There are two different ways depending on whether you have your phone or if it’s been lost or stolen or broken.
If you have your phone: This is the simple one. Just call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and you’ll be connected to your service provider’s customer service team.
If your phone has been lost, stolen or broken: This is the more difficult way to figure out who your service provider is. It will take considerably more work on your part.
First, go to our “States” page and click on your state. Here’s a link to that page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
After clicking on your state, you’ll find a complete list of all the Lifeline free government cell phone service providers in your state. The only way to get your question answered is to click on the top name on the list. Use the contact information found on that page to call customer service and ask if you are a customer of that company. They will know based on information like your name, address, phone number, social security number, etc.
If the first company is not your service provider, call the second one. Then the third one. Then the fourth one. Eventually you’ll hit pay dirt and find your service provider. Hopefully you live in a state with very few service providers, which will make your task much simpler.
Megan Libey says
I have no idea who carrier is can’t call it says no network. My number is 815 608 ****, can’t call out
Henry says
The phone number account may have been deactivated by the provider due to extended non-use of the phone. If the phone was under your ID, the company should have sent you an email stating that the account was going to be turned off. Other than searching through emails, the only remaining thing that might be useful is to pull the SIM card out and read the numbers on it. Usually, the first several digits refer to the network that is connected with (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile). However, the actual provider might be a MVNO of the “Big 3” providers. If nothing comes from any of these suggestions, I would contact the Lifeline USAC contact phone number to ask them what they have on their records for the owner’s account. If the phone is not a Lifeline associated phone, then you are on your own.
Jennifer says
I sign up for another government program thinking it was better which it wasn’t, now my phone number that I had for the past 4 years is deactivated how can I retrieve my number, it been so long I have no clue which program I was with please help
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can call your current service provider and ask if that old phone number is available, but odds are it was given to someone else long ago. Try calling the number to see if someone else has it.
In the future, remember to tell any new service provider that you “want to port over my current phone number.”
Patrick Green says
Hi Jennifer,
How recently was was old phone number deactivated? If it has been less than 30 days out, there’s a good chance your current provider can port the number over for you.
I would contact them ASAP to see if they can get you squared away.
Good luck to you!
Dorca tirado says
I don’t know which company my phone was on but I wanted to transfer my old number to boost mobile
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can do that through Boost. But you do realize, we hope, that Boost does not participate in the Lifeline free government cell phone program.
Chase says
How do I find out what lifeline service I have
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you received your phone? If so, you can call 6-1-1 on that phone.
George kunkel says
What if I was useing the free service but someone was stealing My accounts and phone number so I kept losing my service and I finally went out and bought yet another phone so now 4th phone but this Time it was a T-Mobile phone so I have to pay for service but as soon as I got service one day later My phone number is being ported out how do I stop all this from happening
Free Government Cell Phones says
Identity theft is out of our wheelhouse, George, so we don’t know how to advise you. Have you spoken to the folks at T-Mobile?
Jonifer Moore says
Some stole my phone and I’ve had this phone for 4 years and someone answer it but I need to have it turned off so I can get a new one cause there on my services
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider and ask them to cancel your service.
Hime says
I have my phone, but when I call 611, I’m met with my own feedback (meaning all I hear is myself, my own echo). What do I do? I need to find out my provider.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Strange defect. There a couple other ways to find out, but neither is particularly easy. (1) Go down the list of service providers in each state and call their customer service team. You’ll need to start at the top and call each one until you find your provider. Here’s where you can find all the providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Or (2) Visit USAC.org and find ask for its help. This is supposed to be one of the services they offer free of charge.
carl clark says
i had someone say i would be getting a phone but havent gotten it yet
Free Government Cell Phones says
Who might “someone” be, Carl?
Justin says
I lost my cell phone and I want to get a replacement phone sent to me but I can’t remember what free government carrier provider was how can I find out the carrier
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an ongoing problem for lots of people, Justin. There is no easy way to figure it out. You may need to go down the list and call each of the free government cell phone service providers in your state to find yours. Here’s where you can find a list of all those companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jean Peppers says
My cell phone was stolen how can i get it replaced
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you everything you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Ally Hill says
Hello, I am writing for my friend. She has a Vortex government phone and we CANNOT find it or HELP ANYWHERE. She is disabled and doesn’t even text well, so I am doing this Ion her behalf. Can you PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE tell us WHO we CONTACT? I have her information but I didn’t write it down before I wrote you. PLEASE, PLEASE HELP. I have searched myself and gotten nowhere. Thank You in Advance 🙏. I/WE will be anxiously waiting.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you have her phone number, visit USAC.org and go to the Lifeline customers section. USAC is the organization that governs the Lifeline free government cell phone program and they can help you figure out who your friend’s service provider is.
Kiawana Browning says
My phone has been stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that was written with exactly that situation in mind:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Jessic Mendoza says
Why not just call lifeline customer service number for your state??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very few states have a Lifeline customer service phone number, Jessica. We assumed you must be from California because that state does have its own Lifeline organization, so we looked up your IP address. Yup, California. So your suggestion will work in California but not in most other states.
Doris Clark says
It’s been years spence I had free phone.i lost it now need another one.my phone I have now I bought it a couple years ago.now it’s screen is all broken up.really can’t use it.or afford to buy another one.
Doris says
I lost my new cell phone and want you to please you to please turn it off. My name is Doris Simmons and i can be rised at 313 808 **** and my email **********@yahoo.com.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No can do, Doris. We are an independent informational website, NOT your service provider. You need to contact the directly.
Danell Seary says
My phone was stolen and i want to turn it off. How do i get another cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here. Read this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Christine cocolotta says
I have cellular phone 442 218 **** that stopped working 7/18/2018. No service available. Don’t know my carrier. Can you please turn my phone back on? Thank you, Christine Cocolotta
Free Government Cell Phones says
This website is not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies, so, no, Christine, we cannot turn your phone back on. Sorry.
Connie Shelton says
My brother is homeless and has been missing for a few days after staying with somebody I don’t know. He checks in with me every day and I haven’t heard from him so I called his cell phone number and somebody else answered his phone and then hung up.I don’t know who he has cell phone service through and I need to get his phone shut off and find him. Can you help me? Please reply ASAP! His number is: (503) 498-2068 PLEASE HELP!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you know which service provider he used? If so, speak to customer service. Since you are not the account holder, we don’t know if they will be willing to speak to you about his account, but you can give it a try. Good luck.
Richard Alvarado says
I forgot my Obama phone account number how do I get imformation to recover it
Free Government Cell Phones says
To recover the account number or to recover the phone itself? Start by reading the article above, Richard.
Elizabeth Olmos says
I applied for a phone from a access vender,told I couldn’t get one 2/7 .Received letter from lifeline saying I was given one with #.But I never received one.When I told vender he gave me a phone but didn’t ask my name or information “How can I see if phone is in my name???
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Sharon Trahan says
I’ve called all providers n my state still can’t locate provider and am unable to get a free government phone plz help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you mean that none of them offer service in your area, Sharon? If so, there’s nothing that can be done. Unfortunately, there are some pockets in every state that have no cell towers and signals.
Brandi morris says
I was robbed my cell phone stolen can you please stop my service asap and can I get all my account activity asap my phone number of the phone stolen the number was 530552**** my message number is 530501**** Brandi morris I don’t no what obama company my phone is my zip code is 95932
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t stop your service because we are not your service provider, Brandi. This is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any free government cell phone company. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team directly.
Rick Harjo says
My daughter had her government assisted phone stolen, we do not know the carrier as they have closed their office with no forwarding address information. We don’t think the phone is being used or not. When we call the number it goes straight to voice mail.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s what you need to do to figure out who her service provider was. It’s a bit of work, but the only way. Go to our “States” page and click on your state. You’ll find a complete list of free government cell phones in your state. You’ll need to start at the top of the list and call each one in order to ask if they are your service provider. They will know based on your name, address, social security number, phone number, etc. Keep working your way down the list until you find her service provider. Here’s where you can find that list:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
This is the only time we can think of when it’s better to have fewer companies serving your state.
Imelda Hartley says
What if I can not call *611 due to the fact I dont have service on my government phone? Then what do I do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You look your service provider up on our “Providers” page to get one of their other phone numbers. But we assume you’ll need to borrow someone else’s phone to do it.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Imelda Hartley says
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re certainly welcome, Imelda.
Imelda Hartley says
Will it work even if they have their own company? Like lets say my husband has a contract with Cricket even if I call 611 wouldn’t his company answer or a machine?
Imelda Hartley says
Oops never mind I understand now thank you for your help but where do I find the “providers” section?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Right up at the top of the page, Imelda. But here’s a link to make if easier:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Free Government Cell Phones says
It only works on your own phone, Imelda. Each company has its own 6-1-1 service, so if you called 6-1-1 on your husband’s phone, Cricket would answer. And that, of course, won’t do you any good.
Connie kelsey says
My phone was stolen and i dont know the carrier what do i do
Free Government Cell Phones says
The only way you can find your service provider is to go to our list of all the service providers in your state. Start at the top of the list and contact each company to ask if it is your service provider. They will know based on your name, address, SSN, telephone number, etc. If the first company is not your service provider, contact customer service at the second company. Repeat until you find your company. Here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
toni shugart says
if you just call 611 from your cell phone it will answer with the carrier name!
Shawn pattillo says
Dont know my phone no. Or company name forgot
Free Government Cell Phones says
You only have one option, Shawn, and it requires some homework on your part. You can find a complete list of free government cell phone companies in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Start at the top of the list and call each company’s customer service team until you find the one that says, “Yes, you’re our customer.” They’ll know based on information only you will know — your name, address, social security number, etc.
toni shugart says
call 611and the carrier of your phone will answer with recorded message then u just hang up and you’ll know who ur carrier is!
Kimberly Snell says
I need to cancel my phone service. cant find the phone and deleted the number from any contact i had for it. the chip is being used. the person that has it showed me there on messenger. i need to void thst phone. please contact me at 619-456-**** soon as possible please. Email is *******@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, Kimberly. We’re an independent website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
toni shugart says
call 611 for cell phone help!
Amanda Moore says
So is it just me or does it seem like ppl have suddenly decided they wanna be ignorant…Have we forgotten about everybody’s best friend Mr Google…And do we not remember to read the forums and see if similar questions have been asked before asking the same question 15 other ppl just asked…Bless your heart Mr/Mrs freegovernmentcellphone!!!….My own personal Standing ovation is being given to you!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Excellent advice, Amanda. And we appreciate your kind words.
Roderick says
Right on Sister!
Levarn Cavers Jr says
There is another way:
Most Lifeline Free Phone Companies have a booth set up in a heavily traffic area in most cities and towns. All you have to do is find one of these booths, give them your ID and other qualification: such as medical card. They will run your information and tell you which company you have already signed up for (some of the these companies will even offer to switch to there services, which isn’t a bad idea as some offer a better phone such as LTG or Galaxy). If you live in a small town where there isn’t a booth and you either called or applied on-line; I’m sorry but I have no suggestion.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ll go over this again because the question usually does not pop up on this page. We are adamantly opposed to enrolling at street tents and booths. There have been far too many cases of fraud and abuse originating with these street vendors. For that reason, we often tell our readers that they are much safer enrolling online or by phone.
Roderick says
I have heard of ones that have actually signed a contract thinking the tent or booth were free government cell phones!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s the problem, Roderick. They may be legit booths with legit people from legit companies, but there’s really no way for anyone to tell which ones are legit and which ones are scams. That’s why we tell our readers to avoid the street events and enroll online or by phone.
Marguerite Rideout says
I signed up for and was approved for a free government cell phone. I cannot remember which company it was with. They told me it would arrive in the mail in 4 to 5 days. It has been over 10 days. How can I find out which company I signed with and when I will receive my phone?.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no way for you to find out who your service provider is, Marguerite. If you had your phone, you could dial 6-1-1 and you service provider would answer the call. But without the phone you’re out of luck if you didn’t write it down. That’s why we always tell our readers to make sure they write down their service provider info and to keep it somewhere safe.
In regard to the delivery of your phone, don’t get too excited because it hasn’t arrived in ten days. Readers often tell us it took three or four weeks or even longer. The record we’ve heard is six months. Hopefully you’ll get your phone long before that.
Melissa Burdette says
I can’t remember which company my phone is through.. Can u please help me.. It’s been stolen
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are left with very few choices, Melissa. If you still had your phone you could call 6-1-1 and your service provider would answer. But you don’t have the phone, so that’s obviously impossible. Your only other option is to call each of the service provider’s in your state and ask if you are their customer. Time consuming, yes, but it would eventually get you an answer. If you’re lucky, you live in a state with very few providers. Here’s where you can find that list for your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Wayne Manzo says
Okay Rocket Scientists how come we can’t just call “Lifeline” and have them look it up. Since you are only allowed to be enrolled in one plan at a time they should have this information in their database. CA Lifeline English number is 1-866-272-0349
Free Government Cell Phones says
California is an exception because it has its own Lifeline organization that’s entirely independent of the national Lifeline program. (This absurd duplication of services is just symptiomaic of the way California flushes money down the toilet.) Give it a try, Wayne. If it works for Californians, great. Let us know. But there’s no way to do the same thing in the other states.
Juanita Bailey says
Hello, I’m trying to help a homeless person who received a Government cell phone. He ran out of minutes. He has an At&T cell, where can he go to have minutes added on to the phone in Chicago?
Free Government Cell Phones says
He needs to visit his service provider’s website. Each company’s website has an area that tells how to purchase more minutes.
sandy ellis says
i have a phonei got at a supermarket and 2 dayslater phone is not working LAUNCHER hasstopped I cantmake anycalls
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is another reason we do not recommend street booths and tents. You have a phone, but no one to call for help. Do you remember who your service provider is?
brittney tipton says
I just found my phone and it will not charge, or turn on, its been missing for 2months I thought my daughter had thrown it away. I don’t remember phone number but have the imei number/ what do I need to do to get new phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing you need to do is speak to your service provider’s customer service team to find out if your account is still active. Lifeline regulations say that an account gets automatically terminated if the phone goes unused for 60 days.
Imelda Hartley says
I have been disconnected from my government plan due to the fact that my phone cracked and a little bit of water got in those cracks. Therefor my screen was glitching and acting up. I thought it didnt work so I had put it away after going through a few boxes I had I found it so I then charged it and it now works but due to that matter I have no service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume your service was terminated because you didn’t use your free government cell phone for 30 days or longer (that’s one of the rules of the program and the companies are required to do it). Call your service provider to confirm if that’s why you were terminated. You should then be able to register with any other Lifeline company offering free government cell phone plans in your state. Here’s a link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Roger shelton says
My phone got stolen I can’t remember my carrier how can I report it it’s a government phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
C’mon, Roger, you left your comment on an article titled “I lost my cell phone and can’t remember which company provides my service. How can I figure it out.” Read the article. Follow the steps outlined. If they don’t work in your case, you’re out of luck.