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How do I get a replacement for a lost, stolen or broken phone?

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As the nation’s leading authority on Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program, we get a lot of questions. But the question we’re asked most often is, “My cell phone was lost or stolen. How can I get it replaced?” In fact, the question is asked so often that we suspect there may be a major crime ring out there dedicated to stealing free government cell phones (just kidding).

Dozens of companies now compete in the Lifeline program and although their “lost or stolen” policies are generally similar, they’re different enough that we thought we could provide a definite public service by compiling the following comprehensive list all those policies together in one place.

There are five free government cell phone companies that are near national in scope plus dozens of others that compete regionally or in a handful of scattered states across the country. Let’s review the five “national” companies first:

Safelink Wireless Replacement Policy

Safelink Wireless is the largest, oldest and best known of the companies that offer free government cell phones. They have millions of customers in 38 states plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. It’s lost or stolen policy says:

Lost or Stolen Phone Policy: For any lost or stolen SAFELINK WIRELESS phone, you may request and receive only one replacement phone per customer. The replacement phone will be a refurbished phone. All reported lost and stolen phones will be permanently deactivated. The replacement phone will include only 10 minutes of lost airtime. Any additional airtime that you may have had on your lost phone will not be replaced. In the event you lose your replacement phone or it is stolen, you will need to purchase an additional phone. If a phone is lost or stolen while in transit to the customer before the customer receives the phone, the lost phone and airtime may be replaced as a onetime courtesy in TracFone’s sole discretion.

Assurance Wireless Replacement Policy

Assurance Wireless is a division of Virgin Mobile. It has grown rapidly and now serves 40 states and the District of Columbia. Its lost or stolen policy states:

What should I do if I lose my Assurance Wireless phone?
Don’t panic. Take another look around and try to find your phone.

If you still can’t locate your phone, let us know right away and we’ll suspend service. That way, once your service is suspended, no one can use your remaining balance. We can help you get a replacement phone (most likely at no charge). We usually can have it to you in just a few days. .

Call us at 1-888-321-5880 to suspend your account.

What should I do if my Assurance Wireless phone breaks within the first year?
Your Assurance Wireless phone comes with a one-year warranty from the original equipment manufacturer. If you experience an equipment malfunction, call us at 1-888-321-5880 and we will arrange for a replacement mobile phone.

Reachout Wireless Replacement Policy

ReachOut currently offers LifeLine service in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Here’s the text of the company’s lost or stolen policy:

Unfortunately, ReachOut Wireless™ like every wireless provider, cannot be responsible for lost or stolen handsets or handsets that are damaged after they are delivered to the subscriber. However, ReachOut Wireless™ now offers phones at a discounted price that includes taxes and shipping for one low price. The make and model of the initial mobile phone you received is random according to ReachOut Wireless™ inventory. You are unable to choose which model of phone you initially receive under the ReachOut Wireless™ program.

However ReachOut Wireless™ now offers you the ability purchase a Samsung, Motorola, LG, Kyocera, Audiovox or Nokia replacement handset. The phone you purchase will be factory tested. You may purchase the same or comparable model that you received from ReachOut Wireless™ the first time. Remember, the phone will be shipped through your USPS Postman, as your original phone arrived. Your phone number will remain the same AND all minutes accumulated on your phone will be transferred over to your new phone. With your replacement phone purchase, you will also receive BONUS minutes depending upon the make & model of the phone you purchase.

Budget Mobile Replacement Policy

Budget currently offers free government cell phone plans in 30 states and have already announced expansion plans into 17 more states and Puerto Rico. Here is the company’s lost or stolen policy:

We can suspend your account so no one can use the phone. If you happen to find your phone, please contact our Customer Service department, so we can restore your services. Unfortunately, if you are unable to find your phone, you will need to purchase a replacement phone.

To purchase a replacement phone, you may stop by your local Budget Mobile store, or you may mail a money order in the amount of $20.00 to: Budget Prepay Inc, 1325 Barksdale Blvd, Suite 200, Bossier City, LA 71112. Please be sure to include your account number or mobile number on the money order.

Life Wireless Replacement Policy

Life Wireless does business in 25 states plus Puerto Rico. It’s lost of stolen policy says:

Lost or Stolen Phones: If your Device is lost or stolen you must contact us immediately to report the Device lost or stolen. If your Device is lost or stolen, you will be responsible for all charges incurred on your phone number until you report the theft or loss. You can report your Device as lost or stolen and suspend your service without a charge by contacting us. You may request a replacement through customer service by paying a $20 replacement fee. Replacements will be shipped within 24 business hours on receipt of payment. After you report the theft or loss to us you remain responsible for complying with your other obligations under this Agreement including, but not limited to, payment of any monthly service fees. We and you have a duty to act in good faith and in a reasonable and responsible manner, including in connection with the loss or theft of your Device.

In addition to the Big Five free government cell phone companies, dozens of smaller, regional companies compete in the Lifeline Assistance business. The companies vary from state to state, so let’s review some of the larger ones:

Assist Wireless Replacement Policy

Assist Wireless offers Lifeline Assistance plans in Arkansas, Maryland and Oklahoma with planned expansion in California, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Texas. The company’s lost or stolen policy is as follows:

There is a $25 fee to replace your damaged or lost Lifeline cell phone. You may replace your lost or damaged phone by mailing payment to the address listed below or by completing the online form located on this page using your credit card/debit card. Your handset will be mailed to you at the address you provide in the order. If you choose to mail a check or money order please send payment to the address below:

Assist Wireless
Attention: Phone Replacement
2402 Gravel Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76118

** When mailing in a replacement request please include your name, address, mobile number,
contact number, and a $25 check or money order.**

Cintex Wireless Replacement Policy

This regional Lifeline provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island and West Virginia. The company’s website is silent on the subject of any lost or stolen policy, but according to an independent online source this is the policy:

If your phone is lost or stolen, your monthly minutes are not protected or reimbursable until you notify the company of your missing phone. You must call 877-304-9183 or visit Cintex Wireless website, (www.cintexwireless.com) Once the company is notified you can buy a new phone and all remaining time and your old phone number will be transferred to you new phone. If minutes were used during the time your phone was lost, they will not be refunded.

Contact:
Website: Cintex Wireless – Apply
PO Box 10707
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
1(800)826-0337

i-Wireless Replacement Policy

i-Wireless is a division of Cincinnati Bell and serves residents of Ohio only. i-Wireless does business under the Access Wireless name, so don’t be confused. They are one and the same. Here’s the company’s lost or stolen policy:

What should I do if I lose my Access Wireless phone?
If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, you are responsible for charges incurred until you notify us of the loss of your mobile phone by visiting our website at www.accesswireless.com or by calling Access Wireless at 1-866-594-3644. Upon receiving notice that your mobile phone is lost or stolen, Access Wireless will suspend your account. If you do not either activate a new Access Wireless phone or notify us that you have found your old mobile phone within 60 days of the suspension of your account, your account will be deactivated, you will lose your Access Wireless phone number and Access Wireless will assess you a termination charge equal to the balance in your account, which is not refundable even if you reactivate your account. Customers may purchase a new i-wireless phone at the regular retail price at a participating Kroger store or online at www.iwirelesshome.com, or you may choose to receive a refurbished replacement phone for a fee of $30, plus applicable tax.

StandUp Wireless Replacement Policy

StandUp Wireless is a free cell phone provider in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Lost or Stolen Phone Policy: For any lost or stolen STAND UP WIRELESS phone, customer should contact STAND UP WIRELESS at 1-800-544-4441 immediately to suspend account. Customer is responsible for all usage, authorized or unauthorized that occurred between the time phone was lost and when it was reported to STAND UP WIRELESS. The customer is responsible for all costs associated with replacement of the phone.

Terracom Wireless Replacement Policy

This is a regional provider that serves the states of Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, West Virginia or Wisconsin.
Here is how the company’s lost or stolen policy is spelled out on its website:

Lost or Stolen Equipment:

If you lose your handset or have your handset stolen, you are responsible for all charges incurred until TerraCom Wireless is notified of the lost or stolen wireless phone. To report a lost or stolen wireless phone, please contact TerraCom Wireless at the TerraCom America Service Number located above. Upon receiving notice of the lost or stolen phone, TerraCom Wireless will suspend the account immediately. If you do not either activate a new TerraCom Wireless phone or notify us that you have found your wireless phone within 30 days of the suspension of the account, the account will be deactivated and you will lose the TerraCom Wireless phone number.

Yourtel Wireless Replacement Policy

This regional provider, a sister company of Terracom Wireless, offers free government cell phone plans in Kansas, Illinois. Missouri, Maine, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Washington, Rhode Island and Washington. Its lost of stolen policy states:

Unfortunately, YourTel Wireless cannot be responsible for lost or stolen handsets or handsets that are damaged after they are delivered to the subscriber. However, YourTel Wireless now offers phones at a discounted price that includes taxes and shipping for one low price. You may upgrade your phone at any time as long as you have active service with YourTel Wireless.

YourTel Wireless offers you the ability to purchase a Samsung, Motorola, LG, Kyocera, Audiovox or Nokia as a replacement or upgrade handset. The phone you purchase will be factory tested. If you are replacing a lost phone, you may purchase the same or comparable model that you received from the first time. Remember, the phone will be shipped through your USPS Postman, as your original phone arrived. Your phone number will remain the same AND all minutes accumulated on your phone will be transferred over to your new phone.

ATTENTION: Before making your selection, be advised that you are only allowed 1 transaction for any amount, per 24 hour period.

Wireless for Hope Replacement Policy

Wireless is a small, regional player that operates in Arkansas and Louisiana. They also do business as Easy Wireless. The company’s lost or stolen policy is spelled out on the Easy website:

What should I do if I lose my Easy Wireless phone?

Don’t panic. Take another look around and try to find your phone.

If you still can’t locate your phone, let us know right away and we’ll suspend service. That way, once your service is suspended, no one can use your remaining balance. We can help you get a replacement phone. We usually can have it to you in just a few days, and we’ll transfer any remaining balance in your account to your replacement phone.

Call us at 611, or 1-877-476-3451 to speak with a customer service representative and request a new phone.

Tag Mobile Replacement Policy

One of the major regional competitors — Tag Mobile — offers no website information on its lost or stolen policy. Considering the number of cell phone owners who evidently lose their phones or have them stolen, this seems to be a major oversight — one we hope Tag will correct soon.

Other Companies’ Replacement Policies

In addition, some free government cell phone companies — primarily the smallest of the competitors — also neglect to include their lost or stolen policies on their websites. Despite our best efforts, we’ve been unable to determine what those policies may be. Those companies include Alaska Communications (Alaska only), Care Wireless (Illinois), True Wireless (Arkansas, Maryland, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Texas).

Help Finding your Phone

We know how frustrating it is and how much time can be wasted when your cell phone is lost or stolen. We want to help you find it without having to go through all the rigamarole required to get a new one. Androids and iPhones will let you track the phone’s location if it goes missing, but for most of the Lifeline phones from the above carriers, there is no such feature. The only options available are low tech: look between the sofa cushions, under the bed, and in your cost pockets; and revisit places you were last at.

However, if for some reason you have an iPhone or Android, the following videos will help you to use technology to quickly locate exactly where you phone is.

How to locate your Android phone:

How to locate your iPhone:

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Before you post your comment...

  1. If you are going to ask "how do I get a cell phone?" go here instead.
  2. If you are going to ask "how do I get a replacement phone," go here instead
  3. We are not your cell phone company. All technical questions should be asked of your vendor.
  4. Your comments are moderated, and we will manually approve those worth publishing within 24 hours.

Comments

  2. I am in need of a phone. I lost mine. My new address is: Melissa Korell, *****, Thorndale, TX 76577

    What do I need to do? Please advise me in getting another phone. My present phone number is: 512-216-****

    Thanks, Melissa Korell

    Reply

    • First of all, Melissa, you can’t use a PO Box as an address. You must have a street address in order to receive a free government cell phone.

      Second, if you want to know what to do about your lost phone, read the article on this page.

      Reply

  3. how do i get a replacement phone? I try to log in with my account information and the website doesn’t register anything.

    Reply

    • If only there were an article that told you how all the major Lifeline companies handle that situation. That would be cool.

      Reply

  5. My moms phone keeps showing no servíce and restriction 34. It has has 3,000 minutes. Incoming calls go right to mailbox and does not allow any dialing out. The icon at the top has the phone with a slash through it. What should I do for her?

    Reply

    • Why do you need a new phone, Bridgette? Because you moved to a different state or is your phone lost, stolen or broken?

      Reply

  7. When I Have a Problem with phone of any thing else as professional wise I need to address I am to make a phone call . The problem I have I am Hearing impaired .So my question is. How does the VCO work on a cell phone. No one seams to get it neither do I . I am tired of others handling my business and talking for me when I am quit capable of doing it myself… IF Only Yes I am aware of the settings on the phone ; but they DO NOT WORK , are they just for looks ?

    Reply

    • Sorry, Pamela, but we’re experts on the Lifeline program, not on hearing-impaired plans. We honestly know very little about it. However, we do have an article about the speech/hearing/voice-impaired plans from each of the leading customers. Maybe that will help. Here it is:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired

      One other suggestion: Have you tried doing an online chat with any of the free government cell phone companies’ customer service teams? If anyone can answer your questions, we would assume it would be them.

      Reply

  8. My phone was destroyed in a car accident back in May 2017, how do I go about getting it replaced? It got wet, I can’t use it at all but can receive messages

    Reply

  10. I need to report my phone stolen I don’t k ow how cause every number I call it just hangs up on me can someone help me please

    Reply

  13. To whom this my concern,
    I had my mother and two grandchildren with me shopping ….big mistake….I had to go to the batheroom…i had my wallet and phone in one hand and went to flush the toilet and the phone fell out of my hand and into the toilet water…needless to say one of my medications makes my hands shake and i dropped it …it no longer works….plus the battery wasnt keeping a charge even through out the day….I am requesting a new android phone…thanks for your help]
    andrea schneider

    Reply

    • Fascinating story, Andrea, but we cannot help you because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  14. I would like to cancel my lost cell phone in CA that was a 4G Safeline Wireless/Free phone in Santa Cruz, CA immediately! I lost it last Friday September 1st.

    Phone Number 831-900-****

    I have relocated to another area, and will have to reapply for my benefits in another county. So, I will be changing addresses, etc…

    I do not have access to another phone right now, so please respond to my email account as listed below. Thank you in advance for your expedient service!

    PS. Can you give me locations where I might reapply for cell phone service in Marin County?

    Reply

    • A couple things, Monica. First, you do not need to reapply just because you moved from one county to another. Yes, you would need to reenroll with a new company if you moved from one state to another, but not for moving from one county to another.

      Second, we strongly urge all our readers to apply from home by phone or online because there have been too many cases of fraud and abuse at the street events.

      Reply

  16. Ok so I recently got a free phone but my problem is that I misplaced my phone and I can’t remember the number on the phone to call it to find it.How do I go about aquiring the number so I can call to listen for the ring. I only had the phone for a day or two so I didn’t have the number stored in my memory

    Reply

    • Contact the USAC at USAC.org. They will be able to help you find out which service provider you use.

      Reply

  17. To whom it may concern my name is Amanda Stocks I lost my safe link phone so I will need replaced. My number is 910-261-****

    Reply

    • You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Amanda. They are the only ones who can solve your problem.

      Reply

  18. I received a free phone through the state service and it’s all but useless. No one can hear me on this little LG candybar phone, the numbers are too small to read for us older people, you have to hit three different button combinations to answer a call and if you have a hard time seeing then you miss more calls than you receive! It comes with web browsing but have you ever browsed the web with one of these clunky things? the time it takes to keystroke alone uses up the data plan very quickly. My daughter is on the same service and got a smart-phone but somehow us older people are given this tiny unusable old style phone.

    I’ve called tech support at safelink and they can barely hear me, the automated service doesn’t work most of the time cause the bot can’t hear me. When I did get a representative she could barely hear or understand what I was talking about. Then said she would call back on an alternate number I was able to get through to her but will only replace with same device type!.

    What can I do from here? this is a completely useless service at this rate.

    Reply

    • How long have you had your account, Ty? And do you have voice and text service or voice/text and data service? That will impact our answer.

      Reply

      • I have a very similar problem to Ty’s. When I signed up for safelink, they only gave out non smart phones. Well now, after almost 3 years of using this little phone that is extremely difficult to use (which is putting it VERY lightly!) and knowing that new customers get a smart phone for free and 500 mb data for free (in missouri), I don’t see how it is fair to not offer an upgrade of some sort. I know you aren’t safelink, and I thank you for this website because I use it as a reference quite often actually…I’m just wondering, since I am at the end of my current years enrollment, is there any possible way that you know of to receive a smart phone from safelink, as a new customer would? As of September 1st, I have 30 days left to read certify or I’ll be Un-enrolled from the program…I’ve have waited this long to recertification because I’m stuck between switching lifeline companies altogether in order to receive a free smart phone from another company but lose my number, or staying with safelink and keeping my number, but being stuck with this phone (as far as I can tell)

        Getting a new nuber wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but I just recently have started a lawn mowing business (or I’m trying to anyway) and I fear that a number change could possibly inadvertently lose customers, even though I would obviously give everyone my nwe number (some people might not store it, or possibly delete it on accident, etc.)

        I have tried calling safelink customer service, but out of the 20 times I’ve called, all 20 times I get someone on the other end that I honestly just cannot understand because of their accents, and from what little I have understood, the answers I’ve received have been different each time.

        Any suggestions or help would be great!

        Reply

        • It’s certainly worth a call to Safelink customer service, Brittany. Ask to speak to a supervisor, and ask that person if you can get upgraded for re-certifying. Tell them that you will be forced to switch to another Lifeline company if they won’t upgrade your phone.

          The odds are that they won’t upgrade you, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If they won’t upgrade you, you have two options. (1) Buy an upgraded phone, or (2) Do as you threatened and switch to a new Lifeline free government cell phone service provider. As a new customer with that company, you are entitled to a free smartphone.

          Here’s an article that will tell you more about how to switch. It’s really a pretty simple process:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers

          And here’s where you can find a complete list of all the Lifeline companies offering free government cell phone plans in your state:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          Reply

    • We can’t replace your husband’s broken phone because we are NOT Safelink, Mack. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  20. MY PHONE GOT BROKEN AND WIFE LOST IT DUE TO HER SICKNESS,A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT AND LOTS OF DR. VISITS AND LOTS OF MEDS.I THINKS EFFECTS OF ALL THE MEDS COULD YOU HELP US GET ANOTHER A LITTLE LARGER IF YOU COULD THANKS JAMES STEWART

    Reply

  22. This article does not address broken phone replacement. It only addresses lost or stolen phones. What about getting another phone and installing your original sim card in it? Will Safelink replace the broken phone or do you just go buy another phone and how do you know it will work?

    Reply

    • C’mon, John, do you really think Safelink is going to replace a broken phone? Will Apple? Or Samsung? Break it and it’s up to you to replace it.

      Getting another phone may work, but also may not. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so before you buy a new phone you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if the phone you want to purchase is compatible with its network.

      Reply

      • Thank you Moderator for your quick aanswer to my comment. But I wasn’t asking for a free replacement! !’m asking for someone else whose phone got wet and doesn’t operate any longer. I’m trying to help them and just wanted to know the procedure and if I went to the store and bought her a tracfone, would it work with the original sim card.

        By the way, would Apple or Samsung replace a lost or stolen phone without an insurance policy on the phone? I think not! Not only is this article mis-titled, it is misleading and in the end, when the reader makes a comment trying to get an answer, they’re instructed to ccntact the cell phone company…. which is what the reader should have done in the first place before or without reading the article

        I’ll call Safelink and be put on hold like most so called customer service departments are now doing. Thanks again for your help.

        Reply

  23. Nothing in the article states how to get a replacement phone, if it gives a number to call, no one answers. Is it possible to reach a live person?

    Reply

    • Depends on the company, Denise. Some companies are virtually impossible when it comes to reaching a live rep. In those cases, check the company’s website to see if it has an email form to reach customer service.

      Reply

  28. my phone is broken .it wont come on it’ lights up ,butthe writing do not come on the bottom of the screen.

    Reply

  29. my phone is not lost its broken malfunctioning would like to get a replacement same number. my number is 901-672-**** my address is *** ******* ave. Memphis tn. 38112 please somebody help my phone is through Kroger’s I don’t know what company but its a coolpad twayne boles

    Reply

  30. i have a zte from assurance keeps freezeing up on me tried the factory reset that they told me to do and still does it. Had it over a year and now what should i do tied to get it replace at a site where they had set up at a store just was given the number to call and got the reset code ?

    Reply

  31. I have a safe link phone and its cracked I plan on buying the same phone can I just use my battery and sim in the other phone

    Reply

  35. My phone was lost a few months ago stolen I called and try to get another one inside the say Straight Talk ended up fixing it for you guys and they gave me out little crappy phone they shouldn’t have done that I plan to make a complaint and whoever this is too I mean if y’all are going to do this include it right no fence but the phone they let me borrow end up blowing up within 2 weeks and now I’m not a phone. I have kids so I’m begging you guys please send me a phone that works ASAP because if you want to do something said to do it right and not advertise wise. Thank you.

    Reply

    • This is an independent informational website, Ashley. We have nothing to do with your Lifeline service provider.

      Reply

    • How long has it been since you enrolled, Betty? Most companies say you’ll get your phone in 2-3 weeks, but readers tell us that 3-4 weeks or even longer is not unusual.

      Reply

  38. I had received my free Safelink phone a few months ago, but misplaced it in my house before ever using it. I found it a couple months later, but it wouldn’t work. I called to report it, was told that it was cut off because I hadn’t used it in 30 days. Is there anything that can be done to get it replaced?

    Reply

  39. My Safelink phone is old and broken. How do I get a new phone? I want to keep my number and plan, just switch it to another device. Can I just buy a phone from Walmart? Can you send me a replacement?

    Reply

  43. hi,I’m Scott.I have replaced and activated a new sim card. when I am in my house the phone does not work. I have three bars. when I go a half mile or less outside.phone seems to work. For two or more years I never had a problem using my phone at home. Whats going on ? ?

    Reply

    • Contact customer service or tech support by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, Scott.

      Reply

  44. PHONE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY.SCREEN WONT TURN ON.PHONE THREE DAYS OLD.WHO DO I CONTACT FOR REPLACEMENT,PHONE COMPANY,TRAC PHONE OR SAFELINK?

    Reply

    • If Safelink is your service provider, that’s who you call, Richard. Customer service, to be exact.

      Reply

  46. Ok what if i don’t have another phone to call the customer service. then how will i call in to have my service cut off.

    Reply

    • You have a couple other options (other than the obvious one of borrowing a friend or neighbor’s phone). First, turn the phone off and make sure you do not use it for 30 days or longer. You account should then be automatically cancelled at that point. Second, if you are anywhere near the anniversary date of your enrollment, you are expected to re-certify that you qualify. If you simply neglect to re-certify, you should also be cancelled.

      Reply

  47. Hello, I am wondering why I sent a 60 day notice last month asking me to return a form, which I did but I still didn’t get minutes for the months of July or August. Fortunately, I had some minutes roll over but I am now running out. I was going to add more even if I had to pay for them, but I am currently being blocked from doing this. I was unable to reach anyone by phone to talk about this and am now having trouble logging on. What is going on? Is this program being phased out, or is it just me?

    Reply

  48. I have lost my phone from SafeLink at store. Went back but it was gone and not turned in…please I need a replacement. I need for Dr. Appointments and such. Very important…please email me and tell me what to do. Melissa k. Huffman….. Could not find who to contact, only names of replace companies and not much help! Only describes policy’s, but no contact…

    Reply

    • Hello my Name is Tina Gwin i lost my , but when I call the can not find me. I have the UPC : 851119004348 phone number 4234922246. but when I call they say I do not have 1 witgh them. I did it at The Famlies and Children place in Johnson City Tn. Please see what you can find. The 1 lady said she would send me a new application but that was a month ago and I have not ereceived 1 yet. Please help me. I am in need of a PHOINE.. This is an e-mail I am using.

      Reply

  49. yes hi my name is william lodes am writting in response because i need a new phone can you please send me a phone becauase my phone had been stolen

    Reply

  52. I didn’t get a phone,instead I chose the sim card,it was damaged around last March can I get a replacement?I only remember the phone number,and its through truconnect

    Reply

    • We can’t tell you if you can get a new SIM card because we’re not your service provider, William. Check with your free government cell phone company’s customer service team.

      Reply

  53. I have a LG REBEL LTE and samsung galaxy prime and my phone does not ring and it does not have bluetooth which I need it’s the law here and I was wondering if I could use one of these instead of buying a new one to replace this one since it don’t work correctly I have called about this problem and the volume before please return a email and tell me if I have to buy new phone or if one of these will work.
    Thank you
    Teri Maynard

    Reply

    • Only your service provider’s customer service team can answer that question, Teri. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so the best we can give you is a “maybe.” Customer service or tech support will be able to give you a definitive answer. You can reach customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  54. my name is deborah rose fisher. my phi one was stolen and has been used. i would like it shut off. not asking for a replacement phone. just want it turned off. my safelink numver is 218-252-****. if you need any verification, here is my e-mail: *******@gmail .com

    Reply

    • We can’t cancel your account because we’re not your service provider, Deborah. You need to contact Safelink customer service.

      Reply

  58. I just need u to send me a new phone. i lost mine when moving. I have filled out all the information you need. can someone help me? 812 801 ****, call me back. I dont remember the number on lost phone.

    Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Tammir, so we can’t send you a replacement cell phone. Well, we could, but it would be our own personal phone and then we couldn’t make our own phone calls. Read the above article and do as it says.

      Reply

  59. My free cell phone was stolen from my home . My number is 423 475 ****. Please suspend my service and track my phone if possible. I will press charges thank you.
    Catherine pankey

    Reply

    • Read the article above, Catherine, and see if it says you can get your phone back by leaving a comment here.

      Reply

  60. REALLY??? Why doesn’t anyone read the article???? It gives them all the information they need.
    I would not be as polite as you are. 🙂

    Reply

  61. Hello This is Christine Munro at 917-570-**** email *******@gmail.com My phone shut off again for the fourth time this week. Thankyou Christine Munro.

    Reply

    • Sorry to hear about your problems, Christine, but we can’t solve them because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. Contact your free government cell phone company’s customer service team.

      Reply

    • Start by reading the article titled “How do I get a replacement for a lost, stolen or broken phone?” on this page.

      Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Frank, so we have no way of knowing. This is an independent informational website with no affiliations with any of the free government cell phone companies.

      Reply

    • You have a couple options. The easiest one is to borrow a friend’s phone to contact your service provider’s customer service team. The other option will require you to visit your service provider’s website to see if they offer an online chat or customer service email option.

      Reply

    • Can someone, anyone, please tell us why so many people leave a comment saying, “My phone has been stolen” at the end of an article that is titled “How do I get a replacement for a lost, stolen or broken phone?” For god’s sake, people, just read the damn article.

      Reply

  69. I have a safe link alcatel phone, the numbers 1 & 2 gets stuck all the time. This makes it impossible to use the prompts to make my dr Appts. & make calls to be picked up from my Appts. My speaker phone does not work also. I turned off the phone several times & restarted it & the problem still exists. I took & left out the battery for a while & as suggested by the support/ technical team & I’m still having the same problems. When I contact the support, I left waiting on the phone for an extreme amount of time which uses up my minutes that I need for my medical issues. I know that the company has sent others that I know & have seen in Illinois updated government phones. I am hoping safe link can do the same for me. I can’t afford to buy minutes. I can’t be kept on hold using up minutes when I have to use them sparily to last throughout the month for medical & business reasons. I use my minutes for important calls only. Hope you can help me. Patti Franklin 708 543-****. Thank you

    Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, so it’s impossible for us to know the status of your order, Frank. Check its website to see if it has a “Check Your Status” function. Many of them do. If not, try contacting its customer service team.

      Reply

    • We’re an independent informational website, Michelle. That means we are NOT your service provider. You need to contact them directly.

      Reply

  72. I received a letter from California LifeLine Administrator 6 days ago asking for renewing my discounts, with the Applicant’s Phone Number which I have never used. This letter states that “check your name, address and phone number. Call your phone company to report any mistakes. The phone company will fix them…”. When I found the mistake of the Applicant’s Phone Number I called Safelink many times, however, I couldn’t contact them on the phone and online. How can I report Safelink the mistake of the phone number?

    Reply

    • You must tell the customer service agent that, “I want to port over my current phone number.” Say it several times during your conversation and confirm that it has been done before you end your conversation.

      Reply

  74. My phone is coming apart from ware and tear, its out dated and needs to be upgraded to touch screen!

    Reply

    • Your service provider may or may not upgrade you to a smartphone, Scott, depending on their particular policies and how long you’ve had your account. If they won’t, you can always switch to a different service provider, which would make you a new customer and all new customers receive smartphones.

      Reply

    • Your service provider may give you a smartphone IF you’ve had an account long enough. Otherwise, they will charge you a relatively small fee.

      Reply

    • C’mon, Carolyn. The least you can do is read the article titled “How do I get a replacement for a lost, stolen or broken phone” before asking “How can I get a replacement phone?”

      Reply

  79. I attempted to report a problem with my phone yesterday. I kept getting a different agent each time I called. This agent was trying to get me in contact with the supervisor. Each time, I would get disconnected. Then I would call back and have to start over explaining the problem. I am frustrated and angry. I used my friends safelink phone to report the problem, an have used all her minutes. I have not yet gotten the problem fixed. How do I get this problem fixed and how do I replace my friends minutes. I believe this problem should be fixed and my friends’ minutes replaced. Since the problem has not yet been resolved, I need to be contacted by a supervisor

    Reply

  80. How do I get a hold of safe link through email. I don’t have a phone and I don’t know anyone here in Las Vegas. They say I have a phone through them and I keep telling them if I had a phone I wouldn’t keep trying to apply for one.

    Reply

    • Contact customer service again and ask to speak to a supervisor. Tell that person that you need help cleaning up an error on the National Lifeline Assistance Database (NLAD).

      Reply

    • C’mon, Donald, you need to do your homework. We’ve given you all the information you need and now it’s up to you to follow through.

      Reply

  85. My mom has a safe link phone and is on Disability and SSI. She had phone for a while then it was shut off without her gettin a notice she needs the phone to get ahold of someone if something happens. She’s tried to get help through calling your numbers but left on hold. Thought government phones was for people like her. How can she get this fixed and phone back on.

    Reply

    • It was probably shut off for one of two reasons: (1) She didn’t use the phone for 30 days. New rules say any phone that goes unused for 30 days gets terminated. (2) Did she do her annual recertification?

      Now that her account has been cancelled, she is free to enroll with any free government cell phone company that does business in your state. Here’s where you can find a complete list of those plans:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • If your current free government cell phone service provider will not give you a replacement phone, you can always switch to a new service provider after you’ve been with your current one for 60 days. As a new customer, you will receive a smartphone from that new service provider. Here’s where you can find a complete list of the free government cell phone companies offering plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • I my phone has fallen in the toliet bowl. Now I have no phone, is there any way. I can get a new phone please.and thank you.

      Reply

      • It depends on your service provider and how long you’ve had your account, Jennie. Your service provider may replace your phone for free, but the odds are against it. You’ll probably be required to pay a small fee for a replacement.

        Reply

  88. I have an Alcatel phone through I believe SafeLink, I’ve had it about 6 years. The phone works fine except that it seems the battery is dying. I can’t get through a call without getting a low battery warning and having to plug the charger up if I want to talk for more than a couple of minutes. Will SafeLink replace it?

    Reply

    • Since you’ve had the phone so long they may be willing to replace it for free. If not, you can upgrade for a reasonably small fee. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to contact customer service.

      Reply

  89. i signed up for a phone about a week ago and was told it would be here in three days. i have since not recieved the phone. if you could help me id appreciate it. my name and email. ronald hofstrom jr

    Reply

    • We’d be shocked if many people get their phones in three days, Ronald. Most companies say it will take two weeks or so, but in the real word our readers say it’s often three or four weeks or even longer. Did you enroll by phone, online or at a street booth. We’re going to go out on a limb here and guess that it was a street booth.

      Reply

  90. My sim card just deactivated today&i just renewed it June 16th,so now I’m without a phone&I babysit my 3yr.old grandson&were here alone all day…This is the 2nd phone that went bad for no reason!!!now I got to wait 3to 4days to get a new sim card then I got to go through the whole process of hours reactivating it again….When are they going to up grade the phones so this doesn’t keep happening&think of the money the state will save not having to continually replace cheap sim cards&or the phones them selves &leaving people who have health problems&a3yr.old grandson all day???what if there’s an emergency with me?Who takes care of my grandson then???This is so very frustrating as well as very inconvient,but why would you care you just sit&answer phones&most of the time don’t know what’s wrong with the phone…your just guessing……Have a great day with your phone that works when you need it too….Thanks!!!….I look forward to hearing from you very soon too….Kathy….

    Reply

    • We certainly sympathize with your problems, Kathy, but we cannot do anything about them because we are an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone company. Since you’re having so many problems with your service provider, you should consider switching providers as soon as you are eligible (after one year if your plan includes internet, just 60 days if it doesn’t).

      Reply

        • How does one lose a SIM card? I’ve had a cell phone for 30 years and have never even seen my SIM card. I know it’s in there somewhere, but never felt the need to open up my phone to see it. I’m not trying to be a smart ass. This is a legit question I’m asking. Why do people open up their phones?

          I should probably ask our Tech Guru this question. He probably opens up his phone for all sorts of reasons I’d never think of.

          Reply

  91. I lost my SafeLink phone and can’t figure out how to get another SafeLink wireless phone?can you plz give me a customer service number?ty

    Reply

  92. I LOST my phone. Yesterday and I still can’t find it. Can please turn it off. If not who EVERY founds it is going to use all my mom’s. Thank U

    Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Susan. We’re an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

    • Probably. But you’ll need to discuss it with customer service. You might also check your service provider’s website because many of them show the phones that are available.

      Reply

  95. Dear Sirs,

    I applied for one of your phones about a month ago. My name is Will Morgan, my SSN is 409-94-****. My residence is at **** ****** Boone, North Carolina, 28607. I have not heard from you regarding my application. Please tell me what I need to do that I have not already done.

    Will Morgan

    Reply

    • We’re not the company you applied with, Will. This is an independent informational website.

      Reply

    • We’ve re-read the article on this page and we just can’t find the part that says you can get a replacement cell phone by leaving a comment at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net.

      Reply

  100. Hi my name is Dana J. Booker somebody stole my phone and i need Safe link to cancel my account out.Thank you

    Reply

    • Just one quick question, Sheila: Did the article above say that you could get a replacement phone by leaving a comment at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net?

      Reply

  103. My name is Linda K Shellenberger. My phone number is 757-232-****. I was sent three phone text saying I needed to call and recertify my phone. Three times I tried to call to recertify, but each time the recorded message came on it would be so hard to understand. It would ask to press 1 to recertify…I would press 1, but it kept giving all the choices. Then it was so garbled I couldn’t understand what it was saying. I don’t know if it is my phone or a recording. My phone is old and it doesn’t ring, it vibrates. Please help me, because I need my phone. Also I need a new one.

    Reply

  104. My phone’s text messaging hasn’t worked in a week and I’ve been trying to get it fixed but no one seems to know the problem the only way I can receive or send messages is through pictures I need a new phone

    Reply

  105. None seem to say if accidental breakage or everyone’s fav water damage. At least regarding cost? Manufacturers warranty rarely covers that. Any ideas? and before someome is a wiseguy. some rather not spend 45 min on the phone to find the prices before likely deciding no. so info here would save many people time and or money and frustration

    Reply

    • Remember that all the cell phones offered by the free government cell phone companies are refurbished, older models. So warranties are extremely limited. As far as we know, none of the Lifeline companies make any exceptions for why your phone got damaged. If you’ve been with some companies longer than a year with no problems, some of them are willing to replace a broken or damaged phone for free. But if you’ve been a customer for less than a year, the odds are against you.

      Reply

    • C’mon, Susan, what kind of response do you expect from that comment? You need to do a little work and read the article and then do as it says if you want to get a new phone.

      Reply

    • Hi my name is Patricia hershberger my boyfriend has passed away and his phone has been stolen from me and I need it to be off the #814-915-**** thank you

      Reply

      • We can’t cut it off, Patricia, because we’re not his service provider. That’s who you need to contact.

        Reply

  108. Hi, this is rimi. this is almost 2 years i am using lifeline phone.for me its so inportant because of my jobs and emergancy place i use this number. unfortunately my phone is broken.i am so happy if i get new phone same number, or if i get my phone password and pin cord so i can use this number . please help me …my phone number is 213-949-****. thank you

    Reply

  109. my safelink phone has been smashed and i need a new one my name is brenda leroux and my address is *** *********.

    Reply

    • A couple ways. (1) Contact your current service provider and ask customer service if they will give you an upgrade for free. If not, you will need to purchase an upgraded smartphone. (2) According to new FCC rules, new customers receive smartphones. If you were to switch service providers, you would be considered a new customer by the new service provider and automatically receive a new phone.

      If you decide to switch, here’s where you can find a complete list of free government cell phone companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Are you saying that you sent your phone back to your service provider to be repaired? We’ve never heard of a Lifeline company repairing phones. They would usually prefer to send out a replacement phone.

      Reply

  113. Had to go to ER last night and lost my Safelink phone. Cannot call to report it. Can a Safelink representative please contact me via email? I have a disability and need to be able to call out. Thank you!

    Reply

    • This is an independent informational website, Kathleen. In other words, this website is NOT affiliated with any free government cell phone company. You’ll need to contact your service provider directly to report your problem. Maybe you can borrow a friend’s phone.

      Reply

  114. My phone was stolen over a week ago and I wanted it to be deactivated but I can’t get threw! I have called constantly for a week now! I received it 3 years ago and can’t remember my account number. I can’t afford to pay for shipping on the replacement phone so just deactivated it and I’ll try to get another one when I can.

    Reply

    • Really? You’ve spoken to ALL the service providers in your state, Sanford? And none of them are your service provider? Maybe you should work your way down the list of free government cell phone companies in your state again. Here’s where you can find a complete list:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  117. I’ve had my tracphone for also two years now, its started to say my battery is getting hot when i try charging it. Can i get a free upgrade?

    Reply

  120. My daughter has lost her phone, and im sure it hasnt been used and may be deactivated now, but what can i do about getting her number trabsferred to another phone that i have? Pleasd email mr at ********@icloud.com.
    Thank you
    Phone Number is 850-210-****

    Reply

    • The longer it’s been since she lost her phone, the less likely it is that the number will still be available. It can’t hurt to try, though. So contact her service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  121. i love my phone but the other day the screen went white and the phone died on me how can we rectify this problem? raymond

    Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Raymond.

      Reply

  122. I had a Safelink account but I cancelled it on the 18th of this month because I lost my phone how do i reactivate my phone number on a new phone ??? Thank You in advance

    Reply

    • If you cancelled your service, you probably can’t get the same number again. It’s possible, but you need to contact your new service provider’s customer service team. We’re not very hopeful, though.

      Reply

  124. I wanted to re-certify my assurance wireless phone but dont know my enrollment number. i still have my phone and am in need of the service. Please help me figure out how to fix this problem. Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. Assurance customer service should be able to identify you with other personal info.

      Reply

  125. I have a gov. cell phone from Safelink which will not charge. Have talked to Safelink Tech and mentioned I have two older cell phones I could use as a replacement.Neither seems to be locked,,,they do everything but call.I obviously would have to have your help transferring my service. I am leaning toward a Motorola ..it has bigger numbers and letters than the other which is a Samsung .If you could use the above E-Mail which is my husband’s E-Mail he could help us get this done. He tried several AC chargers but none worked on that phone only.

    Reply

    • We cannot help you, Susan, because we are not your service provider. You need to get in touch with Safelink’s customer service team.

      Reply

  126. I really need to know something….. If i dont make a phonecall for 30 days and get cancelling will I be able to switch or do they still keep you for a year.. My phone WILL NOT WORK at my home the only place a need it for emegencys. The qlink website said free nationwide roaming when I got the phone it says domestic roaming and when I try to call it just says DOMESTIC ROAMING please buy a calling card. DO NOT GET QLINK PEOPLE WORST COMPANY I HAVE EVER EVER DEALT WITH in my entire life.

    Reply

  127. my mother in law lost her phone but can’t remember her pin number or ID number can you please help for her to get a replacement her number is 1 347-457-****

    Reply

    • Unfortunately, we can’t, Joan. We’re an independent informational website that’s not affiliated with any of the Lifeline free government cell phone companies. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service ors tech support team.

      Reply

  128. my phone kept showing me a blank screen instead of a text when I called they sent me out a replacement phone, before I received the replacement I lost the broken phone. I called and told them, had the policy switched to the replacement, was told no problem, then started getting texts telling me to return the broken phone. when I called was told I had to pay them twenty dollars for the lost phone. They told me they repair them when I asked why they wanted so much. I checked, those phones cost ten dollars working. when I didnt send them money they shut it off right after they texted saying thank you for your monthly payment.so they charged for a month of service on a phone they shut off the same day.

    Reply

  130. washed the cell phone and we talk to someone they said we could get a new one its been awhile and still no phone or even an email to let me know when it will arrive maybe this message will help

    Reply

    • Leaving a comment here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net will NOT help, Donna. This is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any of the Lifeline Assistance companies. First you need to read the above article and then you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  131. Hi I dropped my phone in water. It is broke, how can I replace it?
    I tried to find a link to do so but didn’t see one.

    Reply

  132. Last month I paid the extra $15 for unlimited service it said my regular minutes would be put on my phone when the 30 days was up. I then broke my phone and I went out and bought a new Android phone called and transferred my safe link number to the new phone. My 30 days is now up and my regular minutes are not on my phone. I t was at this point I realized there is no prepaid button on my phone so I can manually add the minutes myself. I t won’t let me call anyone either since their are no minutes left what can I do? I have a trac phone through safe link

    Reply

    • You need to contact Safelink and clear up this problem with a customer service agent.

      Reply

  133. I broke my screen on my and my husband he want me to ask to see if we can get a replacement i hope we can. Thank you

    Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Eric. We’re an independent informational website. You need to read the article above and then contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

    • C’mon, Jessica, did you read the article on this page before you posted your comment?

      Reply

  135. I recently found my old phone in the backyard under a wood pile that I stacked last year I went out and another track fone model number a206g new number is 206 304 ****. I was wondering if I need to re apply for the min and text I hate texting so what do I do to renew my contract with you phone is operational now and I will wait for a email from you on a yes or no thank you sincerely rick h. nicholson

    Reply

    • At the end of last year, new rules went into effect that mandate the cancellation of any account that has gone unused for 30 days. As a result, we assume your phone is dead. That being the case, you will need to re-enroll. The good news is that you can re-enroll with ANY Lifeline free government cell phone company. Here’s where you can find a complete list of companies and plans available in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, Jovita.

      Reply

  137. I dropped my phone and now It does not swipe to open. I think my provider is true connect, or T-Mobile. Can I put my sim card in my wife’s old moto droid RAZR? Please help.

    Reply

    • Not all cell phones work with all cell phone networks, Thomas, so we can’t answer your question. You need to speak to your Lifeline service provider’s customer service team. It’s not T-Mobile, because it doesn’t participate in the free government cell phone program.

      Reply

  141. My name is Brigitte EuGene. I have an account with Safelinkwireless. My phone has gotten water damaged and i would like to know if i can place it. My cell number is 407 731 **** or was. I have been trying to do it online and it keeps on starting over with the enrollment I.D. I don’t know my I.D. Please help or just send me a replacement.

    Reply

    • A couple thoughts, Brigitte. First, how long has your free government cell phone been damaged? If you’ve gone more than 30 days without making or receiving a call or text, your account may have already been cancelled. Second, we cannot send you a replacement because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any Lifeline Assistance companies.

      Reply

  142. I received a replacement phone when I lost my original phone. Now the replacement phone is broken and I cannot receive or make calls. I was told that I had to wait for a year to be up on the replacement phone before I can get another phone. Seems like the replacement phone was a dud and now I have NOTHING.

    Reply

    • Not an uncommon complaint, Barbara. You didn’t mention which service provider you are enrolled with, but you should check its website to see if it offers upgraded phones. Also check to see if it has a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. If so, you can always purchase an inexpensive cell phone from any number of online sources (like Amazon or eBay) and use it to connect to your free government cell phone account.

      Reply

  143. My Phone Doesn’t Have Enough Time On It To Make A Call . Is It Possible To Purchase Minutes Yo Get Me Through The End Of The Month ?

    Reply

  145. I had lost my phone found it but it is broken will not work at all now can i get a replacement please.

    Reply

    • Not from us, Rebecca, because we’re not your service provider’s. Read the article above and do as it says.

      Reply

    • Check your service provider’s website to see if it offers a “Check Your Status” function, Martin.

      Reply

  147. My phone don’t work it rings and when you pick it up to answer it there is no voice and you can’t hear anyone and the settings and volume are correct and turned up all the way.. I have cancer and diabetes I need a new phone sent to me ….. Ty. Denise adams

    Reply

  148. That number on phone is 615-3276 I need a replacement. I have kids and they have no way to reach me.. please reply.. again this is Christina Richardson

    Reply

  149. This is Christina richardson my phone has been stolen what do I do?? Can you send me a replacement phone please??

    Reply

  151. Sorry I believe I posted a comment without finishing it, sorry my screen went blank, but I’m going to try again. This is Brenda Roosevelt contacting you about my lost my phone, again the number for the phone is 518-688-****. the phone is a safelink wireless and the provider is TracFone. Please let me know of any more questions.Thank you.

    Reply

  152. I have had the same safelink phone for many years but recently lost it and would like a replacement just like the one I had. Just a simple keypad phone, please. My number was 864-490-****. My email is *******@yahoo.com and my name is Daniel Wayne Huffstetler. DOB 3/**/**

    Reply

    • Two things, Daniel: (1) For god’s sake, man, you just left far too much personal info on a public website. If we were dishonest people, we could have used it to commit identity fraud. For you own well being, never do that again. (2) We’re not Safelink, so we can’t replace your phone. We’re an independent informational website. Contact Safelink directly.

      Reply

  154. I’ve tried calling,I’ve tried reading the comments and I still need help please,I lost my Safe link phone. The number is 518-688-****. The serial number is 014 526 001 *** ***. I don’t know how to get ahold of a person through the phone number I kept trying and never got through to a person to tell them I lost my phone, I’ve been going through this for over a month now, please help me! I’m sure I’m doing something wrong!!!

    Reply

  155. My safelink phone has stopped working properly. I can not make nor receive calls. It seems that everything else still works. When I try to make a call I get a recording that says I am unable to make that call at this time.

    Reply

    • You need to contact Safelink’s customer service or tech support team, Debbie.

      Reply

  157. Hello my name is Shelby Jones my email is *******@gmail.com I have assurance wireless phone but it is broke I can’t talk on it it is threw social service my number 757-479-**** how can I get a new phone

    Reply

  158. My safe safelink trackphone was lost or stolen. And i need a replacement. Or a phone number where i can speak to live person.

    Tonya niles. 346 301 ****
    *** ****** rd houton tx 77039
    346 252 **** was my safelink trackphone that was stolen. I need a new one shipped to me and tbis one canceled.

    Reply

  159. Well my mom’s phone got stolen from my aunts house then when I tell her that she couldn’t get a new phone someone came in with a broken phone. then we realized it was hers and now it’s broken. Could she get a new one if she sends that back???

    Reply

    • Maybe, maybe not. Sorry we can’t be more definitive, but here’s why. It probably depends on how long she had her former phone. Some companies won’t offer a free replacement unless you’ve been a customer for some extended period of time. It’s up to you to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

    • C’mon, Shelley, did you actually take the time to read the above article?

      Reply

    • My cell phone was stolen and i have another phone that I want to get my number transf
      ered too

      Reply

      • You may be able to switch phones, Richard, but it depends. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out if your phone will work with its network.

        Reply

  161. I need a new SIM card somehow mine is lost from the phone. I’m sorry. thanks a lot. Can u please send me a new one to replace mine again. thank u

    Reply

    • We’ve heard from thousands of people who lost their cell phones, but you are the first reader who’s ever said she lost her SIM card, Daphne. How do you lose the SIM card out of your cell phone?

      But in answer to your question, no, we cannot send you a new SIM card. Because we’re an independent informational website, not your service provider. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  163. My cellphone is through safe link the battery will not stay charged. I contacted them and was told to call back (after being on hold for 30 minutes from a different phone. This is my only phone so it is impossible for me to do useing someone else’s minutes to be on hold another 30 minutes. I called and left by number twice and got no return call. Please help me on what to do. Thank you

    Reply

  164. I live in Atchison Kansas and don’t know which carrier phone I had but while I was gone my phone just walked right out of my house. I would like to know who to contact about getting another one.

    Reply

    • There’s only one way for you to find out who your service provider is, Julie. You need to click on your state at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Then you need to start at the top of the list of your state’s service providers and call each of their customer service teams until you find your provider. They’ll be able to identify you by name, address, phone number, social security number, etc.

      Reply

  165. You didn’t cover broken,one that will not work. Refuse to replace and lie when questioned about upper level management. Since I am a taxpayer, I would rather see the program stopped altogether than money wasted on such a poor excuse for a company this is. Doesn’t matter how long it has been around. I actually feel sorry for some of the representatives. Some of them genuinely try to help.

    Reply

  167. I have a Obama phone it has a vortex name on it so all of a sudden a just stoped working it says no sim card when u try to call out nothing works what do I do?

    Reply

  169. I would like a replacement phone because I lost my phone and can u all send me a touch screen phone please

    Reply

    • We can’t send you anything because we’re not your free government cell phone company, Christina. We’re an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

    • If your phone worked it would be simple to find out who your provider is. You’d just have to call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and its customer service team would answer.

      Since your phone doesn’t work it will take considerably more work. First, go to our “States” page and click on your state. A complete list of Lifeline companies doing business in your state will appear. Now you’ll need to start at the top of the list and call each customer service team until you find one that recognizes you as a customer — by phone number, your name, address, social security, etc. You can find that list of companies in your state at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  171. this is Catherine Hall I need a replacement phone,it wont charge,so I cant use current minutes available.
    Please stop the service. 602 872 ****. Ive had it over 2 two years now, thur my access medcal card, and it has no room for updates.

    Reply

    • We can’t cancel your service because we’re not your service provider. We’re an independent informational website, Catherine. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to get your account cancelled.

      Reply

    • Contact your free government cell phone company’s customer service team, April. Virtually all the companies will allow you to upgrade to a smartphone, but most of them will expect you to pay a reasonably small upgrade fee.

      Reply

  173. My name is Lori Caddenhead i have been having alot of trouble with my phone sometimes it doesnt want to call out or except calls it cuts off in the middle of calls and sometimes it just shuts down all together i have tried turning it off and back on and taking the battery out and back in and it is still doing it my phone number is 936-671-**** could you please help me

    Reply

    • Read the article and do as it says, Lori. Or call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and you’ll be connected to customer service.

      Reply

  174. To whom it may concern:
    Please help the light on my Safelink phone does not display. Therefore, I can’t see anything on the phone. I need a replacement. Do I send the old one in and it will be replaced or what.
    Thank you for your attention in this matter and please know that I’m older and need a phone ASAP.

    Sincerely,
    Theresa A. Rawls
    773 931 ****

    Reply

  176. Safe link info was not helpful! It does not tell me or show how I can replace my phone. It only says I can. How do I get an replacement safe link phone?!?!

    Reply

  178. i tried the free phone program about 2 years ago. the phone never charged. no one called back to help. now i do not even know what company it was and am still with out a cell phone. what should i do?
    deborah

    Reply

    • If you haven’t had a phone for two years your original account should have been cancelled long ago, Deborah. That means you’re free to enroll with any company offering free government cell phones in your state. Click on the following link to see a list of all the companies and plans available in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Check them all out carefully to make sure you get the plan that works best for your needs (most minutes, most texts, most data, best smartphone, etc). Then use the contact info we provide on each service provider’s page to contact customer service and enroll. Good luck.

      Reply

  179. I need a replacement phone the phone was lost after divorce I have a new address Do I need to fill out a application or can you send me the number I need to talk to someone about this Thank you

    Reply

    • You can find contact for all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state at this link. Just click on any of the companies to be taken to that company’s page. Each of those pages lists the company’s contact info that you can use to get to customer service:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  180. I have a safelink account but my phone is broke is there away I can get another one with the same number 724 231 **** and I move my mailing address is a p.o box now plz I really need my phone back my email is *********@gmail.com

    Reply

  181. its bullshit. my phone has broken twice and somehow im no longer eligable for a replacement. does anybody else see anything wrong with this? the goverment has more than enough money to drop bombs or deploy more marines but f*** what im going through. im afraid to inform you if you have one of these phones well you aint gonna make it! publish this

    Reply

    • We’re not going to get into politics, Enrique, but we’re sorry to hear what you’re going through.

      Reply

      • Lmao where did you find these people?? Talk about beggers can’t be choosers! Sorry I just couldn’t resist this one puts the icing on the cake! You’re doing a great job 2 thumbs up for you. You must posses an outrages amount of patience something I lack of. Thanks for your hard work. You have made laugh like no one ever has thanks. Have a great day

        Reply

  183. I have a safe link phone but it is telling me to insert Sims card. I have been using it I don’t know why it is doing this. The number is 731 325 ****

    Reply

    • You need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Jolene. They should be able to solve your problem.

      Reply

  184. Someone took my phone so I thought by changing number it would not be used. But I was just told that I would get texts with new number. So I don’t have phone or the number now.

    Reply

  187. Why do I keep getting messages wanting me to post a cap. a to continue service. I do use my phone for emergencies. all the time. My husband and I are both Handicapped.. When I try to respond to this message. nothing happens. Thanks.

    Reply

    • Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and you will be connected to customer service. They’re the only ones who can answer your question.

      Reply

  188. My safelink tracfone died. Who do I contact for the free replacement. I do not want to change numbers. and will all of my contacts be lost?

    Reply

    • Read the article, Debora. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  189. My phone was lost about a month ago , I no longer live where it was lost and need a whole new set up , thank you guys in advance ! Ben smith

    Reply

    • Don’t thank us, Benjamin. Thank your service provider’s customer service team after you contact them.

      Reply

  190. I have had my cell phone for quite some time (4 years?) and have been having problems with it. Sometimes it won’t let me make a call in spite of the fact that I have 1000+ minutes! “Network is not available.” is the message I receive when I try to make a call. It is a very old phone; I don’t know if that has something to do with it. Suggestions? Anything will help.

    Thank you
    Mark Zipfel

    Reply

    • Sounds like your phone has finally broken down, Mark. Contact your service provider to ask about its replacement policy. They may give you a free replacement phone, but you may also be required to pay a small fee.

      Reply

  191. My name is Muhammmad Rashid; I was having a Safelink cell phone which was lost. I reported its loss and requested its replacement. No replacement was issued. After about 6 month I found my phone and wanted to reactivate it. It was not done. Meanwhile I changed my address & applied for a cell phone. I was informed that a package is being mailed to me which has to be completed and mailed back to Safelink. I receiaved a package rom AARP (United Healthcare) for free cell phone from Safe Link. I forwarded the papers to them but no response. I called Safe link and I was informed that my file has been updated and papers will be sent by mail. I received the papers by mail. I completed and mailed the back about 3 months back but still phone has been received.

    I am of the view that there is some thing wrong the Safelink as proper attention is not paid to the requests.

    Reply

    • We don’t know for sure if this is the problem, Muhammad, but the rules of the Lifeline program require that your account be terminated if your phone goes unused for 30 days. That may be the root of your problems.

      Reply

  192. I applied for a gov phone a year ago. I lost that phone, so when I apply now it keep saying I have a duplicate account.. The person I went to, get the phone from under a tent ID doing identify fraud. I know it’s him cause it was the first n only time I went to someone n the tent to get my free phone. He took the picture of my ID and food stamp card n saved it in his tablet n saved my last four digits of my social security number. So now everything I try to get another phone I get a message saying I have a phone and it’s not true. They guy under the tent is a scammer I seen him again selling gov phones for ten dollars. He still everybody information an getting phone in their name n selling them how do I report this.

    Reply

  194. I can tell you that I was a customer of Safelink(tracfone) for about 4-5 years and never had a problem. Then a few months after everyone got issued an upgrade to 3G phones, mine was stolen. I called customer service immediately to disconnect phone. I was told they would no longer provide the one time replacement. I had to purchase my own.

    Reply

  197. Hi, I lost my phone about 8 months ago and I’m just now finding it, I never requested another though. Am I able to get this one turned back on?

    Reply

    • We assume that means the phone is inactive. Is that correct, Shavonia? It should be inactive because the rules of the program say that accounts will be terminated if the phone goes unused for 30 days or longer. If that’s the case, you can now enroll with any free government cell phone company in your state (assuming your former account was open for one year or longer. If it was open for less than that, you’ll need to wait until 12 months after you initially opened the account). Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the companies and plans available in your state. Make sure you check them all to make sure you find the plan that fits your needs best:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Yes, you can get a replacement. It may be free if your account has been active long enough, but there may be a small fee if not. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  203. My phone broke and I called it in and told the lady and she said a few words i did not understand and then hung up i never received my replacement phone am i able to get one? I have been trying scene December to see if i can!

    Reply

    • You didn’t say who your service provider is, Christina, but in general most companies will replace a phone during the first year, but charge you a relatively small fee after that. The first thing you should do is visit your service provider’s website to check on replacement phones.

      Reply

    • As you might expect, Vicky, they make it a lot easier to enroll than to cancel. The easiest way is to your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  207. Had a Safelink phone stolen about 4 years ago and it was replaced. Replacement has now become defective. Can I get another replacement?

    Reply

    • Yes, just contact your free government cell phone company’s customer service team. You may be required to pay a relatively inexpensive fee, though.

      Reply

        • No you cannot get a free replacement phone any longer from Safelink. They can be purchased starting at $40. I suggest Walmart, you can purchase the same (Tracfone)Safelink 3G touch screen for $10.

          Reply

  212. My service was cancelled. Due to ineligibility. And while service was off, my phone was stolen. I now am eligible again. So I tried to reapply. But it brings up old number . I have tried to report stolen but . just keep getting transferred. I spent a your and a half. On hold and being transfered and for me nowhere. Why is it so hard to report stolen phone for the company to wipe old account out so I can reapply

    Reply

    • It shouldn’t be difficult, Torann. If you service was cancelled because you were ineligible, you should be able to re-enroll if you are now eligible again.

      We’d suggest that you attempt to enroll with a different service provider. Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the companies and plans in your state. Check them all out and enroll with the one that fits your needs best:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  213. This juan flores my phone was stole I need a new phone and I cancel my other phone will the person that stole it will they be able to use it after I cancel it

    Reply

    • Absolutely not, Juan. Once you’ve reported your phone stolen, no one else will be able to use it.

      Reply

        • It depends on which service provider you’re enrolled with, Juan. Check the company’s website because it will probably have all the info you need.

          Reply

    • I RECENTLY HAD MY PHONE STOLEN SO I CALLED AND REPORTED IT THE LADY SAID SHE WOULD DEACTIVATE IT. SO I ASK ABOUT GETTING A REPLACEMENT SHE REPLIED SHE COULD ONLY SEND ME A SIM CARD AND NOT A PHONE CAUSE I HAVEN’T BEEN WITH THEM 6 MONTHS YET. HOW DO I GET ONE

      Reply

      • IT DOES SAY THAT YOU CAN REPLACE ONE IN 12 MONTHS NOTHING ABOUT YOU HAVE TO BE ENROLLED FOR 6 MONTHS TO GET ANOTHER . PLEASE I NEED A PHONE

        Reply

      • You can purchase some very inexpensive cell phones online, Ola, but before you purchase one you need to speak to customer service or tech support to make sure you get a make and model that is compatible with your service provider’s cell network.

        Reply

  214. I was using my safelink simard in a phone other then the one that safelink sent me, but compatible. I end up losing my phone so I called and deactivated it only to find it a couple days later. I call safelink and ask them to reactivate it with same simcard same number and everything cause I found it and they said I had to reapply or re enroll. So I did. Now I’m wondering why 3 days later it’s still not activated again.does Simcard have to be in original safelink phone that it came with to work

    Reply

    • Since we’re not part of Safelink’s tech support team, it’s impossible for us to answer your question, Melissa. You’ll need to speak to someone in that department.

      Reply

  217. I ordered a new phone a month ago and still have not received it. Please help.the month is almost up and if I don’t make a phone call at least Once this month I will lose the number. And I had the number for about 8 years now please help.

    Reply

    • You should contact your service provider’s customer service team ASAP, Shawna. If you don’t have it’s contact info, go to the following link and click on your service provider’s name. You’ll find all the free government cell phone companies listed in alphabetical order:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers

      By the way, this is an obvious problem that no one’s ever written to us about until now. Thanks.

      Reply

  218. I have had my phone since 2014 I can hardly hear the person on the other end. How can I get it replaced? Thank you. My phone number is 570 316 **** Janice Beck

    Reply

    • You should be eligible for a free upgrade, Gradie, but some companies hesitate to give them away for free. If that’s the case for you, keep in mind that you have been with your service provider for more than a year, so you are eligible to switch service providers. If you enroll with a new service provider, you will automatically qualify for a free smartphone. If that’s of interest to you, here’s where you can find a list of all the service providers and plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  219. My husband has a free cell can’t set time ahead how do you set it please get back to me 607 379 ****. ********@gmail.com thank you

    Reply

    • The simplest thing to do is to Google the make and model of your husband’s phone plus the words “User manual.” You’ll quickly find the info you need.

      Reply

  220. I have an older safelink tracfone and haven’t received my monthly 250 minutes. the airtime display does not show “redeem airtime” in the prepaid menu field even though I continue to receive notices that have need to call to get them. I have tried to reach safelink for help by calling the following numbers 1-800-867-7183, 1-800-378-1684, and 1-800-636-7596. I can’t speak with a customer service person and the automated systems for each number just keeps telling me they are processing a transaction for my phone number, to leave phone on for 15 minutes and then make a test call. It prompts me to call back after that if the problems not resolved, but same thing happens when I call back. After 4 tries I gave up. Please help me determine the problem

    Reply

    • Go to the Safelink website. Click on “Support” and then click on “Get Pending Minutes.”

      Reply

  221. I can’t even get a real person to answer my call , all I get is recording and then they hang up on me!!!!!

    Reply

    • Check your provider’s website to see if they offer a customer service email form or if they offer online chat function.

      Reply

  222. It says I already have phone. Haven’t seen that phone since my house burned a few years ago, so it was either burned or stolen from what was salvaged, but I do not have a phone. How do I get replacement and I don’t remember the # or the carrier.

    Reply

    • Who is the “it” who says you have a phone?
      If your old phone burned up years ago, you account should have been terminated long ago. New regulations say that a free government cell phone account will be deactivated if a phone goes unused for 30 days and your old phone clearly meets that time limit.

      In other words, you are now free to enroll with any free government cell phone company that does business in your state. Here’s where you can find a complete list of all those companies:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  223. I was told I would receive a phone in the mail after being approved. The phone was never received. How , or whom do contact to get this rectified?

    Reply

    • How long has it been since you enrolled, Kristine? Visit your service provider’s website. Many of them offer an “Enrollment Status” (or some similar wording) function. If yours doesn’t, contact customer service by phone or online.

      Reply

    • They can’t recertify without having some paperwork proving that you are still eligible. In other words, if it’s being recertified, April, it’s being recertified by someone who has access to your paperwork.

      Reply

  227. I have lost my phone and that’s the only phone I have for my family to get a hold of me please help me and get a new one please

    Reply

  228. I lost my cell phone 2 months ago. I need a phone to make my doctor appointments and take care of other business.

    Reply

    • You probably have a problem, Heidi. New Lifeline rules went into effect on December 2, 2016 that require accounts to be closed if they have gone unused for 30 days. In other words, your account could well have been cancelled, which means you would have to re-enroll. The good news is that this situation would give you the option of re-enrolling with any company in your state. So here’s a link that will take you to all the companies and plans in your state. Check them all out carefully so that you get the plan that works best for you (most minutes, most texts, most data, and the best smartphone). Here’s that link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  229. I had my free cell phone stolen n I need a new one cause I have a sick mom n I can not afford one so if there is anybody who can help me please

    Reply

  230. Hi my name is Jennifer Marrero reason for this letter is because i lost my phone and i need a replace one as soon as possible if you can email me at *********@gmail.com I appreciate it thank yoy

    Reply

    • We can’t do it, Jennifer, because we’re not your service provider. Contact its customer service team.

      Reply

  231. I purchased a trac phone lost safelink phone how do I get monthly minutes have contacted safelink rep about issue

    Reply

    • You’ve done what you needed to do, Linda. (By the way, loved you in the TV show “Dallas.”)

      Reply

  232. This is a question, not a comment. Safelink wireless. How can I track what graphics or ringtones etc was purchased on my device? Sometimes my son “uses” my cell. I never hear him talking on it but he goes online. When he returns my cell, theres a bunch of minutes gone.

    Reply

    • That’s a question for Safelink’s customer service or tech support teams, Dgonz.

      Reply

  235. Can I transfer my lifeline account and phone number to a Motorola moto e replacement phone android my current device is broken

    Reply

    • We get this kind of question a lot, Kara. So at the risk of boring readers who’ve seen it before, here’s the answer:

      Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. The only way to find out if your particular make and model will work with your service provider’s network is to call its customer service or tech support team and ask the question.

      Reply

  236. Hi. I’m a q link customer and i lost my phone. I only want the phone cut off plz . tell me how to reach Qlink wireless.

    Reply

    • Go to the company’s website and scroll down to the bottom of the page. You’ll find a blue box that says, “Find A Rep Near You.” Click on that box, type in your zip code and click.

      Reply

    • It should be. But you may wish to confirm that with customer service as soon as your new phone arrives.

      Reply

  240. I am a safelink customer and I have lost my phone can I get a replacement with the same number my #281-702-**** #01452600381****
    my address; **** ****** ***** Houston Tx 77026

    Reply

  242. hi my name is kelly edward Carter my mailing address is:
    *** *********
    Reno NV,89506
    my safelink status should be done. id like for safelink to mail me another phone and number etc … my wellfare and medical is still good and the same info except for my mailing address has changed.

    Reply

    • We’re not Safelink, Kelly. We’re an independent website. So you need to contact Safelink customer service to take care of your issue.

      Reply

      • All new Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone customers are supposed to be given smartphones, Cherylenem. Unfortunately, those who already have accounts are required to pay to upgrade to a smartphone. Bad rule, but it is what it is. Check with your service provider’s customer service team to find out how to upgrade.

        Reply

  243. just wondering. i got a new safelink phone coming. can u all shut this one off cause i cant use this one thank you

    Reply

    • If Safelink is sending you a new phone to replace an older one that’s not working, they will make sure there’s no problem.

      Reply

  245. My name is seeromani Sampal I have lost my access wireless phone on February 10, 2017. Can I have a replacement upgraded phone with the same number please.

    Reply

    • Yes, you can get a replacement phone with the same phone number, Seeromani. But not from us, because we’re not your service provider. You need to do as this article instructs and contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  246. My Driver’s license and Quest card ,were lost or stolen, . I have information that Someone has illeagally taken out a cell phone under my IDentity on or about 12/01/2016! They denied me a new one. HELp
    Thanks so much!!!

    Reply

    • This is a troublesome situation, Carie. The only thing you can do is contact your service provider’s customer service team. Ask for a supervisor and tell him/her that you want to clear up a fraud problem on the NLAD (National Lifeline Assistance Database).

      Reply

  247. My android phone is stolen never been out box r open can I please get a replacement android phone free it to keep in touch with my kids dr I’m a single mom need a phone have no money please help me phone is with Louisiana wireless safelink

    Reply

    • Do as the article instructs, Nikki. You probably won’t get a replacement for free, but it can’t hurt to ask.

      Reply

  249. Yes my name is Tammy acord I am write y’all I got my phone from assurance wireless but now I am with access wireless I get 500 minutes and o get unlimited text there is something wrong with my phone it won’t ring any more is there any way I can get a new phone with the same number my number is 706 372 ****

    Reply

    • Answers to both your questions:
      1. There’s no way for us to guess what’s wrong with your phone through the comments section.
      2. Yes, you should be able to get a new phone with the same number. Just make sure you tell them that’s what you want.

      Reply

      • Take it from us, you really don’t want to become part of our company, Mandy. We work very long hours for very little money. You have much better options almost anywhere else.

        Reply

  251. My boyfriend has lost his phone over the weekend and needs a replacement. I’ve also lost mine as well and need a replacement phone too. Please help.

    Reply

    • Sounds like it’s a good thing you found an article titled “How do I get a replacement for a lost, stolen or broken phone?”

      Reply

  252. I have an old LG cell phone thru safelink I get error messages all the time such as ‘call divert set’, error 36 & other like this. It has camera to take pic., but will not work ( download) anything on my new samsung chromebook that my son get me for x-mas. I am disabled ane living on $722 per month , WELL BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL, I can assure the public that it is not easy & am at risk of homelessness if I lost that income. I would def. die if that happened. Sorry I got off track. I want to get a better cell phone so I can communicate with my Dr.’s and other medical appts. I often get dropped from calls, or it says no service. I did call safelink & tried my best to explain my issue. I could understand 2 out of 20 words he spoke. He had a very heavy foreign accent. He rattled off 8 or 9 different phone that i could ‘purchase’ right now, lol. The price I believe would be at a great discount. I could not buy a replacement , nor did I feel safe giving him my debit card # even tho there was only 10cents in it. Now I have a little money to somehow get a replacement. I am so isolated, I live miles from town, taxi cost $30-$35 to town & back. I have zero transportation. Anyone out there know a good choice in the phones that safelink sales??? I do have internet service $65 per month.Thanks

    Reply

  254. I gave my cellphone to my elderly disabled Grandfather because he did not have one for emergencies and he broke it. What do I need to do to get it replaced? I received it from Bluejay.

    Reply

  255. My cell phone quit working, so I do not know what company I was with and the number I usually call with any problems was in my phone. It is a Tracphone. Can you tell me if the company’s name is Safelink, Lifeline,etc. I need to keep my phone number. Thank You!

    Reply

    • We have no idea, David, because we’re not your Lifeline service provider. We’re an independent website, so those rascally free government cell phone companies have chosen not to share their customers’ personal account information with us.

      Reply

    • We do not know of a way to do it online, Kevin. Visit your service provider’s website and look for an online chat function or, if that fails, an email form.

      Reply

    • You can if you do what the above article tells you to do. But expect to pay a small fee for the replacement phone.

      Reply

  262. So hi. someone stole my phone. I’m dawn Webb. I don’t have my number for it. they took the box I want it shut off. Whoever has it is using my minutes. I’m disabled and it was stolen. call me at 419 215 ****

    Reply

    • You’ve caused yourself a real problem, Cedric. If you don’t know your phone number nor your service provider, the only thing you can do is contact every free government cell phone company in your state to ask if they are your service provider. They’ll be able to tell by asking for your name, address, social security number, etc. Here’s where you can find a complete list of the Lifeline companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Just start with the company at the top of the list and work your way down until you find your service provider.

      Reply

  266. I have found this site to be very useful for those of us seeking information concerning our Safelink phones and service. While this might be slightly off topic may I provide our readers here with what I feel is some current useful information that I recently discovered.

    Safelink is the Free Cell phone service provided by parent company Tracfone. All Safelink phones are Tracfone’s, but not all Tracfone’s are compatible with Safelink. I recently upgraded my old Safelink (Free) Alcatel flip phone to the new Safelink ZTE Avid Plus smartphone that I purchased from Safelink’s online store site (Orlando, Florida). Up until a few months ago we Safelink users were pretty much stuck with the older generation of free “dumb” phones. Safelink now offers an upgrade to a new Andoid cell “smart” phone with touch screen. When you upgrade, you have to purchase this phone, it’s not free. However, it’s a huge improvement over the old free phones.
    Safelink’s phone upgrade site can be found here >
    https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/NewPublic/upgrade_phone.html
    There are several models to choose from, varying in price to fit your budget. The phones come with a SIM card and printed instructions on how to transfer your phone number. Your instructed to place a call to a number provided in the instructions from your existing Safelink phone. That process didn’t work for me so I was transferred to a live Safelink representative who patiently walked me through the lengthy process of transferring my phone number and benefits to the new Android phone. In order to complete the process you can not be on your old phone or your new phone. You have to complete the process from another non-Safelink phone.

    – How To Find Remaining Minutes On Your New Android Phone –
    The old Alcatel flip phone displayed the remaining minutes, however as others may have found here the new smartphones do not display remaining minutes on the home screen. I can confirm that the URL that I provide here, for the time being, does work.

    How To >
    1) From your Android phone home screen open up Google search bar and enter > “FastAct Static Portal Balance” (Without quotation marks)
    2) Then press on “Enter TracFone Number – FastAct…”
    3) Then enter your cell number without the “1”, and press “Submit”

    Be patient it will take a while to display the information. It will provide you with the Remaining Minutes, (Text Messages – Unlimited), Remaining Data and also the expiration service date necessary for re-certification.

    Reply

  267. There is not a phone number to let someone know that my phone was stolen. Do you have a number where I can talk to someone? Safelink.

    Reply

    • Reply to > Barbara Forrestal >

      – SafeLink Phone Number >
      800-977-3768
      Customer Service
      25 Minutes average wait time (when open)
      Mon-Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-7pm EST

      – More SafeLink 800 Numbers and Support >
      800-867-7183
      Troubleshooting

      800-378-1684
      Technical Support

      800-723-3546
      Customer Service
      Live Chat

      888-299-7280
      Customer Service

      Reply

  269. I sent the FCC a complaint on SafLink, my phone was stolen and all I won’t to do is cancel the phone. They do not give replacement and the Lifeline discount to apply to my house phone. I was able to cancel the Lifeline service but they asked me for another zip code to cancel my phone. They said it was a security code, I didn’t have any other code to give them, as my address only has one zip code. My concern is someone my have change it, and now using the phone under my name. It was just a horrible experience trying to talking to them.

    Reply

  270. I read the above message, BUT JUST IN CASE I MISREAD ANY THING.. if my device is broken, the 630 min I have will not be replaced? Just making sure I read correctly.

    Reply

    • We don’t know which message you’re referring to, LaShaun, because you created a new message instead of replying to the one you’re speaking about.

      Reply

  271. Can someone please tell me if I can use my new phone but with the service I have one Assurance transfer it over please thank you

    Reply

    • We’re not quite sure what you’re asking, Michael. Are you asking if you can use your own phone in place of the free government cell phone that was given to you?

      Reply

  273. I have had my phone for years and although I like it the battery is kind of weak, so I was wondering if I could transfer to a Coolpad phone I have that seems to have a stronger battery as well as a camera?

    Reply

    • That’s a question only your service provider’s customer service team can answer, James. Contact them by phone or online.

      Reply

  274. I called safelink because my phone was stolen and they tell me if don’t qualify for a replacement, I can go purchase a phone and they can transfer my benefits that’s crazy if I had money for a phone I wouldn’t need this now I don’t have a phone. Not happy at all

    Reply

    • How long have you been a Safelink customer, Kiki? If it’s been more than a year, you are eligible to switch service providers. Switching to a new service provider would make you a new customer and you would qualify for a new free government cell phone. You can find a list of all the companies and plans in your state at the link below. Check out all the companies, because you may even find a plan that offers you a much better deal — more minutes, more texts, more data, a smartphone, etc. Here’s that link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • We can’t send another one because we’re not your service provider, Melissa. Get in touch with its customer service team.

      Reply

    • Jeez, Adriana, do you ever look back to see if your questions have been answered? You’ve asked the same question repeatedly over the last few days and we’ve given you the answer you need.

      Reply

  279. The Safelink website is useless since it has no way what so ever to contact a live person and no option for reporting that your phone is broken or lost. As is the Safelink phone numbers, which are the same prompts and automated messages and the phone system hangs up on you as soon as it finds out that your phone is off. I can’t even upgrade the phone because none of the phones available are a match for whatever I happen to be dealing with.

    I would be willing to purchase a replacement phone but since I can’t make any contact to tell them my phone is broken I have no other options. If anyone knows hot to bypass these useless tools and get to a live person.

    Reply

    • Try this, AGC. Go to the Safelink website, then click on “Support” and then click on “Technical/Service Support.” They list a phone number (don’t know if you’ve tried this one or not). Keep in mind that the company lists this warning:

      __________________

      NOTE: Toll-Free telephone calls made from your SafeLink Wireless phone are not free and you will be charged airtime minutes including calls to:

      SafeLink Wireless Customer Service
      TracFone Wireless Customer Service
      If you need to reach technical support, try calling from a landline to avoid using minutes on your SafeLink Phone.

      Reply

    • Keeping your current phone number is no problem, Adriana. Just tell your service provider’s customer service rep that you want to keep it.

      Reply

      • my name is Christine Collins I got a new phone and I am trying to find out if it can work with my tempo service IME # is 041 470 *** *** *** my phone number is 478 461 **** e mail ********@yahoo.com

        Reply

        • Maybe. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Christine. The only way to find out for sure is to contact Tempo’s customer service team online or by phone. Try calling 6-1-1 on your Lifeline phone.

          Reply

  285. On Jan 1,2017 my cellphone was stolen. The first 2 days I looked everywhere I could think up to the last place I knew I had it with me. It was last with me on public transportation and i’m sure now I left it on my seat when I got off at my stop. It was not turned in. I contacted Safelink/NET 10 to deactivate my device and informed them that I would provide a replacement phone. One of my neighbors heard about my phone and gave me her old iPhone. She assured me it was unlocked and her service ad been with ATT. She cleared out her personal pictures and information and brought it to me the night of January 11. That is the last day my service was good according to the confirmation e-mail Safelink/NET 10 sent me. I got a compatable SIM card myself for $1 and have been contacting Safelink daily to get my service reactivated. I am told by their representative “it will takeup to 24 hours for your phone service to be turned on. I went this way 2 times and my service has not been started although they said it would be. Each day I call to try to get it restarted and today I was informed my acct has been cancelled and I need to reapply. It was time to renew your application anyway. I have not had this service for a year. It is a year in May 2017. Now I need to start all over? I was to have hernia surgery this month and I cannot work until this is taken care of. Now I can’t be contacted by my doctor’s office or my family, I let all of them know I would have a phone by now….. What can I do to escape this vortex?

    Reply

    • The missing element in this story, David, is why your service was canceled. Do you know why it was canceled?

      Reply

    • First, check your service provider’s website. You may be able to purchase an upgraded phone online. If not, contact customer service.

      Reply

  287. My phone is broke and I need a replacement, I am on the lifeline program but I don’t know my carrier.. it says boost mobile but they say they are not my carrier??? What do I do to get a replacement phone, and I would like to keep my number??? Please help!!!!

    Reply

    • If your phone is still functional, call 6-1-1 and your service provider will answer. If it doesn’t work, your only option is to contact each service provider in your state to ask if it is your Lifeline company. Here’s where you can find a list of those companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Start at the top. If you’re lucky, you’ll find your service provider before you get too far down the list.

      Reply

    • Does he do a good impersonation, James? We have a friend who can impersonate almost anyone. He does a perfect George Clooney and a pretty good Donald Trump.

      But putting his talents aside, we can’t turn off your cell phone, James. We’re not your service provider. You need to contact them directly.

      Reply

  289. My name is Elizabeth and someone stole my Obama phone i know tje phone number and it’s in my name can I get a new phone and get that one turned off? It’s been missing now for a week

    Reply

  290. I lost my active SIM Card and it is extremely important to get a new SIM Card that has my old cell phone number. Who do I contact to give my information so I can get one mailed to me??

    Reply

  292. I don’t understand your instructions, on replacing a broken free phone. I read your instruction twice and still doesn’t tell me about a broken phone. I would call the number you suggested but MY PHONE IS BROKEN!!!
    Please Help, I’m a single senior and I live alone, I need my phone, PLEASE HELP ME.

    Reply

    • In the simplest terms, you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team online or by phone, Caroline. Good luck.

      Reply

  293. I renewed my contract per the text messages and finally customer service. before Christmas of 2016. My service just stopped and Verizon now wants to charge per call ? what do I do ?
    and secondly, can I find out if my Medicaid account is being fraudulently charged for the service ????
    I really need to keep this number, the phone feature was beneficial for my mobility issues.

    Reply

    • If your account has been canceled, you run the risk of losing your phone number unless you get new service soon. Contact your service provider’s customer service team immediately.

      Reply

  294. Hello I believe my cell phone was stolen and would like that link e turned off. And have a new one sent to me

    Reply

    • We can’t turn your phone off, Carlos, because we’re not your service provider. You need to contact customer service to accomplish your goal.

      Reply

  295. can i switch my old cell phone to my sakelink benifits?i heard as long as the sm chip was the same you could switch phones over for free is this true?????

    Reply

  296. I just now learn that I can reply to get another phone about two three year ago my ex boyfriend broke my phone I can remember the phone nuber Anything my name tiffany trammell bdayy 12/25/1984

    Reply

  298. My name is Frederick Huff.i have an account with Safelinkwireless. My phone has gotten water damaged and i would like to know if i can place it. My cell number is 443-708-**** or was. I have been trying to do it online and it keeps on starting over with the enrollment I.D. I don’t know my I.D. Please help or just send me a replacement.

    Reply

    • You’ve made a common error, Frederick. Alas, we are not your free government cell phone service provider. We are an independent website. If you can’t apply for a replacement phone online, contact customer service by phone. You will probably be required to pay a small fee for your replacement, but you’ll be able to get a smartphone.

      Reply

  299. i know the article vaguely addresses lost / stolen, but no SPECIFIC procedure ie; call this number, visit this website, etc./ for Safeline. Furthermore, admittedly, i lost and do not have my enrollment ID. no idea what it is. I cant seem to go any further without it. the webpage just keeps renewing itself when i click ” forgot enroll ID” . What next ? please dont say customer service. least not without a number. thanks i know were insufferable.

    Reply

    • This article would have been as long as a novel if we included all that info. It’s up to you to go back to our page dedicated to your service provider to get the contact info. You can find your service provider info here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers

      If you’re having trouble reaching a live customer service rep (a common problem), try visiting the company’s website and looking for an online chat or “Contact Us” fucntion.

      Reply

  300. My phone is not lost but, broken, should I send it to the address above? I am with Safe Link. I have a hard time to reach a person on the phone, so I am here. If the answer is here I sure did not see it. I will try “how do I get a cell phone” to see if the answer might b there. I did not want to loss this chance to get an answer to this question. Thank-You Cynthia Lloyd

    Reply

    • Do not send your cell phone anywhere. If you can’t reach a live person at Safelink, try communicating with customer service via email. You should be able to use the “Contact Us” function on the company website.

      Reply

  301. This don’t tell me anything about Safelink. Who to call? I call the 800 number only music for 5 minutes or more!

    Reply

    • We’ve reviewed the above article very carefully and we cannot find the part where it says, “To get a replacement cell phone, leave a comment at the end of this article.”

      Reply

      • pretty flippin condescending, no? what we’re gettin at is at the foot of evrery other companies explanation, there is specific #’s web addresses,etc. note Safeline. not even the cust. serv. hotline. we get it. read the article. but Safeline offers no real solution.. thats all. thanks folks

        Reply

    • I lost my phone or it was stolen the number is 708 415 ****. my name is Jerome Smith i have moved from **** 25th ave Bellwood. My new address is **** ****** ave Maywood Illinois 60153.my email address is ********@yahoo.com

      Reply

      • You can’t get a replacement phone by leaving a comment here, Jerome. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team by phone or online.

        Reply

    • We’re not Safelink, Brandy, so the company will not see your comment here. You need to contact Safelink customer service directly online or by phone.

      Reply

    • Most Lifeline companies say it takes two weeks to get their phones. Our readers say it takes three or four weeks or even longer.

      Reply

  306. My brother’s phone is broken. I didn’t see any information on how to replace a broken phone. We are in Florida….

    Reply

    • We’re not quite sure what you mean when you say, “Would I select Medicaid,” Frieda. Are you asking about whether you qualify because you participate in the Medicaid program?

      Reply

  308. Hi. My phone was stolen 3 months ago. Safe link doesn’t replace them anymore cause of their new plan. Buy tracphone & just put ur mins on it but I can’t afford a new phone. Borrowing a friends touch screen but it not working worth crap. Really need new phone that will work & pic up service. I’m disabled & need to b able to get n touch with my doctors. Need a touch screen!!

    Reply

      • Well, there’s no way for us to track down your old cell phone, Janice, but if you need a replacement phone, read the above article and then contact your service provider.

        Reply

  310. I was sent a text message to update my Access Wireless phone. When I attempted the update it failed. My phone got deactivated instead. I could not reach a human customer service rep.from another phone. The voice service instructed me to dial ##72786# from my Access Wireless phone and it was reactivated. The key is… you have to have a good wireless connection on your Access Wireless phone to make a successful update. Hope this helps many with the same problem.

    Reply

  311. My phone stop working when I dial out no dial contact when people call me I answer no-one is talking can’t hear them talk. if I get a New phone can I keep the same number (657)250-****?

    Reply

  312. my phone just died.It wont take a charge and i cant afford to buy another phone what do i do? can i use my smart phone? it had a metro account Please help me i need a phone badly like i cant get calls or anything. Thank you it was a life wireless

    Reply

    • Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, so contact your service provider to find out if the phone you have will work with its network.

      Reply

  313. I NEED MY TELLEPHONE REPLACED WITH SAFELINK., IT WILL NOT SEND OUT THE TEXT MESSAGES . THE PHONE NUMBER TO IT IS 505-353-**** AND MY NAME IS IMELDA CARRILLO. ADDRESS IS ************, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO 87114-2005. the phone is also chipped and the inside of it got wet or moist for some reason., thanks., please respond soon., thanks.

    Reply

  314. Ii lost my phone w hose number is 224-806-**** today so please send the phone and suspend the account by which no one can u se and please transfer my cradit in replacement phone wi th same phone so i request humbly to send replacement phone
    Thanking you
    Vithalbhai s Patel
    My lost phone number is 224-806-****

    Reply

    • Congratulations, Vithalbhai. You win the FreeGovernmentCellPhone.net award for the most polite comment of the day. Unfortunately, we cannot help you because we are not a Lifeline service provider. You must follow the directions outlined in the article to solve your problem.

      Reply

  315. My phone stop working when I dial out no dial contact when people call me I answer no-one is talking can’t hear them talk. if I get a New phone can I keep the same number 1-585-351-**** please .

    Reply

  316. I broke my phone can I get another phone with the same number 724 231 **** but my mailing address changed. its p.o box 100 ************.

    Reply

    • We cannot help you, Crystal, because we are not your service provider. We’re an independent website. You need to contact customer service online or by phone.

      Reply

  317. I lost my safelink phone. I will purchase a new one can I switch my account,phone number etc to the new phone? How do I do that? How long will it take?

    Reply

  318. I just recieved my free government phone and I thank you very much. My problem is that it is so small for me because I am legally blind in my right eye and my left eye is not very good. I have so much trouble reading the texts and numbers what can you do for me. Thank you again, christina carl

    Reply

  320. I got a new sims card……I was told that my minutes will be on my phone on the 19th of December. No luck…..I been trying to retrieve my minutes I still don’t have them.

    Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Maria. You can do that by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  321. My phone still doesn’t work, even after we changed the SIM card. the tech stayed on the phone for a shrt while then said ” just wait 1/2 hour then make a call everything should work. I waited over 30 minuets, then tried to call, no luck. the message i get says” mobile network not available.” Please Don’t make me wait another hour on hold.

    Reply

    • Can’t help you, Monica. We are an independent website and have nothing to do with your service provider. Unfortunately, you must work with customer service or tech support.

      Reply

      • Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, Justin. That will connect you to customer service and they should be able to transfer you over to tech support or give you a phone number to call. Good luck.

        Reply

    • You sure you have the sim card inserted properly. I wasn’t paying attention and inserted mine improperly and kept receiving the same message. I re-inserted the sim card and everything was fine. Worth a try.

      Reply

    • Here’s the unhappy twist for current customers — any company you are with is going to charge you a small upgrade fee, but new customers automatically receive smartphones as of December 2.

      Reply

  324. My gernerc Samsung phone keeps saying “wrong battery” will not let me recharge it. Only of a glimmer of power left. I never received instructions with it when caime in mail. Have never known how to set or open a voice mail. If not able to catch call when incoming it has just been lost. Have no power left to call and stay on 611 until they answer. Help you are my last glimmer how to get this fixed…..Not having a real live person to talk to is just so….
    unbelievable and maddening Please help Scott in Las Vegas, Nv.

    Reply

    • There’s a very simple solution, Scott. Very few electronic products actually come with user manuals these days. You can find the one you need by Googling the make and model of your phone and the words “user manual.” Then just hit the return key and you’ll find the manual you need.

      Reply

  325. Safe link will not replace my first time stolen phone. I am a victim of domestic violence and without a phone to even dial 911. I am awaiting a shelter with a broken shoulder, sprained wrist, and safe links facts are fraudulent, not facts!

    Alison R Morel

    Reply

  327. hi,Because I had my free phone for so long I can’t rember who my provider is.Can you plaese help me find out and then I can figure out how to get a replacement. Nut iI’ve been with out a phone for 1 week.Haed to get to a computor. Thankyou for any help .

    Reply

    • If you had your phone we’d tell you to call 6-1-1 because your service provider would answer and that’s how you’d find out who it is. But without your phone and with no recollection of who your provider is, there’s really only one way to track it down. Your IP address tells us that you’re in Michigan, Laurie. You need to start at the top of that list and contact every service provider until you find the one that has your account.

      Some states only have two or three or four, so that’s a relatively simple project. Unfortunately, Michigan has 14 different free government cell phone service providers. So get started now. They’ll ask for your name, address, social security number, etc in order to figure out if you are their customer.

      Reply

    • We can’t send you one, Zoebon, because we are not your service provider. We’re an independent website. Follow the instructions in the article.

      Reply

  330. The cell phone i was sent through safelink is a problem because its been a problem sence i got it. i even ordered a new sim card and it wont work. i need a replcement smartphone with safelink please. my name is jesseca herring. my email add is *********outlook.com and a contact # 817 420 **** mailing add is *************** fort worth tx 76164

    Reply

    • We’re not Safelink, Jesseca. We’re an independent website. You need to contact Safelink’s customer service team by phone or online.

      Reply

  331. why is it that safelink tells about replacement phone but give no info on where to call or address on there info tab above. All the other site’s have some type of info on where to go.i need this info if i’m gonna proceed.

    Reply

  334. I’m trying to get update shipping information on my replacement phone it been over 5 weeks since I spoke with customs service or more and still haven’t received a phone. I need an accurate phone number so I can speak with some direct .Thanks !!!

    Reply

    • We cannot contact you directly, Georgia, because of the sheer volume of comments and questions we receive every day. But we are not your service provider so you don’t really want to speak to us anyway. Contact your service provider’s customer service team. In fact, check its website because many free government cell phone companies have a “Check Your Status” function on their websites.

      Reply

    • You need to contact Assurance and Safelink customer service. You’ll definitely get upgraded, Margaret, because as of December 2, all new customers get smartphones.

      Reply

    • Exactly what are you asking, Crystal? Do you want to know if you can upgrade? Do you want to know if you can use your own phone as a free government cell phone? Do you want to replace a lots, stolen or broken phone? Sorry, but we’re not sure exactly what your question is.

      Reply

      • I had a Verizon phone from you it is broken can I get my Verizon phone that has a Sim card be used with my truewirless account

        Reply

        • No, you didn’t have a Verizon phone from us, Crystal. We’re not a free government cell phone service provider. We’re an independent website. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.

          Reply

    • you have to find a phone which is compatible with your phone network (sprint Verizon etc..) and then call your customer technical support and provide the DSN ESN HEX etc no to the tech support you will find the no on the white sticker at the back of your phone after you remove the battery of the phone and then they will switch the service to your new phone.
      Note: the switching may or may not work it depends on the brand made and model of your phone but try it anyway.

      Reply

  337. So– a while back I got a postcard in the mail from SafeLink offering me a free replacement phone if mine was lost, stolen, or damaged. Even included a “replacement code”. Yesterday, I got another of the same postcard. I called to get a replacement phone because my “0” key doesn’t work. They informed me that their policy is that they do not replace phones. I told her about the postcard that I just received. She still refused to honor the card. Note: I’ve had this phone almost 4 years, and have never ever asked for a replacement until now.

    Boy, I am glad our government is so inefficient. Imagine if we got all the red tape we paid for?

    Reply

  340. My service is through lifeline and I’m trying to see how I can get a new phone because mine was stolen. I canceled my service because it didn’t look as if the phone had been deactivated after I reported it stolen.

    Reply

  341. Safel ink doesn’t seem to have a customer service provider team….all I get is an automated system with every choice. …please help….my phone was stolen. Thanks

    Reply

    • We do not have a Safelink account, so we cannot get past the first page of the Safelink website. Try going online to see if the site offers an email form or an online chat function that will allow you to contact customer service.

      Reply

  342. About 3 weeks ago I was approached in front of Norfolk Little Creek social service office in Virginia and signed up for a new upgrade phone from safelink. I saw his badge and he said I will receive my new phone in 2-7 days and to date I haven’t received any thing. And I was wondering if it’s been delivered and someone stole it from my mailbox? Have you shipped it out yet?

    Reply

    • We have a few answers for you, Elaine. First of all, three weeks is not unusual. Many of our readers tell us it has taken three or four weeks or more. One poor devil said it took six months. That’s the good news.

      The bad news is that these street vendors are the source of so much fraud and abuse that we strongly recommend against enrolling in this way. You would have been much safer had you enrolled online or by phone.

      We’d suggest that you visit the Safelink website. If you still have your enrollment info, you can sign in and probably find a way to find out the status of your enrollment. Good luck.

      Reply

  343. Why is safe link telling me I can’t get a replacement phone because mine is broken? This is my first time inquiring about a replacement, however they say they no longer replace damaged phones and that I have to buy a phone.

    Reply

    • Depends on how long you’ve had your phone, Eve. The free government cell phone companies work on very slim profit margins and upgrades are apparently a tempting profit center.

      Reply

  347. My phone was stolen and I would like a replacement. The number is (440) 339-****. Is there anyway the number can be changed to when I get the replacement.

    Reply

    • You didn’t say which service provider you use, Darlene, but you need to contact its customer service team.

      Reply

  348. Eric Boyd I need replacement phone .When I received it I dropped it n from day 4 it didn’t work . can u send me a replacement phone thank u

    Reply

    • Sorry if it sounds like we’re coming down on you, Eric, but this is about the 20th time today we’ve had to give readers the same answer: We’re not your free government cell phone company. We’re a website that features news about that program. Do as the above article says to get your phone replaced. (And a happy Thanksgiving to you and the rest of our readers, Eric.)

      Reply

    • We can’t cancel your service, Lisa, because we’re an independent website, NOT your service provider. You need to contact that company’s customer service team.

      Reply

  350. Hi this is anita yang..i want to knoe if i can replace a new phone..someone took my phone..please email me asap thank u..

    Reply

  351. I had a safelink phone but have moved and lost it. Name is Norma Smith. I now live at 112 Leigh Ave, *************. So how can I get it replaced? Thank You

    Reply

  352. I have a safelink tracfone that needs replacing, again. I have a few AT&T phones that are no longer being used and take the same size SIM card. Is there any way I could use one of them to avoid buying another phone like the last ones I had gotten that kept breaking or stopped working properly

    Reply

    • Not all cell phones work on all cell phone networks, Kelly. It’s impossible for us to tell you which ones will and which ones won’t work with Safelink. You need to contact Safelink’s customer service or tech support teams to inquire if any of the phones you have will work with their network. Good luck.

      Reply

  353. My Dad washed his phone in the washing machine on accident. He doesn’t remember who his service provider is and the phone won’t turn on so I can’t call 611. I’ve called numerous companies with no luck. Is there a way to find his provider? If not can he get another phone from another provider even though he is already enrolled with whatever company he is currently with?

    Reply

    • The only way he can find his provider is to call EVERY Lifeline free government cell phone company in your state until he finds the right one. You can find a complete list of all those providers here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Depending on the company, your dad’s account will be cancelled (theoretically) if his phone neither sends nor receives any calls or texts for 30 or 60 days. It sounds like the phone is totalled, so that shouldn’t be a problem. At that point, he should be able to enroll with any other Lifeline company he chooses.

      Reply

    • OK to use how? Straight Talk is not a free government cell phone company, so we’re not sure how you intend to use it. Remember that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so if you want to use a different phone, you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to make sure the phone you want to use is compatible.

      Reply

  359. My phone was stolen Tuesday night during a robbery in Dallas Texas, and he phone is still active through the system, how can i get the phone o be shut off today, my phone number is (773) 746-****

    Reply

  361. I lost my phone 530 329 ****. please turn all service off for this number as I no longer have this phone in my possession. please contact me at my home number on file. Harpreet Judge sincerely

    Reply

    • Sorry, Harpreet, but we cannot turn off your service because we’re not your service provider. We’re an independent website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to get your service disconnected.

      Reply

  362. I need to replace my safe link phone it’s been lost …. I’m trying to get a new one so could you cancel the other phone

    Reply

    • We cannot cancel your phone, Kimberly, because we’re not Safelink. You need to contact the company’s customer service team online or by phone.

      Reply

  363. I have an Obama phone that got wet. Don’t know the provider. Is there any way to find out with my telephone number?

    Reply

    • When you say it got wet, we assume you mean it no longer functions. Correct? If it works, you can call 6-1-1 and it will connect you to your service provider’s customer service. If it does not function, you really only have one option: Look up all the service provider’s, contact each one to ask if it is your service provider. Here’s where you can find all the providers in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  366. My phone is not working and I need a replacement phone with the same phone number. 585-386-****. Asap. It is very important that I have a phone.

    Reply

  367. my dog eat my phone so i bought a new upgraded one but i need my pin # and the meid # to change phones over. i found the meid but dont know about the pin # how do i find this out?

    Reply

    • Your PIN number is something you set up that you were supposed to remember, Charles. If you can’t remember if, contact your service provider’s customer service team and ask what to do next. By the way, “My dog ate it” is the best excuse we’ve ever heard.

      Reply

  368. i lost my safelink phone and would like a replacement phone i have tried every phone number i can find but cant get thru to anyone

    Reply

    • You do not say who your service provider is, but check its website to see if it offers either an email option or an online chat option that will allow you to communicate with its customer service team.

      Reply

  370. My phone has an issue. I am unable to hear the other person. They can hear me just fine. I have an Alcatel phone through Safelink.. What are my options? I have no way to call them. Thanks, Kevin….

    Reply

    • If you know your account number and/or phone number, you can get to Safelink’s customer service team through its website.

      Reply

  371. I lost my replacement phone. I understand I would have to buy one now. will it still be a government phone and where do I buy it from or whom and the cost please?

    Reply

    • That’s not an easy question, Josh. Different free government cell phone companies work on different cell networks and not all cell phones are compatible with different networks. In other words, we can’t answer that question. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to make sure the phone you want to get is compatible. As a shortcut, you can also look on your service provider’s website and see if they list their replacement phones.

      Reply

  372. ASKING ABOUT MY FREE PHONE , IM HAVING TROUBLE WITH IT CAN NOT HEAR ANY OF MY CALL , SO I WOULD LIKE TO REPLACEMENT PHONE .

    Reply

  373. my name is Lois Witherspoon and I really need a replacement life wireless phone cause my phone got damage during the storm hurricane Matthew when my house got cover with water so will I be able to get a replacement phone thank you for being able to help me with my replacement phone

    Reply

    • We can’t help you with your replacement phone, Lois, because we are an independent website, not your service provider. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  374. My name is alicia smith. I lost my safelink phone And would like to have it replaced please. The number for that phone is 484 686 ****. i’m not getting very much help here online n im getting frustrated!!!

    Reply

    • Sorry, Alicia, but we can’t help you. We’re an independent website, not your service provider. You need to contact them by phone or online.

      Reply

  375. How do i get a sim card replacement i have called customer sevice number of time and i continue on getting no answer. not once have i gotten anyone to answer the phone. I just need to know where or can i get a new sim replacement card

    Reply

    • Have you called 6-1-1? If not, give it a try. You don’t mention who your service provider is, but you should also check its website to see if they provide a way to email customer service or even an online chat option.

      Reply

  376. Wow do I get my cell phone your Company? I need a upgrade please. email me back and leave your number to call you. thanks

    Reply

    • We do not offer free government cell phones, Kathy. We only offer news about the free government cell phone program. We’re an independent website, not a service provider. You’ll need to contact a service provider by phone or online.

      Reply

  377. My daughter lost her safe link phone a few weeks ago and I cant find a way to get a hold of someone to tell them and see if we can get a replacement for it. Thanks!
    Lynette Ehly

    Reply

    • Check your service provider’s website to see if it offers a way to email or do an online chat with customer service.

      Reply

  378. I put my phone in my childs name. it got put in a cup of kool aid n no longer works but when I try to get a new one it says we already have one. I wud like a newer one. also tht one was too little for my big fingers

    Reply

  379. My phone was stolen but i had a hard time with using it because i am legally blind. Can i order a larger one with a speak app or something? I live in kentucky. I am sending friend email address.

    Reply

  380. MY COOLPAD PHONE IS FROZEN… I WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE AT ACCESS WIRELESS… BUT I KEEP GETTING A RECORDER… I NEED TO TALK TO A PERSON.CAN SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 917 688 **** OR I’M GOING TO HAVE TO SO BACK TO SAFELINK WIRELESS!!

    Reply

    • Sorry, Patricia, but we can’t help you because we’re not Access Wireless. “I can’t get hold of a real person” may be the most common complaint we hear about Access. And unfortunately, we don’t have a good answer for you.

      Reply

  384. I broke the screen on my phone but I got a another one from a friend can I switch my number to the phone I got from a friend

    Reply

    • It all depends on the make and model of the phone, Geri. Not all cell phones are compatible with all networks, so you’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to get an accurate answer.

      Reply

  385. why do I have to turn off my phone everytime i’m done with a call, or text. also say’s emergency calls only, even tho I still have minutes on my phone.???

    Reply

    • We have absolutely no way of analyzing the technical problems with your phone, Alisa. You need to call your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.

      Reply

    • Safelink doesn’t like to use any phones but Tracfones because they are all one big happy corporate family. However, other phones will work with their network. There are restrictions, so you need to speak to Safelink’s customer service or tech support team to get an accurate answer.

      Reply

  387. I wondered if i could use a TracFone i already have as my replacement phone its the Alcatel One Touch can this work to use with my SafeLink service and transfer my safelink phone number and acct to that cell phone can that be a compatible set up.
    Thank you in advance for you time.

    Reply

    • You will probably be able to use a TracFone to replace your current Safelink phone, but the only way to find out for sure is to contact Safelink customer service or tech support. Good luck.

      Reply

    • We get this question every once in a while and we’re always amazed by it. Why did you take your SIM card out of your phone?

      We have no idea what documentation is required. But if you call customer service, they can answer your question.

      Reply

  389. My son lost his phone n its dead so we cant call it to find it. How do i get him another free replacement phone

    Reply

  391. Within the last year, when I was at a Kroger in the city of Marion, I had inadvertently LOST my cell phone (which is a Samsung model, with the phone # 618-964-****). I had stopped by the customer service desk which Kroger has, but HAVEN’T heard from anyone since. I had then recently heard of a RECALL on Samsung cell phones (because of a spontaneous combustion effect the phone had with the battery). Now that I’ve GIVEN you the number for this phone, feel free to CALL this number, and if ANYONE answers, have them MEET with you. Then, as you confiscate the lost phone FROM the person, feel FREE to contact me in either of these ways:

    e-mail me @ *******@aol.com
    call me @ 618-925-****

    Reply

    • We can’t solve you problem, David, because we are an independent website with absolutely zero affiliation with any of the free government cell phone companies. You’ll need to contact the Kroger/i-wireless/Access Wireless customer service team. We recently stopped at the service desk at Kroger to ask for help with a Lifeline Assistance question and the very helpful woman at the counter gave us an Access customer service phone number to call. We call, it was answered immediately and we got our question answered quickly. Since your calls are not getting answered, maybe you should try the same approach. Good luck.

      Reply

  392. Hi,My aunt has a safe link phone, but she lost it, she needs to know how to get another one.I have tried calling the numbers on the website, and they were not helpful.Her name is Eleanor Holmes,she needs a new phone.Please let me know how to help her get another phone.Thank-You

    Reply

    • What do you mean when you say they were not helpful, Linda. Were you turned down when you spoke to customer service or were you unable to speak to a customer service agent?

      Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team by phone or online. You can call them by dialing 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  394. I ordered a phone in June 2015. It never came and I kept checking on it. Then this summer I tried applying for a different one and the said I had one sent to me originally and they didn’t offer any other help. What can I do? I really need a phone. Leo

    Reply