireless whom I found out *does not* provide nor support smartphone/android phones/plans for every state as they are currently advertising ! I asked TracFone, as a SafeLink customer, approx. how long they have been allowing access to android/ smart phones , after I’d asked it 4 different ways and they’d confirmed it, and both reps replied “couple of months ago” . Only one phone is free, the others are very inexpensive which is good, but not the point. The point is that we financially-challenged or the disabled or seniors or all of the above are finally permitted to engage with 21st century technology. Finally, we are not being excluded and may buy a refurb @ tracfone.com or bring your own Smartphone or buy a decent phone at a retail store. One or 2 phones are listed as “Not compatible with Safelink plans” @ tracfone.com which is a 100% better than before. I don’t need the world’s best phone, I wouldn’t know how to use it. A *useful* phone which is 200 years old, which makes clear calls, has access to 911 & 411, access & availability to apps for bus schedules or for health related things which I can track & submit to doctors, a phone which can take a photo or video, which nowadays is a necessary reality- everyone expects a photo of something. ! A GPS for those of use who get confused getting around- these are not luxuries, they are ever day necessities. I’m not talking about web access for FaceBook or Twitter or Tinder or Instagram or whatever they’re all doing out there. I’m talking about life and death, criminals and authorities are being caught on camera as there is so much awful stuff going on everywhere and the things that people do today no one would believe otherwise, even how the myriad of services have changed and what is expected to get anything done now – plumbers won’t come to the house without a photo of a leaky faucet. I had to photograph a mole and could not do it ! I hope this helps. 🙂
Ali says
What phones are compatible with life wireless sim cards.i have a LG modle # LGM5345.will this phone work ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Life Wireless tech support can answer that question Give them a call or try to connect online.
BostonHolly says
go to http://www.tracfone.com to see what they are selling, your phone may be listed; if not, the umber to call is listed and to save wait time – hit “0” or the Tech Support option or you’ll be stuck on hold forever. Good luck
Ramona Coker says
I am concerned that low income families who are low income due to sensory disabilities, such as visual impairment are not being given the proper accessibility to meet their needs. Insofar as they have no data options which prevents a visually impaired person from using applications that give them the same rights as a sighted person has to be able to see who they are calling or accepting and responding to texts, GPS navigation to tell where they are going while out and about, bus schedules, etc.
Tom Nodes says
Government issue Phone Providers Refuse to Unlock the Phone from them selves. Told Me even if I Cancel Service they Will Not Unlock for Net10 or anyone else. Sad but True. It’s junk.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are preparing a story about unlocking. Our understanding is that all Lifeline Assistance providers are required to provide unlocked free government cell phones.
sheila says
LG Aspire works on assurance but it has to be a paylo phone .Simple cell sells the phone on ebay , it states that it doesn’t work with assurance but it does I just purchase one a week ago and called customer service and they linked it
Earlee says
Im with Consumer Cellular. And have their motorola moto g phone. Are they compatible eith your service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not big fans of the AARP plans. They can get expensive rather quickly. We suggest that you take a look at the free government cell phone providers in your state by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page.
Lavette says
How do I cancel my new government assistance phone I have one already. I thought the the first one was closed since I hadn’t used it. The new one hasn’t arrived yet.
Free Government Cell Phones says
According to the rules of the program, your first account should have been suspended if you hadn’t used the phone for 60 days. But receiving a call or a voice mail counts as “using” the phone. So even though you didn’t make a call, it could still be active. We would suggest that you call customer service at both of your service providers to figure solve your problem immediately. Otherwise, you run the great risk of being suspended by BOTH companies. Good luck.
kk low says
can you put a at&t card in the life wireless and use it at at&t?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No one knows more than we do about the free government cell phone program, but you’ve stumped us with this one. We would suggest that you contact the Life Wireless customer service team and ask that question.
Jason G says
I’ve had assurance wireless for a few years. Last year I finally decided that I wanted to upgrade from the crappy little Jax phone. I didn’t need anything fancy, just something that was bigger and more durable, and that had some kind of camera. I did some research on the VM site, and found that some of the cheaper Android/ Windows smartphones they list on their site can be found on ebay in the $30-$40 range. Before placing an order, I contacted VM customer support just be safe, and they said what’s posted above; no smartphones can be used with the Assurance Wireless program. They did give me a list of compatible phones, and after some research, I chose the “best” one available, the “Contact” for $16 from the VM site. It’s a feature phone that’s better than the Jax, but nothing that great. It has a camera, but not a very good one, no wifi, crappy internet browser, etc. It makes no sense that they won’t let you use any sort of smartphone with this program.
I’ve tried applying for a couple of other free phone programs, but for some reason the applications keep running into errors. Maybe it’s because my SSN is already tied to a free phone from a different program, maybe it’s because I had a change of address last year, who knows. One of the programs I applied to (can’t remember the name, but it was based out of Georgia) called me last year to verify my info, and the stupid woman (who apparently couldn’t hear me) kept constantly saying “Do you speak English?” even though I’m a lifelong US citizen who only speaks English. She ultimately told me I’d have to stop into one of there booths in person to verify some info, which wouldn’t work for me because I live out state and would not have been able to travel that far..
Has anyone tried taking a VM-compatible phone and just tried linking it up to an Assurance Wireless account, hoping that it will work despite the alleged incompatibility? I don’t have enough expendable money to buy a VM smartphone (even a cheap one), unless I know for sure that it will work with the program. There are people on ebay or facebook who are selling smartphones that have been programmed to work with the AW program, but they’re overpriced an I don’t really trust any of those sellers, and they don’t seem to have posted the instructions for doing so online (and even if they did, I don’t know if I feel comfortable doing it myself, as I would not want to risk ruining the phone and being stuck with an expensive paperweight).
Giggles says
Assurance Wireless is giving out android phones now.
angela williams says
Not today. I received a bare bones
basic phone today. 4-20-2016
Free Government Cell Phones says
None of the companies promise to give out smartphones to everyone. It’s really a hit or miss situation. We suggest your contact your service provider and ask if you can upgrade to a smartphone and, if so, how much that upgrade will cost. It’s usually a pretty reasonable fee.
jacob says
I didn’t see qlink wireless in this list..can I use my own phone with the qlink sprint sim?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If qLink isn’t listed, it’s doubtful that you can use your own phone. However, the various companies’ terms and conditions change on an almost daily basis. We’d recommend contacting qLink directly to ask your question. Good luck.
Christina Musgrave says
No you can go on qlink Website and it is under frequently asked questions, I too have qlink but not for long customer service isn’t good you can’t get anyone to respond to emails and you can’t talk to anyone when you call the number so I am done with that company.
Eleanor says
I have a HTC desire 526 Verizon I brought at the dollar store I want to know which government services I can use it with
staci says
So I have a ? You can turn your old government cellphone in for a android phone. If not how can you do it?
Betty Boops says
You state that you can’t use an android phone when asked “can I use any virgin mobile phone with my Assurance Wireless plan” I have Asurance Wireless and just got my phone last week and it’s an android phone. Maybe they have upgraded there system or changed policies. Maybe you should check it out. Alot of people have android phones and are like me and want to know if we can switch. This was the first site I clicked when I googled “can I use my android phone with Assurance Wireless” The phone they sent is nice, but the key board is way too small , not only for me to see, b t to push the right letter. I spend to much time correcting spelling errors
Georgia says
I have called 2 times now on ph for quit awhile to resert my ph my minutes still are not on there . The 22nd is the day the 250 min should go on . But still no time .
marshella truitt says
I am 67 retired on fix income with health problems I have laptop need hot spot mt trailer does not work for cable can u help
Brad says
Can someone get in trouble for getting a free cell phone from the government if they have a cell phone already
B says
Yes
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, Brad, you can get in big trouble. Only one free government cell phone is permitted per household.
Shayla says
That’s not what Brad asked!! He asked if he could get in trouble for having a free Gov phone & a cell phone (with a mobile phone network) not two for having 2 free Gov phones active at the same time. And Brad I’m not positive but for the past 10 year’s I’ve had a free Gov phone (first with assurance, then switched to Safelink) & I have had a mobile phone through MetroPCS/T-Mobile. I have never got in trouble!!! But MetroPCS/T-Mobile is a no contract carrier! You may have Cricket Wireless. If you have a contract phone with one of the big three it may be different Idk? But non-contract mobile carrier’s like Metro & Cricket I know that me or none of the people I know with both have ever even got cut off their Gov phone & defiantly not “in trouble”!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Perhaps we misconstrued Brad’s question. If so, Shayla is correct that you cannot get in trouble for having a paid phone at the same time that you have a free government cell phone.
But why would you need both? If you can afford to pay for one phone, why should you also have a free one? And on the other hand, if you can’t afford the paid phone, why keep it if you get a free one?
The Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program is intended for people who cannot afford cell phones. Funds in this program are limited and the phones should be directed to the truly needy.
Megan says
I 10000% agree!! Why would you take advantage of a government program if you DON’T NEED IT!? It only takes funds away from those who ACTUALLY DO. Same with people who refuse to work & receive other benefits. Smh.
judy says
I have a basic samsung slider phone from net 10 wireless that I no longer use. My sister is on the free assurance cell phone plan. The phone that she has is hard for her to use. I called Assurance wireless and asked if her plan could be put on my phone for her. The guy said that I would have to buy a Verzion paylo phone but I am not able to find one. Is there a way we can use my net 10 phone or what can I do?
Thank you.Judy
Rachel says
ok so first of all, I’d like to say that I have access wireless and reside in California. Second, I’m looking for a new phone because I’ve dropped mine. On the access website they have only 8 phones to choose from. Is there somewhere else with more selection? I can’t seem to be able to find any info on compatability or anything
dave says
I have a budget phone it has a t mobile sim card can i put the sim card on a iphone ?
Faedra says
Hi Dave I don’t have the answer but was hoping you found the answer by now. I too have the same set up as you. The phone I have truly sucks. Thanks for any info. 😉
ben says
as long as the sim card fits in the phone yeah you can use it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not necessarily true, Ben. The policies vary by company.
Michael draughn says
I want to no can I switch my I wireless handset to a new one
brand says
Someone has stolen my phone rather than waiting for a new one can i change the # to a new phone?
sandy says
Can i use a samsung galaxy boostmoible phone and have a acess iwrless line ?
Santino says
What about access wireless for iphones?
Anthony says
I have a unnecto phone I’m not sire what carrier do you think it could work on a Samsung galaxy s4
Simon B says
I have an assurance wireless Phone. can you switch or to a prepaid Verizon Phone?
lawrence says
How can i change my cell phone number
sandy Ortiz says
I would like to change my cell phone number
Nicole says
Is it safe to assume AT&T is not a part of this free phone program ?
Danny says
AT&T is the service provider for Life Wireless, as well as some of Safelink Wireless.
Elizabeth Perez says
Where to buy phones
Joanna Tellez says
Hi my name is Joanna Tellez. And if I apply to one of these companies. Can I use my own cell phone still???
ashley says
i have buget mobile can i use a iphone4s
Sharon says
Yes as long as the carrier is verizon
Danny says
Phone typically has to be a CDMA/Verizon 3G phone from my understanding.
Tim Allen says
I have a Obamaphone and it doesn’t work i have a track phone can i put my minutes on it
Sharon says
Yes as long as the carrier is verizon and the phone is a budget mobile.
Eric lawless says
My mother received an assurance phone the coolpad she has had less then a month and it locked up want cut on I’ve done a reset thorough the company she has all contacts n info but nothing has been done to replace it should she just go buy a phone to switch to or has a old model can she switch til the coolpad is fixed.
Virgil Ingle says
Can I use my LG phone?
Robert Torres says
I have a life line phone and I have the stock phone but I want to change the service to a HTC One X, it asks me to for the Sim card pin. Is there anyway you can give it to me?
Vanessa Bayardo says
Is it possible that I can change my number? I am been harassed and I’m about to throw my phone away. Thank you!
alain smithee says
The providers should allow you to use your existing phone if for no other reason that to reduce the amount of e-waste in landfills.
Alan says
how do i find out which phone service i have?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Dial 611
Cindi Walsh says
If I were to get a phone will I be able to keep my cell number?
Sally says
I know someone that gets just about most of his cell phone bill paid so he didn’t have to cancel his cell phone service since he qualified for a government free phone. It was much easier the. Going thru all the hassle of getting a new phone…..that was when the program first started…
So my question is… Can I get a portion of my cell phone company’s bill, which is SPRINT PAID to monthly? The only other issue is the phone I use is the IPHONE 6PLUS……????
I got it when I was working and got hurt and can’t work…I live in Colorado and hoping someone can help me with these questions!,,..
Thanks
kay says
If I were to open a regular account with VIrgin Mobile, transfer my existing number, pay regular fees for the first month, would I be able to switch that account to Lifeline with Assurance and keep the same number?
Larry PollyJr says
Need to switch my compatible buget mobile phone
MARCO says
Help! I have a budget mobile life line with t-mobil, it is very old cell phone can i get or use an android phone with this program? THANK YOU
Danny says
Any T-Mobile compatible device should, in theory, work with your SIM card inserted to another device.
Maria Garcia says
i would like to up grade to a smart or touch phone because the screen is bigger i have such a hard time to use the phone i have right now screen and number are too small for me. i no in a smart phone or touch phone you can speak to them and is so much bugger. i use to use a note 3 when i use to work nice and big screen please help i would like to be able to enjoy what i am able to get for free after working so much in my life,
Danny says
Maria,
Who is your current Lifeline Cell Phone Provider? If you’re not sure, dial 611 and hit send from your current Lifeline Cell Phone.
dianna sue bauer says
Can I please get information on how to replace my existing phone with a free upgrade. I keep getting options for lost phone replacement…….it is just old not lost
Free Government Cell Phones says
You must contact your free government cell phone provider directly.
rocko says
it’s easier and quicker to report it lost….I went through this…
Benny Patterson says
The phone is great. It will not sway my vote at all.It’s a cool things for Dems and Republicans. I’m a republican and wouldn’t take the phone if I didn’t need it. Plus my first phone got washed and I had a new one in 5 days.
Mark Alan says
I just got a Budget Mobile lifeline phone here in San Francisco, CA. It uses a SIM card and the T-Mobile network. I was told that I could use any T-Mobile phone just by switching the SIM card. I had an old LG unlocked Optimus 2X and tried the Budget Mobile Sim in it. IT WORKS! The only thing is the cheap phone they gave me uses a full-size SIM card, so you have to with get an older phone that uses a full-size SIM or take your chances cutting their SIM To a smaller size.
Mark Alan says
I forgot to mention that it came with unlimited minutes and texts, but only 250MB of data, so I turned of mobile data under settings to save it for an emergency need. 250MB is almost nothing. They will let you buy more data, but if you do that, it’s almost the same price as an MVNO prepaid like StraightTalk, who now offers unlimited minutes and text with 5GB of data for $45.
myrna rose says
So I have a budget mobile phone and sim. I also have a Samsung Galaxy prime, tmobile. Can I put my budget mobile sim card in the tmobile phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are unable to answer specific technical questions. The only ones who can give you a trustworthy answer is the Budget customer service or tech support teams. Contact them with the info shown on this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers/budget-mobile
Krystal Gilford says
Hello. I’m having this issue. I have Budget mobile, and bought a T-Mobile phone. I put the sim card in, but it is not working. Did you have to register it? What am I doing wrong?
Danny says
You may have to call in (611 from your phone) and have them do an ESN Swap so that the new device is the one registered on your account. After that, you should be good to go, using the other T-Mo phone.
silvia Oh says
I had a galaxy s5 from sprint and i got an “obama phone” from a company who uses T-Mobile Network, would i be able to switch my sim and have it work on my galaxy?
juan m. says
it doesnt hurt to try right?
Props says
I just received my budget mobile phone. Barack took a day off from his presidential duties, had the CIA look up the nearest Budget Mobile office and flew there on Air Force One. Using his executive orders, he personally secured, packaged and mailed me my phone. I am so grateful, that he cares so much, about the citizens of this great country (even if they bad mouth him, while knowing absolutely nothing about how the government really works), that he took the time to personally help those that give it there all, but still fall on hard times.
Anyway, I’m hoping, one way or another, I can use my newly received SIM card in my old Verizon Galaxy S4. I read somewhere, that budget uses Verizon’s towers, CDMA. Does anyone know? My old phone uses a micro SIM while the one I received is your larger, original SIM card.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Budget directly. They can easily answer your question.
Cynita says
Can you at least change your safe link phone to a Verizon flip phone
Pamela Raders says
I would like to order a Sim card with Life Wireless. Is California on their list? What is a GSM phone? How do I get a Sim card? Please respond!!
-A says
Also my phone came with a budget mobile SIM card can I use the SIM card on any GSM smartphone??? I just want to make sure it works before I go buy a new phone and use the activated SIM card I already have.
Danny says
T-Mobile devices for the Budget Mobile SIM cards.
-A says
I have a budget mobile phone can I upgrade to a smartphone or touchscreen?
Donald washington says
Keys on my new budget phone to small to see clearly , can I upgrade….what options do I have
Danny says
What City/State are you in? Some states have local Budget Mobile Stores that you can go into and upgrade to a different phone (not for free though).
J. Campbell says
I have a government Safelink phone. Can I buy myself an upgrade unit like LG800g and have my phone number transferred to the new cell phone or do I have to then pay for service if I upgrade my cell phone?
Melissa waldron says
I have a net10 can i get my phone turned on for free
Nathalie says
I have an iPhone 4s can I transfer my number with budget mobile free phone number with to my iPhone 4s it’s Verizon.
Danny says
Call 611 from your budget mobile phone. Talk to customer service and ask if the iPhone 4s is a compatible device. If so, ask them to do an ESN swap so that the iPhone 4s is the device associated with your account.
nena says
can i transfer my assurance wireless plan to a different phone if yes what phone can i use
ian says
Instead of complaints, maybe someone should petition the government and point out the benefits of a bring your own phone program. For example, I have a friend who can’t read his text messages or see his keypad very well. An android/iPhone/BlackBerry would read it out loud to him. Then he could speak into the phone and it would type for him. He would be very happy
Thanks to the people @ FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net for the awesome service you provide and for putting up with the people who have nothing better to do than complain.
And for the record, complaining about other people’s complaints is still complaining.(that includes this little paragraph)
Jodie says
The results of your research on this issue is very interesting; For the life of me, I cannot figure out why they say it cannot be done, since I know for an absolute fact that it can be done and its fast and simple to set up. And, if, in fact, other phones cannot be used, why don’t they ask about necessary features for each person, such as poor eyesight, arthritis, hearing loss, and even knowledge of basic cell phone operations etc,, so they can offer a phone that will actually work harmoniously with the customer’s needs by providing a phone the person can actually use. I don’t want to appear unappreciative but it is suppose to be a lifeline not an inhibitor, and some issues cannot be overcome simply by learning something new. Some issues may just be physically impossible, and to say there is absolutely no alternative, defeats what the Lifeline program was intending to do; assist those in need. I have faith that someone realizes this and is working on a solution at this very moment.
Jodie says
Wow! I am replying to my own post! I should have read the posts posted prior to mine. I need to clarify that I didn’t realize so many people are trying to hinder, and most likely, eventually destroy this much needed program! How can anyone get the assistance they really do need (not just want) with so many spoiled, disrespectful and (obviously) abusive ingrates flooding the customer service reps with questions like those posted here. How can you know how to operate an advance piece of equipment but cannot even spell the simplest of words, compose proper sentences, or make any sense at all, let alone, realize you are “barking up the wrong tree.” This site is not here to fix your dissatisfaction with the “Lifeline” program, its representatives, or rectify your inability to pay for your own cell service, but to investigate and maybe reveal solutions to problems those in need are experiencing since you are blocking their ability to reach someone to help. After reading the barrage of whiners posted here, some of the worst I have ever encountered, all I want to say is SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP. Like I would want to say to spoiled preschoolers! You are going to kill this program if you don’t stop demanding more than what is being offered, seeking more than what is needed, and expecting more than you deserve! SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! My Hat’s off to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net for your patience and disciplined tongue (pen). You may need to get more “moderate” moderators! Oh yeah! Is this where I put in my social security number? Way to look out for those desperate ones acting so desperately.
Steve says
Wow, about an hour and a quarter has passed, and now your back ranting and raving about us uneducated gypsies, tramps, and thief’s.
I’m glad I’m not one of your kids, nor your husband. What is this Happy Hour now? Get a grip on reality and know who this program is to help. All that you put down, above.
We don’t need your kind tell us, trying to hurt us further, for nothing we have done to you. We live without a lot and one more thing we can live without is your criticism.
Yes the only thing I agree with you about is that, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net does a great job here.
The rest of what you said isn’t worth a wooden nickel.
Get over yourself, your not that divine, material girl.
Yesenia Garcia says
can i use my old galaxy fone??? i have verizon
Skeete says
I got a iPhone 4s and I wanted to know if I could transfer my assurance wireless account on to the phone or Bluetooth things to the phone
kennedy says
no. not with assurance. but if you switch your lifeline service to reachout wireless, then, yes, you can, as long as your iphone is from verizon. by applying to reachout it will cancel your assurance phone.
Marcus says
I have a Net10 phone which my my Safelink service was transferred to my Net10 Phone and now I had just bought a IPhone4 can my Safelink service that I have be transferred to my IPhone 4 phone.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
No it cannot.
Melissa jasmine says
My bf tried unlocking my phone. BlackBerry. Budget mobile Verizon. And it deleted data n reset. Am i able to continue to use the phone if so what should i do. Im back to using. Wifi at different locations
claudia rivera says
can i add free minutes to My virgin mobile phone
Marcella Ruiz says
You can through assurance
janet says
Can I Use a Verizon phone on budget mobil or assurance wireless ?
Danny says
Janet, Yes you may use verizon phones on Budget Mobile.
selena says
Has anything changed for Budget Mobile? Regarding switching my budget mobile number over to a phone of my choice. I have a metro phone, boost phone, and a int phone, would I be able to switch my number over to any of those?
Danny says
Selena,
Does your current Budget Mobile Phone take a SIM Card at all? Also, what service provider (Verizon/Sprint/Boost/T-Mobile) graphic displays when you power your phone off and back on? Depending on the Carrier that appears is going to let you know which company your next cell phone would have to be from. Typically either Verizon or T-Mobile devices.
Once you have a different Verizon or T-Mobile Device, you can simply call 611 from your Budget Mobile phone and have them do an ESN Swap; associating your new phone to your account, in most cases.
denarcus cartlidge says
Can I hook up my iPhone 4 to reach out wireless
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
No you cannot.
kennedy says
yes you can, as long as its an iphone 4 or 4s (they do not support iphone 5 or 6) and the phone has to be verizon branded.
they will not accept a sprint or att phone VERIZON only. speaking from experience, i and my family all have iphone4’s activated on reachout wireless.
Dorcia Allen says
Greetinga,
I receive my Tiny Little VeryKool brand Budget Mobile Phone on 11/18/2014. This Phone is really Small! I cannot input my family contacts because the buttons are so darn small. I am a disable senior citizen and its difficult for me to dial out using this phone. I do LOVE the fact that its FREE to me, but I really need a larger touch screen. Can I return IT for a touch screen?
lakesha says
I have a phone from budget mobile and its verzion I was wondering can I get a unlocked version phone and switch my arrives to the unlocked version phone?
Danny says
Lakesha,
Most Verizon devices should work for you. You’ll just have to call in and have them change the ESN associated with the Verizon phone you’re wanting to switch over to. 611 from your Budget Mobile handset will put you in contact with Customer Service.
Jessica Ponder says
I’m interested in the details of your program for cheap internet for low income families. Thanks Jessica Ponder
jacques says
Do u know if a Verizon Galaxy 4 is compatible with any government phone carriers it takes a sim card?
norah says
Yeah its awesome but I cant get my data to work. I nedd help. Everything else work fine.
A.L. says
My original safelink phone was destroyed in a house fire. You are allowed to purchase ANY tracfone and safelink will allow you to activate it with your account. This is what a representative told me when I called to ask about replacing the phone that was destroyed in the fire. I purchased a phone on amazon and had it activated as my safelink phone just this week. Hope this helps someone else who has this question. 🙂
Roger Shingleton says
My kyrcera cell phone broke over a month ago and yall said you were going to send me another one at no cost. I did my re register for the year and it came back O.K. but still haven’t received any phone. Can you please send me another obama kyrcera phone as I had a heart attack 6 weeks ago and can’t tell who had called me nor get back to them . It rings but will not store any names as to the people who have called you nor their numbers. Anyway, please send me another phone ASAP and I really need it in emergency situations like now~
Roger *******
*** Redmon Rd.
Elm City, N.C. 27822
S.S. # ***-**-**** Private pass code pin number: “******”
Phone Number: 252-***-****
Please help me out ASAP and give me your name and I will send your company a real good report as to the way to handled this situation….The others have been real , real slow and crappy…Thanks you much~ Hope to hear from you soon my friend““” P/S…I want to keep the same phone number”
Free Government Cell Phones says
First of all, DO NOT ever put your private information on public forums, especially your SS# and PIN. Luckily our comments are moderated so no one saw them.
As for what you need, we are not the phone company, you need to contact them.
Marsha Dentzan says
As for the SAFELINK phone u can use a tracfone with SAFELINK cuz My Dad usto have safelink an when he passed I took his cell which is an smart tracfone an I use that one now with my SAFELINK free monthly minutes u will need to call 1800-SAFELINK an they will do all the work with you. Hope this helped
Ruth Werner says
I would like to print out my contact list but my LG40G Safelink phone can only go to Bluetooth witch is not compatible with my printer. I’d like to upgrade but don’t know what make phone I can buy? Any ideas?
Sandra says
I have trouble seeing such a small screen. I need a larger phone, nothing fancy, just larger. Am I allowed to get a larger phone for this reason? Even with a larger screen , I still need my glasses. I have bifocal eyes and early stage of cateracts. Please answer, thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’d have to contact each vendor to see if they have such a phone, however they probably do not.
Marsha Dentzan says
Call Consumer Wireless or tracfone they both carry Great phones what ever ur need might be … ( large buttons ) my fav is TRACFONE the service Center with HELP is AMAZING…an No I do not work or get paid to say this, Hope this helps you. Have a Great Day an Good Luck,
Marsha
Bob says
assurance wireless has a flip phone that has bigger numbers and such. They have a free phone but that one is really small so I paid $15 dollars and got a flip one. It is great with a great camera and other good features. Assurance wireless has a program where you have 3 month’s @ 250 minutes/ texts then after that it is free unlimited both , great deal and works great wherever I am at plus it only takes them 2-3 days and you have a phone with a free replacement.
Clay W says
Budget Mobile states in their Terms & Conditions under Activation… “You may not select a number to be assigned to your BUDGET MOBILE phone, however you may port an existing telephone number from another provider.” But then they say they don’t do it? What’s up with that?
Melinda Been says
hello, I sure would like to have new options, can you do that plz in the near future I love yahoo on internet exployer, some how it has disappeared
Melinda Been says
I feel assurance wireless should let us use any phone we have, people do give there old phones away, I have several I can,t use, why do you assuance wireless want us to use poor people phone? are you all prejudice? Don’t you want us to have the finer things in life? The Bible says God wants us to have the best in life, the best of everything!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not that simple Melinda, there are technical issues involved. And we aren’t sure that God really said anything about getting free cell phones.
GemzEnvy says
Seriously!! Sad how people don’t appreciate what is given. They have expectations and try to manipulate to benefit even more. Makes me mad when there are those of us who TRULY can’t afford a smart phone. These programs are for those in need of an emergency type phone, for basic needs. Stop taking advantage of the charity given to those WHO TRULY NEED IT.
cyclemomma says
SO TRUE WHAT YOU SAY!!! Getting something free is never enough for some people, they just want more.
Marsha Dentzan says
Love ue services NO COMPLAINTS HERE TYVM
Tammy says
I have Safelink-Yet my COMPLAINT to tell ALL of you who THINK we are complaining is they will only let us use phones they give us which are 4″ or SMALLER!!!! I’m willing and WANT to BUY a LARGER phone yet they WON”T let ME! How big is your phone? Are you willing to TRADE?! If you put a 4″ next to your ear, it then only goes to your jaw-so you NEED a LARGER one so you don’t HAVE to SLIDE it back & forth to talk!! I WILL BUY a BIGGER phone- THEY WON’T LET me!!!! WHY?????
Kim says
Hey Govn’ Guy; you are definitely funny
Keith A. Nelal says
I used a phone from another wireless provider.
It was a plane phone, no touch screen or any of the frills on phones today.
I had no trouble with Assurance in the transfer and keeping the same number.
Call there toll free number and they can tell you how to do it, and if the phone can be used with them.
Hope this helps.
Ibrahem Imasahm says
Um, Melinda Been, “why do you assuance wireless want us to use poor people phone?” I believe a REQUIREMENT to obtain a FREE government phone (provided to you at the expense of the WORKING TAXPAYER) is that you be POOR, yes?
Tolly says
@Melinda – LOL. You are funny, but have such a good question coming from the heart. God wants us to have the good things of life, but these phones are free – you already have a good thing.
Amor says
You can use an unlocked T-Mobile phone on Care Wireless, and they’ll send you a free SIM card. I lost my phone and when I called customer service, I received this information. It’s because they do not send you another phone if something happens to your original phone.
Harold E. Lanning says
I want to change my safelink phone number from old verizon pre paid phone
Roro says
Please inform me what phones I can use I already have a Cricket and a TMobile and Verizon. I’m pretty sure one of those should work no?
doe says
i also would like to know about the LG optimus V and how you activate it.All i know is you can purchase a go-lo phone.please do tell
ralph bertolucci says
being on SSi I do qualify. I have a basic AT&T flip phone, I need not the frills, just the camera (in case). AllI do is make or receive calls I want my same phone and ringtone with free 411 calls. Is this possible?
Elward says
sure.
franciscorojas says
to my corcen almost two I requet for replace mi phone some one sai in tree o four days i still waiting thank you
sean says
I was able to activate LG optimus V online 2 years ago for my assurance wireless account. Few days ago I bought LG optimus F3 to replace but no go.
Sherry says
SEAN…regarding your post of Sept 26th saying you use an LG Optimus V with Assurance Wireless. Can you email me and let me know how you were able to do this? They keep telling me that smartphones aren’t allowed with the AW program at this time. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Marsha Dentzan says
You cant tell them its a smart phone… just tell them u shattered ur phone or shut it off an call them an tell them u lost it . an they sent me a new one but my Dad was able to use a phone he had… which is now my phone .but u just let them know you live on a budget. Hope This Helped?
HAGD
Marsha
Keith says
I got a very kool phone on budget mobile with a tmobile SIM chip in itvg
Paula Gonzalez says
I’m with Alltel how can I know which of the 3 lifeline companies is ? I need a new free phone how can I get one? Can I switch provider ? How ?
kygal72 says
I have a kyocera torino, will it work with assurance?
Annon says
You all want a good govt paid phone go to reachoutwireless.com.., they have unlimited package for $30.00 a month…it has not let my son down for 3 yrs and .it is very worth looking into, uses verizon and t-mobile towers too….and has a list of phone you can see online…and you can go to walmart (or such places) and get a phone. Good luck
teresa says
I went to walmart to get a phone to have my reachout wireless number transferred. I get home with the phone and they say its not going to work. so what phone do I get
Jessica says
I have a government phone and they said I could use my sim card with any AT&T phone I tried to put the sim card in my iPhone 3G but it says no service so I was wondering if I had to unlock my iPhone or the sim card and if I unlock the sim card would I still get my 250 mins a month if anyone could help me with this
Zachary says
Yes, in order to use your iPhone 3G from AT&T, you are going to have to get the phone unlocked (not the SIM card) and then put it in the phone and if your service provider will allow you to use the iPhone on their network, the n, yes, you wlll get the same plan that you have now, (ex. 250 mins/mo.)
Patricia morgan says
Will the metropcs samsung android work on reachout wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll have to call Reachout to ask.
rOBI says
TRIED BREAKIN METRO PCS FOR DAYS TO USE ON MY BUDGET MOBILE WAS NOT EASY TO MUCH BS AND THEN IT WOULD ONLY GIVE LIKE 1 BAR IN AND OUT OF SERVICE! MPCS HAS THEIR PHONES LOCKED DOWN LIKE FORT KNOX
jame ollie says
I have a cricket phone that is a model A200 . Can i use this phone for my existing service with reachout wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Give Reachout Wireless a call to ask them. Sorry, we don’t know.
Amanda says
Was wondering if you did the 30 dollar plan with assurance wireless an get the unlimited everything can you then use a Android phone for the internet. I have a LG optumis v an I rather use that one then the cheap one they give you. I always see to brake my phones so using one of the cheaper ones that flip or something wouldn’t be a great idea
cierra says
are there any touch screen phones for government phones
shelly says
I have a basic JAX phone that came free with assurance.. I can get on the internet with it, so does that mean it has wifi? Does that mean it’s a smartphone? I don’t think it’s a smart phone just because it connects to internet… but can anyone explain the difference to me?
Annonymous says
unfortunately Kyocera JAX is not considered a smartphone, orry
Susan says
Do NOT follow the very wrong advice David just posted about Virgin Mobile phones that work with an Assurance Account. I dont understand why one would post innacurate information as fact and then put a disclaimer at the bottom of their post explaining that its not based on actual experience ……So heres the real deal on which phones will work with Assurance Incorrect statement numero uno….”Any Virgin Mobile, non smart phone has the possibility of working with Assurance” WRONG!! I am at this very instant writing this internet post using a smart phone linked to my Assurance account. Technically, the term “smartphone” means a phone that has both mobile calling and microprocessor that allows for internet conne tivity. so he’s wrong on the “non smart phone” part is way off. 2. he says “any Virgin Mobile ” wrong again…it must be any Virgin Mobile PAYLO phone. 3. i am using an LG rumor touch. I it comes pre-loaded with apps for Facebook, TWitter, google maps and several other social networking apps. I bought on sale through VM site for 39.99. I was incorrectly told by the VM salesperson that it is compT with google play..however that proved to be wrong because it does not have android. The other bummer is that it does NOT have WiFi. No VM paylo phones have WiFI or Android. But its a nice sturdy dual qwerty keyboard that looks like a sidekick with a touch screen. I am now searching for a free phone…and i could switch providers if necessary …. That has Wifi and can run either Android or Apple IOS. The Safelink woman told me that because safelink /tracfone piggy backs on At and T’s network, i could take out the sim and put it in any atand t phone…even my iphone 3gs.. This sounds like a bunch of baloney . what do you guys think? Please answer only if you have actual knowlege
Linda Herring says
I qualtfy for the free 250 minutes phone , but i want to know if i can get more minutes, or do you often a phone that ofen up to 450 minutes
David says
Any Virgin Mobile, non-smart phone has the possibility of working properly with Assurance Wireless. HOWEVER Assurance Wireless is very limiting as to what they will allow.
I’ve heard stories of people getting a VM phone, then doing a change online, without any human help.
Remember, I have no information from Assurance, only posts on the Net.
Linda Badin says
Hi Icould you please tell me what phones are compatible with assurance wireless. Thank you.
Patricia garcia says
Need to upgade my phone but never can get a live person onthe phone or it just hangs up
carol-lee nichols says
Hello, I have a cdouple questions. I was looking at getting assistance with the free government phone programs. I know both me & my mother qualify. I live in NC & my mom lives in Florida. Can I apply for her? Can we keep our same phones & phone numbers? Right now I have Verizon & so does my mom. I pay for her’s but I am really struggling doing so & must apply 4 this. My mom’s issue was being able to keep same number & phone. Is this possible? Please respond quickly. I don’t waqnt her not having a phone, she is disabled.
Thanking you in advance,
Carol-lee Nichols
TINA BOIVIN says
what phones are compatible with Assurance wireless and or Safelink wireless?
Eugene LeClair says
How do a speak to a customer service rep for Safelinked? Tried all available phones numbers and not one lets me speak to a real person.
jeff says
just call 1-800-867-7183 and follow the promts until you here technical support it will get you right to them
Annie Caneely says
What upgrades are available?
Trisha Wortman says
Can you tell me what phones are compatible with Safelink Wireless?
Lori says
tracphone… I have upgraded twice… now I have lg800 smart phone…
Eleanor says
They said i can not use a smartphone safelink
Linda M Zobel says
Can you tell me what phones are compatible with Assurance Wireless?
Annonymous says
I asked customer care and they told me the following:
– Kyocera S2300.
– Samsung M340.
– LG 200.
– Kyocera S2100.
– LG 101.
– PayLo Samsung Restore M575
– LG Rumor 2
– Samsung Entro
– Samsung Montage
nan says
Can a Kyocera or Samsung cell work with a Safelink cell phone.My son gave me one phone but don’t have the money to put mins on it,and the other one a friend gave it to me thought I could switch them.I can’t hear on the safelink phone it is static on it and trying to text makes my hands hurt.
gloria childrey says
my name gloria childrey. i lost my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you what to do if you’ve lost your phone, Gloria:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement