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Q: I need a better phone than the cheap one Safelink gave me. I’m wondering if I can get a new phone that I really like and then pop the SIM card and into it instead?
A. You cannot do that because a SIM card becomes locked to a Tracfone phone (sister company of Safelink Wireless, where they get the phones) the moment the phone they sent you is powered up. After than, it becomes “unusable” in any other phone or with any other provider.
You can call Safelink and see what phones they have that you can upgrade to, but you’re probably going to have to shell out some money to get an upgrade.
We’d be interested in your experience? Please enter a comment below if you have additional information.
Kayla says
Can i use a brand new straight talk for safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re going to hedge our answer and say “probably” because they are both owned by the same company. But make sure you check with the Safelink customer service before you purchase anything.
Brittany says
This isn’t true actually. SafeLink gave me a cheap flip phone and I wanted a better one as well. I got a different TracFone (smart phone) for $30 at Christmas and inserted my safelink SIM card and it worked. You will have to get on the TracFone website and register your new phone’s serial number to the Sim card number though.
Shay says
Hope you are honest enough to post this…
YOUR RESPONSE TO A QUESTION WAS:
“Sigh. For the 12,248th time, we are not affiliated with Safelink nor any other free government cell phone company.”
YOUR WEBSITE IS LITERALLY CALLED…..
FREE GOVERNMENT CELL PHONES
I mean c’mon guys? This is a joke right?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The only comments we don’t post are those that are obscene or so poorly written that we cannot make out the meaning of the words. Now in your case, Shay, your comment isn’t poorly written, just poorly thought out. This website NEVER makes any claim to be affiliated with the Lifeline program. We’ve said it over and over and over and over again. Don’t blame us if your reading comprehension is poor or that you are just too damn lazy or obstinate to see what has been said.
mydarkthawts says
I want to correct this.
The SIM card is NOT locked to any phone. Only CDMA providers lock the service to phones hardware ID requiring you to contact customer care to swap devices.
SafeLink is a GSM(T-Mobile and AT&T) only service that works from SIM only. It is a child company of TRACFONE and is backed by the government lifeline services. There is also talk of including LTE services from CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint as LTE is a GSM only technology (requires a SIM) although they already have other lifeline services that cover those carriers already.
Any locked TRACFONE smartphone will accept a SafeLink smartphone SIM card as long as it fits the device (refer to standard, micro and nano SIM card sizes for more information).
All unlocked GSM phones will also accept the SIM card.
No need to contact SafeLink customer service.
Check the phone to make sure it supports the spectrum/bands in your area to make sure the phone will communicate on the local frequencies (they are different from carrier to carrier, and region to region).
Shannon wynne says
I put a safe link sim card in a tracphonehow do I activate this phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Theoretically, that should work. But we don’t have enough info to fully answer your question. Try calling Safelink customer service to get the correct info.
Karlee says
What if both phones are Trac phones can you switch your safe link sim government phone to a better phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for Safelink customer service, Karlee.
Angela Bunch says
I had a smartphone, a Tracfone I’d bought from Walmart, and previously had the Walmart Family Plan on it, so I knew that it worked in MY AREA code (important!!). I called Safelink and they were able to send a chip to put in it for use as my Obama phone. I’ve since had 2 other Tracfones, and just popped in the chip & the number started working on those immediately. Safelink sells phones really inexpensively, and you can catch a great deal on a smartphone if you check back often. Since the first thing they ask is your area code, you wont be roped into buying one that may not work for your area!
James Johanson says
My verizon safelink smartphone died, I bought a verizon phone from another source. Can I take my safelink sim from my first verizon phone and put it into my new verizon phone? If so what is the procedure. Or do I have to send in for another sim card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only customer service can tell you if the specific make and model is compatible, James. Give them a call.
Rohit Sharma says
I only asked for a simcard from safelink and wanted to know if i can use it in a metro pcs phone ? on the website when i was qualifying for the process it said would i only like the sim card and what carrier phone do i have and i clicked on t-mobile and wanted to know if it can also be used in a Metro pcs phone ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot answer your question, Rohit. Sorry, but it’s beyond our area of expertise.
Melissa Burgess says
I would like to know if the sim card i was sent can it be activated in my metro phone. I had lost it in the process. Of a move and relocated it. My sevice was cancelled. Can it be turned back on.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Matt says
I m curious as well if SafeLink will switch to metro for us. I do know they have switched service from a TracFone to an unlocked at&t phone for me after 3 hours on the phone with them…. I’m going to try to put service on a metro phone as well after I figure out how to get it unlocked at the metro store.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please let us know how that works out for you. We undoubtedly have lots of readers who would like to hear more.
Wendy jett says
How can I change my service from my existing phone to my new phone I have safe link/tracphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Clarification needed: Are you switching from one service provider to another or just switching phones?
Claudia Sayre says
I am presently trying to activate another phone to safelink but don’t know my goggle address.what can you do to help me
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re pretty sure that even your free government cell phone service provider will not be able to give you your google address.
David says
Yes as long as its a compatible tracfone alcetel big button phone my dad uses although ive been given a free sim card it took 3 to finally work also another time they made me buy a .99c sim card byop sim card kit they told me that they also accept phones from verizon which they need the imei number to create a sim card they will send to you they only previded that after i asked why i had to buy the sim card when i never have before but ive never used a verizon phone its always been a tracfone which isnt even true because ive actually got my own account and have att and verizon smartphones which will let you use hotspot free because safelink doesnt even offer hotspot but yet it works although theres no longer an unlimited plan which is a let down and ive swapped out the sim card i just need to set apn settings
crystal troup says
Why do I have to buy a new phone when safe link wireless gave me a run around for a month. And told after I waited a month that my phone could not be active when 3 employees and a supervisor told me differntly so when my phone gets stolen by a crack head. Because if your employees would have done there job in the first place my phone would have never gotten stolen so how is it fair to me that this happened out of my control and I have buy new phone that’s poor costumer service. And that’s not cool not sense I’ve been a safe link customer off and on for ten years and was just bragging on yall. How awesome and better phone company you was from all the rest. You just made me out to be a lyer and that’s not cool
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your problems, Crystal, but we are NOT Safelink. This is an independent informational website.
Kimberly Goodwin says
I got a text. Saying that i have a phone number and I tried to make a call i cant. Make a call
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no way of knowing what that text was all about, Kimberly. Sorry.
anna noble says
how can i get a safelink sim card to work in my smartphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for Safelink tech support, Anna. Give them a call.
Nydia says
Can I use a LG from Cricket
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out which makes and models are compatible.
Gabby says
I called safelink today and they said I can do this I just have to purchase a safelink card from wal-mart or dollar general.
SS says
Here’s what do: Fire-up a Safelink BYOP sim card, after you get the sim card activated go to Walmart and or website and buy a “Simple Mobile” or “Walmart Family Mobile” phone of your choice.
Take the phone home — open the box — set the ORIGINAL sim card that came with the phone aside and DO NOT TURN THE PHONE ON until you insert your Safelink BYOP sim card in — THEN turn the phone on.
Safelink is owned by Tracfone which owns Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile — and the Safelink BYOP sim card runs off T-Mobile cell phone towers just like Simple Mobile and Walmart Family Mobile phones do.
Simple Mobile iPhone 6s plus $199.00 works with Safelink BYOP sim.
Simple Mobile iPhone 6s $149.00 works with Safelink BYOP sim.
Samsung J3 Luna Pro works with Safelink BYOP sim.
Samsung J7 Crown $99.00 works with Safelink BYOP sim
I know this for fact. I have owned all those phones at one time or another.
As of today: Friday May 3, 2019
Daryl Mau says
I just read this and I am in a similar situation. safelink/tracfone did provide me with a zte Z718TL a lower end phone but was good for 6mo. I’ve had to re-set it once recently because it was not sending/not recieving text mess. randomly during conversations which became very frustrating, as well as disruptive as you may imagine. wondering why someone is not responding or whythey keep repeating their question.Now they are saying I’ve had the phone for a year but I got it in Sept2018 they asked me for then when I complied C/S said I was already in compliance. Now they are still saying that I have to submit documents again but do not say which documents. I called C/S again today and the same response. Now when I asked about using a phone a friend gave me from china a huawei they say that they cannot activate it simply because it’s from china and if I need a phone from them and I have to purchase it cause mine is over a year old so no warranty. The struggle continues…
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe it’s time to make the switch to a different service provider, Daryl. Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Samantha Meyers says
Okay, so here is my problem. What sold me on Ur company was the fact thatUR REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME I COULD PUT NY SIM INTO ANOTHER PHONE AND IT WOULD WORK. U see I am going g to be driving FD or Uber, Lyft, etc, and need a better phone for GPS navigational issues. Now, I gave learned this is NOT TRUE? I HAVE , in the past was able to Po it my sim card into a different phone( galaxy5) and it DID work. (This was w a different company). I switched to Ur company be cause UR REP told me that Ur sim card can go into ALL phones. Please tell me this is true,stull. Thank you, sincerely, Samantha Meyers
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are NOT Safelink, Samantha. This is an independent informational website, not a Lifeline service provider. You need to speak to your service provider’s customer service team to solve your problem.
Jose says
Dear SafeLink technical support,
Can I use my new phone from metro pcs and add the SafeLink service to it or no …Also can I use the Sim card from your company and add it to my LG Android phone from metro pcs
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sigh. For the 12,248th time, we are not affiliated with Safelink nor any other free government cell phone company. You must contact the service provider’s customer service or tech support teams.
Kevin says
WOW!! People really have reading comrpehension problems? Is this a joke? I really feel for you guys repeating yourself over and over! LISTEN PEOPLE,READING IS FUNDAMENTAL! SHEESH!
Lisa Patton says
It’s not showing my safelink driver. How do i get it downloaded
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question that can only be answered by Safelink’s customer service or tech support team. Give them a call. Or, if you’re lucky, one of our readers will answer if for you.
Benjamin Malone says
I have a safelink sim that i ordered and put it in my unlocked metro pcs lg aristo and it works fine. Im getting an unlocked lg stylo 3 plus in the morning and going to try with that one also.
James iler says
Okay well i have a verizon samsung Galaxy 4 and y’all sent me a sims frim safe link and I put it in the galaxy 4 and it tells me that the sims isn’t from verizon how do I fix that problem and make the phine work
Free Government Cell Phones says
We didn’t send you anything, James. We are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Floyd says
The first thing that you need to do is to call Verizon and tell them that you’re switching to Safelink. Your, or any, Verizon branded phone must first be activated and used for at least 30 days with Verizon in order to change providers; I’m assuming that you’ve already had the phone activated for a while. Once you’ve called Verizon, they’ll either contact Safelink or they’ll give you a code & tell you to call them w/the code to switch providers. This whole process usually only takes 2-3 hrs at most. You’ll be asked to turn off your phone and remove the old SIM card and insert the new one. When powered back on, you’ll have to also change your mobile network settings. Here’s some quick instructions: **Change mobile network settings
Open your device’s Settings app
Tap Network & internet and then Mobile network.
Tap a setting. Tip: To reset all your network settings, tap System and then Advanced and then Reset options and then Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.** You should see two mobile networks, your old one and your new one, if your confused then make note of your old network before taking out your old SIM, otherwise just try both. I have personally switched from a Prepaid Verizon phone/SIM to a Safelink SIM. Safelink, as well as their parent company, use 4 of the major carriers, including Verizon, so your new network will probably still operate on the Verizon one, as mine does. Good luck with everything.
Patricia Turner says
I want to use my t mobile phone and get a Sim card, how do I order one.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service team, Patricia.
Jessica herrington says
Can I use a version card for my safelink phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re going to assume that spellcheck changed Verizon to “version” because your question makes no sense otherwise. That being the case, there are so many variables that we cannot answer your question. We suggest that you contact your service provider’s customer service team for the most accurate answer.
Chris Sarnhu says
ATT version of Samsung Galaxy S5 works great, however without rooting the att splash screen shows and I can’t sign up for wifi calling due to some e911rule; it trys to connect to the att server instead of TracFone for the federal database: rooting may solve this. And of course all the nullware/junk removed and settings to be altered. Also for this to succeed, you MUST have a fully unlocked phone either “harware unlocked” with a model number ending in U that was bought as Unlocked new from a legit store when it was released years ago (the market is flooded with root unlocked or even corrupted phones being sold as OEM hardware unlocked ‘supposedly’ from South Korea) or have ATT “software unlock” it.
Highly depends on the phone and carrier, as well as if the phone is truly unlocked or must be unlocked by the carrier you got your phone from (automatic process that took 5 minutes) bear in mind it may not go as smoothly if you owe money on your plan or any other phones or involuntarily had your contact terminated.
Notes: only GSM phones such as AT&T, T-Mobile and some others will work.
Miya says
If it’s compatible you can. I used my old metro lg phone with my safelink sim. I just followed the steps online. Now I’m using a sprint iphone se with the same sim card. Just depends on the phone and compatibility.
Jean Kelley says
I have SafeLink on my Trac phone.
Which now says nothing but hello welcome to herizone mobile this is restricted line . area 24
Location then some more numbers
I can not receive calls or make them..
I call 10 day’s ago said phone was ok.
I still can’t make phone calls at all.
Should I get another phone. I was bought this phone for my birthday 5 months ago.
I used this phone only 4 months
I was given a cspire phone not connected. It is a LG motto.
Please any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
A little advice is better than. Walmart tried to help. SafeLink , said it was ok.
I don’t think it is.The Lady at VERIZON
was very very rude.
I am disabled. I have helped people my whole life . Just having a hard time
trying to getting help back and to even get a simpified ansere I can truly understand to fix my phone problem.
If you can not figure this out.
Can’t you at least tell me if I should buy another phone. Thank you very much
Sincerely .Jean.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to accurately assess your situation, Jean. We’re not your service provider and we don’t have access to any of the info necessary. Sorry.
Tim says
The phone my safelink came with broke i took the sim chip out without calling safelink and it worked in a galaxy grand neo
Nakeisha says
A: Yes all you have to do is call safelink and they can switch it over for you.
Debbie Simmons says
What if safe link SIM card to large for new phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Dawncarter says
I have a new safelink sim but have NOT recieved my phone &are having differculties activating my sim card in a. Old LG aristo phone what do i do ?when i keep recieving notice’s stating that i must use my phone inorder to continue the safelink services.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Jeez Louise, Dawn. Have you spoken to customer service? That’s what you should have done as soon as you received the first notice.
Dwayne Johnson says
I have a Verizon htc desire526, it is new, never activated. Can I use my SafeLink sim card in it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We defer to Safelink customer service and/or tech support on questions like this, Dwayne.
Alecia Walker says
I don’t have a Safelink Phone. All I have is the SIM Card Safelink sent me in the mail. I’m assuming I insert it in my Smart Phone. How do I activate it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We never stray into answering tech questions, Alecia. Our expertise is the free government cell phone program, not the tech details on each phone. We’d suggest that you call your service provider’s tech support team to get your question answered.
Tammy Godsey says
My SIM card will not work in my own phone n the other phone I had from another company got stolen so I need a new one
carolyn covington says
i am having trouble, trying to activate my SAFELINK SIM card,I Have purchased a new Tracofone phone,and i can not get my safelink sim card to work, will the tracfone have to be activated before the safelink sim card will work
Ric says
I got a maze from safetynet vendor removed the simm and used it on a moto phone and it works fine.
Pang says
Hi, what if I bring my own phone and get the sim only plan, can I freely swap out the sim to multiple phones? Can they detect that I’m doing this, is it illegal?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, theoretically, you should be able to switch from one phone to another to another to another. But only if they are each compatible with your service provider’s national cell network. Not all cell phones are compatible with all networks. Contact customer service or tech support to find out if your other phone is compatible.
Lurline Cleckley says
I applied for a free phone, in NYC, in front of Harlem hospital, in April. The representatives had the free phones and he had sim cards. He said the sim card is good, as long as I receive, Medicaid, snap &/or cash assistance. He said the sim card WILL BE UNLIMITED FIT THE FIRST 2 MONTHS, then after, 350 talk minutes and unlimited text and data. Long story short…I DID NOT get the first 2 months unlimited talk. When the 350 minutes expired, I DID NOT RECEIVE ANY MORE MINUTES AFTERWARDS!!! I WOULD LIKE TO CANCEL MY ACCOUNT WITH SAFELINK, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY!!! HOW DO I CANCEL MY ACCOUNT????
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Leslie Norman says
I have a SafeLink Wireless flip phone the screen is cracked inside and the screen flashes on and off along with the charging Circle. It will not come on anymore for me to use it. How do I get a replacement phone? My enrollment ID and all my email addresses I’ve tried will not log me into my account on SafeLink Wireless but I also have not had to do that in several years. I have over a thousand minutes left on my phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team. If your phone still works, you can do that by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Michael says
I used my safelink SIM card, in another phone. It’s a t-mobile tracfone sim. I think with these sims it just depends on if the phone is compatible with the carrier. In this case a blu dash L phone is compatible with t-mobile
Emily says
What do you mean blu dash L? I ordered a phone with T-Mobile carrier because I saw on Wikipedia that if the sim card has a 5tm on the first line it’s T-Mobile. Hoping it’s accurate.
Mark says
You can purchase a compatible sim card for .99 cents.
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/NewPublic/upgrade_phone.html
Click on the bring your own phone button.
Put that sim in another phone then transfer your account to it.
larry delgado says
the phone i got was defective from the beginning. the battery never lasted more than 1 hour because the copper prongs were bad. i took the battery out n one copper connecter prong broke off n the other when i tried to fix ti the otber two broke off. i really need a phone for work n it lasted 2 months if that. i feel ripped off n upset cause i need a phone n that number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you contacted your service provider’s customer service team to demand a free replacement phone, Larry? If not, that should be your first course of action. If they do not give you a satisfactory answer, you are free to switch immediately to a different service provider. Here’s an article that tells you how simple it is to do:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Charron says
Safelink tells us to get a current Sun for new phone ourselves? Does not tell us the carrier needed at Verizon etc. Makes it hard to do our phone. Disabled need easy to hold larger print. Our phone choice is better for our budget price. Sim carrier info is needed.
Dolores evans says
My Trac phone keeps saying
no cellular connection my old phone would pick up in this area
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you contacted Safelink customer service, Dolores?
Christopher Murano says
I have a Coolpad phone from MetroPCS and I got a sim card from SafeLink.
I unlocked the phone wich is GSM and it did not work.
I called SafeLink and they said it is not compatible. From what I’ve read…GSM unlocked phones are supposed to be compatible with the SafeLink lifeline sim cards. I guess it’s all bologna!….Am I wrong?
cindy says
you are correct just a scheme to sell you something.i am going thru exactly the same endless loop of oh that phone isn’t compatible blah blah blah. do your homework folks the major carries do not lock cell phones
Trudy Yates says
What do I need to do to upgrade my Alcatel cell phone that I’ve had for 8 yrs to an unlocked LG Tribute HD 5 Smartphone a friend got me for my birthday from Boost Mobile. It was locked but it’s now unlocked or was last month. IDK if they lock back or not lol.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The good news is that it should still be unlocked. Once unlocked, they stay unlocked.
We can’t tell you if that phone will work with your service provider or not. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so your best course of action would be to call 6-1-1 and ask customer service if that particular make and model of phone is compatible with their cell network.
Embyr says
This information is not correct. I have a Safelink phone/sim card and missed using my old AT&T phone that had a larger screen (and all around better phone than the free one they sent). All I did was remove my sim card from my Safelink phone and insert into my AT&T phone (neither phone nor sim was BYOP) and it does just fine. 4g speed, GSM/WCDMA network, calls, text, mms, etc. all work fine. Only the website says that my sim or phone number is invalid when I try to activate my AT&T phone to my Safelink sim card. But as far as that, it works as per normal.
Angela Marie Lawson says
I have a smart phone how do I transfer my SafeLink information to it. It’s a Moto E
Free Government Cell Phones says
We wish all questions were this easy to answer, Angela. Just call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and your service provider’s customer service team will answer.
Mike Rothaus says
I want to buy a LG G5 H830 phone on ebay. H830 is locked to T-Mobile, but the phone I am buying is not locked to an account. I currently have a Motofola G4 Plus with a SafeLink SIM working just fine. Since the SafeLink underlying carrier is T-Mobile, will the H830 work, even if I have to get a new Safelink SIM card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Some readers have confirmed that what you propose will work, but we cannot personally confirm it, Mike. We would recommend that you speak to Safelink customer service BEFORE you purchase that phone. Better safe than sorry.
Grant says
With SafeLink I just switched you can get a gsm phone lots of HTC phone I got Moto E4 from Target and happy with SafeLink. Yes you can unlock your phone and use SafeLink if it’s GSM unbranded. I get 4glte. I had assurance but you couldn’t use another phone. Reapplied with SafeLink and phone and service is great. Plus you can buy more data. Friend had a metro PC’s phone unlocked it and put SafeLink sim in. Yes all above is LifeLine
Melanie says
If you have a safelink phone that is touchscreen, and buy an unlocked phone and if your phone works off AT&T towers then you can switch without calling Safelink. I did it today. I switched from an Alcatel Pixi Unite to a Blu Studio XL2 I bought off HSN brand new. I put my sim in new phone before powering on. Had no issues. Idk if it works in used phones or anything. But I know it worked in my case today with phone listed on that type tower. I tried previously to use a straight talk LG Sunset it did not work. The sunset was CDMA I’m told is why. Safelink tried to “rebrand” it could not be done. HSN has many unlocked phones.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re glad it worked for you, Melanie, but it might not work for others and we just cannot bring ourselves to tell readers to do something that could cause their contract to be voided. We would rather have them follow the rules and make sure everything is on the up and up.
Kaitlin says
What phone’s can I upgrade to another phone from the UMX, Model: U673C?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out which makes and models they have available. You can also check its website because most free government cell phone companies list the makes and models currently available.
Dre says
I had a smashed Safe link (Trac Phone) I purchased a used (Unlocked) AT&T Note 2 phone and put the Safe link sim card in and it work with no issues.
So I would say yet you can use the sim in other phones as long as the alternate phone is unlocked
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones work on all cell networks, Dre. You got lucky.
steve says
With a little research it’s not hard to find out if or which cell phones work with which network. For instance all GSM Unlocked phones should work with all GSM Networks, CDMA can be a little more complicated but still easy to find out.
Ms. C says
The friend I’d set up service for is blind and was unable to use the smart phone that was sent. Safelink would not provide a phone with buttons, so I provided basic the first phone that I was sent. The company did provide a new SIM.
Ms. C says
The service rep will want to registered all Tracfone branded phones by the phone, not the SIM. I had my service registered under the SIM number, thus can use it in any Tracfone or any unlocked phone. I’d set up service for a friend using the phone IMS number. That card can only be used in that phone.
John Doe Smith says
Yes, you can use another phone with Safelink IF that phone is a new phone sold by one of the Tracfone companies that use T-Mobile towers (and or an unlocked GSM phone, of course).
BlackFriday I bought a Simple Mobile Samsung Galaxy J3 Luna Pro at Best Buy for $29.00 + $3.00 state tax and free shipping.
As of today (Dec. 7, 2017) Best Buy is selling that phone for $49.00.
READ CAREFULLY:
Last October I switched my Lifeline plan from Assurance Wireless to Safelink when I learned Safelink has a BYOP plan.
I went to the Safelink website and clicked on the link requesting a change to Safelink — got approved then I ordered a Safelink BYOP SIM card.
The SIM card arrived four or five days later. I then placed the Safelink SIM card in an old UNLOCKED GSM Alcatel phone I had and it worked. — I don’t remember how I had to activate it BUT I NEVER had to talk to Safelink’s customer service.
Now, keep in mind that SIM card gave me a new phone number. And I never requested to keep my old Assurance Wireless number — so if you do it the way I did (not talking to customer service, about keeping my old number — you’ll end-up with a new number). So I don’t have any idea if you’re already a Safelink customer and you get a BYOP SIM card how that will work. I’m sure you’ll be able to get them to transfer your phone number onto your new SIM card. And tell customer service your new phone is unlocked if they ask. Don’t confuse them.
ALSO, remember this is about A Safelink BYOP SIM card — I have NO idea if you can take the SIM card out of your current free Safelink phone and activate it into a Tracfone sister company phone (Simple Mobile or Walmart Family Mobile phones which run off T-Mobile cell towers) and get it to work. I don’t see why it wouldn’t if your current Safelink phone’s SIM card is T-Mobile tower compatible.
When I received my new Simple Mobile Samsung the Simple Mobile SIM card was in the phone. The back of the phone and battery were not attached to the phone so the first thing I did was REMOVE the Simple Mobile SIM card from the new Samsung — placed my Safelink BYOP SIM card in and then I placed the battery and back onto the phone — THEN I turned the phone on. (DO NOT TURN THE PHONE ON WITH THE SIM card in that belongs to the original phone’s carrier. If you do, then the phone becomes LOCKED to that phone’s carrier. Turn the phone on for the first time only AFTER you have placed your Safelink SIM card in).
You might have to turn the phone on-and-off a couple of times as well if you get a phone like mine that has wifi calling it might conflict with wifi so shut off “wifi calling” if you have wifi internet and want to use wifi. I don’t know if my Samsung will wifi call, I assume it would if I had it running on Simple Mobile but figured it won’t with Tracfone/Safelink because they want you to buy their refill phone minutes and Simple Mobile has unlimited minutes with all their refill plans. Get it?
Whether or not Safelink runs off other cell towers than just T-Mobile’s I don’t know anything about that. I’ve heard you can request a different network but that’s on you — I’m just telling you all what I did with a Tracfone sister company phone that runs off T-Mobile towers like Safelink does.
Walmart and several other stores carry Simple Mobile phones and Walmart of course sells (Walmart) Family Mobile phones that run off of T-Mobile towers and is a company also owned by Tracfone.
And NO — a T-Mobile phone will not work with Safelink unless that T-Mobile phone is unlocked as far as I know.
JD Smith
Tech Geek says
That’s the dumbest answer I have ever heard some people shouldn’t be able to answer things they know nothing about.
Yes you can out your sim card in any either phone as long as that phones network unlocked the data service not not work till you call them they have to change something in their end to enable data with that device
T. White says
Yes you can I actually took.my sim card and inserted into my old Samsung galaxy 3 that use to be on Verizon aand it works
Just fine talk and text and internet with my same number so it is possible
DadBear says
You ABSOLUTELY can use a better phone. I am currently using an unlocked Samsung Galaxy s 3. It was initially an AT&T Samsung Galaxy S3, but after entering a FREE (Google it) unlock code (a series of numbers entered on the dialpad) I was able to use It with Safelink. YOU CAN USE OTHER PHONES WITH SAFELINK!!! Switching to a Straight Talk, Samsung Galaxy J7SKY PRO in Dec. Which is CDMA btw….
Heather says
I have a galaxy s3 that I want to use as a safelink phone. I need a safelink SIM card. How to get one?
Free Government Cell Phones says
First, check with Safelink customer service or tech support to make sure your phone is compatible with its network.
Mark says
Trying to use a FreedomPop phone with the free government sim card I got. It says invalid sim card. It works on an old government phone that is TMobile. But when I search for info about the government phones, most seem to use Sprint. FreedomPop uses Sprint but the phone will not work with the free government phone sim card. How do I get it to work?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s probably a question for Sprint customer service or tech support, Mark.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s probably a question for Sprint customer service or tech support, Mark.
Tammy says
I was able to put mine in a at&t galaxy phone. My Verizon phone I’m working on. I think as long as the phone is junkie bed you can use it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Junkie bed?
Cathy Duguid says
Where can I purchase a new saflink wireless sims csrd
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink customer service.
LINDA K GEHM says
I lost my sim card, how do I get a new 1 & is there a cost?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink customer service can answer those questions, Linda. But we have a question, Linda: How do you lose a SIM card?
SahmiMarie says
I’ve been reading this post just for your answers to questions. Geez Louise, Free Government Cell Phones, people think you have the answer to everything. maybe you should work for safelink. you certainly have enough people asking you about it
Free Government Cell Phones says
From your lips to God’s ear, Marie.
Kayla says
I need my messages saved to my sim card it’s extremely important how in the world do I do it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t answer tech questions, Kayla. You need to speak to your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Equi says
Nope, saddling has a bring your own phone program and will send you a Sim for any GSM unlocked phone
Jose says
What phone can I transfer my safelink service to, and how can I, thank you?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The list of potential phones is too long for us to list here, Jose. You need to speak to Safelink customer service to get more accurate info.
stevecali says
That must not always be true. I have SafeLink. I took my sim out of the assigned phone and put it in a Walmart family mobile phone. Incidently both phones are carrier locked to T-Mobile and that is why in this situation it worked. Quite often people post things thinking they know what they’re talking about when they don’t know everything.
Derika hull says
I got the sim card from y’all .It want unlock my. Phone when I put the card in my tracefone it say. Sim lockcode -1. What can I do
Free Government Cell Phones says
Y’all didn’t get it from us, Derika. This is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team directly.
Karen says
I’m vision impaired all the phones are to small how can I get a larger phone with bigger keyboard ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article you should read about all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies’ vision/speech/hearing-impaired policies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
stevecali says
Hi Karen. I’m in the same situation. The solution that works for me is that I tether my government phone to an Android tablet. I have a 10 inch Android tablet so no more magnifying glass for me. Check with your Lifeline provider if you need a replacement phone that can do tethering they should be able to accommodate you.
Treshaun says
So i have a cheap prepaid Verzion phone can i get service from safe link on it
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always recommend that readers contact their preferred company’s customer service team to confirm if their phones can be used with a particular network.
Christina Scholfield says
I have a Sims card that safelink sent to me and I never used it. It’s still in package. Can I use that one in my new phone and what number will that be.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not the ones you need to speak to, Christina. This is an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone service provider, so we cannot tell you what your phone number will be. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you’ll need to get your service provider’s customer service team to answer your questions.
Yolanda Mccray says
I want a safelink smartphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you a current Safelink customer?
Dean says
I was able to use the Safelink SIM on a different phone than what they gave me, as long as the new phone is unlocked, it will work.
OWENS DANIELS says
they were right i bought the same kind of phone alcatel just the larger one with big buttons on it and it felt good to hold in my hand with loud speaker on it larger screen on it very perfect phone for me and NOPE.its not compatiable with my area my 40218 area i said really youre kiddin me, WHAT!!!!!! i bought it for twenty one dollars on ebay and once the phone been powered up to one sim card its forever to that card ,thats whats being sold on line so watch out. OWENS.
Carla says
I ordered a replacement phone under safelink, clicked BUY PHONE, not the bring your own phone link. Put in my zip code and it showed me what phones I could have. I picked one, paid for it and waited. I am STILL waiting. When it arrived, it powered up statiing T-Mobile…hmmm, first clue. Then kept saying invalid SIM card. So after a long conversation with Tracphone, she said I just needed a new SIM card and was mailing it. 7 days later, this one will not fit! They sent one to fit my OLD phone. (keep this in mind) Going through all the same questions, I was told by the IEMI number, my phone does not exsist and sorry. I had to stop him from hanging up and get me a supervisor. She was nicer, but more difficult to understand. First she said she was mailing me a new one, but when I questioned her on why he said my phone didnt exsist, she agreed. Said “I” had to buy my own “bring your own phone” SIM card then they would activate it. WTH. I repeatedly told her I did NOT click buy your own phone and felt they needed to fix this. Nope…go to walmart and get your own SIM card. Case dismissed. Wrong! Which company do I get a SIM card for, they ATT that it was before, TMobile, Trac phone…no one knows or will help me. Paid for a phone that I cannot use. BE CAREFUL….
Free Government Cell Phones says
Bad story, Carla. But we think you made one important error. You said WTH. Considering how bad this story is you should have said WTF.
Martha says
Exact same thing happened to me. Wasted money on a upgrade phone that I can’t use.
Anne says
Safe link is sending new Sim to port in my old number but can I put that sim into iPhone 5s I purchased from Cricket with success?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t want to steer you wrong on a tech issue like that, Anne, so your best bet is to contact Safelink customer service before trying it.
Joeymarie says
I’d like to know how you’re able to afford an iPhone but you’re receiving government assistance???
Manuel Alexander says
Not true at all I have Been using my SafeLink number and Sim card that came with there crappy phone.. on a Xiaomi Redmi prime 4 for over a year now. No problems plugged Sim in and wowzers! no complaints no settings nothing
!~~~The best advice I can give is do your research!! don’t ask questions till after that, if you find a phone that matches the same baseband and cellular technology i.e GSM/CDMA etc and match it to your desired carrier you then should have no problem using it with any government cell phone plan ~~~~~!
***Unimportant (but handy!!) advertisement***
you could do the easy thing, buy a Xiaomi. It is Well beyond worth it, mine works on any carrier in USA that I could ever care to use (GSM utms CDMA evdo ) beware of the baseband though has to run on same channel as what carriers u plan to use i.e Redmi 4 works on Sprint T-Mobile at&t verizon(which? Think about it…. Counts for every mvno under those big brands!) at h+ speeds too well at least in Cali its that fast but it is pretty much like tuning in a radio
DISCLAIMER: You may have to do some learning, if it hasn’t been globally imported your gonna probably eventually want the global firmware not the china English translated and that requires semi technical Android skills or common sense and good directions 😘 happy budget shopping !
Haleigh Joy says
My tracfone froze and I bought another phone to transfer my minutes. How can I get a new safe link Sim card to put it my phone?,
Free Government Cell Phones says
C’mon, Haleigh, did you read the article on this page before you left this comment? We think not.
Sam Banner says
This answer is wrong.
The SIM card is not locked to anything except the carriers signal and the phone number.
If you buy an iphone (any smart phone) from AT&T (or any phone company- Verizon T-Mobile etc) on a contract or installment plan, that phone will be locked to the company you got it from. The company can provide the code to unlock it, if you’ve met the terms of your contract or if you’re traveling overseas. Without the code the phone can’t be used with any other service but the company it came from.
However; if you buy a phone from Apple, Microsoft or Samsung directly, some third part places like Best Buy , those phones are already unlocked you can use them with any phone company. You’d buy the phone, put the SIM card in, and that’s it.
If you put a SIM card into an iPhone and then into an android or vice versa you could run into technical issues, so I would recommend if you change the brand of your phone to request a new SIM card but going from android to android or iPhone to iPhone should be okay.
Ginger Jo Barreto says
Great info with slight correction. I have a Samsung Galaxy S5. All Verizon 4G LTE phones provided by Verizon are Unlocked.
To all reading this: As some have said, do your homework with the phone you have. Just wanted to make that minor correction.
Jeffrey Klipp says
I called Safelink today and asked if I could use my old iPhone 6 instead of my Tracphone. The reply was yes, I just had to purchase a kit from a local Walgreens or any other that sells it. Then call them back.
Esmeralda says
Thanks so much this is the post answer I been looking for
JEFFREY L CARLSON says
hello i would like to comment on using safelink/tracfone alcatel 205 basic model, i’ve been in contact with safelink to transfer phone number to nokia 635 from att which i was sent complimentary unlock codes from att by email which did not work,so nokia phone would not unlock did have the proper tracfone sim card, tried again with zte maven and specified the micro sim, they sent the standard which i had to reinsert back into alcatel phone to get service up and running, this in turn requires service availability and new phone number.
i thought i’d shop in target store for tracfone smart phones using standard sim, associate says tracfone smartphones use micro or nano sim cards. so its very difficult to transfer phone number on basic phone to another phone unless you use flip or standard only
Paul Reynolds says
Do you know how long it takes for service to be restored after purchasing a new SIM card from Safelink/Tracfone and inserting it into a new smart phone? I did this while on the phone with a Safelink tech 4 hours ago and still no service. She told me it could take a “couple of hours” and in the interim I could still make and receive calls on my old (government issued) basic cell phone until the “transfer was complete”. Thanks in advance.
Also, for anyone who is planning on switching to a smart phone, I was informed that the data wouldn’t be available until after the 26th of the month, just FYI.
I’m located in PA. I just recently found out that data was now (since the beginning of 2017, I believe) part of the Safelink plan (originally it was only available in CA). Good news for us low income folks. Hope it works.
Michael McKinney says
Yes , you put your SIM CARD in another phone and it will work just fine and there is no problem with it working with the their system they just want you to use their phone so they can keep track of you and what you do with their phone .
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not necessarily true, Michael.
Chakerra King says
I have a Samsung galaxy 5 and my tracfone safelink and my cell went completely blank I want to put my SIM in my galaxy but don’t know if it will still work
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know if it will work, either, Chakerra. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to get your question answered.
Jim says
Michael McKinney: Phone companies don’t need you to use “their” phones in order for them to “keep track of you and what you do with their phones.” That’s what the SIM card is for. Especially Safelink, or any other carrier who uses refurbished, previously owned phones for the Gov Program. That would be why, in many cases, they can’t guarantee that you’ll receive a specific one, unless you’re purchasing it. They don’t even know which ones will be coming in.
joan ann gering says
I would like to upgrade to a newer model phone. I have a lg306g model phone. I would like to get a smart phone but do not know where to or even go about getting a newer model. Can you please tell me how to get a smart phone from you. I don’t have a whole lot of money to buy a new phone but I can if need be.
If I buy a smart phone Trac-fone from Walmart would I be able to use it with the safelink network.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Can’t tell you how to get a smartphone from us, because we’re an informational website, not a free government cell phone company. Check your service provider’s website. Most of them list the phones they have available.
Brooklyn says
If the phone is compatible with safelink network and not blacklisted it will work. My girlfriends is in an at&t iPhone 5 and mines in a galaxy note 5 for T-Mobile no problems at all.
Free Government Cell Phones says
“If the phone is compatible” is the key to that concept.
BDoubleZz says
Yes you can. I took mine out of safelink phone and put in a t mobile lg g4. Works perfectly. Talk and text and same number. Thwy even have niw where u can order just sum card for ur unlocked gsm phone.
personal says
you have to have a sim card starter kit. with safelinkwireless you can provide your own phone most phones from safelink wireless doesnt even have a sim card you can remove yourself. it has to be with a provider that safelink participates in such as verizon, boost, and tmobile just visit safelinkwireless.com for more info on updating your phone
MR. DU says
I need a smartphone( locally) a trac-phone to transfer over to my safelink flip junker flipin”.
Go to walmart there’s a nice tracphone Android $39 sogood but wait Why it say on rear ,
Not compadible with safelink wireless customers ?
Seriously same cell stuff should work! All non android cell are” Obsoleate”!
Oh yeah walmart use to have a small android that was 19.99 that went over to safelink
ah but they quit selling that now, I went out to serveral differant locations none left anymore .
So question is ?
I have 2 locked phones 1 on att 1 on t mobil can i get a tracphone sim kit slide it in one them phones?
Or what store has android 4,5″ screens that transfer over, in the PA. 15642 zip area.
WALMART..
FAMILY DOLLAR.
TARGET.
SEARS.
CVS DRUG STORE.
RITEAID DRUG STORES.
NOTHING ANDROID FOR SAFELINK
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check with Safelink customer service before you buy anything, Mr. Du. And expand your search to include online sources like Amazon.com or eBay.com.
joan poindexter says
is the sim card activation kit same as sold under tracphone???? I can not find safelink card kit in walmart
Free Government Cell Phones says
Tracfone should work, but confirm that with a call to customer service before you purchase, Joan.
vicki says
Where can I get a sims card for my safelink phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your Safelink phone comes with a SIM card, Vicki. What exactly are you looking for?
Tonya Niles says
My phone was broken. I have to get a replacement phone from safelink. Free goverment phones. My question is when i call to get a replacement, can i have my alcatrel 4 fierce connected? And how much for a sim card for that phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Tonya. Only customer service can tell you if a particular phone will work.
Angie M says
Your answer above is not correct. My niece gave me her old iPHone 4 while I was with Safelink with the free phone and minutes for low income seniors. Someone at T-Mobile cut out a sim card and put it in my unlocked iPhone 4 and it works great.
Now, would I be able to buy a Jitterbug Flip phone and do the same thing? Use it on the Safelink low income plan? Because the phones you get from them are SO cheap and I get NO reception in my apartment at all. I have to go outside to answer a call (and usually miss it because I can’t get out there fast enough) or to make a call. Not fun when it’s too hot or too cold out there.
I fear this question will not be answered, according to your instructions below, but I will not call Safelink to ask them because they have the absolute, not only phones, but SERVICE on the planet!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
The problem you face, Angie, is that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. We can’t tell you if the specific Jitterbug flip phone you want to buy is compatible with Safelink. You may not like Safelink’s customer service, but you probably need to call them to confirm compatibility.
Missy says
Well, my Safelink phone started getting texts saying reboot phone, i did, i sent 500 texts, i called safelink, we couldn’t find the problem, so i told the lady I would go get a phone, she said I can buy ANY tracphone, i said so i can buy a touchscreen or android, she said as long as its a tracphone. I got home to late to call and get it switched over but I will let you know if she tells me my phone isn’t compatible. Im pretty sure ANY, mean ANY tracphone. I’ve had this happen before and got shut down. For the record she didn’t say some, she said Any before you say all phones aren’t compatible, maybe the employees need to learn more about the phone service, everytime i call im on the phone at least a hour, ,that is ridiculous!!
Brit says
That isn’t a correct answer to the question. I have safe link and I’ve changed my phone several times. You can with buy an updated tracfone or you can buy any unlocked phone and call safe link and they will help you set your sim card up to your new phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since you added a new comment instead of replying to an earlier comment thread, we have no idea what or who you’re saying is incorrect, Brit.
Marie says
I recieved my sim card today and I am wondering how good is the service in terms of internet and extra data if needed? Is it easy and worth it to switch to safelink even if I need extra minutes and data?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way for us to know the signal strength in your area, Marie, so it’s impossible for us to tell you how good your service will be. We also don’t know the terms of your contract with your current service provider, so we can’t compare the two.
Lisa R. Novak says
Good evening my name is lisa r. Novak and my phone number is 330-501-**** and the only problem i have with it is hanging it up after i make a phone call.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service, Lisa. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Gloria Dobson- McKinley says
Just Wanna Say I’m Loven This Comment From Lisa R.,Novak!!
Bradley Smith says
I have a galaxy Sj36 that I would like to use as my safelink phone so I can upgrade to the unlimited package and access internet
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to discuss that with Safelink customer service, Bradley. This website is not affiliated with Safelink.
Richard says
I’m trying to unlock a Galaxy note 4 phone (former provider tmobil). Have already received unlock code and instructions to unlock from tmobil and have received new SIM card from Safelink. However, when inserting new SIM into Gal note 4 and turning it on there are no prompts to follow as stated in instructions from tmobil so I cannot enter unlock code. The tech at tmobil said the phones might be on different networks, GSM or CDMA but I believe they are both GSM. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We quickly get in over our pay grade if we attempt to give technical advice. We’d suggest that you Google “how to tell if your cell phone is GSM or CDMA.” We’re confident you’ll get a quick, simple answer.
Rosa Graves says
There is no live agent maybe you guys can help by contacting them with all the complaints
Rosa Graves says
I’m trying to get a SIM card for the AT& T Samsung galaxy 4 smartphones since you guys want give me my phone back I have applied for it just waiting on it and why can’t we talk to a LIVE AGENT anymore
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not AT&T, Rosa. We’re an independent informational website.
Hoa Nguyen says
I’ve just order a SIMM through the free phone program. What type of SIMM am I going to get? I’d like a micro SIMM because I have an iPhone 5.
Hoa Nguyen says
actually I need a nano SIMM
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea what kind of SIM you’re going to get nor which company you are enrolled with, Hoa. We’re an independent website, not your free government cell phone service provider. You should have discussed that with customer service before ordering a new SIM.
Bo says
I have safelink wireless and wanted a smartphone so I bought an LG with tracfone byop(bring your own phone) sim card kit. But after 3 months my phone is deactivated and a service end date pops up. I’ve had safelink 2 years without a problem and assumed I was ok because of my low income status. Why did tracfone step in with service end date when I”m a safelink member on assisted plan. Was it because I got byop sim kit from tracfone or because I bought an LG phone? I called safelink and the agent activated my phone 03/14/17 but now tracfone texts me with 03/15/17 service end date with 350 min. 1 gb media & 500 kb text. LOL I have a feeling government plans employees are having problems with these new smartphone upgrades. Thanks. Bo
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no way of knowing what the problem is, Bo, but is it possible that this is an indication that you need to do your annual recertification?
Name says
So what you’re saying is that you bought a new phone,activated it with a Tracfone SIM card, had a new & different phone number and you expected Safelink Wireless to magically know that you wanted to transfer your free minutes to this phone? That’s not how it works. You were receiving min/texts on your Safelink phone, which you still had activated with Safelink. The only thing that was accomplished was your buying a second phone. If you wanted to transfer you Safelink free service to a new phone you first need to let them know this by either calling them or going to their (Safelink Wireless) website. There is an “Upgrade Phone” option on the site where you could have purchased a new phone from them. Or: You could just take the SIM card out of your old Safelink phone & insert it into your new Tracfone phone. They should be (but not always) compatible if their both using the same network. In your case though, you may just need to request a new SIM card because your old phone may not be compatible with the newer smart phones. These are the reasons why you’re getting a Tracfone service end date; Your new phone isn’t yet with Safelink, it’s only with the “regular” Tracfone pay-as-you-go service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
From your lips to God’s ear, Name.
Gradie Roberson says
Can I use a ZTE cell with safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
We try not to give technical advice, Gradie. You should call tech support to get your question answered accurately. The phone number is 800-378-1684.
Christine Marrs says
I ordered and paid for an upgraded phone THROUGH safelinks website I paid $75 for a used phone and received a COMPLEYELY UNUSABLE PHONE THAT IS IN CHINESE!! Obviously, if I have safelink, I don’t have a lot of money to spend.on an upgraded phone and was EXTREMELY disappointed with the garbage.phone I received. I mean not even in English!!! A true disappointment
Free Government Cell Phones says
Bad story, Christine. And from our perspective, it’s absolutely unacceptable. Contact Safelink again and ask to speak to a supervisor. We’re hopeful that she/he can solve your problem.
Barbara says
I apologize if this has already been asked but I am a little short on patience after getting nowhere with the CSR’s. I had a older stick type phone with SafeLink for about a year, and it worked fine as far as signal was concerned. I recently bought a smartphone from SafeLink, and the description didn’t mention anything about it needing a specific mobile provider. However, it came with a T-Mobile sim card and I cannot receive calls or texts until I drive about ten minutes away from my house, no “bars” at all. Long story even longer, after being sent a ATT sim card, because my house is not covered by T-Mobile, I am now being told that the situation cannot be fixed because they don’t have permission to use the towers that cover the area. I am obviously not smart enough to figure out why the older model phone worked and the new one doesn’t, do smart phones require different networks? Is it because of the data capabilities? Sorry for the long post and terrible grammar, I just want my phone to work at my house!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all phone companies are compatible with all national cell networks, Barbara. It’s basically two completely different technologies working side-by-side so the consumer never notices — until they get into a situation like yours. This is a really unfortunate situation that your free government cell phone company should correct. They should provide you with a different phone that works where you live.
Try calling customer service again and ask to speak to a supervisor. Unfortunately, you may be required to purchase another new phone (or at least a SIM card) that will allow you to have a functioning cell phone again. You shouldn’t need to pay, but be prepared to hear them say that will be required.
Mark Munker says
I dont believe you can use a sim card from an original, Safelink issued free phone. If one is to upgrade, you are required to have a tracfone device. Other carriers owned by tracfone i.e. Straighttalk Net10. . wont work. Any upgrade requires that you provide or purchase your own tracfone. Android devices work If you use the internet your free minutes will be deducted and you can slso purchase using your airtime in some cases depending on the purchsse and type of device. If your gonna upgrade to android and use it as a primary device, you more than likely be bette off in the long run, cost wise, to purchase a mod range quality device and an appropriate prepaid plan through through whi I believe and have used are the 3 best overerall csrriers. . . . family mobile, virgin mobile, or boost mobile.
Michelle M says
Can i start paying for my Safelink Wireless service in the event i become ineligible ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink only offers Lifeline free government cell phone plans, Michelle. There are companies that offer paid plans in addition to Lifeline plans, but Safelink isn’t one of them. Here’s where you can find a list of all the companies and plans in your state. Maybe you can find one that offers what you need:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
john k says
Yes, you can your own smartphone, i use my Iphone 6 with my old Safelink number, all I needed to do was buy a NET10 (BYOD) SIM KIT and after i received my NET10 sim kit i called Safelink and they guided me and activated my Iphone 6 with my Safelink phone number, i could of got a new phone number but all my contacts had my original Safelink phone number. Now i have no phone bill what so ever, love it and it works great.
john k
Chris Parmele says
That wasn’t the question. The question was can I put my sim card in another phone? Pay attention.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What’s with the attitude, Chris? You’ve never asked another question on this page. John K appears to have just been offering the benefit of his experience to our readers. Pay attention.
mike says
NO CHRIS IS JUST AN IGNORANT DOINK, I REALLY CANT STAND WHEN PEOPLE ASK FOR HELP AND DONT LIKE IN WHICH THEY GET IT. AS IF THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND THEM. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN, CHRIS? PAY ATTENTION D**K. FIGURE S**T OUT ON YOUR OWN. THAT WHY YOU HAVE DIFFICULTIES. PAY ATTENTION. NO I IN TEAM. PUT THE SIM IN UR POCKET SPIN THREE TIMES AND BANG U R NOW THE IPHONE ITSELF. YES CHRIS YOU ARE THE I PHONE NOW…..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not quite sure what to say.
Deanna says
Mean
Paul Reynolds says
John K,
I’m happy to read you had a good experience. I did the same with an iPhone 5S today. Would you mind telling me how long it took until you had service? It’s been over 4 hours since I hung up with the Safelink tech and still no service. Thanks!
Paul
Heather Queen says
How can I unlock my truconnect cell to put on another carrier?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Heather. So you need to contact your new Lifeline company to find out if the make and model of your current cell phone will be compatible.
Bridgett moore says
My phone was stolen from me at a gas station two nights ago and they’re wanting $35 dollars for a new one. Is there any way I can get a discount or a voucher for a new one I’m liooking for employment and I’m on probation, just recently started seeing medical doctors for my condition. Please let me know if you do thank you. Bridgett moore. Stolen phone 909 647 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Before we answer your question, Bridgett, this comment moderator has to mention that he grew up just a couple miles from your home in Highland, California. Had a girlfriend for six years who lived there. Ahhhh, I have a lot of pleasant memories about that town and her, but I won’t go any further because my wife reads these comments. Oops! I may have said too much already.
In answer to your question: Sorry, Bridgett, but we don’t know of any discounts or vouchers that will allow you to get the replacement phone for free. Here’s an idea, though: If you’ve had your account for more than a year, you are eligible to switch service providers. Once you enroll with a new company, they will provide you with a new phoned. But that won’t work if you’ve had your account for less than twelve months.
Here’s an article that gives you all the free government cell phone companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Amanda says
My safe link phone is messed up. I can make calls and receive them but the screen is scrambled or something, but i can’t accept my messages because it won’t let me check them & it acts as if its like been either hacked or someone sent me a bad messages. What can I do about it
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to check with Safelink’s customer service or tech support team. They will tell you what your options are.
bob B. CT says
i tried to change my safelink phone to an android HTC which the safelink site was compatible. when the activation went through if i make a call it says i have no minutes. did this transfer my number to a tracfone account by some chance, and if so how do i get my safelink account reactivated? or is it even possible> do i have to start from scratch because i do not have a safelink phone number anymore? any help would be sincerely appreciated.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Those are all questions that can only be answered by Safelink’s customer service team, Bob. Give them a call ASAP.
Jim says
I’m comfused. You ask if your Safelink number was changed to a Tracfone number, but then state that you don’t have a Safelink phone number anymore. Huh? If you wanted to switch your Safelink service to another phone, then you’d have to either switch out the SIM card in that phone to a new one IF they’re compatible, or, call/log on to the Safelink website to request a transfer. It sounds like you basically allowed your free phone to deactivate & then bought another phone with Tracfone service that Safelink stated was compatible with them. Being compatible with Safelink doesn’t mean that when you buy a new phone Safelink will automatically know, even if it uses Tracfone mins. That’s equivalent to buying a second car and assuming that the insurance company will automatically know that your switching over your insurance to a new car, even though you never mentioned it and you’re still driving around in your first car.
Tim Alberstein says
I’ve migrated a Net10 Safelink Lifeline SIM into an unlocked LG (formerly on AT&T wireless) and am able to make and receive calls as well as get voicemail. However, I have no data unless I’m attached to a Wi-Fi. Without it, I don’t have email, Google maps or anything like that. I can send and receive text from anywhere so long as there as there are no attachments.
Though policy at one point stated that Safelink Lifeline does not support BYOP, clearly I’ve got half of the phone working. Safelink support says that if I purchase a Net10 BYOP SIM kit from Walmart that they will be able to migrate my free account over to the more rugged phone.
Anyone have experience with this?
Tim Alberstein says
Got it! APN settings.
https://apn.gishan.net/settings/769_8_net_10_apn_settings_for_lg_g3.php
Free Government Cell Phones says
Tim is asking for your help, readers. Can anyone give him any info?
Jaecee says
Yes you have to reconfigure the access point network settings (apn) in the settings area of your phone to work with your net 10 sin card to get the correct settings call customer service and they should be able to walk you thru the new settings you have to manually input into your phone then your data will work fine
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks, Jaycee!
Beverly says
The tracfone plans that it links you too when you click on the ad on the safelink site to build it takes you to the tractor site and then you check if your phone is compatible then it tells you to pick which SIM card fits your phone then you can choose to buy just the SIM for $1 or pick from three other tracfone plans.
Mariel says
What if the phone is unlocked?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Can you clarify what your question means?
Eric Smith says
I’ve used the sim from SafeLink in 2 other phones – a Samsung galaxy grand prime and an LG stylo g4.
In both cases the phones were:
A) metro pcs/t-mobile network
B) permanent network unlock
also found limited success in a truconnect android phone
doesn’t work in an LG k7 phone that is bound to the boost mobile/sprint network.
Beverly says
I got on the safelink site and check if my iPhone 6 was compatible and it is. Can I just purchase the SIM card since I’m getting my minutes free every month with safe link or do I need to purchase one of those plans?
Free Government Cell Phones says
One of which plans?
M.L. Sheldon says
This is not true. When one applies for a SafeLink phone they ask if you need a phone to be provided to you at no charge or if you have a GSM phone available, the first 2/3 months they give you 1 GB of data instead of the 500mb you get when recieving a phone. Which you can also add minutes/data to your SafeLink phone number. I’m finding myself a GSM iPhone to put my SafeLink SIM card into, because the phone being sent is an Alcatel, & can find a GSM iPhone for $20-$50. If your handy you can find a cracked screen iPhone, get a screen for $5-$30(depending on which model you have) to repair the phone back to usable, giving an iPhone or in general just a nicer phone to use.
Theresa Immoos says
How come my Safelink is no longer working? I call for technical support he said that the phone is no longer compatable with the network that they using?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way we can analyze technical issues, Theresa. Did you ask why your phone was no longer compatible? If not, you should call back in and ask.
Mescia Haynes says
I cancelled qlink a week ago because the phone broke again. I attempted to apply at assurance wireless set up at Kroger they told me it to come back in a week and the cancellation from qlink should be in the system and I can get a assurance phone. Not true apparently I’m locked into qlink til December. So my question is can I reapply with qlink now and restart service? Because I’m not able to switch to another lifeline provider.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to re-enroll, Mercia.
Sll says
Actually I have SafeLink as my wireless Lifeline carrier. And I had purchased a T-Mobile phone through Walmart family mobile plan. So I took the SIM out of the SafeLink phone and put it in the T-Mobile phone and guess what? It works. And with the T-Mobile phone I can even tether to my tablet. I can’t promise you that this will work in all areas but it does work in the Fresno area for me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the tip, SII.
john c speights says
My name is john c speights, i need a new replacement phone free. mine went black won’t work.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article with the information you need, John:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Diane Neville says
To Whom This may considened, This is Diane Neville you have sent me a sim card before, but i didnt have my Phone and it was too, big for the other, phone that i had brought. Is it possiable to get it back i will write the sim card # 358837076156****. Thank you very much. Diane Neville
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact Safelink customer service by phone or online, Diane. This is an independent website, not a free government cell phone company.
Della says
I live in Williamsport, md. Called and was as honest about my phone. Asked about a up grade had my phone 2011. Was told they don’t do that any more. Now I read this and now I don’t know what to think. I was given a Virgin mobile called and got a unlocked code talked to 2 different people one said get a unlocking kit the other said get a different phone.
HELP
Thanks
Della
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what your question is, Della.
trish says
I had over 3000 minutes saved and plan with rollover. (I don’t use it that much. Safelink changed their plan and I lost all the minutes. If you BYO phone, you cannot get an upgrade phone. You’re screwed. That’s what you get for free LOL
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you’re not happy with Safelink (and it’s pretty clear that you’re not), you can always switch service providers as long as you’ve been with Safelink for one year or longer. Who knows? Maybe another service provider will be able to provide you with more minutes, more texts, more data, and a smartphone. You can find all the free government cell phone companies serving your state at the following link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out before you choose a company to make sure you’re getting a plan that’s best for your needs.
Bridgett Haney says
Hi, I was reading through your article and wanted to give you some information! I have Tag Mobile, and you don’t have to use their provided phone. I’m using my iPhone, and all that needed to be done was to have the sim card cut at Best Buy! Just wanted to cleat that up for you!
JCCooper says
Saw add on FB for free smat phones so I applied and qualified. It took a long time ,3-4wks longer than I was told, when I finally revived my phone it was a basic trackfone(a207bg) can you tell me why I did not recieve a smart phone as promised and what can be done to correct this?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way for us to know about the inner workings at Safelink, but we’d recommend that you contact customer service and ask for a supervisor. It will help if you have a copy of that Facebook ad when you make the call.
Joleen Valencia says
i have purchased a Activation kit from Walmart and installed it into a unlocked BLU Dash Music 2 d330 that carried a Cricket SIM card that used ATT network transfered from a Safelink Track Phone and followed the Safelink customer service who have acknowledge that service was transfered but the new BLu phone still shows NO Service and very unappy with the BYOP PLan any suggestions as to what i can doto get this phone going?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You definitely need to contact Safelink tech support, Joleen. They’re the only ones who can talk you through this problem.
Cathy duncan says
Can I use my virgin mobile Android cell phone with safe link ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Different cell phones work on different cell networks, Cathy. Your best bet is to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to get an accurate, up-to-date answer to your question.
Candress says
I have a Samsung phone that I used to use before my stroke and my eyesight is not as good as it used to be. I need something I can see. you sent me little phone that I can barely see and I have arthritis in my hands. But then a couple weeks later you send me an email saying I qualify for a smartphone but sent an even smaller phone. My question is can u just transfer my plan to my Samsung phone so I can see.
Free Government Cell Phones says
First, Candress, “we” didn’t send you any phone. We’re an independent website, not your service provider. Now in answer to your question, you may be able to use your Samsung phone. “May” is the important word, because not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So you’ll need to contact Safelink’s customer service team to find out if that Samsung phone will work with Safelink.
You can also go to the Safelink website and click on “Account” and then on “Upgrade phone.” It will show you all the smartphones available. Maybe one of them will work for your needs.
timmy says
How much to upgrade on a phone and pictures of phone please
Free Government Cell Phones says
Different companies offer different phones and different prices, Timmy. You’ll need to contact your service provider to get specifics.
Sonsarae says
What if you have a smartphone and you cant open the back cause its not removable?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you won’t be able to do it.
Stephanie Wren says
Someone left a safelink phone at my house can I find out whose phone it is from the Sim card?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on that phone and customer service may be able to help you. Have you checked the address book on the phone? You may be able to determine who it’s owner is by looking through it.
Anna Hyde says
My son gave me a Samsung can I transfer safelink mins?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the make and model of the phone, Anna. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you need to contact customer service to find out if the specific model will work.
Sed says
Gonna add this..
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/NewPublic/upgrade_phone.html
If anyone wants to use a “smart phone” with safelink, use “Bring your own” to check compatibility and get a SIM card sent to you.
I have done this myself with an Iphone 5c (Verizon) and it works great, even have an app to keep track of your minutes.
Now, granted, it will take a month or longer before you get the SIM card to switch phones. ..I’d gave up on it honestly and thought I’d never get it but I did.
Tee says
I have a Sprint Galaxy S5. Will the Safelink sin card they sent me work? It says compatible with T-mobile phones. Does Safelink have a card that is compatible with Sprint?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, we always defer to your service provider’s customer service and tech support teams. Get in touch with them to confirm an answer to your question, Tee.
Row says
I have a government issued cell phone through safe link, where I am given 500 minutes free every month. If I buy the bring your own smartphone Sim kit for tracphone, can I use it in an unlocked iPhone and have my minutes loaded to that phone every month instead?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe. Sorry, but that’s the best answer we can give you. For a more authoritative answer you’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team by phone or online.
The problem is that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So it depends on which phone you want to use. They will be able to tell you.
Lisa Vanalstine says
I am having problems with the small cell phone i received from safelink. i can’t hear the other person at times. I have had it replaced 2 times. I had lost my phone and had to buy one. that phone also is giving me the same problem. could it be the phone itself?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to troubleshoot your cell phone via the comment section. You should call your service provider’s customer service team or customer support team.
James harold Prince says
Can i transfer my sim card from the Alcatel to the tracfone LG
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, James, so we are hesitant to answer that question. Your best bet is to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Kewltek1 says
I did but you have to call safelink to get a new sim card in the mail that is compatible with the LG. I’ve been using LG on Safelink for 2 years . Works great.
Michael Bailey says
I used to have Q Link lifeline phone. I will never ever use Q link for anything other than an anchor. They are worthless lying scum of the earth. Abusive is a kind descriptive word for Q Link. Minus 5 stars.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like Michael may be an unhappy customer.
David D. says
I was given an LGL16C smartphone which when powered up states it is ‘A Service of Tracfone Wireless, Inc.’ the same as my Safelink LG328BG standard phone. How can I transfer my # and mins and use the smartphone from here forward still staying a lifeline phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to contact Safelink’s customer service or tech suppor team, David. They can talk you through the process.
David D. says
Thank you
Julie says
I’m leaving a nightmare with Safelink California and Tracfone. I have saved all my emails between us. I was restated in Oct 2016. And I still have no service. Nothing at all. The first sim card didn’t work. After a week someone realized they sent the wrong one. The next one doesn’t work. I have been passed around, no one helps. Safelink California employees have called me a liar and one supervisor wasn’t taking calls. I have names dates of everything.
So I found the owner if both company’s. It is a long shot and I won’t him about his company’s
My grandkids my daughter and I knew couldn’t stay during Thanksgiving I had no phone.
No one helps
Free Government Cell Phones says
Terrible story, Julie. Sorry to hear about what you’ve been put through. Here’s how you can file a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
shy says
How do you get a upgrade?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll undoubtedly have to pay a small fee to get an upgrade from your current Lifeline service provider. However, if you were to switch your service to a different Lifeline service provider, you would automatically be given a smartphone.
You can find a list of all the free government cell phone service providers in your state here, Shy:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Danni says
I called safelink because the phone I had stop working I asked to replace with a different phone, they gave me the same one but changed the carrier. I know the phone is free but u should be able to request a different phone and get it. On their site the show several different phones, so if the make phone u have is not working. Why can’t u get a different make of phone. If anyone was able to change the phone not b switched to another carrier plz post it
Free Government Cell Phones says
The phones they show are usually upgraded smartphones, Danni.
Alexandra says
I have a Safelink phone and was able to switch to a different phone but you cannot use a smartphone You can use a tracfone as long as it is not a smartphone. There is a part on the safelink website that allows you to transfer to a different phone. I have done this a while ago. Just make sure it is a basic or quick messaging phone I got one from BestBuy. If you need help customer sercice will assist in the transfer.
Alexandra says
actually shouldve said you have to use a tracfone
Free Government Cell Phones says
As of December 2, every Lifeline free government cell phone company is required to give smartphones to all new customers. Unfortunately, that leaves current customers out in the cold. It’s really wrong and shortsighted, because it will encourage good, loyal customers to switch to new service providers.
Tony Maggard says
I want to know if I can get a new sim card for my other cell phone. I do not like the cheap phone that i got. My cell phone number is 816 661-**** and it is a “Cool Pad 5860E”. I want change over to my Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Duo (SM-G530AZTUU1****). I OWN THIS PHONE AND i HAVE THE DEVICE UNLOCK CODE.
It has the same size SIM card slot.
My Name is Tony Maggard and my email is *******@gmail.com
Please let me know by email, or message me or call.
Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
The first thing you need to do is contact Safelink’s customer service or tech support team, Tony. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you need to find out if your Samsung will work on the national cell network used by Safelink.
Luvs Retro says
For those who may have bad or no reception in their home with the safelink phone service, look at the sim card and see what letter is at the end of the model number should be a C or G. Ask safelink to send a new sim card that ends in the letter you do not have. My mother did this, hers was shipped with one that ended in G, no service inside home…then she requested one that ends in C and now has service inside her home. C rides on the verizon network and G rides on the At&t network. She lives halfway between Inglis and Cheifland in Florida. Hope this helps. Many of her neighbors have little to no service because of the G card.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t vouch for the accuracy of Luis comment, but we’ll post it in case any of our readers want to give it a try. If you do, please come back to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and let us know how it worked.
Nicole says
My cell reception on the safelink phone is so bad I can rarely ever use it. I tried putting the SIM card in an old AT&T phone my mother had once used, a very basic phone, much like the safelink one, but it won’t recognize it. I also tried it in a net10 flip phone but it says sim rejected, any suggestions?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact tech support, Nicole. We are unable to troubleshoot your problems via the comment section.
Jeremy Reiff says
I have a Samsung galaxy j1 and would like too transfer my minutes from my safelink phone that ours now broken. Can I keep the number pin the Samsung Galaxy j1 or will I lose that number and have to use my safelink number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It is our understanding that you cannot use the Samsung number at this point. You could have if you had asked to port over your phone number when you initially enrolled with Safelink. But what the hell, Jeremy, it’s worth a call to Safelink customer service and/or tech support to find out for sure.
Ana Franceschi says
I have the small phone Safelink sent me and the screen is so small I can barely see how to use it. I have an unlocked phone someone gave me and would love to use it with my safelink plan. The screen is much bigger and easier to use than the small safelink phone. Is that possible?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It may be possible, but it depends on the make and model of the phone. You’ll need to contact Safelink’s customer service or tech support team by phone or online to find out if your specific phone will work on Safelink’s network.
Adub says
I put my safelink sim in a tmobile phone and it works fine.
v says
If you get trac smart phone call safe link and have them switch it over
Tom says
I’m very grateful for Safelink, as without it I’d have no way to call companies to look for work or contact emergency services if I need help. So I don’t want to appear ungrateful when I complain about the phones that ship. I understand Safelink has to save money to fund this program. But many of us have old cell phones that are not “locked” (federal law passed a few years ago requiring mobile companies to unlock phones if buyers who’ve paid for the devices request it, with some time restrictions) and which are far more usable than the plastic boxes Safelink ships.
And it’s not just a matter of aesthetics. The Safelink phone I got (Alcatel Onetouch) often doesn’t work. It’s very resistant to touch-response. So if I have to use a menu to do something–like make a call or make a time-sensitive choice on the phone–I often cannot or miss the deadline to do it just because the phone doesn’t register touch-input well. And there are very many other issues like this. The typing response is the worst I’ve experienced in twenty years–physical or virtual keyboards. This means more errors when trying to interact with the device. Or to save energy the phone will turn off its screen when you’re talking on the phone. It’s supposed to pop back up to the active call when you remove the device from your ear. Instead, the screen remains blank. I just got off a call with a hopeful employer who kept asking me to do things requiring me to interact with my phone, but I couldn’t because the machine is both insensitive to touch commands & motion detection–so it remained down (screen) despite me trying to activate the phone’s other functions.
All these issues could be overcome for customers who have old cell phones that aren’t locked. Why not just allow us to put the Safelink SIM card into another phone that actually works reasonably well? There is this sentiment in the US that if someone is poor she/he should suffer–doesn’t deserve to have things that actually work well. It’s shameful that these are the phones Safelink requires its customers to use, OR we’re given the possibility of shelling out more cash (that we don’t have in the first place) to buy another of their phones that are also likely of significantly lower quality than phones we already use.
Again, I appreciate the Safelink program–very much. But I feel as if Safelink customers are being punished with sub-par technology simply because we’re poor, even though such limitations could be overcome without any additional cost to Safelink itself (or its customers who don’t have extra financial resources).
Free Government Cell Phones says
Many readers have complained that Safelink makes it difficult for its customers to get their phones unlocked. Here’s an article you may find interesting about the FCC demanding that Safelink offer unlocked phones to its customers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-demands-tracfone-unlock-free-government-cell-phones
KBell says
This service is not paid for by safelink, tracfone, or any private company. Safelink is funded by the FCC’s “Universal Service Fund”, in other words, U.S. taxpayers. Thank folks who work, even if that includes yourself, but please dont be grateful to any one company or politician, as they are profiting from this program themselves.
Bonnie Cuchta says
I have been trying for 2 days to resolve a problem with my safe link phone is says unregistered simple and won’t let me do anything. No matter what no. I call it can not get a person or a recording that can help. What should I do
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you tried contacting customer service through the website?
Jack Frost says
I use the safelink SIM cards in any unlocked Android or Apple device I like….usually a Verizon phone…..works fine…Note4 …right now a V10….I phone4 and 5…unlocked metro pcs phones….Blue phones….
Good times….set up your APNs and your good to go.
Sherae Collado says
I have a note 4. can I use the safe link Sim in it? The phone they sent is way too outdated and small.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an area in which we do not give answers, Takisha. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you really need to speak to the Assurance customer service or tech support team. They can give you an accurate answer.
Jessica says
Where do you find the apns?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Google the words “cell phone APN” and you’ll find lots of good info, Jessica.
Deja says
What if you remove the SIM before it gets powered up?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re experts on the free government cell phone program, Deja, but not on cell phone technology. We have absolutely no idea what would happen in that case. Any readers care to help Deja out?
Tony says
I originally got an Alcatel 205g from Safelink and recently replaced it with an unlocked Samsung On5 (GSM) phone under the BYOP program. You will need to get a TracFone Bring Your Own Smartphone SIM Activation Kit if you want to use your own Smartphone. The activation kit has everything you need to switch your GSM (AT&T/T-Mobile) or CDMA (Verizon) smartphone to TracFone/Safelink service. The kit comes with 3 different SIM cards – Standard, Micro, and Nano. If you want to see if your phone is compatible, Google Tracfone and BYOP or login to your account on the Safelink site and use the Upgrade My Phone under My Account.
Terri says
Excuse me, I am visually impaired, do you think the Samsung On5 will work perfectly with my ssfelink? If so, what phone towers did you use?
Cindy says
Hi.. I just got a safelink phone for my son the alcatel one touch pixi glitz but it’s so small it’s was wondering for it can get the alcatel one touch pixi glory from straight talk and use that phone instead?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe, maybe not. Not all phones are compatible with all cell networks, Katie. You’ll need to contact customer service or tech support to determine if your current phone will work.
james Lundgren says
Why can’t you provide some decent written instructions to get through this activation process?
This is insanely difficult, have invested a couple hours with tech and my phone will never go to the same place twice.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not the ones you have a beef with, James. We’re an independent website. Your complaint should go to customer service and tech support at Safelink (or whichever service provider you’re having trouble with).
Eric says
Can i put the safelink wireless sim card inside my unlocked samsung which was eligible with tracfone
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all depends on the make and model, Eric. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So the only way to know for sure is to contact customer service or tech support.
Francine Gonzalez says
The man who set me up with SafeLink said he put his in a TMobile phone and it worked perfectly
Free Government Cell Phones says
As my ol’ grandpappy used to say, “Lots of people say lots of things, but that don’t make any of ‘me true.” Now we admit that Grandpappy’s wisdom may not be accurate in this case and what your man said may be true, but you’d we recommend that you ask Safelink customer service about it just to make sure.
Patrick says
How do l turn in my trac phone and activate my I phone in safe link program
Free Government Cell Phones says
Depending on where you live, you may not be able to do that, Patrick. It depends on the make and model of phone because not all phones are compatible with all cell networks. In addition, Safelink only offers smartphones in California. The rest of the country is out of luck.
But you could switch service providers as long as you can find one whose network is compatible with your iphone. Here’s where you can find all the service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch service providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Neftale Negron says
Network rejection cause Sim not provisioned MM_#2
NV says
I tried removing my SafeLink SIM card and put it in my unlocked SAMSUNG phone and IT WORKED! I’m able to make PHONE CALLS. I haven’t been able to send a TEXT/DATA message succesfully though. It has to be an unlocked phone and a Universal SIM card, like those found in SafeLink phones. I’ll post a response if I figure out the TEXT/DATA messaging.
requeno Rosali says
I am rosali my cell phone is not working.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If your phone was working we’d tell you to call 6-1-1, which is a direct line to customer service. But since it’s not working, contact your service provider’s customer service online or by phone. You can find its phone number by clicking on its name on this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
dawn says
I have a net 10 safe link government phone and my SIM card works on my boyfriend’s Samsung galaxy from metro pcs!
Debra Hagerty says
Yes you can pop your SIM card in any t- mobile or unlocked phone . I didn’t like the phone that they sent me , and I bought a iPhone 4s t-mobile unlocked and my SIM card popped right in and it works fine . Just make sure you get a unlocked phone that use SIM card . Thank you
Jessie says
After talking to SafeLink, they directed me to go to Wal-Mart and buy a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) Kit. They’re a dollar there. In my case I have an iphone (unlocked), so in order for the sim card to work with your phone and their service, you have to buy this kit and call them about it to then set up this new sim. Btw, you need the BYOP kit from the trackfone brand or straight talk or NET10 (other sister companies). Good Luck
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always appreciate (as do our readers) hearing from other customers who’ve figured out how to solve common problems. Thanks for the tip, Jessie.
Prisonangel says
I got a used galaxy s5 att unlocked off amazon it works great with safelink, now I can tether and it’s much easier to use than the one provided.
Joseph Phelps says
You can put the sim in trac. Att. Net 10 etc
Mar says
After they transferred your service to your new phone did you get service right away or did you have to wait until service was connected ?
ELVER GALARGA says
Help me understand something; how is it you cant afford to pay for mobile service but yet you are here complaining about the free service as if you were a loyal paying customer and not only that……you cant pay for a mobile service but yet you want to upgrade to a better phone???? So you can pay for a phone but not for cell phone service????…..PEOPLE, THE FREE PHONE AND SERVICE IS NOT SO YOU CAN KEEP BEING LAZY AND UNEMPLOYED AS IM PRETTY SURE MOST OF YOU ARE…….WORRIED MORE ABOUT BEING ABLE TO GET ON FACEBOOK THAN LOOKING FOR A JOB. UNGRATEFUL LEACHING PEOPLE ARE THE ONLY ONES COMPLAINING ABOUT THEIR FREE SERVICE………WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU??? YOU DONT LIKE IT, WELL THEN GET A JOB AND PAY FOR SERVICE……AND ONLY THEN WILL YOU BE ENTITLED TO COMPLAIN AND WHINE ALL YOU WANT. BUT UNTIL THEN, SHUT THE F UP AND BE HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL FOR WHAT WAS GIVEN TO YOU………….WHICH WAS FOR FREE, I MIGHT ADD……
Morena says
First of all I wasn’t complaining about the service. You sound very ignorant especially assuming that people are being lazy which isn’t my situation at all. My question to you is why are you even on this website commenting? You probably research the same thing as everyone one else. I’m sure it’s not the first site on google.com without putting the search information. Besides you making an a$$ of yourself is there anything else you have to say regarding the service? If not stfu and get of this post. Your not providing any information.
Will says
Good one
Angie says
You really have no idea of how high and mighty you do not sound . ridiculous and its people. That are RUDE judgemental. Always picking apart other peookes actions…you do not know half what you need to know to speak on the subject…none of your business how the customers use their phones be it networking or what have you ..I am in a situation where I found myself and my 4 years old alone to raise and a severe hip spine issue …no money but the phone I was so greatful to rwcieve …does not pick up my voice ..other people can’t hear me…the text is free..but the buttons are too small and antiquated to get anywhere …so if you can be given a phone passed down from a friend. Or like mine 19.95 …and itsvtaken me 6 most to save to spend that even..but now I want to launch my photography and any work possible…the safelink phone I have does not always ring..or allow calls and its not free …as it sounds …you know…really gripes me that some people are so insecure in themselves that they need to step on others any way possible to stand taller …really can’t be said enough. You don’t know where you’ll be tommorow so don’t judge so harshly …I had a highly successful career in photography and ran my business in a way that helps others ..I got hurt and after a year of trying my best to work hurting …I had to accept help …be glad its not you ..but it could be…I was a healthy athletic runner and workaholic ..so….just saying
Stanky Ho says
Right on ELVER GALARGA !
The Nazi eugenics movement needs you as a spokes woman .
How did I know you where a woman ? You might ask yourself .
well mainly because of your use of all caps for a full paragraph .
maybe take some Midol to settle down those prostaglandins and
dysmenorrhea symptoms .
Joseph Phelps says
Why be ignored man
Haley says
Hater. obviously you don’t have anything better to do then spread your hate and try to bring everyone down. Get a life. Why don’t you get off the Internet and go find a job
Rebecca Price says
Some people don’t have good credit it doesn’t mean they are lazy. I got this phone for my daughter i am a single working mom and can’t afford 3 cell phone lines for my family. Her phone is so unreliable it often doesn’t work when she needs to call me. Get off your soap box and why don’t you try to help people rather than demonizing them.
Christine Larsen says
Ya know that is an assumption on ur part that everybody is just mooching! My mother is 72 years old. I know for a fact (since she did raise me) she’s MORE than put her time in working for a living. I ME not her buying but I did you catch the part where I said it was ME gave got that GAVE her one of the phones I had. It’s PERFECT for what she does. There is NO data plan on her phone she has open WiFi close by and she’s learning how to make the best of the phone and ENJOYING it in the process. She does live alone since Daddy died almost 4 years ago so it also gives her a little more to do with the time she has on her hands to do NOTHING but think! You just MIGHT need to get ALL the facts before you start making ASSUMPTIONS about what and why ppl ask the questions they do. Yes, I agree there are many that are doing EXACTLY what you said, but THINK about the way you word things because not ALL are in that category. You know what assumptions do right?….. Make an a** out of you and me. Another thing watch your language! Not everyone appreciates your potty mouth!
RonnieRonski says
get a real life and have some compassion …you might find yourself in the very same predicament you so despise….think of it like this, …poor people say, “watch in which direction you spit ’cause it might land right back in your face”.
again, have some compassion…’cause like i said before…next time the person needing can be you….you ignorant fool.
Donna says
Why don’t you mind your own business it’s none of yours to know anything about somebody else unless you’re paying the bill who the f Do You Think You Are
Leeann says
my sister gave me a phone. I have kidney disease , and had cancer, so why don’t you not judge people and let god do the judging.
my biz says
Get your condescending snooty azz off of here. She asked a question about her phone. She didn’t ask for your personal opinion or judgements about her as a person.
Sue carpell says
I need a bigger phone how do I go about this
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you about the smartphone/upgrade policies of all the major Lifeline free government cell phone companies, Sue.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
If you can’t get the phone you want, you can always switch to a new service provider. Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to do that:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And to complete the trifecta, here’s where you can find all the free government cell phone companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
ELVER GALARGA says
UH, MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO AND PAY FOR ONE AT YOUR LOCAL RETAIL STORE….WHERE YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY PAY FOR SERVICE…YOU KNOW???
Morena says
Again READ BEFORE WRITING. KEYBOARD FINGERS. People like you have nothing to do then to try to pick a Internet battle. People on here are providing helpful information. If you don’t like it or have one wtf are you on here for? Lol [miserable ppl]
Blue Violet says
@Elver Galarga, some of us who find ourselves in poverty have not gotten here via poor choices/laziness/degeneracy.
I was a middle class housewife until 2014. I used to be scornful of poor folks as you are.
Now I am humbled and mortified at having become that which I once scorned and disparaged. I was widowed suddenly and went from having six figure income to living on spousal benefits and savings. I liquidated assets and greatly downsized.
I had a Sprint account uninterruptedly from 2001-until present. Just canceled it. I’m trying to cut costs anywhere I can, and the phone seemed like a good place to do so; I have no guilt about accepting gov’t help as my husband paid many many tens of thousands of dollars in income taxes over his lifetime. I do however, have shame galore.
Joseph Phelps says
Get 1 at walmart
Morena says
I called safelink to find out what phones I can use with the service. They told me only non smartphones from tracfone. Because if you get a smartphone it will void your contract but their non smart phones are terrible. I got an lg 306c and I ended up replacing them all over again. I don’t know where they are based meaning the country and it’s very hard to understand them. But I have tried to buy phones an it’s no luck.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink makes it tougher to bring your own phone than most of the free government cell phone companies, Morena. If you’ve had your phone for 60 days or more, you are eligible to switch service providers (and we think it might not be a bad idea). Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
It’s up to you to be a smart consumer. So take a look at all the service providers in your state before you decide which one to enroll with. Some offer more minutes and texts and some even offer smart phones and data plans. Here’s where you can find all the providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Morena says
Thank you. I’m not complaining about the service is just the basic phones they give you go bad really quickly. But I appreciate the information provided.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our pleasure, Morena. Good luck.
Carolyn Wadley says
I have had your phone for about 2 years. The only way I can talk on it is to go and stand in middle of my driveway. Can’t get reception anywhere else. Driving down road is impossible it goes out I lose connection. I called and talked to a technician and I don’t know what she did but the call came through. After that back to the way it was. So I knew I was not going to get anywhere with calling. I called and asked if I could use a old phone I had from a previous carrier they said no. So what good is a phone you can’t use. My daughter got me a phone on her service. But the cost is getting to much for her. I got a letter saying other carriers were useing your service. Can you explain how this works.
Free Government Cell Phones says
First of all, Carolyn, please understand that we are not Safelink. We are an independent website. To get accurate answers to your questions, you need to contact Safelink customer service or tech support.
It’s not true that you can’t use phones from other companies with Safelink, but not all cell phones work with all cell networks. You need to check with Safelink to find out which phones will work with their network. Many readers have told us about getting other phones to work with their Safelink accounts.
tia says
actually you can bring your own phone on a SafeLink free government account you would actually have to go through Net10 services and they would just you know switch over SIM card and you have to get a new SIM card but you can use your own device iPhone Android doesn’t matter T-Mobile AT&T have a great day feel free to comment back if you have question’s
Rosa says
Hello i have the small alcatel phone and i have a tmoblie iphone that i would like to use instead of the safelink phone they gave me , what can i do or witch sim card would i need to get? Please and thank you
Gayle L. Bruner says
How can I reach you by phone if my phone isn’t working?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume you mean “How can I reach Safelink if my phone isn’t working,” because we are an independent website, Gayle, not Safelink. To contact Safelink, you need to contact customer service either by phone or online. You can find that information on our Safelink page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Justin says
Your absolutely right. they told me the same thing Marci. I wanted to transfer my phone to my more user friendly smart phone that I already have. They first tried unsuccessfully, then told me if I wanted a different phone I would need to go to the NET10 website and order one. Unfortunately I did that. I ordered a much nicer phone that got here yesterday, when called in to activate they first told me that I needed to go purchase an activation sim kit, “this is a cdma phone that has no sim card from net10, I could not get her to understand that due to a severe language barrier. She then transferred me to Net10 direct, they then told me that they cant do the transfer because my service was free, Since I knew he was wrong I asked for a supervisor, Waited 10 mins for a supervisor to tell me they cant because of an error telling them that its no carrier found, So they gave me a ticket number and told me to call back in 24 hours so they can take the time to find out whats wrong, However 24 hours ended this morning, I called back with the ticket number and had to start all over again anyway, AGAIN they tell me we cant transfer due to an error telling them no carrier found, what makes it even worse is they tell me the same thing they did yesterday “Im creating ticket number to find out whats wrong”, When i told him this is the 2nd time he told me he was aware and its the process, now i have to wait another 24 hours to call in and try again. This was a very very big mistake. Any suggestions??? If not please be aware of the headache of trying to get a phone transferred from the net 10 website. So far it looks like my moneys lost.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Bad story, Justin. Our first thought is that you should get a refund from Net10 and then switch to a different free government cell phone company. There are lots of them available and there’s no reason to stick with one that’s giving you so many problems.
Justin says
Update: yes as I thought they have to send me a label to return this phone that they claim has ” no carrier” I swear all hell broke loose since the day i received the phone, Its like i got a box off of the bad luck truck. I mean now I have to wait for a refund, as i read on consumer affairs this is a common problem and some people still never received the refund. Ill keep you updated, its a shame that i have to trust that i get my money back after I send them the phone, and them agreeing that it arrived to process my refund. Oh and what Marci is referring to is population control which is very accurate. Anyhow ill keep you updated about the “refund” but please DO NOT BUY OR ORDER A PHONE That safelink recommends. No Matter what they tell you.
Julie says
What’s really sad is I’m between California 2 biggest company’s that run the free cell phone programs. Lifeline has been emailing in why they disqualified me, because Safelink never send them paperwork. This started Aug 29the 2016. I have tried to work with Safelink. They disqualified because I didn’t use phone. I have used phone. Safelink tell me it’s lifeline problem. So without a 30 day notice Safelink shut my phone off. Where is my safety net. Where’s the fix, fix rules on these programs.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It seems like you’re not alone, Julie. Lots of readers complain about very similar problems. Maybe it would be easier if you switched providers. That would eliminate the problem with Safelink saying you hadn’t used your phone and you’d start clean with a different company. Here’s an article that tells you how to switch providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Marci Collet says
I just called Safelink regarding that same problem about the “crappy” phone my husband got what they told me “ go to net10wireless.com and buy a phone from them, then call back to activated….but after reading all the complaints from the Consumers Affairs i am having a second thought.
The phone has no sound at all, he can hardly hear anything even stock to his hear and that’s where it became my problem. We all know about radiation, lately there was lots of research writing confirming an increases of Brain Cancers for putting the phone to the ear, along with Breast Cancers on women who carried their phone on their bras, and it’s what started the big NO NO. with me
Let’s face it all the big Corporates wants to get rid off “poor people ” why? Because they think the “poor” are the causes of all American’s problems. And what is the best way to make them slowly disappeared without been responsible give ”free thinks”. Sad story but even saddened because the all the States (Ca) knows about it and doesn’t give a shit about
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve had some very odd comments in the past here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, Marci. But your theory that the government is trying to kill poor Americans by giving them brain and breast cancer is the craziest one yet.
Uh-oh. We think there’s a black helicopter hovering over your house, Marci. Put on your tin foil hat so they can’t find you.
Dev says
I actually agree with Marci. This is open information that you can freely read about. If you don’t feel like the government is trying to kill off the poor please give any information regarding that. From the pollution of the water, (and not the pollution from the air, but the chemicals that are put into the water by your so called “poor loving” government), to the major drug war that the government has used to put countless impoverished people in jail. (Also a form of death in this country, leaving you with a record that keeps you from being able to vote or gain a decent job, almost forcing a citizen to be a second-class human.) Not to mention that the war on drugs was all just a ploy to lock up those “Hippies” who were against the non-sense fighting of a war overseas, just for Nixon to get some votes. Where did all of those drugs come from? Your fellow government. 🙂
John Gilmore says
I HAVE NO SERVICE 90% OF EVERYDAY! I NEED SERVICE BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN, DISABLED!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you saying that you’re a current Lifeline customer, but your phone does not work properly?
Heather says
How can i get a upgrade to a better phone. I have one of the old small ones and its hard to use. I heard theres upgradea to smart phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that describes the smartphone upgrade policies of all the major Lifeline free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
And in case you case your service provider cannot promise you a smartphone, here’s an article that tells you how to switch providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Jon Doe says
That is so not true. I was able to put my Safelink SIM from t- mobile into a t- mobile phone and got immediate talk and text. After a few adjustments to the APN for my LG Optimus L90 mms msgs and data also worked.
January says
Many people have this issue. Many have difficulty with small size of phone. Difficulty reading or sending texts. Once you get a single replacement (even if phone doesn’t work anymore or is stolen) you’re cooked toast. There really should be options for upgraded, personally purchased phones on the system.
Colleen says
Yes you can. You can order a trac phone bring your own phone activation kit at walmart, amazon, etc. Then call to activate the sim card and transfer over existing phone number account, etc. I ordered one from amazon for a dollar and am using it in a Samsung tmobile phone with free safelink wireless minutes and phone number. The free alcatel phone from safelink was horrible.
Rosa says
Hello how does the sim card purchase look kuz i see alot of them but dont know witch one to get for my tmobile iphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you want to be part of the free government cell phone program, you need to apply with one of the service providers. Here’s where you can find all of the ones offering the plan in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
After you get your free cell phone, you can put its SIM card in another phone. But not all phones. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. You need to discuss the phone you want to get with your free cell phone customer service or tech support team to find out which phones will work with their network. Do not buy something before finding out, because you may be stuck with a phone that won’t work on the free plan.
Gary Martin Drady says
Thanks for providing phones for the less fortunate. pay phones are all but gone so that I’d say you’re doing the american people a well deserved service. thank you. Gary martin Drady
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t thank us, Gary. FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net is merely the messenger. Your thanks should go to the FCC that approved the Lifeline program and the companies that figured out how to make it all possible.
may ng says
Tracphone has never worked properly. Constantly drops calls. I have ten mins on it and in the middle of a court crisis!
HELP!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like it may be time for you to get a new phone by switching to a new service provider, May. It’s a relatively simple process and it would solve your problem. Here’s an article that tells you what to do:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
ronmacnab says
can tracphone send me a sim’s card that i can put in another phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can put a Tracfone SIM card in non-Lifeline phones, but not all of them. It depends on the phone make and model and whether that phone is compatible with Safelink’s national cell network. You need to contact Safelink customer service to determine if the phone you want to use is compatible. Do it before you buy another phone or you may end up with a new phone that won’t work.
juanita says
I upgraded my safelink phone. It does need to tracfone check with them for available phones. http://www.tracfone.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the input, Juanita. We love it when one of our readers tells all the others about their experiences.
John says
I am trying to get an android smartphone for the Safe-Link phone. I am seeking to use the phone as a tracking device for a member of the family with Alzheimer’s disease. The belief is that if i use an app for “find my lost phone” it will locate the person with mild Alzheimer’s. At present he is 77 years old, but still quite agile, and has been known to walk up to 25 miles in a day. For $250 the local sheriff’s office will put an ankle bracelet on him, but if he gets out at all they require immediate notification, and an all out search to commence. There are locator watches and tags advertised, but in truth none are developed enough to work properly. Daily he walks 2 miles, to a corner store and back. Occasionally he decides to go to town. He is not ready to be committed in such fashion as the sheriff’s program requires. With 2 smartphones, and a GPS app I can simply put the phone in his pocket, and locate him on a google map for my phone. He does not know how to use a cell phone, but there are some simple apps for placing calls.The only thing is Safelink does not seem to be forthcoming concerning what smartphones work on their system. I have found that tracfone makes their phones but not all tracfones are compatible. Trying to read between the lines, i think LG Connect MS840 also Motorola Moto E Android may work. Can anyone tell me in certainty?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The only ones who can tell you with certainty, John, is Safelink’s customer service or tech support. We’re in no position to tell you what works within the Safelink system.
Yone says
I can change SIM card of safelink Alcatel A205g to LG 306g
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s too technical a question for us, Yone. We’re experts in the free government cell phone program, not on cell phone technology. The best place to get an accurate answer to your question is your service provider’s customer service team.
Louann Salisbury says
I just got my new safe link phone in the mail, and I would like to see or get a email showing me what other phones that safe link carries.
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to go to the Safelink website or speak to customer service, Louann.
donna sampson says
i was recently transferred from BUDGET MOBILE to SAFELINK. in the transfer process, my phone was cut off for 7days. when i called safelink, they say it was a budget problem and it became a transfer game for 45mins. i just gave up because when i ask to speak to a supervisor, they would not transfer me. it evenually came back on on the 7th day of calling, sad thing is that noone could tell me why i was cut off in the first place.
lost my phone on Thursday of last week. called Safelink to report my phone lost. i was told to buy another net10, safelink compatible phone and a safelink sim card and called safelink back for activation. with my new phone and sim card i called safelink for new activation with same number. i was on the phone from 5 05pm to 8 50pm being transferred 51 times. by this time i am very irritated and cursing at each rep. and when i ask to speak to a supervisor or manager nooone transferred me to one. the next morning i called safelink again, i straight ask for the supervisor, the rep straight transferred me to a supervisor and one more time i had to explain my problem. after being on the line with the supervisor for appr. 35 mins my service was up and running. been a customer of budget for three years. i love budget mobiles service. dont really what to say about safelink cause im still very new.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a bad story, Donna. A very bad story. It shouldn’t work that way, but sometimes every company can’t get out of its own way.
MrFixit says
I purchased a Safelink compatible tracfone smartphone and had it activated and the minutes transferred properly but I have not found anyway to actually view the amount of minutes usage or left on this smartphone. Is there an app I can download or some other method that I may use to view my minutes usage on this smartphone?
MrFixit says
I just found out how to track your minutes – just download the Tracfone app to your smartphone and when you launch it you will see your minutes remaining in the middle of the screen – it was just that simple!!
Stacy Pontefract says
MrFixit – what phone did you upgrade to?
Sara Shutt says
trac fone gave me a number to call that may work for you *777*1# try and see
Jay Ce says
Can anyone tell me why someone who gets a free phone and free service wants to sit around carping that it isn’t good enough for them? I bet you thought the taxpayers were going to give you the latest iPhone. Sort of like getting rent assistance and complaining that you didn’t get a free mansion to live in. The free phones provided by taxpayers will do all of things you need them to do for job searches and emergency calls.
Liza says
Just having service on mine once in a while would be nice, but that’s not going to happen.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like it’s time to switch service providers, Liza. Here’s where you can find out how to switch (and it’s really simple):
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find a list of all the service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
juanita says
The phones provided are hard to use for some elderly,and people with certain disabilities , if they feel the need to pay 20 dollars for a phone that is easier to use that is fine. Don’t jump to conclusions. No one is saying iphone or even asking the gov to pay for a better phone.
GUEST says
Really??? Poor people use phones only for job search and emergency calls??? REALLY???
Larry G says
Try texting on a Samsung SPH-S125G and you may understand why, then.
Skip Mooney says
I need to upgrade my phone,as my safe link phone no longer works…what track phone can I buy that I can transfer chip into ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question you need to discuss with Safelink’s customer service or tech support team. You can find that contact info here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Douggie Diner says
Not necessarily true in my experience I unlocked my iPhone through iTunes and it accepted the card . I assume so long as the is unlocked I bet it would work .
Marie Byrd says
Can I have my phone number changed from SafeLink 2 Android phones as long as it’s a TracFone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you asking if you can switch the SIM card from your current Lifeline phone to another Android phone (not from your Lifeline service provider)? If so, the answer is maybe. Not all phones are compatible with all networks. Call customer service before you buy the new phone or attempt to make the switch.
Raheem says
I have done it. i took cheap safelink phone out, popped sim out with cutouts, make it nano and put it in a verizon htc phone. works, just no internet .
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re a braver man that we, Raheem. No way we would attempt to do what you’ve done.
fly says
Its easy just go n set up the apn then you will have full data and mms
Tonia says
It is very challenging texting and reading the texts on the phone that is sent. It would be helpful to have a touch screen phone, and/or one with a keyboard on the phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re describing a very common problem, Tonia. Many of our readers complain about the same thing. In regard to upgrading to a smartphone, be aware that Safelink offers smartphones only in California at present. If you don’t live in the Golden State, you have the option of switching to a different service provider. Here’s an article that details all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s another article that tells you how to switch providers. It’s really pretty simple.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Tammy cunnif says
I ordered a new phone cause mine wouldnt charge…I still have the old phone. Come to find out it was the charger that didnt work. Can I switch back to my old phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re always amazed and delighted by the variety of questions we receive. This is the first time we’ve ever heard this one, Tammy.
Unfortunately, we are unable to answer your question. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to get an informed answer to your question.
Jenny says
Yes you can use your own phone as long as it’s unlocked to use with any GSM service. Meaning any sim card. The only problem you may have is getting correct apn settings to send mms.
brandon haymer says
how can I extract audio recordings from my lg328Bg to any other device or card>?? tracphone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
That’s too technical for us. Perhaps someone else here might know the answer.
Ryan says
Brandon, cell phones use different formats than most other devices, and different accesses with some phones. There are programs designed for data transfer from cell phones, you can get a decent program for $10 to $15, you can find them with a quick Google search. There are some free programs, but they’re not great & usually don’t cover all formats, and some of the trials on the better programs won’t let you transfer or only transfer a small amount unless you pay for & activate the program. I suggest just shelling out the cash for a decent one, it will save you hours of trying to find a free one that works.
Shirley Gauthier says
can i use a phone that i have with my sim card
Free Government Cell Phones says
The best answer we can give you is maybe. It depends on the phone’s make and model and the network your service provider uses. Not all phones are compatible with all cell networks. The only way to get an accurate answer is to contact your service provider’s customer service people.
Shirley Gauthier says
I have gotten a Qlink phone it broke and i want to know why do i have to pay for a replacement phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
How long were you able to use it before it broke, Shirley?
Bal Krishna says
I have an unlocked phone. Can I use it in an unlocked phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe. It depends on the make and model of the phone and if it is compatible with your service provider’s network. Here’s an article that tells you all about unlock policies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Cassandra bacon says
I would like to upgrade my phone to in iPhone can you help me with that
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t get you the phone, Cassandra, because we’re an independent website, not a Lifeline Assistance company. However, we can help you with the information you need. Here’s an article that tells you about smartphone upgrade policies for each of the major Lifeline Assistance companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Janelle says
The associates at tracfone that I have been dealing with the past few nights are extremely horrible. In knowledgable and rude! I have some of heir employee nubers to reference with . I would never choose or recommended your services whatsoever . The worst eexperoence I’ve died necn through!
Rebecca Griffeth says
Can I get a smart phone from safe Link?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink currently offers smartphones only in California.
Daniel ary says
I have a safelink phone net10 wireless i took my sim out of there phone put it in my unlocked Note 4 eveything works except my enternet is very slow i haven’t been able to find the correct apn setting for it.
beverlycook says
Someone stole my sims card out of my safelink wireless phone and i would like to get another one for my phone i already have
Free Government Cell Phones says
The only way to solve your problem, Beverly, is to call your service provider’s customer service team.
Susan Allen says
Hi. My elderly mom just got approved for safelink through CA lifeline. As my mom is elderly and hearing impaired the small cheapie they sent for her is not going to work for her. According to the terms and conditions for CA residents the customer has the option of requesting a sim to use in their own phone or purchasing a TracFone to use with Safelink. I’ve been on the phone with them since Fri off an on for hours and various reps keep telling me different things. The first told me to go get a net10 activation kit and call them back to activate, the next told me I had to use the Alcatel they provided, got transferred to net10 and back to Safelink numerous times. Got fed up and over the weekend put the sim from the Alcatel into my mom’s Moto G. It was mostly working except for photo texts.I called safelink again today to resolve that. Rep. instructed me to put the net10 sim in and make a call. It didn’t work. Was transferred to someone higher up who said she would be able to complete the transfer, then informed me the service would be switched to TracFone. I did not agree and read off the terms for CA residents. She put me on hold to verify then agreed. She then said the sim from net10 wouldn’t work and to try the other in the kit after hanging up and it should work. Did what she said and phone is saying emergency calls only. Called back and the last person I spoke with said it will take 24-48 hours to transfer and to call them back if it’s still not working. I’m so fed up.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It may be time for you to switch providers, Susan. It’s pretty simple to do. Just follow the instructions in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Just to make it even simpler for you, here’s where you can find a complete list of service providers in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And to complete the trifecta, here’s an article that tells you the hearing-vision-voice impaired policies of all the major Lifeline Assistance companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
Armando Alarcon says
Necesito seguir con el número de teléfono que tenía con reach out wireless, yo aplique con Safe Link desde finales del mes de marzo y me hicieron el cambio a mi número que tenía anteriormente, luego me desconectaron el servicio diciéndome que no me habían aprobado con California Life Line, por lo que hablé con ellos y su respuesta fue que la Compañía Safe Link no actualizó la información. Me enviaron un nuevo teléfono y ahora me dicen que necesito otra vez mi número de cuenta de Reach Out Wireless para poder transferirlo. Que puedo hacer si yo ya no conservo los datos de la cuenta, ya que ya se los había proporcionado a Safe Link anteriormente?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No hablamos español, Armando.
shane says
how can i change my safelink phone to a better phone purchased elsewhere
Free Government Cell Phones says
The FCC is now requiring Safelink to offer unlocked phones to all customers. Here’s an article that tells you more about that:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-demands-tracfone-unlock-free-government-cell-phones
Of course, you can switch to another company at any time. Here’s where you can find a list of all the Lifeline Assistance companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s an article that covers the subject of upgrading to a smartphone:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Derrick Richards says
HI, I bought a Net 10 Samsung 390G on ebay and am switching over my old 2G Safelink wireless to one with 3g on their insistence. I thought I could do this but have been reading a lot of stuff on the Internet that says you cannot do this. I don’t understand, you mean there are lots of different kinds of Samsung 390G’s, this doesn’t make any sense. I thought all these restrictions were taken away, recently. Anyway, even though I have already purchased this new phone, can you please reply as to what I can do, or direct me to how I can get a better Safelink phone, thanks RD
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact Safelink customer service, Derrick.
Stephanie Moore says
My name Stephanie Moore my phone do not work an I call do not get no answer
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you cannot reach a customer service agent, Stephanie, try contacting your service provider by email. You’ll find a way to do it on your service provider’s website.
Connie says
I just purchased new tracphone and had my safelink service activated on my new phone my service were transfered but not my unlimited texting. It is charging me when it should be unlimited
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your description sounds as if what you did was within the rules, Connie. Speak to customer service immediately, Connie.
Rick Volp says
Still trying to get my old number on new safelink tracfone….. 4 sims 8 calls 7 days. Next I’ll try to put safelink on my Nokia…… I’ve been told to purchase a BYOP card that works with AT&T we’ll see…..
Vana Jackson says
I would like to know about the text I got saying I could get an unlocked upgrade. I want to know if this is true, because I don’t always get any service. It is always when I really need to make a call.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that will tell you all the details, Vana:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-demands-tracfone-unlock-free-government-cell-phones
Ms.C says
You can chat with the people at Tracfone. I’d purchased a new LG 306, then contacted a rep. He was able to activate the phone and transfer my minutes. You do best to chat, than call. I think this Mexican company is located in Mexico, I found the speakers hard to understand.
The LG306 cannot be unlocked. Does anybody know if Safelink will be replacing the phone that can’t be unlocked?
I can get hands on an unlocked phone. Might Safelink give free SIM?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink has entered into an agreement with the Federal Communications Commission that requires it to offer unlock able phones and to purchase back any phones that cannot be unlocked.
candy kraycar says
the only way i can get ahold of safelink is if i can text…. i cant hear nothing on the safelink i have. i need to repace this phone due to not hearing nething…i have no voice i can hear…Thank you Candy Kraycar 910-758-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is the first time we’ve been asked this question, Candy. We honestly have no idea how to solve your problem. We searched through the Safelink website and could find no email form or online chat form.
Perhaps you should switch to a Lifeline company that offers an online chat option on its website.
Belinda says
I have used your wonderful phone and service for almost 2 years now and have no complaints. My question to you is: Can we upgrade to a Blackberry that we already have, but is not connected to any service. It does have a lot more options that we could use, like taking pictures?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, Belinda, you haven’t used “our” wonderful phone and service, because we’re an independent website that’s not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. You need to direct your question to Safelink customer service.
Kevin Burk says
http://freegovernmentcellphoneguide.com/lost-tracfone/
you can as long as its compatable
Lisa Shelton says
How do i upgrade my cellphone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you the upgrade policies for all the major Lifeline companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Minnie Lewis says
Why is it that each time they change or upgrade a safelink phone that they do not transfer all contacts. Many of your users are elderly and reentering contacts takes time and days. It seems this could have been thought of to keep from having enter contacts all over again. Now that is a upgrade that is needed.
Nichole says
Can I get an obama phone for my 7 year old daughter or do you have to be 18 years or older?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You must be 18 years old, Nichole.
DESTIN says
i don’t receive my minutes
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call Safelink customer service, Destin.
raymond says
i recieved a safelink phone to small for my finger, where can i get replacment phone bigger screen thru safe link can’t figure out where to call or web to go to
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try reading this article, Raymond. It tells you the replacement policy for each of the major Lifeline free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
And here’s our “Provider” page that covers all the major service providers. Click on Safelink and yoyu’ll find the contact info you need.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Harold Riggans says
I would like to get a smart phone to assist in my job search with the GPS I have a phone now that when I turn it on it says tracphone and the smart phone I am looking at ia a tracphone Alcatel one touch Pixi Glitch android kiikat level will this work for me
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s virtually impossible to get a Lifeline company to tell you which phone you’re going to receive. They all carry multiple makes and models and distribute them randomly as people enroll.
However, almost every major Lifeline company will allow you to upgrade your free government cell phone. Here’s an article that tells you all about it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Danny Lane says
I want to change back to my flip phone, can I reopening my old phone back and discontinue the new phone.Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to speak to Safelink’s customer service or tech support to answer that question, Danny.
ron williamson says
I was told by a lifeline rep at the cocoa transit center that safelink now has smart phones. that I would get one if I signed up for safelink service. I got my new safelink phone today. it was not a smart phone. how do I trade in this piece of junk phone for a smartphone? thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call customer service, tell your story and raise holy hell. The last report we have is that Safelink only offers smartphones in California.
Tammy White says
Can I use a safe link phone that has been disconnected from a friend
Free Government Cell Phones says
Clarify please. Are you asking if you can use a former Lifeline Assistance outside of the free government cell phone program?
Linn says
Ca I use iphone4on safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check with Safelink customer service online or by phone.
Michael says
Transporting my Tracfone number to a hard wired service. The phone will no longer have a tracfone number – can I use this phone for my Safelink phone that is being mailed to me and not activated yet. Can I install the Safelink sim card into the tracfone and then activate it – will it work? My Tracfone is a higher featured phone than the model being sent to me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a whole lot of highly technical questions, Michael. We are experts in free government cell phones, but not in cell phone technology. You’ll need to contact Safelink customer service or tech support to get the answers to those questions.
Cody says
I already have a TracFone, from Straight Talk. Can I transfer my Safe Link service to that phone? If so, how?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink offers smartphones in Califonria only, Cody. Here’s an article that tells you which companies offer smartphones and/or upgrades to smartphones:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Shannon Lee says
No you can’t I just tried even though it’s a tracphone it’s made for straight talk, you can get better phones you have to pay for them and it’s got to be a tracphone for tracphone like Wal-Mart ones. Before b
Putting out any cash call safelink and .and sure hour new phone e will be compatible if it is it’s quite simple to transfer service. Hope it bps good luck
Lorissa says
So, my Safelink phone is so tiny I can barely see, let alone hit the buttons one at a time. If I buy a different tracfone handset from Walmart or something, can I put the sim card into that phone, call Safelink, and switch it over to the newer, bigger phone?
Brian Solomon Showdown says
I understand what you’re saying and yes that was very helpful but why can’t I just go to Walmart and buy a TracFone.
Sarah Trevino says
Can I get a better phone that I previously had? I breaks so easily. Can I get an upgrade?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most Lifeline Assistance companies will allow you to upgrade at any time for a small fee. Getting an upgrade for free is the luck of the draw if you’ve had your phone for less than a year. Here’s an article that will tell you everything you need to know about the upgrade policies from each of the major free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Thomas Davidson says
Whom to contact when PUK ??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you all about PUK codes and what to do when your phone is locked:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Charles Morganti says
How can I find discount internet for people who are on disability and are in failing health; I have to go through Comcast ;and they have to be “”THE BIGGEST RIP-OFF’S IN THE BUSINESS!”
They will tell you a price and magically of $19.95 add on all these charges the were never mentioned; and so; the bill you sign comes to you in the mail and its Now( 34.95) no one came out or hooked -up anything I had to get on the phone : And People please read this: COMCAST SENDS YOU ALL OVER THE WORLD WHERE THEY DO THEIR OUT SOURCING (MOST DO NOT EVEN SPEAK ENGLISH WELL ENOUGH TO HAVE A DIALOG ! So, there you are and just paid a lot of money to a company that promises to make you a very happy client. with people who are trying to eat there Burritos orToco`s, than to TRY to help you situation . Comcast; I have to say with my right hand on the Bible: you people are not there to help; they only care about the quarterly reports…….Please anyone the would like to comment please feel free and I will make a site you can reply to, I wish all of you lock happiness, Charles Morganti.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are plenty of options other than Comcast, Charles. We would suggest that you visit our other website, CheapInternet.com, which is dedicated to low-income Internet programs.
The eligibility requirements and georgraphic availability vary for each of the programs, but there are quite a few of them to choose from and one of them may work for you. We’d suggest that you take a look at the programs from AT&T and PCs for People in particular:
http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Good luck.
Zaid Hayder says
Hi
I will like to upgrade this tracfone lg with a better phone that I could still have the benefit that I get every month
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you which Lifeline Assistance companies offer smartphones. Check them all out because they each have their own twist on upgrading:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Simone hayes says
Hello, I just got service with safe link wireless, I wish I would have researched before I signed up for the service. Is there a way to change to a different lifeline company? I have the phone for a week.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can change service providers only after 60 days of service. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch. It’s really a pretty simple process:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Rick Teeple says
I’ve had safelink for quite some time now and I had a little cheap flip phone that they sent me. I recently had to get another phone as I had charging issues with it. I rarely used it because I have arthritis in my hands and I can’t see the key pad very well. So when I called to replace my phone I asked about a bigger phone that could have a touch screen with WiFi . They told me they would send me one. Well what I got was even worse than the flip phone. It’s just a plain cheap little phone. So I just called them back and they said if I wanted to upgrade that I would have to buy one and I said what phones can I get. She said any tracfone. I said any, even an android? She said yes. Well everything I’ve read online says you can’t use an android on safelink. So what should I do? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t say what state you’re in, Rick, but Safelink only offers smartphones in California. You may want to switch to a different company in order to get the phone you want. Here’s an article that tells you more about the smartphone policy of each of the leading Lifeline Assistance companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Rick Teeple says
Sorry about that. I am in Ohio. I just called safe link again just to make sure of what they were telling me. They said that the rules have just recently changed and that I can buy any tracfone and have it on safe link, even androids. Not only that but I asked about bringing my own phone and they said yes as long as it is AT&T and all I would have to do was purchase a sim pack for tracfone. I really want to know if they are telling the truth or not. Everything I Google says no androids and you can’t bring your own phone but they say that just changed. Can you some how find out? Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Rules and regulations and each companies tech requirements change constantly, Rick. We’d tend to trust what you’re being told by Safelink.
But please let us know if we’re wrong. We’d love to hear about your experience and so would our readers.
Rick Teeple says
OK. I am currently looking for a good phone. I will let you know what happens. Wish me luck. Lol
Rick Teeple says
OK. First of all my girlfriend and I picked out a phone on amazon and before purchasing it I called safelink 3 times to make sure the phone was compatible with safelink and I was assured it was. Even a supervised told me it was. So mygirlfriend purchased a BLU win HD lte and I purchased a tracfone BYOP sim kit like safelink told me to do. I called get it set up with safelink and after about 15 minutes with the guy from safelink trying to get it to work he told me the phone wasn’t compatible. I hung up and called back asking for a supervisor. She assured me it was compatible but that I needed a new sim as the ones I purchased were no good. They sent me a new sim. I called and went through another half hour of trying to getting things done when the guy told me they sent the wrong sim card. I hung up and called back again asking for a supervisor. After another 15-20 minutes she says there is an error on the sim card and transfers me to a department that can supposedly fix it without sending me a new sim. After another 15-20 minutes they tell me that safelink doesn’t have a BYOP program and I of course hung up and called yet again. The supervisor I talked to this time said yes they do have a BYOP program but because it’s new there are a lot of errors in the system.she ultimately transferede to corporate headquarters where I was told that if I active the new sim now that my current minutes would not transfer but they would come to my phone at the beginning of the month. So I opted to wait until my minutes are about gone or until the beginning of the month to try again. I will let you know what happens. Sorry this was so long. I even left out some of the things.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is one bad story, Rick. Quite honestly, we would have been screaming like lunatics. Please keep us posted on your “progress.” If you can’t get it resolved, you should threaten to report your provider to the Federal Communications Commission and your state public utility commission. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
Rick Teeple says
Ok… To follow up with this conversation… My girlfriend picked out a BLU WIN HD LTE 5 and I called safelink to activate it and after many different opinions from the several different techs I talked with I ended up talking to someone at safelink administrative headquarters and was told that yes I could have this phone on safelink but they couldn’t transfer my minutes. So rather than go more than half the month without any minutes I opted to wait until the first of the month to transfer onto the new phone. I just did it 7/1/2016 and it’s working. Now I will just have to wait and see if I get my new minutes at the beginning of the month (they assured me I will) or if I have to fight to get them. Now this new phone is a windows phone but they say that you can bring any phone (even android) as long as it’s branded. My girlfriend purchased the BLU on Amazon and it was already unlocked when she bought it. I really like the phone and so far so good. I will let you know if I have any more trouble at the beginning of the month when I see if my new minutes get put on my phone. If you don’t hear anything from me then everything went well… Thank You and I hope this helps some people.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the update, Rick. Glad things worked out for you.
Sm says
Tracfone’s LG306 is compatible with Safelink. It’s not a smartphone but is better than the flimsy free phones Safelink provides. Works for me. Good for phone calls and text which is all Safelink provides anyway.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the input, SM. Our readers will appreciate it.
Kristi Thompson says
How do you switch the phone numbers?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Safelink customer service and request a change of number. Or you can switch companies and you’ll automatically get a new number. Here’s an article about how to switch providers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Heather says
P.S. I agree with some of the comments below about the quality of the Safelink phones provided. Ours fell apart the first week and the buttons were extremely difficult to use. It also overheated a lot. Free phones are great…. when they work. And as far as the “beggers can’t be choosers,” well, Safelink is getting money from the government for providing this service and they aren’t doing their customers any favors by providing phones that don’t work. Fortunately there are sources lout ike Walmart where you can get an inexepensive (compatible) phone – even smart phone – to substitute. I didn’t want another Safelink phone so I opted to get our own for $29 and have it unlocked. Sim size doesn’t really matter because you can get a sim card activation kit and detach the correct size.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Great info that our readers will really appreciate, Heather. Thanks.
Vic says
So there’s no smartphone for no state besides California when dealing with safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is correct. One recent comment said that wasn’t true, but our research says otherwise. If any of our readers hear that they’re available elsewhere, we’d love to get your feedback.
Kellie says
What kind of SIM card activation kit? Does it matter what kind of kit T-Mobile etc?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Technical questions like this can only be answered by your service provider, Kellie.
Heather says
You can as long as it’s a compatible phone. I just got an AT&T Gophone from Walmart, had it unlocked through ATT (takes about a week), and contacted Safelink to check compatibility. You can either buy a Tracfone sim kit (about $1 at Best Buy) or see if Safelink will send you a new free one to go in the new phone. Once they activate it the new sim card to the new phone, they can transfer your minutes over from the old phone. It takes several hours to activate (don’t panic – I did!). Also, don’t forget to update your APN settings to the new correct Safelink/Tracfone settings. I successfully got rid of the flimsy awful tracfone you get free with governement phones and now my daughter has a $29 Nokia Lumia 640 smartphone to get her free minutes and texts on. 🙂
Grace says
How did you do that? the rep I got kept telling mam you can’t do that
Cody says
Are you in California? Some other comments say that California will allow smartphones. I am in North Carolina, have my own TracFone, and am curious if I can use it. Thanks
Erwin Matias says
Hi, I want to use my safelinkwireless sim card of my cell to a smartphone that use at&t, I been told that you can use it. I want to be sure if is true. I’m getting ready to to purchase one, but let me know what is your advice?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do not purchase anything until you confirm with Safelink that it’s SIM card can be used with the phone you want to purchase. Talk to customer service or tech support to confirm it can be done. Good luck, Erwin.
adrian says
Can i switch my safelink account to a verizon lg phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink’s tech support or customer service team can answer that question, Adrian. Please contact them ASAP.
Thomas Keith Davidson says
My Safelink Wireless 1(916)602-**** Alcatel OneTouch SIM locked into a PUK mode please contact me at 1(916)862-****
Thomas Keith Davidson
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is your lucky day, Thomas. We just ran an article and posted a FAQ on the subject of PUK codes. Here’s the article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Lace says
Can you transfer an existing non-safelink phone number to a new safelink phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. Tell them that you want to “port over your current phone number.”
Kelly says
What if I put safelink Sim card directly into the phone I want to use BEFORE ever plugging in or powering up little disposable from safelink,Sim would then immediately be linked to the phone it powers up with 1st??? RIGHT
peterabbot says
Wrong. The SIM card is a — wait for it — *different size* than the phone you want to put it into. Insidious, isn’t it? So much for customer convenience, which was never what they had in mind. The point, I guess, is to get us to buy a new phone from them — which I’m about to go do (and trust me, I’m none too happy about it).
Ne says
What if it’s a unlock phone that takes that standard size sim can I then put it in there first before ever putting it into the safelink cheap phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the phone, your service provider, and the network on which your service provider operates, Ne. In other words, it’s impossible for us to answer your question without knowing all those things. The only place to get an accurate answer is from your service provider.
Here’s an article that will answer some general questions about unlocking your phone.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-demands-tracfone-unlock-free-government-cell-phones
Lori Fischer says
I WOULD LOVE TO TRANSFER SERVICE TO A NEWER ALCATEL I ALREADY HAVE, IT IS NOT A SMART PHONE NOR ANDROID.
THEY DID SEND ME A NEW SIM FOR THEIR TRACFONE (OLDER ALCATEL) AND I CANT ACTIVATE ONLINE? I AM UP NIGHTS…. THE PHONE CENTER IS CLOSED…. I THOUGHT I COULD JUST CALL BUT IT JUST SAYS “NEED ACTIVATION” …. I HEAR HUMANS ARE HARD TO GET, I FOUND AN ONLINE CHAT LAST WEEK I WILL TRY… MY FIRST SIM HIT NO TOWERS BY ME SO THIS NEW ONE IS SUPPOSED TO, IF IT WORKS LOL YOU SHOULD ASK FOR THEM TO GET A CODE FROM YOUR PHONE FOR YOUR LOCAL TOWERS… I GUESS NIGHT PEOPLE CANT CONDUCT BUSINESS WITH SAFELINK! OK, THOSE WERE COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS….HERE IS PART OF MY CHAT….IT JUST POPPED UP AT ME AND AT LEAST I PUT IN THE NEW UNREGISTERED SIM! MUST POP UP DURING BUSINESS HOURS ‘Gabriel : You are welcome. It will fix the issue. Thank you for chatting with SafeLink Wireless. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact one of our customer care representatives at 1-800-378-1684. For your convenience, our representatives are available Monday-Sunday from 8:00 A.M. to 11:4.5. PM EST.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Glad to hear it all worked out for you, Lori.
Tracy says
If I bought another type of Tracphone, and put my Safelink Wireless SIM card into the new Trafphone, would it still work, and would I still receive my minutes every month?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the phone. Your best bet is to contact Safelink’s customer service team.
peterabbot says
Good luck with that….
Tammy c Smith says
I need another phone the one that was issued to me doesn’t get service inside my home I have to walk outside even if it’s raining I’m disabled and at times am unable to do that please tell me how I can upgrade my phone from the Alcatel to a phone that will have service in my home Thank You So Very Much
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you how to upgrade:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
However, the problem may not be your phone, Tammy. Which national network does your free government cell phone company use (Spring, Verizon, AT&T, etc)? Does anyone in your area get good reception on that network? You may need to switch Lifeline Assistance companies to get a better signal.
James says
How can I get internet service on my safelink phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need a phone that’s either WiFi-enabled or a smartphone. If you don’t have one of those phones, you can call your service provider and ask to upgrade. There will be a small upgrade fee.
john snell says
i tried it with my unlocked att iphone5 only data not work, the rep tell me to buy one of this and call back they will transfer my number to the iphone
James zeise says
Will safe-link sim work in a unlocked Kyocera hydro-wave,IF, I activate it in Kyocera …I mean without even putting it in the safe -link phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You question is far too technical for our pay level, James. You need to get in touch with Safelink’s tech support team for an accurate answer.
Kelly says
James I just posted the same question..did you try it? If the Sim is connected to the cheap safelink phone upon powering up,wouldn’t be the same in the phone you already have and want?? PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP,I’m sooo curious
Thomas Thornburgh says
I put my sim from my safelink phone on net 10 system in my att galaxy grand prime and was able to make calls but not use data
Vicki Adams says
Is there anyway to upgrade the safe link phones? I would like to have something that makes pictures.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can upgrade phones with Safelink, but the company only offers smartphones in California. Here’s an article that discusses smartphone upgrades at each of the major free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
James Gasque says
Can I use my Verizon iPhone 4 from ReachOut Wireless on this plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, James, we are unable to answer technical questions for Safelink. You need to contact the company’s tech support team to ask that question.
Alicia says
Do these companies realize 350 min a month is not enough when every Dr. Has an automated system to wad through then you get put on hold then they tell you to get referral from Medicaid, same rigamarole, then call Medicare, on hold for almost an hour for children and family services, no they never call you back, then they keep calling you for one thing or another, then they leave long msgs on voicemail, which we get charged to listen to, then the pharmacy keeps calling for each prescription every month until they talk to you, then you keep getting the runaround with agencies saying they faxed permission or referral and drs saying they didn’t get it and on and on. I’ve had the phone 6 months and out of minutes totally by the 10th at the latest every month. Heaven forbid I should break down somewhere and need a tow or a ride or im babysitting the grandkids and they need to talk to mom or are inconsolable or any other emergency you can’t call 911 for. Calif is the only state that sees this??? Why??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Three states — California, Oklahoma, and Alaska — have plans that offer 1000 or even unlimited minutes and texts. Here’s an article that explains why:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/why-california-oklahoma-lifeline-assistance-plans-offer-so-much-more
Colleen ipock says
I have a sunburst LG phone will that be compatible with safelink service for my father?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Safelink’s tech support or customer service team can answer that question for you, Colleen.
Jamie merrill says
It says enter network passcode when u enter the sim card in one of the four phoned I’ve tried. … what is the passcode to unlock the network?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s tech support or customer service team by phone or email. Good luck, Jamie
debra nystrom says
I cant believe so many people are complaining about safelink,,,ITS ALL FREE !!!! Dont kick a gift horse in the mouth,,
Kelly says
Right on haha
Its never enough huh..
Spoiled Americans
Karen says
I’s free for the disabled and poor, but why even offer it if you can’t get service. If you ever end up sick and disabled then you will understand and you’ll have a different prospective. Believe me it can happen to anyone. “Never Say Never”. Remember that and maybe you’ll have more compassion.
jordan says
If you can AFFORD to buy a cell phone than do it… this is for people who CANT afford a cell phone therefore these are free… beggers cant be choosers
some people actually cannot afford a phone period so be grateful or yes go somewhere else and save these phones for people who really need them.
Randy says
You do realize that people who may not be able to afford service right now, and have to resort to Safelink, May already have an old smartphone laying around, right? So why shouldn’t they be able to use it?
Michele Dorman says
I had to change over to another service and was told you were sending me a Smartphone. I got this little phone yesterday and was VERY upset. Reachout promised you were sending me one. I have had a great phone for years. I have some vision issues and this phone is just not going to work. I need to buy another one.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If, as your comment indicates, you are a ReachOut customer, Michele, you have bigger problems than the wrong phone. ReachOut is exiting the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone business. It’s website used to say it was ceasing business in California as of April 21, 2016. That’s been changed and it now says the much more ambiguous “Shutting down soon subject to regulatory approval.” We usually complain about the way ReachOut does business, but in this case it’s probably a question of which entity is more incompetent — ReachOut or the State of California. Unfortunately, Michele, you are stuck with the double whammy of being stuck with both entities.
Jenny A says
You can use any unlocked phone. I had Budget wireless and used my Samsung Galaxy Light because it was unlocked. The cheap crap most lifeline services give you crap out after a short time span of usage. Many are refurbished, so it’s better to have an unlocked device to use compatible with SIM cards. I even tried the Budget Sim in several other unlocked phones and got service still. So having the Sim locked to Safelink/Tracfone or whatever service they go through in your area has nothing to do with it not being compatible in an unlocked phone.
Shannon says
Budget is totally different from safelink. Safelink locks the sim to the phone thus making it impossible to transfer the sim.
Free Government Cell Phones says
When did this happen to you, Shannon? We’ve heard this complaint from other readers, which is surprising because the Federal Communications Commission just demanded that Safelink and several smaller cell phone companies unlock all their phones, and then further ordered the company to repurchase any phones it cannot unlock. We’ve heard rumors that Safelink was dragging its feet on this issue, but that has not been confirmed.
Shannon says
I had tried just last month to transfer my sim but I couldn’t. Yeah Tracfone is dragging their feet on the issue. Don’t know whats taking so long.
Grace says
I just tried today and they told me it couldn’t be transferred
Elaine Lucas says
I have a saddling phone that dropped and broke the bottom off. Where I get a upgraded saddling phone. Email lucaselaine70@********.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Elaine, but we have no idea what a “saddling phone” is. We even googled it and found nothing. We’d love to help, but…
Don Gregory says
The LG 306G seems to be as good as it gets for Safelink. I have a friend who has Qlink, and for $25 they got an HTC 510, and it just upgraded to Spark LTE, and he can send 8 MMS/picture/ video messages, and they only deduct 1 minute for 8 !! Safelink is acting in the typical way that the biggest companies(for the moment) act…we’ll do whatever is best for our bottom line. Budget is giving away Android phones from the start. Safelink better wake up and serve thei customers, or they will wake up to a much lower subscriber base. Their customer service is a nigtmare as well. They are going to lose me
Charlie says
Real quick I have a safelink phone can I use blackberry phone with safelink and if I can let me know which ones can I use thanks you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You must contact Safelink’s customer service team by phone or online to get the answer to that question.
Bud says
Got my Safelink phone today. Powered it up, made a call and texted, worked fine. Moved SIM to a 2 year old T-Mobile phone I used without a sim for a few things. Worked fine there too, calls, text, and data.
Kevin says
Cheap is exactly what you get.. I guess that is what you get when you are poor. The cheapest poorest device I’ve ever seen called a phone in my life. The buttons work correctly 15% of the time, double initiating about 85 to 95% of the time.
Maryellen Smith says
Every time I call Safe link and try to get technical support the phone is disconnected. Calling different numbers always equal the same result. HELP!
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you’re not getting the service you need from ANY service provider, register your complaint at USAC.org, with the Federal Communications Commission, and with your state public utility commission.
BostonHolly says
Safelink and Tracfone in MA only allow 2-3 types/models of refurbished phones and they are not technologically current phones. In fact they have cut back or have severely limited the phones they will allow from abut 10 in 2009 t0 3. Poor people are supposed to use whatever they are given, even if they offer to buy something better (upgrade) and skip a few meals to do it, it matters not – regardless of one’s disability (my hands don’t function because of a spine injury in the way that they once did) and one is on their own is you are unable to use the 3 phones permissible. When I use a flip phones they flip right out of my hand and they have landed : in sewers, city streets, on city sidewalks, on bathroom floors, kithcnen sinks,, in the back seat of the car, under the gas or brake pedal, into my service dog’s face. Texting is impossible, dialing is nearly as bad. I have amassed 7000 free minutes because I can’t use my phone – not even for emergencies. the 6-8 times I’ve tried, I get the wrong police department and must call back with the number provided by the 911 dispatch operator. 411 is an advertising and marketing promo for Tracfone and you must sit and listen to adverts for 1-2 minutes before you ask for the town and number you need, the system is not equipped to handle emergencies and if you need a veterinary hospital in Boston you will have to wait until you hear all the options for the Veterans administration in Wash. DC. unless you can call back and start all over again .
Rob says
I broke the screen on the safelink-provided samsung s125g. I just called the customer service, and they said I could purchase any Tracfone, so long as it is “not a smartphone/android device”, and they will transfer everything to the new phone. So as long as you can get a phone that you feel comfortable using, it should work just fine.
Elizabeth says
I am getting the LG 328bg, however there is no way o want to use that? I read it can be difficult to transfer to an upgrade once the SIM card has been put in the original phone. Can I get the LG 306(which from the comments seems slightly better) and just put the SIM card I receive, into that one first?
Mike says
I have the LG 306g with Safelink. It has wi fi but not very good. Phone is sturdy and never have any problems with it. Safelink will send u a new sim card but u will have to call them to activate.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We love it when our readers share their experiences with the larger FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net community. Thanks, Mike.
Brandy says
My safe link phone has some issues. I cannot be heard but can hear the caller, when I punch in numbers to check balances it does not seem to understand them. Is it possible to put SIM card in another phone? The real issue is how can I call to get this straightened out if I cannot be heard?….
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the service provider. We recommend calling them to get the most accurate information.
Ron D says
I hear that Safelink Customer Service can send you a replacement SIM card and you can put that in a GSM phone that you did not obtain from Safelink. However, there are several sizes of SIM cards, so your phone will have to accept the full size SIM or whatever Safelink sends.
char says
I have a qlink phone from the government it was free and I was thinking about turning it into straight talk can I do that.
nbourgeois says
I put my government SIM in a phone my lady bought me and now it wont work with another SIM…how do I fix it?
mary wilkerson says
I got the phone LG441G you told me to get how do I active it and I didn’t get minutes for this month
Alicia Hargis says
Ive been reading through the replies and there is a lot of wrong information. I took my Safelink Wireless SIM card out of the piece of shit phone it came in and I put it into my unlocked Galaxy S4 and it has been working just fine for over a year. YES, it can work in an android phone …. but you do have to go into the settings and and change the APN settings in the phone to make it work. For me, I changed the APN settings to the t-mobile setting and once I did this… it worked (but not until I changed these settings). It took some research and I played with it a little bit and it payed off when I got it to work.
If you need help, Id be happy to give you the settings information. E-mail me at ******@gmail.com. 🙂
Erica says
I can’t use my tmobil phone the Sim card is to big for it
Alicia Hargis says
Hi Erica,
I answered this same question for Fred right below. Check it out. Super easy fix.
🙂
Alicia
Fred says
Alicia, how did you do that Galaxy S4 only takes micro SIM cards and the safelink usually has the regular size SIM cards. Did Safelink give you a micro SIM? Thanks
Alicia Hargis says
Hi Fred,
This is what you do. There are a couple of options to get what you need. You can go online and order a “Micro SIM to SIM Adapter”. There are many places that sell these. Here is a link (copy and paste this into your web browser):
https://techship.se/products/micro-sim-adapter-to-std-sim/?gclid=CjwKEAiA3aW2BRCD_cOo5oCFuUMSJADiIMILowvqGLjmtTvBt2iS1em4HiTzCaDVu9sZG21xpMZU0BoCqVvw_wcB
OR … this is what I did because i wanted to fix the SIM card immediately, Go to Best Buy and buy a “t-mobile complete SIM Starter Kit”. It costs $4.99. Inside, you will find a Mini SIM card with a micro SIM card that pops out of it (so you can use the SIM card with either kind of SIM card slot in whatever kind of device).
I took it home, popped out the micro SIM card and inserted the Safelink Wireless SIM card and then inserted it into my unlocked Galaxy S4.
Next, you need to go in and change the APN settings in order to make the phone work properly. Here are step by step instructions and I will also paste a link to the page I copied this from below. Hopefully you will have an easy time getting your Android phone of choice set up. If you have any further questions, feel free to e-mail me anytime.
Android APN settings:
From the Home screen, press the Menu key.
Touch Settings.
Touch Wireless & networks.
Note: This varies on different software versions.
Touch Mobile Networks.
Touch Access Point Names or APNs.
Enter the required APN information.
There are different APN types: default,supl,mms OR Internet+MMS
Default Android provides a text field (left image) to enter default,supl,mms. Samsung provides an Internet+MMS radio button (right image) to select.
** Images didn’t copy/paste .. so if you want to see them, go to this page by copying/pasting the link below into your web browser.
When you are done, press the Menu key and Save.
Reboot your phone, and test out your internet connection.
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-2090#scenario1?clickid=3uZwcJyxGzcp2otyKpWah05dUkSw-WQ1MWcm140&iradid=187812&cmpid=WTR_AF_187812&irpid=27795&irgwc=1
Good luck!
Alicia
Alicia******@*****.com
Alicia Hargis says
Here are the APN settings:
Name T-Mobile
APN epc.tmobile.com
Proxy blank
Username blank
Password blank
Server blank
MMSC http://mms.msg.eng.t-mobile.com/mms/wapenc
MMS Proxy blank
MMS Port blank
MMC 310
MNC 260
Authentication type not set
APN Type default,supl,mms OR Internet+MMS (whichever option your phone gives you)
APN Protocol IPv4
APN enable/disable blank
Copy these exactly and you should be good to go!
https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-2090#subhead2
Alicia
Shannon says
Alicia so once the micro sim is popped out, what did you do cut the tracfone sim so as to fit inside the mini sim? Thanx
lorraine says
i have used sim from goverment phone on an old budget mobile
worked fine i use this phone for the mobile hotspot
cause the phone sent to me from safelink does not have that option
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are approving this comment, but we cannot assure you that the information provided is accurate nor that the commenter is affiliated with T-Mobile. If anyone is brave enough to follow the advice offered in this comment, we would LOVE to get a follow-up comment telling us about your success or failure.
lorraine says
i have a galaxy note 4 phone and goverment sim from tracfone
i tried to use and didnt connect using APN settings need help
with configuration please
Nick says
Alica I need your help with APN settings trying it on my galaxy s5
Tommy says
For metro pcs phones as well?
Brandy says
I am curious if my safelink SIM card will work in another phone I have that has not had service in over a year. The phone not activated is a Samsung SGH-T749…
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on your service provider and the phone. The only way to know for sure would be to call your service provider and ask. Good luck.
Kymie says
Could you tell me how to do this? Kymiekrystal@*******.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article, Kymie. If that doesn’t give you enough information, contact your free government cell phone service provider’s tech support department. They can probably talk you through the process.
lorraine says
I have a note phone and a sim card from safe link phone and yes I would appreciate the help getting my phone to work with sim card
Toni says
I have a safelink phone plus i have a straight talk smart phone….instead of having both phones can i switch my safelink number to my straight talk phone nd still get goverment service but jus add the extra money cost for the smartphone service….for example…i get 350 min on safelink…on straight talk i buy $45 card (smartphone) can they jus charge me the extra that i dont get free from safelink
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, Toni, you get the today’s award for giving us a question we’ve never heard before. We’re inclined to say no because that’s far too complex and that the two companies would never work together. But the only way to get your question answered accurately would be to call Safelink and Straight Talk and talk to their customer service teams. We would bet the cost of a smart phone that you find out it’s impossible.
Terri says
I wonder if it will work on my galaxy 3s with changing the settings like you did?
Amy D. Fred says
I have a safelink phone and it has been broken for months. I am unable to upload my minutes. I called the number and CANNOT speak with a person. I sent a letter and still no response. They did send me a postcard stating if I didn’t use my minutes I would lose them; I am unable to upload them so I can’t use them. I tried re-enrolling after 3 months and was told I was not able to enroll because I already am enrolled. I don’t know what to do next. I am still without a phone. Can you please help me? You can email me in care of the email above or call her at 330-703-****. I really need help with this. THANK YOU.
Bobby white says
Can I transfer my service to another phone please
cathy meister says
the phone i got from safelink is to small to see and use the keyboard on it for a old senior citizen lady and does not have a cameral and can not get the voicemail box set up when you try to put in the password the letters want work just numbers and you can not spell with numbers ok wondering if they can furnish a better phone for a low income senior citizen lady thanks
William sanders says
Actually effective may 1st of 2016 safelink and tracefone must provide customers with a upgraded phone that is unlocked according to the FCC. That’s if you qualify for the phone upgrade. You send your old one in and they send you a new unlocked phone. Google the details search safelink unlock you should see it in the first couple results. Read the details about it.
Jacob says
Thanks for the information, this helped me. I had the same question.
John Clecak says
I was told by the customer service rep that answered my call to you that, yes, you CAN get a new simcard from your local dealer and that upon activating it with the new upgraded phone it would work. Is this true or not?
Pat says
I dropped my phone in water. I then took out the battery and SIM card. Next I put the phone by the base board heating over night and the phone was dried out. Would the phone work if I bought a new battery and put the SIM car back in and recharged the phone?
If not, what are my options?
Thank you.
rebecca says
The same thing happen to my phone. mine did not work after drying out. I called the company and they sent me a new phone.
a veasy says
you can upgrade to some phone but you need to call safelink to see which one that wil work. there is some andriod style phone that you buy for a few bucks to upgrade your phone but get the exact one the the agent tell you to get. some for around $10.00usd
JJ Smith says
I’m looking for a phone for a friend for Christmas, he has a government phone. Does anyone know how I can do this?
sherley louis says
I want to use the sim whit another phone
bobbie says
Actually as long as it is a tracfone and will take a sim card you just call Safelink and they will help you set up your old Safelink sim (which is what your free service is tied to) in the new phone. I’ve done this before myself, kids broke phone, grabbed tracfone on sale at store. It must be a tracfone, and it must be able to take a sim card. There may be others compatible, but I don’t know what they are, and I know straight talk is not because it doesn’t use a sim card. Also be aware, some of the nicer phones have a browser built in, don’t open it or it will eat up your minutes!
charles toh says
I am grateful for your good service. However , the flip phone that you sent me is not smooth and tough enough for me to open up the phone on time to answer. Very awkward for me. i only want a flip phone. Looks like i might to move on to another Lifeline provider who can give me a free and smooth and easy to open cell phone hand set. It’s really unfortunate that your only Tracfone flip phone hand set is so awkward to open.
Laura kessler says
I just ordered mine and its supposed to b here Friday. Does this mean if I don’t power up the new phone but immediately put the sim card in a different phone that it would work?
Infinty says
I put a Tracfone in a NET10 and I know someone that put a NET10 sim card in a Tracfone and it worked
Gary Phifer says
Suppose I can unlock the phone, then can I get you SIM card to work in my phone?
Teddy says
I have a Nokia phone and I want to know if i can take my safe link sim card and put it in my Nokia phone will it work????
kristin says
I have Safelink. Today I bought a LG TracFone. I called Safelink to have my old phone disabled and transfer the new number to my new phone (with a new sim card). I have received several texts from TracFone telling me “welcome” and telling me what my phone number is (which is the same as it was with my old phone). Everything seems fine, but I cannot make or receive a phone call. I have turned the phone off, let it sit, and back on. No clue what to do. Any ideas??
debby says
It has to be a non-android cell phone so there are only certain models that will work
Sheronica Thompson says
I just only need to know if I purchase another phone can I use it with my Sim. Also if I can which type phone would work. I want an upgrade but I want to buy it myself. I now have a flip phone with tracfone with my safelink government Sim && it works just fine but I want a touchscreen. So if they have ANY phone I could purchase on my own It would be very much appreciated to know which one will definitely work. Thank you
Gregory says
U can get a lg lg306G it is a tracfone it is the only touch screen I have found that they did not cry over getting switched
Tiny says
You can use any NON-ANDROID Tracfone for you Safelink service. You can not use a smart phone, an unlocked phone, or phones from any of the other Tracfone companies, only Tracfone. Make certain your new phone has its own SIM card. A simple call will port your number and minutes. I purchased my phone from an ebay seller.
lisa vanalstine says
IHAVE HAD TO SENT MY SAFE LINKS PHONE IN ,I DID GET ANOHER ONE BUT NOW YOU TELL ME THAT I NEED A NEW SIMS CARD I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE THE CARD AND I HAVE ALREADY HAD A REMINDER IN THE MAIL ABOUT MAKING SURE TO MAKE A PHONE CALL A MONTH WHAT AM I SUPOSE TO DO 1 have been on my house phone for a total of 2 hours 1 hour each time i i did not relize i would have any trouble with it ( 1 hour at a time) i still have noy any satifaction my safe links phone still doesn’t work can any one help me with this problem
Nancy Mottley says
I received my lifeline phone one had it activated on Oct. 16, 1915. The phone does not work since calling lifeline support and after a lot of time the tech decided that the phone had the wrong SIM card. At this point I asked about getting a phone with a flip cover and ca meta The tech said I could do this but could not tell me how to get this done and hung up. So I am now stuck with a phone that tells me every time I try to use it to make a call, it responds with, emergency use only, and will not call the number. Can someone please tell me what to do, Am I supposed to go buy the phone I want? How do I know what phones will work with lifeline, and Fido I also need to buy a SIM card? How do I go about sending back the phone that lifeline sent me? How do I get lifeline to activate the phone That I want to use? Plz respond to these questions with plain words, as I am an old person and have a hard time understanding the lifeline techs.
TAMMY says
Hello, I had the same problem a few years ago. You need a new Sim card. Call Safelink from another phone if possible. They need to send you a SIM card.
George says
You need newer technology than that which was used in 1915.
Jeff says
George, thank you for that comment. Made my day!
Isabella says
How many minutes per month?
Kayla says
I was wondering if I could use a Net10 phone with Safelink instead of the phone they sen me?
It says on the Safelink website that Net10 is a program they work with, and the letter I received said I could activate my Safelink compatible phone with them if I already have a phone…
Ray says
Safelink is provided by TracFone. And the new FCC laws require all carriers to allow unlocking. To meet these new guidelines, Safelink will be providing a unlock codes soon if your phone is unlockable. As they have up to a year to do this. And if you for is not unlockable, they will send you a new phone, or may suggest the use of your phone. Since this is all new, they haven’t really done much effort in it yet. Give it some time. Ia m sure you can use that old iphone or droid soon. Enjoy!
More info here:
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/NewPublic/unlocking_policy.html
Mysticholyman says
You’ll have to contact Tracfone/Safelink and they’ll send a new SIM card for the phone you’ll be “porting” the number to. Sorry, but I can’t remember if they disable the other phone you’ll be porting “from” til you get it but I think they do.
4today says
@Mysticholyman Yes Tracfone/Safelink will do the porting and it might have a small overlap to ensure you have service till it is fully functional. You should not have to do anything, unless they tell you otherwise. I ported my landline with TWC to Tracfone, and it was great, Tracfone kept me in the loop through the whole process. Not use to good CS experience after being with TWC for so long, it was refreshing.
laureen says
The original answer at the top is contradictory. It says “you cannot do that” but then it says you can do it if you by a compatible tracfone, which is what the original question was asking. Original question was asking bout a new “tracfone” whatever brand that would be.
The answer is Yes you can
RhondaD says
i have to walk almost 2 blocks from my house in order to use my Safelink phones that uses AT&T Towers, my neighbors have Verizon service and their phones work in their homes! So, my question is: would Safelink change my service to Verizon so that I could use my phone at home?
James says
No, thats a seperate company. You might be able to put your SIM card in a better at&t phone.Those cheepo free phones have very poor range. Was your SIM carrier unlocked when you started service? If no, then you can’t change phones yet. Contact the store to see if your SIM card is carrier unlocked.
Mary says
You need to call them and tell them you can’t get service. I went through this, they will have you input codes and turn it off and on trying to get service. After a long time on the phone they finally came to the realization as I told them I only get Verizon signal at my house. There are two types of phones “CDMA” and “GSM” phones. The phone they supplied you with is the wrong type. I had to wait for them to send out a new phone and call to activate it. Make sure when you send back your old phone with the envelope provided that you get tracking and insurance with it.
Teresa says
How do I get a new number .Thank you
TERESA Duran says
My phone gets horrible service. Is there a way I can get a sim card to put in a straighttalk phone?
Pam Jones says
Yes,
I bought a 100.00 tracfone last year its a samsung android the only to find out because it does not have a sim card safelink says cant use it:( sooo I looked up on-line a Tracfone I bought at my local C.V.S Pharmacy For $29.99 LG-306G its a touch screen & it talks to you 3G/WI-FI Capable 2MP Camera/VideoRecorder Mobile Web Access,Text and Picture Messaging… and if you Run out of minutes from Safelink you can buy Tracfone minutes at most grocery/Drug stores and this one say you buy 60- Minutes for $19.99 this phone will triple them! It can support up to 32-Micro SD Memory card Sold Seprately,MP3 Player,Gravity and Proximity Sensors,GPS Capabilities,Battery talk time up to 3-Hours,Comes with 4 -GB SD Card,Bluetooth 2.1 Wireless Technology 5- Customizable Home Screens.
So I went on Amazon.com after purchase to buy a Phone case and I see this phone as low as $11.99 Dont know though if it comes with everything this one has for the $30.00 I spent at C.V.S?
So if Anyone knows of a better Tracfone through the Safelink program let me know.
Thank~you
Good~Luck Pam
PSS:( I Transferred my old cell phone to this new one at http://WWW.Tracphone.com and just click upgrade follow instructions,and also transfer you existing minutes to new phone. Hope this was Helpful.)
Tricia says
God bless you I just bought the new tracfone u have and you answered my Q’s w real good thorough answers that worked…loving blogging again thank you.
mic jager says
will my safelink sim work in a t-moble phone?
Pam Jones says
I Believe you have to get a Tracfone for Safelink
milagros says
HI, MY QUESTION IS, WHAT KIND OF PHONE CAN I BUY THAT THE PROGRAM WILL ACCEPT? SINCE THE PHONE I HAVE IS GIVING PROBLEMS.THEY TOLD ME TRACPHONE. IS THAT THE ONLY ONES? THANK YOU
Diane Russell says
I want to talk to a actual Person about my broken safelink phone! I broke the crystal!! Have 3 phone numbers all to the same recording. How can I talk to a Rep. about purchasing a new phone and what is compatable with my service!!
jacqueline jacobs says
Would like to.up grade to a better phone.what phones do you have available.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You have to contact Safelink.
milagros says
1-800-378-1684
http://Www.safelink.com
Jessie says
Can I order a Safelink phone and when I receive it, put the SIM in another phone before I power it up and it work that way?
Someone says
Yes but it has to be LG 306g or the LG 840g
jack mackrall says
Can you port your number to the free phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Yes
Jennifer Dawson says
Change I change my safelink phone number to my former AT&T phone number and only use the safelink phone?
Nicholas James says
You can buy a phone from track if it is not andriod (I don’t know why SL doesn’t support android)… I got a LG 306G…
Nicholas James says
Sorry I mean tracfone…
Bolly says
Whi dey don give me a Ifone???
Leon Bullock says
what other phones are available for safelink I’d like to upgrade to a bigger phone
Will says
Yes. You CAN take your SAFELINK SIM card out and use it in another phone, but is MUST be another SAFELINK phone that uses a SIM card. It CANNOT be a TRACFONE, STRAIGHT TALK, NET10 or any other UNLOCKED phone.
Why? These phones contain special software designed for the holding of pre-paid or free minutes on a specific network… i.e. Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or Sprint. This is often called a ‘tank of time’ or a ‘bucket of minutes’.
Many people believe that Tracfone, Safelink, Net10 and Straight Talk provide the cellular service. This is untrue. They only provide the ‘customer service’, activating/deactivating and the billing aspect. They are a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), or mobile other licensed operator (MOLO), which is a wireless communications services provider that does not own the wireless network infrastructure over which the MVNO provides services to its customers.
An MVNO enters into a business agreement with a mobile network operator to obtain bulk access to network services at wholesale rates, then sets retail prices independently.[1] An MVNO may use its own customer service, billing support systems, marketing and sales personnel or it may employ the services of a mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE).
Depending on the area where you live determines the actual cellular network you will be on, i.e. Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or Sprint.
Companies like Safelink, Tracfone, Net10, MetroPCS, Cricket, etc., are called MVNO’s, or Multiple Virtual Network Operators.
For a list of MVNO’s and the cellular network they utilize, go here:
http://www.pcdoctoronline.com/index.php/what-is-a-mvno
summer says
I pop my sim card in my LG T Modike Phone And its not working..did do i miss something?
Ashley Williams says
could I use my sms card an another phone that is unlock like and at&t cellphone
Lillie Cole says
How can I get free internet for seniors with low income?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Nothing specific for seniors, but here is a site with special low-cost internet programs:
http://www.cheapinternet.com
MarcoBriseno says
I was wondering if I can get a new phone because I drop mine and it broke and I have no way use my last minutes before the month starts over again
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Yes you can. Please read this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
jessyka graham says
the phone I got some of the buttons don’t work I have to hit them over and over again to get it to work and i keep waiting my mins bc it keeps going on the web with out me meaning to
Laura says
Phone was very small and hard to use, keyboard hard to see.
Johnathan says
screen Brock can i go too the booth and get a new cell phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You won’t be able to go to a booth for a replacement phone. You have to contact the company. Click Here to learn about getting a replacement phone.
hope says
Ive been treated so poorely by saveling. A rep would not allow me. To change my addess with them because i moved. Said i had multable lines and i only have one gob free phone. And i also have a net 10 phone but i pay 4 that one. My safelink will not let me on fb and my net 10 will! My safelink calculator does not work. Next year u might not respond to my review.
Russ says
My safelink is an old Motorola flip phone, would like to change phones to a Alcatel tracphone that someone gave me that’s more up to date and good condition with under 170 minutes on it. Ho do I go about this ? Thank you…………..
darlenekeller says
i moved to seward alaska and ny phone is dead dropped in water how do i get another
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Click Here to read about how to get a replacement phone.
Kenneth says
How. Do. I. Renew. My. Safelink
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Talk. To. Safelink. Info. Here.
Lissa says
*Giggles*
steve smith says
I just got my safe link phone, it never came with a sim card how do I get one??
joey marie says
I finally got my replacement phone today. I had my other Safelink phone for about 5 years. It wouldn’t take a charge and would not turn on. After talking to many reps who all tried like hell to get out of sending me a new phone ( I can’t turn on and off a phone that won’t turn on!) Anyway, finally I get someone to agree to send me a new phone, scratch that, a new, refurbished previously broken piece of crap from the early nineties. I got it today and it is the worst phone I’ve ever seen. I realize that it is free, and for that I am grateful, but why send me a phone with data capability but not lket me pick a phone where I don’t have to scroll all the way through all of my contacts to find a number? Just a normal phone would be great.
mickey mason says
I lost my Safe Link phone and applied for a replacement phone two weeks ago and have not recived it. Do youknow about haw long it takes to get a new one?
Jamie says
What kinda ticks me off is they wont let us use a Trac Fone that is a smart phone (Android) on Safe Link their really is no need for this because 1 we can buy data packs on Trac Fone & 2 50%-100% of the time most smart phone users use WiFi anyways so if we use Wi Fi we dont need data
Jenna wheatman says
I need to upgrade to a better phone. One with an actual keyboard and larger screen. Help pls?
Susan says
Call and find out which phones you can use in your area. You might even find it online. I got a Samsung with a slide out keyboard which I love! There are a lot more choices than before.
mary says
recertifiey my phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Recertification instructions:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-do-the-annual-verification-of-my-phone
Sarah says
Bought an alcatel Big Easy flip phone today at Targets. Called tracphone and followed prompts to safelink and followed prompts to change your number to a new phone (#2), gave them my sim number on the registration card. Hung up and within minutes the new phone was activated with my old number. Don’t activate your new phone just turn it on and from another phone call tracphone, go to safelink follow prompts to change your number to a new number. (#2). As for those who don’t like government help, get a life.
Kate says
Can it be any unlocked smart phone or does the new phone have to be the trac phone or safe link or which ever one the person is currently using? For example my current free phone is an Alcatel phone but says trac phone when I turn it on, so could I get for example an edge phone, boost, sprint,: just as long as the aren’t already contact set up phones?
tavia says
Instead of putting the sim card in the tracfone soon as you get it from safelink, can you put it in a better tracfone since you havent activated the phone yet?
SALLY says
YES IT ONLY WORKS WITH A VIRGIN MOBILE PHONE
Gus says
Hello, I have a few questions concerning these govt supplied phones, and their sim cards. First, (about the sim) What makes it “impossible” to use an already active TracFone sim card in a smartphone, and from where are you getting your answer? I know there has to be a way to hack it to make it work.
Also, How could I transfer data onto a TracFone, I wish I could make some sort of usb wifi into the charger input and develop a browser app for it, or even put a MIDI ringtone on it. Hmm…That’s actually irrelevant now that I ordered a smartphone, but still makes me wonder.
Ah, what’s the difference between one of these sim cards and any other sim card? I think it to be the data. How else are they able to lock it to the TracFone used? Yea, and the compatibility issue,.. Thus all the more reason for me to believe you can hack it to make it work.
How would one unlock the sim card for an unlocked smartphone?
Frank says
The word Impossible may have a tech loop hole so I don’t like to use the word much 🙂 But I think there are a couple of things that are in play here.
1.) The “Free” plan has no data so it wouldn’t work as is.
2.) They work on??? CDMA ?? or something which also I imagine has it’s limitations.
3.) The biggest reason I imagine is that the whole government program that Safelink is working under, is very limited. This basically is a “lifeline” service for the 21st century. The same as the poor and elderly in decades past could get a landline dial tone for 911 calls. So imagine in order for them ( Safelink and others providing phones and service) to meet requirement and not leave themselves open to misuse or violation of any rules and regs and agreements with the government…….They just say no!
They probably don’t want someone coming back and saying…”wait a minute, if this guy has the money to buy data plans….then he has money to pay for his/her own phone”?????
Louis says
Actually your incorrect as far as #1 “free” does support data but its .50 mins for each MB I believe also the reason sim won’t work I believe is the tracfone stores minutes info and possible oth network info in the phones memory to get that info you would need CDMA phone tools on a PC and USB connection to the phone but tracfone have charge only USB I recall they disconnected the data pin or something to that to prevent these things. So it really is nearly impossible unless the data connection could be established.
jane maldona says
my phone is 5 years old i need to get a new one where can i purchase one
Kathy reynolds says
My dad has poor eyesight and needs a phone with bigger buttons. Can you provide this?
dorothy bardo says
where can I get a car charger for my safelink phone? it is a tracfone lg I don’t no what the sim nu. is. please let me no. thank you. it wont hold a charge very long..
cindy says
I have lost my tracfone safelink how can I get another one or were do I call?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
This page provides information for those who need a replacement phone:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
JJ says
I have had my safelink phone now for five years and it is a old LG real small and now I get free texting on it that’s about all I do on it sometimes call my daughters on it or they call me when they need something lol but it takes me 5 to 6 min to text a massage on it you have to hit the #s keys 2 or 3 times to get to the right letter you want but my mother in law bought me a unlocked iPhone 5s or 5c it will take any carriers SIM card in it and works tried 4 different ones now and they all worked and like I said I have had my safelink phone for fives years now and it is on its last leg the little re are just about gone on it getting harder to text on it is there any way I can get a SIM card with my same # on it from safelink it would make texting so much easier Plz help if y’all can thanks
Amy says
Can anyone please tell me which tracfone smartphones can be used with safelink wireless plan?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You have to contact Safelink to see what is available.
Steve Reid says
Go on ebay and buy a tracfone. They are cheap. Do not buy an android. Lat time I talked to sasafelink, They said u cannot use android phones. I bought a touch screen for 20 bucks and put it on. Now nobody knows that it is a safelink phone and it works very well with good sound. You have a choice. You can buy a phone that has a [C] in the type of phone. This is a CDMA phone and uses Verizon towers. U can buy a phone that has a [G] in the number. This is a GSM phone and uses ATT towers. Safelink which is tracfone uses both Verizon and ATT towers. Take your choice. I live in the Northeast and I am using ATT towers and they work well. I know Verizon also works well in my area. The only thing is Tracfone is not offered all the towers that you would get with a regular ATT or Verizon phone. However the Tracfones work well and the price is right. Do not go with Virgin Mobil also called Assurance wireless. They are terrible. The signal in the Northeast is useless.
Rich Baker says
Can i use a Tracfome sim card in a iphone 4S that was bought at another phone compant?
Joyce says
I have a safe link phone. I lost my first one, as I age, I need a bigger phone to text without messing it up and my eyesight is also poor. Could you send me a bigger phone (such as a smart phone for that use only). I have one now but it does not work properly. Please get in touch with me and let me know. Thank you so much. All these new things sometimes are too much for me.
tina says
It has been pure hell trying to transfer safelink to a flip tracfone. my husbamd called 5 days ago they said transfer is in place give it up to 24hrs and your new phone qill work. No. it doesn’t they also said his old phone would work till tranfer was complete.
Day 1 cut off in middle of survey call no service.
Day 2halfway thru day old phone starts working again( has to reset up voicemail)
Days 3 & 4 old phone still works
Day 5 neither phone works but if you call his number it gpes to voicemail that’s not setup for 3rd time and neither phone works. UGH
Izzy says
How much would it cost to upgrade to a flip phone
tina says
$10-$15 If you have a family dollar near you. tjey always have tracfones on sale
lee says
I know someone that took a safelink SIM card and put it in a smartphone and it worked. They never turn the safelink phone on they just put the SIM in the smartphone and turned it on and it worked.
Eileen says
Any smartphone?
Lil women says
If I purchase another Trac fone and use my sim card from my government phone to the new track one
Susan Deen says
I Recently dropped and broken my phone and they were kind enough to send me a new one. I’ve already activated the new phone. My Question is how can I copy my phone contact number’s to the new phone? without doing it manually. Is it Safelink or Tracfone? They have both names on the packaging. Also this may help too the old phone is a Samsung and the new phone is a Alcatel. Any help would be greatly Appreciate. Thank you for your help, Susan Deen.
Robert Vanderpool says
My present phone doesn’t work vary well can I buy a new one of my choice and will you transfer what ever is needed to be transfered from my old phone to the new one also do you have any suggestions as to the kind of phone I can get if I can get one Thank you R.V.
MIKE says
AS LONG AS ITS A TRACT PHONE CALL SAFELINK SUPPORT AND THEY WILL HELP YOU THROUGH IT THEY HAVE TO SEND YOU A NEW SIM CARD YOU MIGHT HAVE TO GO WITH OUT SERVICE FOR ONE DAY BUT ITS WORTH IT ITS WHAT I DID.
Robert Vanderpool says
Thank U
Aquila mines says
My boyfriend Terrance hasan lost his old phone& his service is cancelled so can you see if you guys can mail him a safe link cell phone. So here is his address it’s ****. Apt#6e buffalo n.y. 14204. So that way he’ll have free more minutes& I have the same phone my self safelink. So that way we’ll be on the same plan!!
Desiree says
If you can afford a better nicer phone then maybe you don’t need to use taxpayers money and buy your own minutes
Robert Vanderpool says
I would rather go without a few things an buy my phone rather than depend on the all ready over taxed
Jesus Is Lord says
Most people who have these phones are tax payers, the working poor. They work a lot harder and longer than the people who complain about how taxes are spent….and for a significantly less amount of money. And the ones who aren’t working wish they were fortunate enough to have a job. Regardless of whether public assistance exists or not, taxes will keep going up. And if these people could afford a brand new phone on any given day, they would not be able to get a free phone. These people have to save over long periods of time, buy used phones that are only “new” to them, or are lucky enough to get a hand-me-down phone from a friend. I’m sick of privileged people complaining about money that isn’t there’s after they pay taxes…yes having a good job is a PRIVILEGE!!! Stop complaining and be thankful you have a steady job and a home to go to!
Jerome says
Some smartphones are cheap. About $20 now.
suck it says
Tax payers dont pay for these phones phone company’s do
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
That is not correct. Here is the answer:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/who-pays-for-free-cell-phones
Billy says
Oh dear Lord in heaven! You are in for a trip through hades. I went through it last spring. No one knows what they are talking about, or what you are talking about at tracphone! If the foreign duds that you need an interpreter to understand can’t understand you, they just pull the plug on you, with no apology or offer to transfer you to another agent that might be able to help you. Then you start the insanity over! The robovoice questions, and prompts, push this, push that,wait! More stupid people that have no idea what they are doing. I was so stressed, that I had tears in my eyes. Days, and days of calling back, and trying again, and after I had thought my new phone was instated, and everything was o.k., I found that they had cancelled my safelink contract, and I was on Tracphone. Then I had to reapply for safelink, and go through all the crap, send in my old phone, wait for a new one, that was a real el’cheapo, with no camera, no features other than talk, and share button text. I would rather just pay for my own phone nexttime. Welcome to a trip to a psych ward!
Michele Goins says
I have a safelink phone but recently I have difficulty hearing people on the phone it is just the one they sent me a couple of years ago. I have dropped it a few times and that is the problem as to why I can’t hear other people on it. if at all possible I would like to get an upgrade of my phone that I have had since August of 2013
The Bella 304 says
Go to tracphone they have some on there you can use they can tell ya what phone is compatible too if you find a model you like walmart has some and qvc has them with the minutes you buy find out what model numbers you like online and call tracphone with the tracphone model numbers and they will tell ya if there compatible or not some aren’t and that don’t make sense but check it out first.
Alice Brauhn says
Itried to update my 5 year old phone I have been tryingfor over a week and have no service at my home. When I call to try ad get this fixed they tell the tower sin use is the problem. with the other phone I had sevice all the time. I tried o get my old one back in service and was told the towers in use don’t support the old technology I have. is there a way this can be resolved
Christine Crislip says
I would like to upgrade my safelink phone. Every time I get a new one it never works right. How do I go about doing that. Thank you
lmn says
Activate any unlocked/clean ESN Tracfone cell phone on Safelink except a smart phone. I highly reccomend one with the model number ending in a “C”. That is CDMA technology and will use Verizon towers for better coverage in most areas, plus no hassle of SIM cards. The CDMA Tracfones are harder to find but worth the effort. Look on the Tracfone website or eBay.
Gloria Royal says
I have already made the mistake of using Safe Link. There must be other companies that I can switch my free phone plan to. I have already wasted my time 3 1/2 hours today trying to get a phone number for a company that I can go through besides safe link= tracfone. Every time I get a safe link employee they transfer me to a tracfone operator. I am old I have already had 5 minor strokes and a massive stroke please HELP ME, I don’t need another stroke, email me or call my land line 801-886-****.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
There are plenty of companies to switch to — that’s what this whole site is about. Start at our States page, and select your state to see the choices.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
calvin berry says
i think the company give us better phone and more mins.wat 4 and a half mins.thats not enough for low income ppls.we r barly making end meet as it is .with ss,ssi checks need better pone n more mins
Shantika says
What Trac Phones are compatible w/my safelink phone for a upgrade??? Ones I can buy @the store? Or Net10
Rebecca Perez says
How do i switch my current free phone to a track phone
Larry says
One of the operators told me where to look for the sim card I need for my Nokia Lumia 635 today. They have always been good to me.
Sometimes our frustration with fur’ners is partly our own fault, ’cause we’re both frustrated when we can’t figure something out or understand each other. I dunno…just an idea.
mary ann colyer says
I’m with ky bluegrass cellular in somerset, they are supposedly going to discontinue their costumers march31,2015. Can i still keep my same phone number if i switch to a safelink phone? Also does safelink add the minutes on for me every month?
Larry says
Yes, you just have to tell them you want to keep your #, there may even be a
‘prompt’ on the phone system for it.
Safelink will add and keep track (if you have it set up that way on your phone) of your minutes. Just remember to turn on your phone and leave it on for the first three days of the month.
Shelley says
I just called safelink and asked if I bought another trakfone if the sim card from the government phone will work ? Under no circumstances will that sim card work in any other phone … they will be sending me another one to replace the broken one .
bobbie cormier says
Why can’t I use my old android for my safe link? I live in countryand to use my ssafe link phone I have to walk OUTSIDE!
Larry says
So do a lot of people with ‘regular’ phones! Really, it depends on your carrier (or who you’re piggy-backed on), your phone, the stuff your house is made of, the positioning of the satellites, blah, blah, blah…
Felicia says
I’VE CHANGED MY SAFELINK SIMS CARD INTO A TRACFONE LG306G. AN TRIED TO USE THE PHONE AN THE SIMS GOT BLOCKED. WHAT CAN I DO TO UNBLOCK THE SIM ? THANK YOU IF U COULD HELP ME TO UNBLOCK PLEASE. SEND ME A QUICK UNBLOCK CODE OR WHATEVER I GOT TO DO .
Larry says
Unfortunately, you have to call them to set it up, if it’ll work. I don’t think they care what kind of phone you have, as long as it works on their network. For instance, an operator told me about another company’s sim card, because my other phone can use it to get on the network.
Rosie says
My safe link phone no longer comes on and I can’t do anything with it so is it possible to switch my safe link service to a net 10 phone?
Susan says
The service is great…the phone I have is not very good for elderly. The buttons are too small. The screen is too small. I have tried to have see if they have a larger one for elderly but they don’t.
Thank you,
Stephanie little field says
i need a new safelink phone. How can I get one
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You can call Safelink.
mary ann colyer says
Also does safelink add the minutes on every month, or do i have to go someplace local and do it myself? I live in somerset ky.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Every month automatically.
mary ann colyer says
Can i keep my same phone number i have a bluegrass cellphone. They are discontuining their services on march 31,2015 .i need a new cellphone provider.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Many companies will allow you to keep your own number. But you need to check with them.
mary ann colyer says
Thank you for answering my question i will ask them
Tolessa Scott says
I need A better phone the track phone I have and the plan is to much I don’t get any free minutes and I’m constantly buying minutes for my track phone can’t afford it please send me another cell phone with affordable plan sincerely thanks
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You need to contact Tracfone.
lorraine Sitter says
My safelink phone is not working well. I can barely hear anyone on it. Please help me. I need a new phone This is my only phone and I am an elderly person
Kort says
Lorraine Sitter: I don’t work for safelink or tracfone, but if your phone is not working good for you, you can purchase another one at the tracfone website http://www.tracfone.com. You will have to pay for the phone yourself (out of pocket) and call safelink or tracfone before activating it so that they can connect your safelink # to that new phone. Make sure (before buying the phone online) to see if the phone is compatible with the safelink program. Any “android” phone on their website will NOT be compatible. It will say in the details “This phone is not compatible with the safelink program”. Good luck.
richard says
My phone was took and it had important phone numbers on it how can I get. Them back to this phone. I thought that was what cloud was used for
Gail Barker says
Is there any way that I can get the flip phone for the bigger numbers I am still having the name Chester Glasser come up on land line caller ID’s
Billy Wood says
I would like to one these phone I draw tribal check and get food stamps my address is 100 Lou dr.my assist wireless was stolen thank you Bill Wood
Kort says
apply through safelink Billy
Denise C says
Hi…I tried to decipher through these questions and answers but I just got more confused..lol..
Question: I have had a motorola tracfone for the past seven years..I like it. It’s the flip cover kind. It lights up when you open it and has bigger buttons. Recently I was eligible to receive the SafeLink phone. It’s a samsung one nothing fancy ….I don’t like it…So can I take the sim card out of the new safelink samsung phone and put it in my old motorola phone? I don’t care about changing phone numbers or saving my info from my old phone…I just want to be able to keep my current Motorola phone. Is this possible??
Thank you for your reply.
Denise C.
Sam says
So if you get a sim card from safelink for the first n haven’t put it in the phone they provide you with you can put it in another tracfone and it wil work without having to call
Jonathan Asher says
I have a safelink phone I was wondering could u send me a Sims card to put in my pantech phone that I got
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not Safelink, you will need to call them.
Dave Coleman says
Now, when you call safelink, at 800-378-1684, there is prompt to guide you through the process of transferring your service to any Tracfone that you own or have just bought.
melissa says
Someone stolen my SIM card for safelink phone. Where I can buy? Or what number I call them. Please respond back to me immediately
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink contact info here.
Hunter says
From reading all the comments, hope this helps. I got signed up on SafeLink, after a month was using the plane Jane phone they sent, the buttons was too small & really you couldn’t text. I had called CS asked about what other phones I could use, The lady told me I could use ANY Tracfone cell that had a SIMS. When you get the phone of your choice (Tracfone) call CS and tell them you want to switch your account from the old phone to the new. But YOU will have to wait until they send you a new SIMS for that phone for it to work. It was about a week later when i got the new SIMS. After I stuck it in the phone, it has worked fine. hope this answer some of your questions.
Dave Coleman says
Thanks Hunter for that clarification, I need a better way to message w/keyboard and the Samsung 425g. tracfone would be a big help.
Tonya says
I have a ftee safelink government phone that quit working its so old. And a friend gave me a ZTE android tracFone, can I transfer my safelink account to this phone? It is a tracFone?
John says
Yes call safelink and tell them though
heather says
They specifically told me that we cannot transfer our safelink to an android (tracfone) phone. They told me they could transfer my number and minutes but that I could not continue with safelink using the phone I had bought so I bought another cheaper touch screen but no wifi and such phone.
lucy says
I have the safelink tracfone but I got another tracfone its not the smart fone kind and I tried to switch the sim card to that one but it said sims card rejected how can I get it to work?
william says
you have to contact safelink they will send you a new sim for your phone
LeCat says
Why do you need tracfone if you can afford an iPhone 5s?
Shane says
Because he stole it.
Zeus says
have an iPhone 5s. its unlocked. is there anyway could put a safe link sim card in the iPhone? its a full sized sim card. worried about cutting it. wouldn’t just be cutting into the plastic. would have to cut into the copper to make the sim card fit inside of the iPhone 5s micro sim slot. is there anyway to transfer service into a empty micro sim card some how? will the sim card still work even if an small amount of copper is trimmed off?…
JD says
No. Do not cut into the ‘copper’. It will damage the circuit and not function. Also, just putting the sim card in will not give you that service, it’s a bit more complex than that.
Josh says
One reply stated that once you power up the safelink phone with the sim card, you can’t use it in another phone right?
If I don’t power up my phone in the trac phone safelink sends me, how about I use that sim card in a Nokia Lumia 1020? Its a windows 8 phone.
william says
nope its got to be powered by tracfone windows phones does not work with tracfone
Angel Zuniga says
But they have a tracfone version of that phone??
Jane Lewis says
My safe link phone is so old it just won’t work properly any more. How do I get a new phone replacement?
Matt says
You can go to any family dollar store or walmart and buy a tracfone of your liking. Then call safe link and ask for the service to be transferred to it. Has to be tracfone not net10 or straightalk
Vicky says
So it can’t be a track phone from att….
..
william says
buy one of tracfone phones and transfer your account over to iti know you can because i done it
dixie pittenger says
where can i get a new government trac phone that has the key board for text messages. Thanks Dixie Pittenger
dixie pittenger says
My trac phone got knocked into a cup of coffee and it doesnt work. Where can i go to get another government trac phone with a keyboard to it. thanks dixie
Tim McCarthy says
I have a Safe link phone that got dropped by accident into a puddle. Problem is this is I think my 3rd replacement. I don’t want to hassle anyone with Safe link so I want to purchase a cheap tracfone. Will my Safe link Sim work in a cheap Tracfone?
Brandon says
Yes
william says
no you can purchase any phone that tracfone has but the new androids phones to use with safelink you get a new tracfone then contact safelink and have your account transfered over to new phone. i know i got one so people quit saying you can not
Amber says
What is the number you call? I cannot find it! Ugh soooo worn out! And does it have to be a sim card tracphone?
Angel Zuniga says
18008677183 and idk
JD says
All tracfone phones require a sim. They use GSM.
Sue says
IaI just tried that today 9/22/14 and I was told by the representative that it could not be done I would lose my safe link service and be charged like a regular cell phone
Sue says
I had purchased a tracphone smart phone and they said its not compatible 🙁
Debbie says
I got a LG840G and it works great with safelink. I can also use the wifi when in a restaurant, etc to check facebook for free.
Christine says
I have a GI phone and I was wondering if I could take the SIM card out of the GI phone and put it into a AT&T phone since its the same carrier. Not entirely sure that way I could put the gophone SIM card in the GI phone.
Okjanos says
Safelink allows you to use Tracfone phones, period. Some Tracfone smartphones are excluded. You don’t lose minutes when transferring your number to the new handset. If it is not a new Tracfone or not a CDMA Tracfone, they will mail you a new SIM card for free. Call any Tracfone number to get it done. I did it 3 times because of loss of my phone. It was no problem. Also, Pure Talk has unlocked SIM cards on their free lifeline, which I am using in my unlocked iPhone 5, but I had to trim the SIM card with scissors. Pure Talk SIM cards work in any unlocked phones. They also offer Samsung flip phones, completely free.
tonya says
all phones sent out are used and refurbished phone so almost all phones are broken in one way or another so all the people that are thinking they send out brand new phones think again the send you a phone hat will last till you can buy one to replace it and for the people who think only people that don’t work get them get real it any one that gets any kind of help even if its only medical my kids get medical that’s is and that’s because my job doesn’t offer it and the plans are more than my income to pay on my own this was all because the place I had worked closed down so think smart before you judge people it just make you look ignorant
heather says
what if you buy a tracfone and put the current safelink sim into it will your minutes still be on it?
elaine says
Can you find the phones that use the safelink minutes
Justin says
Can I get a straight talk phone as a safe link phone
Oscar says
I’m using an unlocked Chinese knock off smartphone with Safelink. YouTube is your friend in this case.
gered says
Hey man this is what I’m trying to do but dont know exactly how to do it, Im buying a phone from china, do i have to buy a new saflink phone and put that sim card into the unlocked china phone
Fen says
Please provide more information. A search on YouTube turned up nothing. As I understand it Tracfone and Safelink SIM cards only function on América Móvil (Tracfone/Safelink/Net10/etc) handsets. The firmware that functions with Safelink SIM cards is completely different from any other phone’s firmware.
If there is some unlocked Chinese smartphone that works with Safelink SIM cards I would very much like to know about it specifically. Can you please describe how to get more information in detail. “YouTube is your friend” did not help at all: a simple search turns up absolutely nothing that contradicts the accepted understanding that Safelink SIM cards will not work on ANY non-América Móvil handset.
mari says
Can u give me a link to the YouTube video?
Alexis says
Can you use one of the new tracfone android phones for safelink?
Melanie says
The tracfone site says that the new smartphones are not compatible with Safelink
Gail says
I just went to Kmart and got a new Track phone. I went to Wal-Mart to get it set up and he said that I need to have safe link send me a sim card. I have been trying to get a real person on the phone but I cant. How do I get to talk with a live real person and not this recorded crap. I just need my old Obama phone information and my old number on this phone to all be transferred to this new track phone. Can you give me a number to get a hold of a person to help me with this tonight
Cindy says
Rhona,
A patient of mine is very old and cannot hear well. She does not have the money to get a phone. I know this because I occasionally help her with her finances. The phone she received from Safelink has extremely small buttons and is very hard to hear anyone on. I tried it. I am young and I couldn’t even hear on it when I was helping her with it. It’s not just that it is a bad phone. It is unusable to her. She needed to upgrade so she could actually use it, not because she wanted a better phone. She doesn’t care about that kind of thing.
So your comment about being able to afford an Iphone is absurd. Even if she could afford an Iphone, she couldn’t afford the payments. People like her need to upgrade so they can actually use the phone. It’s not because they want some top line smart phone. By the way, she worked almost her whole life and she is in her 80’s. She has no kids and her husband died years ago. Don’t be so quick to judge people.
tina says
Cindy,
thank you. It’s not about a better look it’s about what is best for the person using it. My husband has one and he hits the wrong # because the # are so small and close. he can’t handle it because it is to small. He just refuses to take it or talk on it . When he needs to use it he asks someone to dial it for him.
Rhona says
what type of phone did you expect to get from the government that is free, an iphone? Get real, if you can afford to go out there and buy an iphone or something close to it, then leave the cheap as you call it cell phone for someone who is really in need of a phone.
Hardworkin says
I was just thinking that! Im only searching for this because I wanted to buy my mother a phone (even though shes happy and greatful with the one she has.
Ann says
I just bought a new Tracfone. Here is what I did:
WAIT to turn on the new phone, get your activation card and call Safelink. Talk to a representative. Tell them you are replacing your old Safelink phone with a new Tracfone. They will verify your information and ask for the activation/serial number to the new phone. They will have you put a couple codes in the old phone. Once that is done your new phone will be activated with your old number. Hope this helps someone!
Amanda says
Do your min transfer? Or do u lose your mins that u had like when u lose or break the phn
Antario Dareante' Davis says
I’ve got an Safelink Wireless Phone that I’ve had since Safelink Wireless came out but that phone has started to fall apart and I’ve got an TRACFONE that I want to switch my Safelink Wireless Phone number to my TRACFONE model#:LG800GHL s/w version:V10e h/w version:Rev1.0. Let me know if this is possible for this to happen, you could feel free to contact me at my other cellphone at ***-***-**** Antario Davis. Thank You!
terry says
no you can’t they have to send you out a new sim card for the new phone plus a lot of infor to get it done
Dennis says
I have had my safelink for three years. I would like to get a newer phone, is that possible or am I supposed to keep this one forever?
daletha says
I havr a net ten phone. But it is of tracfobe wireless. The sim card has never been activated. I also have my safelink phone. And i want to swutch it to my net ten phone. How can i do that? Will i still get free minutes?
Joyell says
My brother had one and it was difficult to figure out. He was mentally ill, and found it very frustrating to try and use.
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bobby lynn brown says
can I take a straight talk phone will it work as safelink phone
tania says
nope, only tracfone. I know that for sure.
thalia says
can i swithch a safelink sim card over to a boost mobile? and minutes transfer also?
tania says
no
otimius says
I just did with the sim card out of safelink into my verzion cell
ernesto garcia says
if u have a att phone u can use switch the sim card and u r ready but only if u have lifewireless sim card this company works with the obama s free phone program ,also u can buy min unlimited text and calls for 30 bucks!! hope this info help someone !! by the way u can apply on line if u dont have a lifewielees company near u. god bless us!1
betty buechner says
my sim card is full . how do i empty it? i tried to delete the numbers but they dont delete. can someone help me? thank you .
april says
hi i got a question i have a straigth talk phone and it has been activated before can i just call safelink and have them activate with the safelink number i got
toby says
All of u just be happy that u got a free phone gosh
marianne webb says
my date on my phone changed by it self , how do i change it back to right date?
Presnell says
I just want a phone that works will thay give you another phone free my phone quit working?
Ralph says
I be praying for you and the family:-) God bless.
Rachel says
The double/triple mins are only good for minutes you buy to add on, not the ones they give you every month. Would be nice, though!
Linda says
Another question about switching safelink phone to another phone. If you choose a triple minute phone, will the 250 monthly minutes triple?
Tracie says
Linda I was wondering the same thing. If I buy the triple or double card, will it do the triple or double on the minutes they ad
Keith says
I believe the answer is no. The 250 minutes you get each month will not double or triple. However, if you were to buy additional minutes cards, they will be doubled or tripled. Hope this helps.
Also, If you buy a 60 minute card [for $20] (either through Tracfone’s or Safelink’s websites, or at a retailer) it will add 200 minutes to your phone. Basically, the minute cards you buy for your Safelink phone will give you minutes at 10 cents per minute.
Jessica says
YES YOU CAN! You can switch phones as long as the phone you are switching to has a gsm sim card. It can even have a bad esn (unpaid bill) as long as its unlocked. AND you can use any unlocked phone, or any T-Mobile or AT&T phone as long as it has a gsm sim card. NO CDMA SIMS WILL WORK! That means no sprint, verizon, boost mobile. I know all of this because Tracfone told me, I asked them straight up and they said all you have to do is order a $5.00 sim card from them to put in your new phone. You can also buy the sim at Walmart. Just thought everyone should know that you can switch phones from other carriers! If you have doubts or don’t believe me, call them and ask! 🙂
marion says
I know this might be a stupid question but can you use a straight talk for to switch safelink to?
bob says
cant i switch with a unlocked cell
Bailey says
just so u guys know as of this very second i am changing my safelink phone number and putting it into a straight talk phone all u have to do is call and ask em if u can change ur safelink phone number to a straight talk or any other tracfone phone device!! 🙂 it works
Courteney says
Are you saying that you were able to switch your safelink service to a straight talk phone?
l says
i have my own phone will safelink activate it if i give the meid number
Mark says
OK people, i am going to try putting the sim card from this cell provider into an unlocked, jailbroken iphone 4s, this thing is going to be like in the movie transformers when the one robot that is all beat up, gets the parts from another robot and becomes a really strong one
Dale says
Mark, I just applied for my safelink phone and i am hoping to get it soon. I am used to having a touch screen or an iphone to be exact.. times are just rough and i cannot afford a cell phone bill through a normal carrier.. hence why im getting a safelink to make sure i have an emergency phone in case of need.. i seen that you were going to try to put your sim card into an unlocked iphone, I have several old iphones i have access too, and i was woundering how putting your sim from your safelink phone into an iphone went?? Did it work?? That would be awesome if i could use a phone im firmilliar with, using my hopefully soon to be safelink number!! I know your post was a few months ago.. but hopefully you get this and can help me to figure this out!! Thank you in advance if you can help Mark!
Arlene says
J,
Why are you so rude. You dont know the circumstance of these people. Yes. They may already be working and still be eligible. Why are you on here anyway? Are you just a lurker here? Go away!
Dale says
LOL, People can be so rude and so not understanding.. Not everyone can afford to live comfortably even if they have jobs and no kids or responsibilite besides themselfs.. I am struggeling HARDCORE lately and safelink will hopefully be a saving grace in this difficult time!! Ever since my father passed away may 6th 2012 in a motorcycle accident up in NH its been rough trying to pay all these wounderfull people who have had their hand out expecting me to pay his old bills and debts as if i got a life insurance check or something!! I got NOTHING.. And i wasent looking for anything but paying the morgue and all the services are not cheap.. and car payments and old cell phone bills and everything he had was left to me and my 18 yeart old brother to pay.. Some people will never understand what it means to struggle.. i grew up having to want for nothing, i was very fortunate.. but as my parents split up and everyone went their seperate ways things got harder, and bill stacked up.. and not my mom is about in forclosure and is trying to save the house.. POINT IS.. NOT EVERYONE HAS EVERYTHING HANDED TO THEM!!
Josy says
i couldnt have said it better myself. i hope everything works out for you.
Ralph says
Hope everything works out for you guys:-( Gob bless.
duscry says
I looked this question up because I have old phones sitting around that aren’t being used so why not switch the number over. And for those who commented that they pay for our phones so do many of us. I am a hard working mother of three with a good job that my checks go to gas for my car just to be able to work and get my kids where they need to go, for some of us rural people that is about 20plus miles away. So don’t judge cause I’ve been busting my butt for 12 years for a free phone. It was a simple question not a social status so no one needed to judge or be rude.
Mason says
This is so true umm they have one at Target that is touchscreen for 30 dollars you know. Well I think it is 30 dollars you can buy that to had a better phone if you dnt like the free one you have just call safe link on another phone and they will hook it up with your free mins every month
steve says
if i have phone and other person has same tracfone is it free calling or minutes taken off thx
Rikki says
I bought a tracfone phone card to add airtime to my safelink phone. it wont work though. does anyone know how to get it to work?
Jennifer says
Just call safe link they will help u put on your mins. If it is not working
Kmonet says
If you want another phone, you can go into any store that sells tracfones and buy one just don’t activate though the number on the packaging. Call safelink and tell them you want to switch to the new phone and they will do it for you. I’ve done it twice. Tracfones are relatively cheap. The one I have was $10.
Mason says
They have, many touchscreen ones for 39+ I think I found one at Kmart for 50 dollars so they can be cheap. But the better phone the more you are going to have to pay.
Melissa says
I am grateful for having a phone period. It’s hard to get a job much less an interview without one. Besides all that music and picture crap isn’t nothing more than a need not a want. Grow up Gina.
Heather says
These free phone are simply for talking and in some situations texting
for someone to complain about a phone not taking pictures or playing music or getting pics is pretty selfish
90% of all the people receiving these phones are on some type of government help
if you want to complain about the government trying to help you out by giving you a free phone with free minutes then you dont deserve the phone to begin with of course everyone wants a “smartphone” but if you cant afford it then live with what you got just saying it helps me out and i used to have a straighttalk smartphone until it got stolen so know how nice it is to have had a nice phone
Linda Page says
Can i switch from reachout wireless to safelink..I am on my second phone from reachout,and the first phon e and the one i have now will not hold a charge
RB says
One way to get low cost phones is to find someone who buys the refurb phones when they offer a free phone card with it. Just be sure find out which phones will work.
melodyanne says
@christie! you are a complete idiot! you are not paying for anyones phone unless you own tracfone hunny, not to mention “lifeline” has been around since reagan, it used to be for landlines! it’s not federally funded, nor does it come from taxpayers’ money. you should educate yourself on a subject before you comment on it.
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Safelink/program_info/benefits
didn’t your mama teach you, if it don’t apply, let it fly.
keenspirit6 says
@melodyanne, THANK YOU for posting your comment and providing the link. Here is another link for people the look at if they choose to learn the facts about this program. The catalyst for this program dates back to 1913. http://www.factcheck.org/2009/10/the-obama-phone/
People really do need to educate themselves and do research before they make such judgmental comments. Being low income does not mean that a person has limited intelligence, ambition, or doesn’t contribute to society. It means that their income is limited, period. Sadly it is happens to a lot of people, especially in this economy. Even people with master’s degrees and 40 years of experience have become ‘low income’. It can happen to anyone…even those most judgmental and critical of programs to help people in need.
RB says
What the web site does not say is that there are fees added to everyone’s phone bill to help offset the cost for low income people to have phones. Nothing is ever really free– someone some whrere has to pay for it.
rachel says
i have 2 phones. one is a safelink wireless that i dont use much but i love having a cell phone i can call people on. but i have a LG Optimus S Sprint phone that i use much more and would love to put my safelink wireless service into it. is it possible?!!!?!?!?!
p.s. i dont earn much money i earn 3 dollars a week
Patricia McCarthy says
ALL… I need is a REPLACEMENT phone, no upgrade! The one I have is sadly, banged up and not working properly. Who should I contact? How long does it take? MOST IMPORTANTLY: WILL THIS COST ME ANY MONEY, because I am on a limited SSI income, and TRULY need my phone! ANYONE?
Patricia McCarthy says
SORRY.. I have SAFELINK! 🙂
Linda Page says
I am on my second cell phone fro reachout,can i switch from reachout to safelink phone service
Bigpapi says
So safelink send me a t105g and I want to buy a t404g dose anyone know if that is possible would safelink send me a new simcard for the t404g?
Desirae says
This phone is not meant to replace your own personal cell. It was made for emergency use, not prettying up.. Be grateful you even got it..
Tracie Wood says
The phone they sent me is very small with tiny number keys. My big clumsy fingers have a hard time with it so I was happy to read the info on here. I saw a Tracfone flip phone that had bigger keys and a bigger screen, so I’ll have to come up with the money to get it and have my Safelink account switched. Thanks for the info 🙂
lyn brumley says
In 6 weeks I have received 3 phones from reachout wireless. The first one was awful. I figured I needed to upgrade so purchased one for 100. It came and would not work. The third one worked for 2 weeks before becoming unable to recharge. I took it to a verizon store and they told me my phone was illegal and they could not sell my a phone unless I accepted their plan. So, I have emailed reachout and will send this one back. Perhaps the next one will be the one.
LeeLee says
Even though I understand what you’re saying,Gina that’s still asking for a lot from a free government phone. At least you’re able to receive and send text messages and make and receive phone calls. I must admit I would like to personalize mine as well but I’m still very appreciative of what I have.
**Thanks so much for these responses it truly helped me and answered my questions.
Gina says
Well a free phone is nice I appreciate it but but when you cannot even send pics to your phone so you can personalize it and make it yours, that is kind of sad, all you can do is send and receive text messages and make and receive calls. Come on now. I don’t need a fancy high end cell phone, I just want to be able to receive pics, send pics, camera, music player, recorder is all i really want my gps has blue tooth so I would like to be able to connect my cell to my gps but I can live with out it too.
And thank to those above for the information on upgrading.
Christie says
This is what’s wrong! It’s a free phone! You don’t need to take pictures, play music and send/receive pictures! I’m paying for your phone and you are ungrateful for what you get for nothing! Plus if you have Bluetooth and a gps, how are you getting this for free! You are pathetic!
Sarah says
I am so saddened by this response. My mother is elderly. She has many medical problems and is permanently disabled.She has a hard time using the phone safelink sent her to text message, because the repeated tapping on the number keys aggravates her arthritis. While I can understand the frustration you feel for ‘paying for someone elses phone’ please take into consideration, while I was working, paying my taxes AND going to school, I recieved state assistance to help feed my two girls.
I used my little phone that was sent and was very grateful for it, but it is disheartening when you can’t share photos or take pictures on a whim.
I am so, so happy to find this thread now (I’m no longer on assistance and have my own cell phone through Sprint now, so please no hate on me for my apparent ‘abuse of the system’) because I can purchase my mother a phone with a keyboard and she’ll be able to text message with my brothers, her granddaughters and myself with ease.
All I can ask is that you think before you judge. I never once ‘abused the system’ and the moment I was stable enough to provide for my girls and myself, I declined further assistance. Some of the comments I’ve read simply break my heart. It’s comments like though that discourage people who really just need a little help from asking.
Thank you, everyone, for helping me help my mother. I truly appreciate it.
Heather says
Amen!
if you want a phone that takes pic then go BUY one and dont complain about the free one that is only for texing and talking thats what phones are for anyway wanna take pics go get a digital camera!
xita says
Yes it is free, but an old person trying to use a phone that small, just isn’t right, because they can barely see the buttons on the safelink phone.
Arlene says
Christie,
Your not paying for squat. If you do a search before complaining.. you will see that taxpayers are NOT paying for our free phones. So keep your stupid thoughts to yourself. Or is it that your upset that you can’t get one?
Rob says
“I don’t need a fancy high end cell phone, I just want to be able to receive pics, send pics, camera, music player, recorder is all i really want my gps has blue tooth so I would like to be able to connect my cell to my gps”
FOR REAL? That’s all?? Nothing fancy, just everything. Want it to print out hundred dollar bills too? I work for a living and have an old cell phone that makes calls and sends texts. TEXTS, not pictures because it doesn’t have a camera, an MP3 player or a GPS. It’s kind of sad that you don’t appreciate a FREE phone without it being just like a phone that you’d have to pay big bucks for. You want it personalized? Get a marker and write your name on it.
Danny says
Are you people really that gullible? That’s sarcasm! Ever heard of it?
Dolores says
My Father has moderate alzheimers disease and although he still takes walks near home, we all feel safer when he has a phone with him. Just in case. he now qualifies for a safelink and recieved one a few weeks ago. However, because the design is not a flip phone style like the one he used to own, he can not ‘learn & remember’ how to use the style sent. I appreciate hearing experiences others have had & I plan to assist by making a call to safelink to see if a change to a flip style phone is possible.
For people who are quick to negatively judge and assume, I pray you or your love ones never develop any condition in which you need to rely on ‘the system’ for added supports. My Dad worked his whole life as a plumber, never recieved a dime from ‘the system’ and sadly now is fading with an illness no fault of his own. Although there are surely some people who may abuse ‘the system’, I for one say ‘who cares’, those people are recieving peanuts in comparison to other governmental endevors. Tolerance and compassion can go a long way in our world
xita says
I have the same problem with a mother who cannot understand how to use the safelink phone. Would be so much easier if it was a flip phone. Another problem is it is too small and they come from a generation that can’t function with it.
boss says
wow. sally i really hate you
Diva says
The battery for the free phone is too big. Can I use another type battery?
Eva says
Thank you SO MUCH for all this information everyone! I was asking myself the same question, and this answered it! I am going to be very content buying a better phone and still be able to have the safelink service on a better tracfone then the one they give me. thanks a bunch. and btw i read on another question answer site that ppl think if we can afford a better phone the we can afford our own plan but they are wrong, i can have money one moment for a better phone but i dont have money every month to be able to afford a plan. (just saying) lol
DanG says
Sally – go pack sand.
Pam thanks for the info.
ivan says
right on dan, not our fault the phones suck and didnt hear anyone demanding to be sent an upgrade.
xita says
Tell Sally pound sand!
boss says
no one likes you sally
Christy says
Haha!!!! Good one DanG…..
Jax says
Did you notice that they weren’t complaining they were simply asking how to upgrade the phone. What is wrong with that??
boss says
word. i hate sally
Sally says
I love people that complain about a free phone.
xita says
Free phone is good, but not when it doesn’t work right or at all!
boss says
shut up sally
Christy says
Ppl aren’t complaining. They were simply asking and I don’t blame them. I’d want a better phone too, cause some doesn’t take pics. Or when it doesn’t work right. You shouldn’t even be on here with your bad attitude! No one asked for a comment like that! Thanks!
Pam says
Just a little fyi… I transferred my safelink phone number to a Tracfone. It’s a lot better than “the cheap one” they sent. What you need to do is call their customer service (LONG wait), tell them you want to transfer to another phone (make sure it has a slot for a SIM) and you will have to give them the numbers off of your old and new phone. They will tell you if it is possible. They just sent me a new SIM card to go into the tracfone that I had. So, yes it’s possible, but may be limited to a Tracfone, Net10, or StraightTalk phone.. Hope this helps!
*Pam*
Pam says
numbers being the numbers on the back of the phones under the batteries. You DO have to provide your account information (safelink account info) and give them your Safelink phone #. I strongly suggest using a house phone or someone else’s cell that might have unlimited minutes.. They just quoted me a wait time of 30 minutes…