updated 01/27/23
Surprisingly, the answer is yes.
If you go for 30 days with out using your Lifeline Assistance/Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free government cell phone you will be “de-enrolled” from the program. The use of the phone is called “utilization.” It is defined as making or receiving a call, attempting to make a call, checking voicemail, sending or opening a text message, checking airtime balance with the dialing sequence of the vendor, any sort of data usage or adding airtime minutes.
If you become de-enrolled, you will have a 30-day grace period to re-enroll by calling the company’s customer service line.
If you do not re-enroll within the 30-day grace period, your phone will be deactivated.
If your Lifeline account is cancelled due to non-use, you’ll need to reapply and provide proof of your eligibility in order to get your account reinstated.
It’s important to note that the rules for Lifeline account cancellation due to non-use may vary depending on your service provider and the specific Lifeline program that you are enrolled in. If you are concerned about your Lifeline account being cancelled, it’s a good idea to contact your service provider or the Lifeline program administrator in your state for more information.
The upshot: Use the darn phone the government gave you.
Rosslena says
How do I turn a phone off when it’s in my name.someone is using it and not giving it back
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you know who your service provider is? If so, contact its customer service department.
Rose M Thompson says
I received my government phone but never used it how do I get it activated and used.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you’ve gone more than 30 days without using it, your account may have been cancelled. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Henry says
You need to insert the SIM card into the phone and turn it on and then call 611 to see if your account is still active or not. The customer service representative should be able to tell you if your service is still active or not.
Shiquilla Powell says
How do I get my Assurance wireless phone recertify that I never got a chance to use it. I been having this phone for almost 2 years now and I never even made a phone call or anything
Free Government Cell Phones says
First of all, your account should have been cancelled after 30 days of non-use. If it has been cancelled you can re-enroll with any company you want.
Any Lifeline customer can switch service providers at any time. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Which provider and plan to choose? You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Amy Donovan says
I would like to cancel my service… How?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call your service provider’s customer service team at 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Lisa says
How to get service cut off ? No longer needing the phone or the service !!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 to speak to customer service.
Alisa says
If the phone is still activate does this mean that in still using it on my Duo app
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no way for us to analyze what it means, Alisa. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to speak to customer service.
Alisa says
I have a Obama phone but I haven’t used it more than two months but when I open up the Duo app the phone is still activate why is this
Free Government Cell Phones says
It should not be active. Your account should have been cancelled after 30 days of non-usage.
Mary Bowen says
You say to reactivate safe link phone we can call you ; but you give NO phone number,.
WHAT IS YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE TELEPHONE NUMBER..?…
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can’t call “us” because we are not Safelink. You need to call that company’s customer service team, not us.
Stephen Pluff says
I didn’t use my lifeline account. Never activated the Sim card. Now I was disenrolled from affordable internet program.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you read the article on this page, Stephen? If you didn’t use your phone you violated one of the primary rules of the Lifeline program. That is undoubtedly why you got cancelled.
Marissa R Valdez says
My ex found a government phone. He uses it to repeatedly harass me at work and at home. I have a restraining order but because the phone is not in his name its not considered a violation. How do i turn it off?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We feel for you, Marissa. Check USAC.org to find out how to report fraud.
Douglas Waldroop says
Can I cancel my lifeline service with truconnect , then reapply for lifeline with them or a different company instead of going through the hassle requirement to get a working phone . to put it simply can I cancel my lifeline then reapply . Will I have to wait a certain length of time ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good news, Douglas. You can switch to a different service provider at any time. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Eve paz says
I applied for safelink and cintex wireless at the same time but didn’t receive a response from neither of them i got safelink phone in the mail and activated it then received cintex phone and my husband activated it without me knowing what should i do? I want to keep the cintex phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are only allowed one free government cell phone per household, so one of you is in violation of the law. You should not have enrolled in two programs even if you never intended to activate one of the phones. Contact one of the companies by calling 6-1-1 on that phone and cancel its service ASAP.
Mary says
My friends mother passed away and the government cell phone is in her name and her son is using it. How does she deactivate it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Does she know which company the account is with?
Rick says
Assurance Wireless sent me an email saying my application was incomplete and couldn’t be processed. Instead of going to the trouble of reapplying the just applied to SafeLink Wireless’ EBB and got approved and enrolled, my SafeLink SIM is on the way (I already have a Tracfone device). All of a sudden, I got an email from Assurance saying my phone will arrive and (on the same day) it did. I haven’t activated it or even turned it on.
I called Assurance and explain to them what happened (SafeLink approval, receiving an Assurance phone and not activating it). The rep told me that Assurance had already gone ahead and canceled my service, but the phone was in transit. She said to use the account pin provided on the letter, go online and request a return.
I went online and it keeps asking me for an assurance phone number to access the account. I called again and explained that I don’t have an Assurance # because I never activated the phone. I was told to use the # I put on my application. I did and STILL cannot get into the account–or even my supposed incomplete application.
What should I do with the phone? Keep it, sell it, return it to a T-Mobile/Metro store? I really don’t need it (even if I wanted it, it’s not that great of a phone. One of those cheap androids).
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no need to ever return a free government cell phone.
Nicholas says
I want safelink service if service on April 8 or June 30
Free Government Cell Phones says
Say what?
Lilia j rosas says
I lost that phone I tried getting another one but it says I already have one in service what do I do??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you speak to customer service (a live person) to explain why you needed a new phone?
Larry says
I have safelink and my phone is a couple years old and it turns off by itself it doesn’t send or receive textes sometimes . Safelink won’t give me another phone . Can I cancel them and get another government phone from another carrier immediately.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Absolutely and that’s what we almost always recommend to Lifeline customers in your situation. Here’s where you can find an article that explains EXACTLY how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find all the plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Amber rich says
I got a phone from yall a week ago and now I can’t call text or receive either one
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t receive a phone from us because we are not a Lifeline service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to get in touch directly with your service provider.
Joe Spires says
I want to cancel my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Mario Ceja says
My phone turned off even tho I never stopped using it any advice as to why this accured? I am yet to contact a real person I keep getting the run around with automotive services
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, there’s no way for us to know what the problem is because we are not your service provider. This is not our area of expertise, but it sounds like it may have broken.
Sherry says
How to turn my phone off
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have a couple options. (1) Just shut the phone off and don’t use it for 30 days. It should be automatically cancelled under those conditions. (2) Call your service provider’s customer service team and request a shut-off.
John J Fohy says
I want to keep my Qwireless phone number and carry it over to a new phone that I have purchased. Qwireless service is not good at all. When I need help with anything I can’t reach a real person.
Sorry
Diana Platero says
I can’t make a phone call, it says it’s been deactivated
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team. We have no way of knowing what the problem is.
Elisa says
Can’t make a call
Or activate my phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Ia Manusina says
my phone number is 562 269 **** please deactivat pictures og my cuban link on there so expedistiously deactivate it my name is iamafana manusina.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not sure what a Cuban Link is, Ia, but we cannot help you because we are not your service provider.
Adrian upshaw says
Replenish Adrian upshaw monthly minutes ssn46449 ****. 903 426 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t replenish your minutes because we are not your service provider, Adrian. This is an independent informational website. Contact your service provider or visit its website.
Jose moreno says
I lost my phone 626877 ****. please erase everitinhg
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Jose.
Bobby Boardwine says
I’m trying to get a phone but it says that I am putting in a wrong address and I’m not it is 125 ********* I don’t understand why it won’t work
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to tell you why another website doesn’t work, Bobby. But we’d suggest that you call the company’s customer service team.
William H Schuman says
I use my safelink phone 20x a day everyday and I still got deactivated
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you know why you got deactivated, William?
Mario Ceja says
My phone turned off even tho I never stopped using it any advice as to why this accured? I am yet to contact a real person I keep getting the run around with automative services. Did u ever find out why that happened?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, Mario, so there’s no way for us to know.
shahna roberts says
my phone was stolen and I dont use it, how do I get it deactivated
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call your service provider’s customer service team, Shahna.
Laverne Ware says
I need for my free phone to be reactive. What must I do to be able to use my free sprint phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
If it’s been deactivated, you will probably need to re-enroll. Call your service provider’s customer service team.
Brittany says
I received an assurance wireless phone but never activated it Do I need to cancel Before I switch to Straight talks ebb program
Free Government Cell Phones says
Technicalities abound, Brittany. Normally we would say you can’t have two accounts, but if you never activated your first account it should have been canceled after 30 days of non-usage.
Henry says
It depends if the assurance wireless account is only for Lifeline service with/without EBB addition. If it is only Lifeline, then Straight Talk EBB (under Tracfone) can be opened independently from the Assurance plan. If the Assurance Plan did include EBB, you can still transfer the EBB benefit over to Straight Talk. But from what I viewed about Assurance, the free phone is only provided if you register for the EBB program.
So my guess is that you do not have to cancel and just transfer the EBB benefit over to the other company. As stated earlier, if you do not use the account in a 30 day period, it is subject to service cancellation.
Joseph Bagley says
Safelink’s recording said my phone “appears to be inactive” because they claim I didn’t use it all month. I’ve use my phone everyday for two years or so since I’ve had it. I’ve tried to contact them by online chat, but they only provide phone numbers for customer support. How can I call them if my phone doesn’t work. A terribly managed company.
Donna says
I loss my cell and I finally found it now it’s saying I can’t call out how do I get back on again thank u
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to analyze your problem because we are not your free government cell phone service provider, Donna. You need to contact that company’s customer service team.
Lori says
I received Replacement #2 phone from assurance wireless 10 days ago. Repl. #1 would not function at all, but I was still able to use the original; just wasn’t reliable, not to mention now obsolete. The tech sending #2 said she was turning my phone off, and when the new one arrived I should just call to have it turned back on…. I did that today, but was told my acct had expired May 23 because I didn’t re certify. (It was actually turned off 5/31 by tech) I moved cross-country in late Dec., changed addresses w/USPS, moved from my folk’s to my new permanent address Feb.9, changed address again w/USPS May 20. My mail was going to Mom’s. She threw out ads & junk mail…Yep, A.W. mail too. She thought it was just solicitation junk knowing I already had a free phone. Today they said I have to apply as a new client all over! Tech suggested Life Link. Now I’m wondering why an entirely different company. I would think they could be a little understanding and just turn my phone on. It’s not even 30 days! Any ideas on how to make my plea?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Lori, it seems to us that your service provider correctly turned off your service because you didn’t recertify on time. However, we have no idea why the customer service agent said your service should be shut off while you awaited delivery of your replacement phone. Very odd. Nevertheless, it seems to us that you will now need to re-enroll with a new company. The good news is that you may be able to find a better plan. Here’s where you can find all the service providers and plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Karen says
hi I appreciate how you have answered the people who post comments here, even many who misconstrue what this site is about or how you’re able to help them (ie all the people giving you their phone number to disconnect and such lol) and I may also be posting here mistakenly, but just in case there’s a chance you have any insight or information that could help me I would like to try.
What’s going on is I had free government phone service years ago, it was from Reachout Wireless which apparently doesn’t exist anymore, and Verizon Wireless was the carrier. I got an iphone 4 and eventually I didn’t qualify for the program anymore and I’ve hardly touched the phone since. Well, now something happened with my Facebook account where it’s saying there was suspicious activity or something and is requiring me to enter a 6 digit confirmation code sent to the phone number of that phone. There is virtually no way around submitting this code to regain access to my account, no live or real representatives of facebook that can be talked to or reached or even reached through any of their forms or reports or anything.. I’m going to keep trying both ways but I have more faith in me getting my old dead phone to work than I do in being able to contact facebook and have them help me resolve this..
So here’s the thing, my phone still has the number attached to it according to my phone, and an online search that says the phone number is still connected to my name.. but my fiance tried talking to Verizon Wireless today and they said it’s impossible for them to reactivate my phone and that the phone number is being recycled back to the government or something.. I read that Verizon doesn’t activate older phones like iphone 4 anymore but I don’t know if there is any other possible route for me to get service on my phone again. All I need to do is retrieve one text message, and we don’t have much money but I am willing to do what I can to pay for minutes or service or whatever for this because my facebook account is important to me, with all my family and friends and old posts and pictures and everything attached to it, as well as a social game app that I’ve invested a lot of money and time into and have friends through.
So I’m just wondering if you think that it is possible for me to get this phone and number working again long enough to get the facebook text code.. I wouldn’t qualify for government free phone service anymore and don’t want or need it, so sorry for posting on your site about that but I would love to hear what you think about this situation and if there’s any hope in your opinion and what possible options there might be. Thank you kindly for reading this, and whether or not you reply thank you for trying to help so many people with your advice and informative website. =)
Free Government Cell Phones says
Every time we start thinking there are no new questions, a new question invariably pops up. This is a VERY odd situation and we honestly don’t have a clue what the answer is because it is only peripherally related to the free government cell phone business.
That being said, we would be shocked it your old phone number is still attached to your old Lifeline cell phone. These numbers get recycled to new customers on a pretty regular basis. Have you tried calling your old number from another phone to find out if it has been recycled and is now active for someone else? Have you called Verizon to verify that they won’t activate service on an iPhone 4? (We’re no experts on that subject, but it seems hard for us to believe because we hear from lots of readers who are still using old flip phones.)
You might try visiting USAC.org and sending them your questions. The USAC is the organization that governs the Lifeline program and they are usually very responsive to Lifeline customers and their questions. Good luck. Please come back and let us know what happens.
Tina says
How do I get my safelink phone deactivated. It was stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
Several ways. The simplest say is to call Safelink customer service and tell them they situation. Y
Destiny says
How can I disconnect a phone that I got from medical? I ant to disconnect it becuase my mom in law uses it and she doesn’t even talk to me and I got it for her but she is just disrespectful to me. I want to disconnect it
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure what you mean when you say you got it “from medical.” You can disconnect it by calling your service provider and telling them to disconnect your service. In addition, your mother in law will not be able to renew the service at the one year mark because she isn’t you.
Christine Warren says
Can I call out on my phone to re-activate my phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No. ONce the phone has been deactivated, it will no longer function.
Christine Warren says
What number do I call for a re-activate my phone? I still have lots of minutes left and don’t want to lose them.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Click on your service provider’s name at the following link. We provide contact info on each service provider’s page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Sally says
How can I cancel my service, never used or taken out of box.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You could try calling your provider.
Karla says
My son lost his sim card for his safelink phone and we cannot use it. How do I sign up for a new phone and what number do I need to call. Thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have a couple options. (1) You should first contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if they’ll replace the SIM card or how much it will cost to replace it. (2) You can also switch to a different service provider because all new customers get free smart phones. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Kim goodbear says
Suspend my phone 405 320 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not your service provider, so we cannot suspend anything, Kim. Call 6-1-1 on that free government cell phone. That will connect you to customer service and they can cancel your account.
Alicia says
To whom it may concern please disconnect all my numbers associate with my name.my neighbor stole my phones,and identity theft and my car.please call Atwater police department and let them know I know a lot of these people. Did.and a rape case and my neighbor murdered someone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, Alicia, so we cannot disconnect your phone. You must call your service provider’s customer service team.
MICHAEL MAZY says
I need to get customer service at QLink Wireless and cannot get them to call or email back.
I have sent emails and tried the phone repeatedly for 2 days and the only return I get is a response to email saying the are happy to here from me and they will get back to me.
Do you know how to actually reach a human being. I read on the internet keep pressing 0 and that does not work. Help please.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one of the most annoying aspects of the free government cell phone program. Sorry, Michael, but we do not know how to get a live person.
Paige Korte says
My phone has been off for I think like a month. Does that mean that I still have my number? Can you check on how long the phone has been off by the number ? (702) 748-****.
If you lose your number , are you able to get it back or they will give you a new number? How do I keep the same number ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If your phone has not been used for 30 days or longer your account is supposed to be automatically cancelled. However, in reality, that often does not happen. Contact customer service immediately to find out if your account is still active.
If it’s not active, odds are against you being able to get your old phone number back. But it is not impossible.
Sheila Leighton says
My Qlink phone was stolen by someone I know. I need to deactivate it asap . Please help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not Q Link, Sheila. This is an independent informational website. You’ll need to contact Q Link to get your phone deactivated.
Tina says
Please help me locate my phone . my name tina clay. My phone is 661 900 **** that you can reach.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no way to help you locate your phone, Tina. We suggest that you contact your service provider’s customer service team to cancel that phone and get a replacement phone.
Chris says
Misplaced Phone Wen I Was Packing An Just found It. It’s Been 3mths Now I believe, So my Service is off “American Assistance” How Do I Get My Service Back Up an Running. Without All The RedTape/Problems..
Thank U
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to contact customer service and re-enroll with that company. (Of course, you should check to make sure it has actually been cancelled, because some Lifeline companies don’t cancel service when they are supposed to.)
Maribel sanchez says
I need to reactivate my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why was it deactivated, Maribel?
Roland Brown says
I lost my phone how can I cancel service. Roland Brown.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Magalie Amilcar says
I lost my phone I would like to deactivate my phone please can you help me please
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not your service provider, so all we can do it recommend that you contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Roy Gonzales says
I lost my phone and would like to deactivate my number .the number is. 210 833 ****. Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Roy. They are the only ones who can deactivate your phone.
Sandy says
My number is 931 371 **** I do not know my user ID or password to get to my online account please help!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not your service provider, so we cannot help you, Sandy. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Collette says
Hello. I no longer qualify to receive free minutes from SafeLink. So, I got on the website and cancelled my service as of July 1st of this year. (I also double-checked today to verify that my account was truly cancelled, and it is.) My question is, is it normal for me to still have service a month later? It’s August 1st today, and I haven’t received my usual 500 minutes, which is a good thing, but I still have 305 minutes which have rolled over from last month. Usually the minutes I received never rolled over. Is my phone pretty much like a pre-paid phone now? I just want to make sure it sounds like my account with SafeLink has truly been cancelled and that if I continue to use my phone, with the minutes that rolled over, it’s ok to do that.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should have no service as soon as you cancel your account. Turn the phone off and make sure you do not use it for 30 days and it will be shut off for that reason, too.
Kathy Shirk says
How do I reactivate my phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is completely dependent on why it was deactivated, Kathy. Do you know the reason?
Te says
Does peach state counts. My daughter is on peach state
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know what Peach State is, but free government cell phone customers can no longer qualify using any state programs.
mike morris says
if lost or miss placed it but now found it? was using it then was deactivated
Free Government Cell Phones says
The rules of the program say that a free government cell phone account will be terminated if the phone is not used for 30 days or more.
Kimberly Endsley says
What do u do after it’s shut off. I lost it and a my numbers
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can attempt to re-enroll with the same company or with another one, Kimberly. But your ability to do that may be impacted by how long you had your account. Start by calling your service provider’s customer service team.
Sheri says
My phone was stolen and I want to shut it off how do I do that
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can call your service provider’s customer service team, Sheri.
Lydia says
I need a new cell to my place 921 cactus they took mine and its been used every month
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, Lydia, so we can neither send you a new phone nor address your problem. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Chris says
My government phone has been stolen and they keep logging into my accounts to everything, google, Facebook, etc. I don’t know who the service provider is. How can I deactivate it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, it’s a time-consuming job to figure out who your service provider is if you don’t remember. Start by going to this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Click on your state and you’ll find a complete list of service providers in your state. You’ll need to contact each company’s customer service team (start at the top and work your way down). Customer service should be able to tell if you are their customer based on your name, address, phone number, social security number, etc.
Maybe you’ll be lucky and live in a state with very few Lifeline companies, which would make your job easier.
Barbara Okray says
Lost my phone trying to get it turn off and my email is going to that phone the # 901-600-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s one of our articles that explains what to do if you lose your phone, Barbara:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwjq6N7t6LvTAhWBKGMKHUyqArYQFggEMAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNES39-FtbxPeecTzob4v-E4P49Zog
Rhonda Ann Marshall says
I have lost my phone. 423 505 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you what to do:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Maria says
How many phones can we have per household ? Like one for me and for my teen?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only one free government cell phone per household is permitted.
Lisa Harrison says
Need to deactivate my dad’s cell phone he passed away an we just noticed his phone is gone so someone had stolen it . SafeLink wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink’s customer service team by phone or online, Lisa. Sorry to hear about your loss.
Jasmine Dyer says
My mom has a safelink phone and she is using cell number as a contact number. I got a voice mail from safelinkthis past friday. Saying at the end of this month they was going shut phone off. Because they she has been using it. But I know that she has been making the required one monthly call. Unless for some reason her minutes have been loaded. She has a smartphone and I don’t know to check if she her minutes on there. The only other thing I can think of is because she leaves her phone off most of the time unless she has to use it. So I am not sure what to do when I see my mom again so she doesn’t be without a phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Next time you’re with you mom, call 6-1-1 on her free government cell phone. That will connect you to her service provider’s customer service team. That will accomplish two things: it will eat up some minutes and satisfy the usage requirement, but the customer service agent should also be able to tell you what’s going on with her account and why she’s getting those shut-off notices. Two birds, one stone.
Deb Henschen says
How do I return an Obama phone that is no longer needed?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No need to return it, Deb. It’s yours to keep. Maybe you have a friend or family member who can use it. Or maybe you can donate it to a homeless or women’s shelter.
Marcus Bellamy says
I need to reactivate my government phone. My number is 469-509-2044.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If your phone has been deactivated, you probably need to re-enroll, Marcus. But the only way to know for sure is to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Renee says
I received a text saying to dial ##72786# to do a system upgrade & to reset my phone and restore service but after I did that it’s no longer letting me dial out is saying to call customer service …. but I can’t seem to find the correct number
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to contact customer service, Renee.
rick raymer says
one day my safelink phone worked, the next day it was dead. i have complied with all usage requirements and i have not abused it. i have searched online help sites, but none specifcally addressed a “broken” phone. i have verified my safelink information is current and i am enrolled. i’d like some help please.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not Safelink, Rick. We’re an independent website. You’ll need to contact Safelink customer service or tech support by phone or online.
EvelynGay says
Discontinue. Safelink, and Obama and all other govetnment service phones in my name.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You cannot discontinue your service by leaving a comment on this independent website, Evelyn. You must contact your service provider directly.
Thornton stovall says
I want my phone turned off now 206 290 1021
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t shut your phone off because we’re not your service provider, Thornton. We’re an independent website. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to terminate your contract.
Mary Darter says
Turn off my phone now
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot turn off your phone, Mary, because we are not your service provider. We’re an independent website. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Bernadette says
I need to deactivate my phone it was stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you what to do if y our phone is lost, broken or stolen:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Velmabennett says
Thats not telling me a dam thang about turning my phone off it was stolen and i won’t it shut off now
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, excuse us for not answering a completely different question than the one you wanted our article to answer. Shame on us.
Hanns says
Hello,
My phone has been deactivated and I need it. How can I reactive it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Has your service provider told you why it was deactivated?
Judy Gunn says
Imissed the recertification on my phone now cannt use it or dail 611 help please
Free Government Cell Phones says
Assuming that you are still eligible, Judy, you need to re-enroll with the same free government cell phone company or select a new one. Check out all the companies and plans available in your state to make sure you are getting the best deal (most minutes, most texts, most data, etc). Who knows? You might even find a much better plan. You can see all the companies in your state and their plans at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Styles salter says
I need to cut off my government phone because it has been missing
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you what to do in case of a lost, stolen or broken Lifeline cell phone:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Nikieah D Allen says
Why is my phone off but I still have minutes on it….Plz turn it back on
Free Government Cell Phones says
For the 10,347th time, we are not a Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone service provider. We’re an independent website. You need to get in touch with your service provider — whoever it might be — directly to get your problem solved.
R says
Why r u having such a bad day answering questions for someone. No need for rudeness so continue counting for the 10, 348th time. AW
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you think that was rude, you don’t know rude, dude.
Philecia says
How long do I have to wait to reapply to qlink wireless? I’m not going to be needing the service in a few weeks, and I want to know just in case I am in need in the future.
Free Government Cell Phones says
As long as you cancel your account and verify that it has actually been cancelled, there is no time limit. Need and eligibility are the only requirements. So if you no longer qualify and cancel and account one day, you could theoretically find out you require it the next day and re-apply.
Dianne says
I got my free phone service awhile ago and I want to cancel it. I recently separated from my relationship and left the phone there because I had recently gotten different service. I would like to cancel but don’t know who to call and I also don’t remember the provider. The phone number is 209-587-3504. I would prefer it cancelled right away to prevent it being used by a dishonest ineligible person. Please help and thank you for your time
Free Government Cell Phones says
We get questions like this many times every day. Unfortunately, the answer is never very satisfactory. Is your new service a free government cell phone? You didn’t say so, but that’s what it sounds like. If that’s the case, you messed up by having two Lifeline Assistance accounts at the same time. The way it should have worked is that the second provider should have automatically cancelled the first service. There is no real way to figure out who your first provider is. The only thing that might work is contacting customer service at the second provider and asking if they can look you up in the national Lifeline data base. We’re not sure that’s possible, but it appears to be your only option. Good luck. Please let us know what happens.
Maria says
What happens if I have two free phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since it’s against the rules, at least one of them will get cancelled. Both of them may be cancelled. We would suggest that you cancel one of them immediately. There is a National Lifeline Assistance Database on which all customers are listed. Eventually you will get caught.
Sandy Pay says
I talked to Acadia and they said they’ll Have my phone activated in four hours. Five hour later checking to see if my service on, it said nothing. please help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Sandy, but we have never heard of Acadia. Is it a cell phone company?
Jo Carr says
Hi, my brother just recently passed and he had a government phone. How do we deactivate the phone so it cannot be used. Someone has stolen the phone from his home.
Free Government Cell Phones says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Do you know who his service provider was? If so, call the company’s customer service team to report the issue.
If you do not know the service provider, do you know his phone number? If so, you can report the fraud as explained in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know who your service provider is, Jo, so it’s difficult to tell you.
Veronica navarro says
I need to cancel my phone I never received for my son and I’m trying to get him another one. when they put my info it showed up I was with budget. but I never got a phone. so can you please cancel phone? thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot cancel your phone, Veronica, because we are not your service provider. We are an independent website with absolutely no affiliation with any of the free government cell phone numbers. You need to contact the company with which you enrolled.
Robert Hoyle says
I had a Safelink phone when I lived in New Mexico (NM). But, when I moved to Texas, Safelink made me get a new Safelink phone there. And, I guess I was “de-enrolled” from the NM Safelink Program. (So, I don’t get new airtime minutes each month on that NM phone).
Yet, I had bought nearly 4,000 minutes of airtime on the NM phone, and I’d like to use those, eventually — just not right now. These minutes have been OK to use up until just recently when my “Service Days” on this NM phone have expired.
So, to gain some “thinking time,” I bought 100-minutes of airtime and 30-Service Days for the NM phone. But, I don’t really want to use that phone right now. Plan on using those 4,000 airtime minutes maybe next year.
Can I just let the Service Days expire (in 30-days) on the NM phone, then later next year, buy Service Days and use some of those 4,000 minutes?
Tks for the help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a very complex question, Robert, and we do not want to give you any incorrect information. You need to call Safelink customer service to discuss the issue.
Robert Hoyle says
Agreed, it is rather complex. That’s why I was hoping you all could help.
The staff that I have spoken with in the past at Safelink/TracFone do not seem to be the most knowledgeable people in the world. (And, they have such a heavy “foreign” accent, it is very hard to understand them.)
But, I guess that’s all I can do. Call them and ask.
Appreciate the reply.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please let us know the outcome of your efforts, Robert. Our readers will find it very interesting.
Venisia says
Like to deactivate my (360)721-**** it’s gone no longer need it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you want to deactivate your account, Venisia, you need to contact your service provider directly.
Darla Eggert says
I cancelled my safelink service on 5/14 or 5/15 do i nd a conformation or cancellation #
Free Government Cell Phones says
Has your service been cancelled? Can you still use your phone?
Tanisha jenkins says
I need help on reactivating my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why was your phone deactivated, Tanisha? If it was because you had multiple free government cell phone accounts, you are out of luck. It will not be reactivated. If it was because you didn’t use if for 60 days, you must reapply for a new account. If it was for some technical reason, you must contact your service provider’s tech support team. And if it was deactivated by mistake, you must call your service provider’s customer service team.
Timothy allen gilbert says
My name is timothy gilbert i have a free goverment phone my number is559-804-5374 i lost it about 2 or 3 months ago and i just found it in my stuff and would like to turn it back on . Please help or direct me to someone that can
Thanks tim G.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Can we assume you got a replacement phone, Timothy? We hope so. And we salute you for being a good guy and turning in the “lost” phone.
In most cases, the phone is yours to keep, but you should call your service provider’s customer service team to ask if they want it back.
Tommy saelee says
I would like to cancel my service with teleconnect obama free phone (916) 696-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider, Tommy, not us. This website is not affiliated with any of the Lifeline service providers.
Ethel McClain says
Can you please disconnect my phone. It was stolen here’s the number 337 965 ****. Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are unable to disconnect your phone, Ethel, because we are an independent website, not your service provider. You need to call your free government cell phone company to get your service shut off. Alternately, you can simply not use your phone for 60 days and it will automatically be shut off, or you can also end your service by not recertifying when you are supposed to.
Irena Janszen says
I had a phone with vergin mobil when Obama phones started but never worked it tell me that I already on the program they told me that if not used it will be canceled but many years later they are still charging the government. What can I do to stop them from stealing money from the government
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good work, Irena. We need more people like you who report fraud, waste and abuse. The more fraudulent Lifeline accounts that get reported, the more truly needy people can be helped. Here’s a FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net article that tells you how to report fraud:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
We’ll take this opportunity to repeat our plea for everyone to report Lifeline fraud when you see it.
Patricia Tucker says
I applied for a phone, it says I have been approved, but I still don’t have my phone, does it come in the mail or Fed Ex
Free Government Cell Phones says
Generally they arrive by USPS, but every cell phone provider is different. Call your service provider and ask for a schedule.
Christine Spaur says
I tried to get a government cell phone about a week ago with entouch wireless an couldn’t get one cause it’s showing that I have one. I was given the number to entouch wireless and called and they said it isn’t show that I have an account. Where should I go to find out y it’s showing I have an account?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If they say you don’t have an account, how about if you just open an account with EnTouch?
Beatriz murphy says
No longer want the phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have two choice: (1) Do not use the phone for 60 days and your account will be cancelled, or (2) Contact your service provider to cancel your service. The best choice is to contact your service provider by phone or online to cancel. That will stop your service 60 days sooner and save the system $20 that can be used to help another low-income American.
Megan says
I wanted to cancel my phone service my number is 626230****
Free Government Cell Phones says
We hope that means you landed a job and no longer qualify for a free government cell phone. Whether that’s the case or not, you need to contact your service provider by phone or online to cancel your account.
larry morgan says
number to call to cancel my assurance wireless cell phone,i want to hook up my home phone.i want to talk to a person
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find the Assurance Wireless contact info on our Assurance Wireless page.
Click on the “Providers” link at the top of this page. Then scroll down and click on Assurance.
Ira Crutchfield says
Please deavtivate 859213**** Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot deactivate your phone on this website. You must contact your service provider and ask for customer service. You can find a complete list of service providers by clicking on the “Providers” link at the top of this page.
Gary Chambers says
When reactivating an normal usage phone, must it be turned off for three days at the end of each year?
This phone is never un-used for more than a few days at a time. I was told it had to stay turned off for three days during service renewal. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve never heard that before, Gary. What was your source of that information?
nykeeshia says
How do i deactivate a phone im not using an has been stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call your service provider and ask for customer service.
Cherry Allen says
I need to reactivate my phone
Tracy friedrichsen says
This phone was stolen and I have been trying to cancel dor 3 days. 702-324-****. I am getting really frustrated, it’s stolen I know who has it and that he is still using it. Cancel it immediately. You ask me for date of birth I give it, you ask for social I give it. You continue to add minutes after minutes and yet your telling me you can’t find my account. I want it cancelled now.. Not tomorrow not Saturday. Now. I was even on the live chat and she just kept saying give me a moment. I have her an hour. Do it now
Mike Owen says
Please reinstate my number. Apparently it’s been cut off because I didn’t use it enough
Demetrius Hawkins says
My government phone was stolen I would like to have it turned off and another one sent to me is that possible
eric starks says
I need to reactivate my free phone!!.
Mike Owen says
I have a phone but it won’t dial out
Crystal Reed says
My service was disconnected I found my phone
Brian williams says
Please disconnect my phone it was stolen
D says
Hello….I’m Trying To Cancel My Safelink Phone But It Won’t Let Me Cancel It….Please Help Me At The Above E-mail Address….Thank You….PLEASE CANCEL MY SERVICE….
david wardsworth says
Please cancel this phone 702-557-1412
CHARLES A RANDON says
LOST PHONE-HAD 612 MINUTES ON IT.
I AM 70 YEARS OLD & HAVING HEARING PROBLEMS-COULD BARELY HEAR & CAN’T AFFORD HEARING AID.
HAD PEOPLE WITH MY TEL NUMBER TRY TO FIND IT IN HOUSE,GARAGE & CAR-NO LUCK.NO IDEA WHERE PHONE IS?
SUGGEST YOU CANCEL MY PHONE.
THANK YOU,CHARLES RANDON
trisha says
How do I reactivate my phone. Its only been thirty to forty five days since my last call
Mary Tolbert says
If this cancellation can be done by tomorrow that would be great!!!
Thanks again!! PLEASE CANCEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary Tolbert says
AI need to cancel my assurance phone asap!!! Thank you!!! ?
twanda dunn says
My. Phone. Has. Been. Stolen. Please. Turn. This. Service. Off.
Lori Wallen says
My phone was stolen and I need to have it shut off. Customer service says they can’t find my number in system.. Please help
cristian haro says
i would like to cancel my assurance wireless pone number and plan..
Gail Price says
I just received my replacement safelink phone an now my account is cancelled saying i signed up for budget moblie if i did i sure didn’t mean too. Ive had there services before don’t like it. Please please tell me what i’ve gotta do to get this resolved this is a big misunderstanding thank you
betty says
I would rather have lifeline on my home landline, how can I deactivate the cell phone now to reinstate my landline?
mary says
my mother recently was approved for one of your free phones, however she’s found that she doesn’t use it as much as she thought she would. My question is this. How does she go by returning it?
vicki says
How can I cancel my service
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Call your company.
Helen Jantos says
I have cell service and want to transfer to Cox land line. How do I turn off the cell service in order to activate land line ???
Thanks
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Call your provider to cancel, or stop using it for 60 days.
Elijiah says
I wanted to reactivate my assurance phone the phone # is 804-386-**** and the MSID # is ***-202-5113 and I was just wondering if you guys could help me resolve this problem please and thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since the phone has already been deactivated, you are free to choose another vendor if you want. Go to our “States” page (as shown on the Navigation Bar at the top of the page), see who does business in your state, and re-apply with any company you prefer.
Laura Trejo says
My phone was stolen from my car in front of the apartment where I live. I want to reported stolen. I had it in the car because I was going to return it back to the company that provided it to me. What do i do now please let me know. I reported it to my landlord what happen to my car.This is my landlord’s number (712)256-****. It was a samsung phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Here is a help page for those who have lost their phone.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Brenda Cardenas says
My phone was shut off need it activated 702 325 ****.samsung phone. Thank u how long will it take?
Jessica Wilson says
Hi there…I have just been granted a lifetime stalking protection order against the person who, for whatever reason, confiscated my phone until it was in fact no longer in service before returning it to my possession. I am afraid for me and my child’s safety & can’t afford a reconnection fee at this time. Is there anyway around this at least until I am able to relocate into another home where he isn’t familiar with? Thank you for your time!
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We didn’t know there was a reactivation fee on a Lifeline cell phone. Regardless, if your current phone provider is trying to charge you, you can try switching providers. CLICK HERE for information on switching cell phone companies.
butch says
My phone number is 909361**** I want it turned off immediately cause someone stole it and been using it for 3 weeks now
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You need to contact your phone provider.
Gloria saucedo says
How do I deactivate the service? I do not want it!
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Don’t use it for two months and it will be automatically disconnected.
Lori Alexander says
The phone I have was my boyfriends he passed away in January 6 2015 I was wondering if I could get it deactivated out of his info then activate with my info
rajaiya l nichols says
how do re enroll becuase im trying to a ad pops up i dont get this website
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We don’t understand your question.
David Copeland says
I dropped my phone and when I turned the phone back on, it asked for the activation code. I misplaced the letter with the activation code on it. My phone number is 917-569-****. What do I do?
Barbara Curtis says
I need to have my assurance service temporarily discontinued. I had misplaced my Virgin Mobile PayLo phone, and I am almost certain that it is being used by someone else. I am afraid that there will be an attempt to “top-up” using the information on file. I simply can’t afford to have any activity at all on that card. Can you please let me know what steps I must take to prevent this, if in fact, it is even possible, for I can’t seem to recall.
Thank you, Sincerely,
Barbara Curtis
Nathan king says
how do i reactivate my government phone
Lea Thompson says
Hi, I am trying to cancel my phone service. What number should I call?
Thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your phone provider about that.
Gregory O Hammonds says
I have a phone no 304-627-**** I can’t find out who this phone is through and I want to cancel the service. Please help me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try dialing 611 and see what company answers.
alicia says
My dad has a safelink phone and he wants to get it shut off. i already called safelink and tried to deactative it but it wont let me.
steve scott says
As you get older u forget all as I have but I think it is safelink do u have a number for them
Donald Biddle says
I have been having complications due to my diseases , For A few months many thing were not attended to one of those is my Government cell phone, I found my phone but, the service has been discontinued I can not remember what provider issued the service to get it reactivated The phone upon turning it on says powered by Sprint The phone # is ***-752-8983 the MSID # is ***-270-7399. If your technicians can help me get this problem fixed I would be very relieved Sincerely Thank you Donald J Biddle my zip code is *****.