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Can I use my Safelink Wireless SIM card in another phone?

< Back to all Reader Questions

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.

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Before you post your comment...

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

Comments

  1. Barbara Terry Lynn says

    February 26, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Tracfone says that they will not unlock their phone until you have their service for 12 months. Can I just switch the sim card with a new safelink sim card and use this phone? I just got the tracfone and it came with 1500 minutes and 1500 text on a 365 day card but I have not powered it up yet. I would like to power the phone up and set the phone up for a friend who is eligible for safelink and then send the phone to them. I wanted to upload a few apps using my wifi for them and adjust settings for them as the are elderly and may struggle with that. Then send the phone to them and have them switch out the sims card when they get it. Has anyone done this with a locked tracfone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 26, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      Let’s open this one up to our readers and see if any of them have done what you are suggesting.

      Reply
  2. Chloe says

    February 11, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    I’m trying to replace my safelinkphone. I went on the safelink web page o purchase a new phone. It ask to pick a network AT&T T-Mobile. Or Verizon. How do I know which on to pick?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 11, 2021 at 6:22 pm

      Does your current Safelink phone still work? If so, call 6-1-1 on it to discuss your options with customer service.

      Reply
  3. damien says

    January 20, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    I did I took my sim out of the free phone they sent me because I had dropped it on the concert a time or two but yes u can I put mine in a Samsung j3 prim I got from a friend and I’m using it right now but my ims registration status says not registered

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 20, 2021 at 9:00 pm

      Is it working?

      Reply
  4. J W says

    January 6, 2021 at 8:48 pm

    Hi.

    Safelink customer since 10/2018.

    First, I live very rural with AT&T the only available towers. Safelink worked with me to provide me a SIM that would work on AT&T’s network–good folks they are.

    My experiences:

    1. I busted my phone and a friend had an unlocked Motorola 3g flip, so I inserted the SIM and I was connected. Nothing else.

    2. I bought a used S5 that was locked to AT&T. I contacted them, requested unlock, swapped SIM, then text APN to 611611, updated the APN, and service started right up.

    3. I build, so buh-bye busted S5, and I was gifted a Samsung Galaxy J3, and after a SIM swap and an APN update, my service was live.

    4. The J3 was lost to drywall lifting and a Samsung Galaxy J2 Dash was met with only the SIM and APN update, and all was well.

    5. I’ve upgraded yo a Samsung Galaxy A21. It was on the MVNO Straight Talk’s network. It was purchased new, at a price of $99(from reg $279), and never used on that network; however, after inserting my SIM, updating my APN, and contacting Straight Talk, I can once again affirm today’s phone is a powerful tool.
    **Straight Talk supports Safelink and actually has a portal on their website that instructs about Safelink as well as sends you straight to the application when ready.

    Safelink is a wonderful program. All the underlying entities(several) which allow for Safelink to exist deserve thanks. I know it’s profit-driven, but what it supports is more noble than most bottom lines.

    A broken spine and 33 months rehabilitation–that was the context of my finding Safelink. I will soon have the capital to DBA into full time renovations at which point I must give up my spot for another hard knock lifer.

    I won’t leave their service though. I’ll pay the $40+ because my age is one where my kids are grown, and prior to my crash, I’d been a previous customer of Sprint and Verizon. Do you think numbers 1-5 above would’ve been as seamless with them as it was with Safelink? Lol…not ever…I know. Safelink is a commendable company and its employees, outsourced or otherwise, have only ever been both helpful and kind.

    Regards.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 6, 2021 at 10:43 pm

      It’s always good to hear from someone who’s happy with their Lifeline service.

      Reply
  5. Paul says

    December 25, 2020 at 10:42 am

    What kind of phone do I need,for my smartphone sim card kit to work in?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 25, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      Speak to Safelink customer service.

      Reply
  6. dellA says

    December 23, 2020 at 9:33 pm

    What do I need to do to have my sim and service switched to a used galaxys8 from my trafone?Screengot broke so got a diff.phone.please help.thank you

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 24, 2020 at 2:30 am

      We’re not sure what you are asking us, Della.

      Reply
      • Ileana Gerena says

        December 31, 2020 at 5:19 am

        You are being EXTREMELY UNFAIR to me as I’m a 73year old, paralyzed since birth when I was afflicted with no vaccination was available. I did was not asked for safelink as my provider, I was traded off when Lifewireless sealed operations here in PR and I got raffled to you. Now you refuse to provide me service nor even to sign in, and leaving me with no means to call for help in an emergency in the middle of a pandemic and alone in my home. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED and my situation along with your attitude to refuse me service should be published so that everyone sees kind of treatment they will get if they subscribe to you people.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          December 31, 2020 at 8:21 am

          First of all, Ileana, please understand that we are NOT Safelink. This is an independent informational website. That being said, there is a simple solution to your problem — switch to a different service provider. Here is where you can find are all the companies/plans in your state:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          And here’s another article that tells you exactly how to make the switch:

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

          Reply
  7. james johnson says

    August 25, 2020 at 10:19 am

    i have the free safe link lifeline service but the phone is messing up could i buy another tracphone and put my lifeline sim card in there

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 25, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      Probably, but you need to speak to your service provider’s customer service team to find out if the specific make and model is compatible.

      Reply
  8. Steve says

    August 18, 2020 at 5:49 pm

    I have a SafeLink phone that is 3G and I bought a compatible Tracfone at Walmart that is 4G LTE because 3G is being shut down at end of the year. The new phone came with a SIM card already installed. It is the same carrier I had before. Is this SIM card compatible with SafeLink or do I have to get a SafeLink SIM card?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 19, 2020 at 3:59 am

      We assume your SIM card was sent to you by your service provider and that it would not have sent you a non-compatible SIM card. But that being said, there is simply no way for us to know the answer.

      Reply
  9. TERESA Ann Rucker says

    August 9, 2020 at 11:57 am

    Can I uses smart watch with sae link chip

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 9, 2020 at 3:43 pm

      That’s a good question for Safelink customer service, Teresa.

      Reply
  10. Cody says

    June 20, 2020 at 6:49 am

    You can take your sim card from your SafeLink and put it in a different phone I’ve done it and it works every time

    Reply
  11. Preston says

    June 8, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    Yes you can go to walmart get a bring your own phone sim card kit then get a fully unlocked phone once u got that call trackphone or safelink and thay will guide you thro rest

    Reply
  12. Susan Arnold says

    April 17, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    SafeLink I was told by SafeLink I could purchase a Galaxy crown which I have done and went through the process, the endless process setting up my phone via SafeLink without getting a new SIM card. I was told my SIM card was fine and my phone has been working fine for months and all of a sudden I’m not getting minutes anymore. I’ve called so many people I’ve lost track. Suddenly in the mail I get a new SIM card packet. I thought great so I installed it as per the instructions and it says it’s invalid. I’m no closer to using my phone then I was before. Very frustrating. Nobody has any answers.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 17, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Frustrating indeed, Susan. All we can say is keep trying.

      Reply
    • frank says

      May 9, 2020 at 1:55 pm

      first thing you need to know is when you got your phone once its activated your sim will only work with that phone you cant put it in any other phone even if its unlocked next thing buy unlocked phone get new sim chip buy the same type sim chip that’s in your phone call customer service tell them you want to transfer your phone number to the new phone they will walk you through the process its easy dont put new sim chip in your new phone wait until you call customer service and let them guide you

      Reply
  13. Joe says

    April 14, 2020 at 12:29 am

    The information above is NOT correct. You can take the SIM card out of the Safelink phone they gave you and put it into any GSM unlocked phone and it will work just fine. This is the main reason I switched to Safelink from another company. I believe you can put the SIM into any TracFone as well, but i will have to check that fact to be sure. So live the dream of having free service on a great phone as I have done, it doesn’t get any better. One more thing, purchasing additional data is very affordable from Safelink, costing just over one dollar per GB.

    Reply
    • Vince says

      May 8, 2020 at 6:03 pm

      The SIM card or the chip is it the black card or the little white one with gold?

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        May 9, 2020 at 12:14 am

        No way for us to know that specific information regarding every SIM card produced, Vince. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

        Reply
    • Andy Allen says

      October 1, 2020 at 2:40 pm

      Yes you’re completely and 100% correct the only problem people are having is they are not aware they have to use a TracFone and it must be android or iOS or Windows it can’t be just a regular cell phone Were you can use a factory unlocked smart phone as long is it’s GSM You Will be 100% safe. What I hate about this company is is they tell people this to scare them from buying these phones that way you won’t bother these phones that are unlocked or the hours track homes because you’re afraid of wasting the money because you’ll just have to go back and buy a safe flight home but they are 100% horrible terrible stinky Efing lies! Do you exactly how I told you and you will be completely fine. Say they want you to buy their safe link phone they know for a fact that you can use the other phone but the operators won’t tell you that because they get a commission for selling you a SafeLink phone. Depending on if the phones ever been used before in which companies from if it’s unlocked you might still have to program the phone the easiest way to do it is just YouTube oDepending on if the phones ever been used before in which companies from if it’s unlocked you might still have to program the phone the easiest way to do it is just YouTube it Screw waiting for them to tell you all the lies and the long way around a programming it’s very simple to program it just use YouTube if and I mean if you have to program it so many other unlock phones and track phones you don’t have to do use a SafeLink Sims card that you’ve already had. And the whole thing about a Sims card being lot to the phone when you activate it is the biggest lie I think I’ve ever heard them tell! I’ve never heard such lies now see if you were to use a Verizon Sims card and try to put it into say a sprint smart phone yes it would like the phone up and it was locked to that Verizon phone from the beginning. But to do the way I explained it you will see 100% but it does not lock to that first SafeLink phone. Good luck guys!

      Reply
  14. Phoney says

    March 16, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    If I accidentally eat my SafeLink sim card do you think it will be compatible with Sprint phones?

    Also please, do you think my SafeLink phone is watching me through my camera? Look forward to your professional answer. 😝

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 17, 2020 at 5:50 am

      We don’t know if it will be compatible, but it goes really well with a bit of barbecue sauce. But that may just be our Texas upbringing talking.

      Safelink is not watching you through your camera. We, however, had a great front row view of everything you do. We would like to request that you stop doing that one thing. You know what we’re talking about. Stop it.

      Reply
  15. Leatha says

    March 13, 2020 at 10:32 am

    What phones can I use a at&t compatible or unlocked gsm safelink sim card in?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 13, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      Beyond our area of expertise, Leatha.

      Reply
  16. Christopher Reyes says

    March 10, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    Okay Google I understand t your message, that is very important to know. My previous phone was lthe Maze Speed phone. The battery burned out not receiving anymore power. I removed its Sim card and inserted into this Sky device phone and this far I have had no problems. Its only been installed 7-hours now. I’m having trouble reading with the Sky phone.and prefer to change over to the Alcazar phone.. I’m taking a chance on losing my Sim card your have made me a wear of. Thanks.

    Reply
  17. Sarah O'Dell says

    March 10, 2020 at 10:52 am

    My phone got lost when we was moving and I was going to reactivate my account

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 10, 2020 at 1:46 pm

      Has it been more than 30 days? If your phone has gone unused for 30 days or more, it has probably been deactivated. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out your status.

      Reply
  18. Deonta carr says

    March 5, 2020 at 9:48 am

    Hello. My name is deonta deshawn carr.i already have a account with u guys but i lost my phone about 1 month ago..i have a arstio 3+ and would like to know if ill be able to shut that phone down and turn the one i have on. Good morning and i hope u can reach me at tour eariest convenience..thanks.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 5, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      You don’t have an account with us. This is an independent informational website.

      Reply
    • Sarah Jolly says

      March 11, 2020 at 5:10 am

      That’s not true I went to Best buy and bought the Moto 7 g play and put my SafeLink chip in the phone and it works dine. I’m actually using it to write this message.. but it has to be an unlocked phone

      Reply
      • Vince says

        May 8, 2020 at 6:01 pm

        The chip is the little white card with gold right would I be able to put that one on my Sprint phone?

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          May 9, 2020 at 12:15 am

          Also no way for us to know which specific make and model of phone will work with the SIM card you have.

          Reply
  19. Brian says

    March 5, 2020 at 9:00 am

    I have a Motorola e5 play I had us Cellular pre paid can I use this safelink sim card

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 5, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Only Safelink customer service can answer that question for you, Brian.

      Reply
  20. Omar says

    February 18, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    You most definitely can I have safelink and im always changing phones like almost monthly as long as the phone is unlocked to any carrier. Ive used iphones and androids from iphon 6 to an xs max and new androids . I dont even have to call them it ahould work automatically like mine.

    Reply
  21. William Bufahl says

    February 10, 2020 at 10:08 am

    I unlocked my Verizon Moto E5 play and am now using the Sim card from the phone from SafeLink but occasionally I will have problems with the originally installed Verizon service apps. How can I remove those apps? Do I have to root my phone first or can they be removed without rooting?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 10, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Google the make and model of your phone plus the words “user manual.” Then you can probably look up how to do what you need to do.

      Reply
    • HM1974 says

      February 25, 2020 at 4:32 pm

      I have a Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo 2 I am using for Safelink. What I have done is gone into settings>applications then find all Verizon apps and clear the cache and then disable each app one by one. Phone still works fine and I am not bothered by any of those useless apps. As for rooting, maybe you can do it that way, I don’t know much about rooting a phone.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        February 25, 2020 at 6:36 pm

        We don’t know what rooting a phone is and from the sound of it we don’t want to know.

        Reply
  22. Bruce a. Sullivan says

    February 9, 2020 at 12:07 am

    This is not a kiss ass phonie comment .. I’v been extremely grateful for our Government for this phone ..I dropped it and it stopred working ..which phones are compatible ..a Friend gave me there used Samsung #9

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 9, 2020 at 6:34 am

      This is one of the few questions we do not attempt to answer because we do not want to give our readers any incorrect information. You would be far better off asking your service provider which phones are compatible.

      Reply
      • Amanda myrick says

        February 23, 2020 at 3:15 am

        I ran my safelink phone over and luckily had a friend who give me a verizon compatible note 8 with the byod program with safelink. The very first time I put my safelink sim card into the note 8 I was able to make a call. hour or so later when I tried to make a call a messaged popped up saying ” not registered on network. Costumer service said the only thing could be that the phone isn’t released from verzion.
        ( if that’s the right words) But my friend is saying the phone is completely paid off that I shouldn’t need one.. so is that what she needs to ask verizon customer service for the release pin?

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          February 23, 2020 at 2:03 pm

          Impossible for us to know exactly why your phone isn’t working, Amanda, but your assumption seems reasonable. Give it a try.

          Reply
        • Bobby says

          March 15, 2020 at 9:12 am

          Need to call verizon and ask to have the phone unlocked. I did one from at&t.

          Reply
  23. Jennifer from Ohio says

    February 6, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    I don’t know about anyone else that is try to take their SafeLink SIM card and put it into another phone but I’ve done it three different times and had no problem whatsoever so whoever said you can’t do that with a SafeLink TracFone it must just be their phone because I’ve done it and so
    have a lot of other people I know

    Reply
  24. Michele Gati says

    February 2, 2020 at 5:38 pm

    Will a Net 10 Sim card work in an Maze Speed by Safety Net. It’s unlocked and I would like to get my SafeLink service back.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 3, 2020 at 2:51 am

      We have no idea, Michele. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply
  25. William Bufahl says

    January 29, 2020 at 9:33 am

    I called SafeLink (actually at&t) and they will send you a new sim card for $2.00 that can be used in your new phone (providing that it is unlocked). This will also enable your hotspot option as well as Bluetooth tethering for data connections.

    Reply
  26. LoraLee B Moretz says

    January 26, 2020 at 12:48 am

    Yes, you can absolutely transfer safe link to a smart phone, I have done it myself. First, you have to have your smart phone “unlocked” by current service provider. Then you simply purchase a .99cent replacement sim card kit. At Walmart, or by debit/credit card over the phone with safe link. Next, you call technical support for the transfer. They activate the new sim card. Have a little patience, and you will be successful.

    Reply
  27. Lisa says

    January 25, 2020 at 4:31 am

    I have an it’s z936l, n the safe link phone is a it’s z718tl. Sim card fits. My safe link phone is not charging right. Charging all the time. And no battery life. So I was gonna try in upgrade. Been a ur, chase u accepted me for 8 months. I replied bk A to safe link. I Dont have the money to pay any on another phone. Can’t make My rent. So I have this phone n the sim card fits this one.

    Reply
  28. Rodney says

    January 11, 2020 at 5:31 pm

    I tried to p my SIM card in another phone. And it stop working I didn’t no that
    That was going to happen
    Do I need to get a new phone a SIM. Card

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 11, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      Speak to your service provider’s customer service team, Rodney.

      Reply
  29. Nicole Holt says

    January 7, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    I was given simple cell from safelink then later on bought a smrtphone and sim at walmart and transfered safelink number to this new cell and sim i purchased. safelink recently canceled my account when i started my recertification process because I changed my address as I had moved 4 weeks prior..
    i called them fought with them ect… but still no account reactivation and i need my cell so tried buying minutes thru tracfone as thats phone type i had but its locked by safelink..
    So..how do i get them to unlock it as the cell and sim were purchased by myself not given to me by safelink..

    regards Nicole

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 7, 2020 at 11:54 pm

      What you did does not sound like a violation of your contract, Nicole. Perhaps there’s something more or perhaps Safelink screwed up. Impossible for us to tell. But nevertheless, it may be simpler for you to switch to a new Lifeline company. Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to do it:

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

      Reply
  30. Cathy says

    December 4, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    I had a safelink wireless phone but bought a LG and put my information in. I’m getting a samsung galaxy. Where do I go to get them to program it and put all information in?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 4, 2019 at 5:31 pm

      Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to speak to customer service or tech support.

      Reply
  31. Kayla says

    October 21, 2019 at 8:13 am

    Can i use a brand new straight talk for safelink

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 21, 2019 at 3:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
  32. Brittany says

    October 5, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    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.

    Reply
  33. Shay says

    September 17, 2019 at 10:17 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 18, 2019 at 4:26 am

      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.

      Reply
      • JD says

        January 3, 2020 at 12:38 pm

        Nice comeback, FGCP. Any chance you’re hiring? ;)-

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          January 3, 2020 at 2:47 pm

          Thanks, JD. But since your initials are the same as mine, the boss will probably just assume I left this complimentary comment.

          Reply
  34. mydarkthawts says

    August 23, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    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).

    Reply
    • Shannon wynne says

      August 31, 2019 at 10:56 pm

      I put a safe link sim card in a tracphonehow do I activate this phone

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        September 1, 2019 at 5:29 am

        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.

        Reply
    • Heyhey says

      December 4, 2019 at 12:43 pm

      I’ll trust your answer. I have seen other people suggest this as well.

      Reply
  35. Karlee says

    July 29, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    What if both phones are Trac phones can you switch your safe link sim government phone to a better phone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 29, 2019 at 4:47 pm

      That’s a question for Safelink customer service, Karlee.

      Reply
  36. Angela Bunch says

    July 10, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    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!

    Reply
  37. James Johanson says

    June 27, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 28, 2019 at 5:17 am

      Only customer service can tell you if the specific make and model is compatible, James. Give them a call.

      Reply
  38. Rohit Sharma says

    June 4, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    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 ?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 4, 2019 at 9:07 pm

      We cannot answer your question, Rohit. Sorry, but it’s beyond our area of expertise.

      Reply
  39. Melissa Burgess says

    May 28, 2019 at 9:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 28, 2019 at 10:39 pm

      Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply
  40. Matt says

    May 24, 2019 at 3:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 24, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      Please let us know how that works out for you. We undoubtedly have lots of readers who would like to hear more.

      Reply
  41. Wendy jett says

    May 18, 2019 at 5:20 pm

    How can I change my service from my existing phone to my new phone I have safe link/tracphone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 18, 2019 at 9:02 pm

      Clarification needed: Are you switching from one service provider to another or just switching phones?

      Reply
    • Claudia Sayre says

      May 20, 2019 at 1:23 pm

      I am presently trying to activate another phone to safelink but don’t know my goggle address.what can you do to help me

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        May 20, 2019 at 1:47 pm

        We’re pretty sure that even your free government cell phone service provider will not be able to give you your google address.

        Reply
  42. David says

    May 17, 2019 at 11:31 pm

    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

    Reply
  43. crystal troup says

    May 17, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 17, 2019 at 5:01 pm

      Sorry to hear about your problems, Crystal, but we are NOT Safelink. This is an independent informational website.

      Reply
      • deb says

        February 19, 2020 at 7:41 am

        crystal stop hangn with crackheads .get off drugs theres help out there. ive got 3.5 yrs clean and havent had a phone STOLEN since.

        Reply
  44. Kimberly Goodwin says

    May 13, 2019 at 7:32 pm

    I got a text. Saying that i have a phone number and I tried to make a call i cant. Make a call

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 14, 2019 at 7:38 am

      We have no way of knowing what that text was all about, Kimberly. Sorry.

      Reply
    • anna noble says

      September 19, 2019 at 5:33 pm

      how can i get a safelink sim card to work in my smartphone

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        September 19, 2019 at 6:30 pm

        That’s a question for Safelink tech support, Anna. Give them a call.

        Reply
  45. Nydia says

    May 13, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    Can I use a LG from Cricket

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 14, 2019 at 7:39 am

      Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out which makes and models are compatible.

      Reply
  46. Gabby says

    May 5, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
  47. SS says

    May 3, 2019 at 1:07 pm

    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

    Reply
    • deb says

      February 19, 2020 at 7:45 am

      i have the crown and it did not work for me . called safelink and they said its not a compatible phone . what 😒

      Reply
  48. Daryl Mau says

    April 13, 2019 at 9:54 pm

    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…

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 14, 2019 at 4:10 pm

      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

      Reply
    • Samantha Meyers says

      April 15, 2019 at 5:56 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        April 15, 2019 at 9:03 pm

        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.

        Reply
  49. Jose says

    March 16, 2019 at 6:15 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 16, 2019 at 6:43 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Kevin says

        September 22, 2019 at 2:30 am

        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!

        Reply
        • Michele says

          January 12, 2020 at 9:08 pm

          LOL at reading these comments..sorry…lol

          Why does everyone think your safelink customer service?

          Wow, these comments are moderated? How did half of these crazy questions get past the mod?

          Reply
          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            January 13, 2020 at 12:19 am

            Hah! They didn’t “get past the moderator.” We try to answer every question with no edits unless the language is so bad that it may offend other readers. We even allow approve some of them just to show readers what we have to go through every day.

  50. Lisa Patton says

    February 14, 2019 at 8:02 am

    It’s not showing my safelink driver. How do i get it downloaded

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 14, 2019 at 10:55 am

      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.

      Reply
  51. Benjamin Malone says

    February 4, 2019 at 10:04 pm

    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.

    Reply
  52. James iler says

    January 23, 2019 at 10:08 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 24, 2019 at 8:17 am

      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.

      Reply
    • Floyd says

      January 28, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
  53. Patricia Turner says

    January 22, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    I want to use my t mobile phone and get a Sim card, how do I order one.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 23, 2019 at 10:30 am

      That’s a question for your service provider’s customer service team, Patricia.

      Reply
  54. Jessica herrington says

    January 1, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Can I use a version card for my safelink phone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 3, 2019 at 9:36 am

      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.

      Reply
  55. Chris Sarnhu says

    November 18, 2018 at 2:07 am

    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.

    Reply
  56. Miya says

    November 14, 2018 at 1:09 am

    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.

    Reply
  57. Jean Kelley says

    November 3, 2018 at 10:55 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 3, 2018 at 2:02 pm

      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.

      Reply
  58. Tim says

    November 2, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    The phone my safelink came with broke i took the sim chip out without calling safelink and it worked in a galaxy grand neo

    Reply
  59. Nakeisha says

    November 2, 2018 at 8:39 am

    A: Yes all you have to do is call safelink and they can switch it over for you.

    Reply
    • Debbie Simmons says

      March 6, 2019 at 8:24 am

      What if safe link SIM card to large for new phone

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 6, 2019 at 4:10 pm

        Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

        Reply
  60. Dawncarter says

    October 22, 2018 at 2:52 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 28, 2018 at 4:58 pm

      Jeez Louise, Dawn. Have you spoken to customer service? That’s what you should have done as soon as you received the first notice.

      Reply
  61. Dwayne Johnson says

    October 17, 2018 at 9:30 pm

    I have a Verizon htc desire526, it is new, never activated. Can I use my SafeLink sim card in it?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 17, 2018 at 11:49 pm

      We defer to Safelink customer service and/or tech support on questions like this, Dwayne.

      Reply
  62. Alecia Walker says

    October 10, 2018 at 4:47 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 10, 2018 at 7:04 am

      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.

      Reply
  63. Tammy Godsey says

    October 6, 2018 at 3:57 am

    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

    Reply
  64. carolyn covington says

    September 30, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    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

    Reply
  65. Ric says

    September 24, 2018 at 7:07 am

    I got a maze from safetynet vendor removed the simm and used it on a moto phone and it works fine.

    Reply
  66. Pang says

    August 21, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 22, 2018 at 2:54 am

      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.

      Reply
  67. Lurline Cleckley says

    July 4, 2018 at 9:29 am

    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????

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 4, 2018 at 11:07 am

      Contact Safelink customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply
  68. Leslie Norman says

    July 3, 2018 at 10:03 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 3, 2018 at 5:11 pm

      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.

      Reply
  69. Michael says

    July 1, 2018 at 4:21 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Emily says

      August 4, 2018 at 1:22 am

      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.

      Reply
  70. Mark says

    June 7, 2018 at 6:11 am

    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.

    Reply
  71. larry delgado says

    June 4, 2018 at 10:12 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 5, 2018 at 2:45 am

      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

      Reply
  72. Charron says

    May 22, 2018 at 11:50 am

    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.

    Reply
  73. Dolores evans says

    May 5, 2018 at 9:25 am

    My Trac phone keeps saying
    no cellular connection my old phone would pick up in this area

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 5, 2018 at 3:17 pm

      Have you contacted Safelink customer service, Dolores?

      Reply
  74. Christopher Murano says

    March 26, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • cindy says

      June 3, 2018 at 8:06 am

      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

      Reply
  75. Trudy Yates says

    March 13, 2018 at 4:47 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 13, 2018 at 7:27 am

      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.

      Reply
  76. Embyr says

    February 22, 2018 at 11:05 am

    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.

    Reply
  77. Angela Marie Lawson says

    February 14, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    I have a smart phone how do I transfer my SafeLink information to it. It’s a Moto E

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 14, 2018 at 9:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
  78. Mike Rothaus says

    February 14, 2018 at 5:41 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 14, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
  79. Grant says

    February 9, 2018 at 11:46 pm

    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

    Reply
  80. Melanie says

    February 7, 2018 at 3:52 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 8, 2018 at 1:11 am

      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.

      Reply
  81. Kaitlin says

    February 6, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    What phone’s can I upgrade to another phone from the UMX, Model: U673C?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 6, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      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.

      Reply
  82. Dre says

    January 7, 2018 at 11:17 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 8, 2018 at 3:39 am

      Not all cell phones work on all cell networks, Dre. You got lucky.

      Reply
      • steve says

        January 25, 2018 at 4:08 pm

        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.

        Reply
  83. Ms. C says

    December 24, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    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.

    Reply
  84. Ms. C says

    December 24, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    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.

    Reply
  85. John Doe Smith says

    December 8, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    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

    Reply
  86. Tech Geek says

    December 5, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    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

    Reply
  87. T. White says

    November 28, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    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

    Reply
  88. DadBear says

    November 25, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    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….

    Reply
    • Heather says

      December 2, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      I have a galaxy s3 that I want to use as a safelink phone. I need a safelink SIM card. How to get one?

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        December 2, 2017 at 6:36 pm

        First, check with Safelink customer service or tech support to make sure your phone is compatible with its network.

        Reply
  89. Mark says

    November 14, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 14, 2017 at 9:31 pm

      That’s probably a question for Sprint customer service or tech support, Mark.

      Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 14, 2017 at 9:31 pm

      That’s probably a question for Sprint customer service or tech support, Mark.

      Reply
  90. Tammy says

    November 11, 2017 at 1:58 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 11, 2017 at 2:09 pm

      Junkie bed?

      Reply
  91. Cathy Duguid says

    October 4, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    Where can I purchase a new saflink wireless sims csrd

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 4, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      Contact Safelink customer service.

      Reply
  92. LINDA K GEHM says

    October 4, 2017 at 2:13 pm

    I lost my sim card, how do I get a new 1 & is there a cost?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 4, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      Only Safelink customer service can answer those questions, Linda. But we have a question, Linda: How do you lose a SIM card?

      Reply
      • SahmiMarie says

        July 8, 2019 at 8:40 am

        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

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          July 8, 2019 at 2:53 pm

          From your lips to God’s ear, Marie.

          Reply
  93. Kayla says

    September 26, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    I need my messages saved to my sim card it’s extremely important how in the world do I do it?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 27, 2017 at 3:12 am

      We can’t answer tech questions, Kayla. You need to speak to your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.

      Reply
  94. Equi says

    September 3, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Nope, saddling has a bring your own phone program and will send you a Sim for any GSM unlocked phone

    Reply
  95. Jose says

    August 31, 2017 at 8:32 am

    What phone can I transfer my safelink service to, and how can I, thank you?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 1, 2017 at 1:03 am

      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.

      Reply
  96. stevecali says

    August 27, 2017 at 12:56 am

    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.

    Reply
  97. Derika hull says

    August 21, 2017 at 6:40 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 21, 2017 at 10:17 am

      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.

      Reply
  98. Karen says

    August 21, 2017 at 12:46 am

    I’m vision impaired all the phones are to small how can I get a larger phone with bigger keyboard ?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 21, 2017 at 6:21 am

      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

      Reply
    • stevecali says

      August 27, 2017 at 12:59 am

      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.

      Reply
  99. Treshaun says

    August 1, 2017 at 10:28 am

    So i have a cheap prepaid Verzion phone can i get service from safe link on it

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 1, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Christina Scholfield says

        January 2, 2018 at 9:34 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          January 3, 2018 at 1:06 am

          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.

          Reply
  100. Yolanda Mccray says

    July 19, 2017 at 6:04 pm

    I want a safelink smartphone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 19, 2017 at 8:09 pm

      Are you a current Safelink customer?

      Reply
  101. Dean says

    July 18, 2017 at 10:37 am

    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.

    Reply
  102. OWENS DANIELS says

    July 17, 2017 at 6:56 am

    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.

    Reply
  103. Carla says

    June 16, 2017 at 3:14 pm

    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….

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 16, 2017 at 10:03 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Martha says

      September 1, 2017 at 9:13 pm

      Exact same thing happened to me. Wasted money on a upgrade phone that I can’t use.

      Reply
  104. Anne says

    June 12, 2017 at 7:01 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 12, 2017 at 7:33 am

      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.

      Reply
    • Joeymarie says

      November 30, 2017 at 9:24 pm

      I’d like to know how you’re able to afford an iPhone but you’re receiving government assistance???

      Reply
      • Just Wondering says

        February 10, 2020 at 5:01 pm

        Only last year Safelink was selling iPhones as old as the 3’s and 4’s for $99 refurbished and you could make payments. I could not afford that.

        A friend of mine inherited her son’s old phone just a couple weeks ago (for free) when he bought a new one and just today I inherited hers for FREE!

        Just last year, I saw a refurbished iPhone v3 or v4 for $99 and they accept payments on their phones.

        Today, I called Safelink and told them I wanted to switch my (he said 10+ year old) Tracphone over to this iPhone 5s and he said he came up with an error. I asked about that and said that the phone is unlocked. He said, “Oh okay then!” and proceeded to sell me the SIM card for $1.08 shipped by the end of this week.

        But now I am concerned if I wasted my money. Anyone who was successful with this phone and Safelink on here to give their input?

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          February 11, 2020 at 12:34 am

          We assume the SIM card will work, but there’s no way for us to know until you install it.

          Reply
          • Just Wondering says

            February 14, 2020 at 8:32 pm

            Good news! I received the SIM card from Safelink on Wednesday (instead of Friday) and when I called for them to transfer everything, they said they were unsure it would work because the oldest iPhone they are supporting is now the 6 series.

            I told them it was unlocked and I bought the SIM card so they agreed to give it a try.

            It works!!!

            🙂

          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            February 14, 2020 at 9:21 pm

            Congrats! Good news.

  105. Manuel Alexander says

    June 9, 2017 at 12:34 am

    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 !

    Reply
  106. Haleigh Joy says

    June 2, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    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?,

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 2, 2017 at 7:58 pm

      C’mon, Haleigh, did you read the article on this page before you left this comment? We think not.

      Reply
  107. Sam Banner says

    June 1, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Ginger Jo Barreto says

      June 30, 2017 at 9:55 am

      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.

      Reply
  108. Jeffrey Klipp says

    May 26, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Esmeralda says

      August 14, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      Thanks so much this is the post answer I been looking for

      Reply
  109. JEFFREY L CARLSON says

    May 15, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    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

    Reply
  110. Paul Reynolds says

    May 12, 2017 at 12:34 pm

    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.

    Reply
  111. Michael McKinney says

    May 11, 2017 at 1:08 pm

    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 .

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 11, 2017 at 5:27 pm

      Not necessarily true, Michael.

      Reply
    • Chakerra King says

      June 11, 2017 at 6:14 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        June 11, 2017 at 8:32 pm

        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.

        Reply
    • Jim says

      November 7, 2017 at 2:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
  112. joan ann gering says

    May 10, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 10, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      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.

      Reply
  113. Brooklyn says

    May 3, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 4, 2017 at 4:38 am

      “If the phone is compatible” is the key to that concept.

      Reply
  114. BDoubleZz says

    May 1, 2017 at 8:58 am

    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.

    Reply
  115. personal says

    April 17, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    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

    Reply
  116. MR. DU says

    April 15, 2017 at 3:00 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 15, 2017 at 4:24 am

      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.

      Reply
  117. joan poindexter says

    April 13, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    is the sim card activation kit same as sold under tracphone???? I can not find safelink card kit in walmart

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 13, 2017 at 12:43 pm

      Tracfone should work, but confirm that with a call to customer service before you purchase, Joan.

      Reply
    • vicki says

      April 16, 2017 at 8:32 pm

      Where can I get a sims card for my safelink phone

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        April 17, 2017 at 4:07 am

        Your Safelink phone comes with a SIM card, Vicki. What exactly are you looking for?

        Reply
  118. Tonya Niles says

    April 13, 2017 at 2:06 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 13, 2017 at 3:36 am

      Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Tonya. Only customer service can tell you if a particular phone will work.

      Reply
  119. Angie M says

    April 12, 2017 at 9:45 pm

    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!!!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 13, 2017 at 3:34 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Missy says

        April 23, 2017 at 12:41 am

        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!!

        Reply
  120. Brit says

    April 12, 2017 at 12:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 12, 2017 at 7:03 am

      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.

      Reply
  121. Marie says

    April 11, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 12, 2017 at 7:06 am

      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.

      Reply
  122. Lisa R. Novak says

    March 30, 2017 at 3:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 30, 2017 at 5:10 pm

      Contact customer service, Lisa. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply
    • Gloria Dobson- McKinley says

      April 5, 2017 at 4:58 am

      Just Wanna Say I’m Loven This Comment From Lisa R.,Novak!!

      Reply
  123. Bradley Smith says

    March 30, 2017 at 7:30 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 30, 2017 at 1:02 pm

      You’ll need to discuss that with Safelink customer service, Bradley. This website is not affiliated with Safelink.

      Reply
  124. Richard says

    March 29, 2017 at 5:33 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 29, 2017 at 9:23 pm

      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.

      Reply
  125. Rosa Graves says

    March 25, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    There is no live agent maybe you guys can help by contacting them with all the complaints

    Reply
  126. Rosa Graves says

    March 25, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 25, 2017 at 7:18 pm

      We’re not AT&T, Rosa. We’re an independent informational website.

      Reply
  127. Hoa Nguyen says

    March 23, 2017 at 9:13 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Hoa Nguyen says

      March 23, 2017 at 9:18 am

      actually I need a nano SIMM

      Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 23, 2017 at 9:32 am

      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.

      Reply
  128. Bo says

    March 14, 2017 at 10:31 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 15, 2017 at 6:52 am

      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?

      Reply
    • Name says

      November 7, 2017 at 1:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        November 7, 2017 at 2:05 pm

        From your lips to God’s ear, Name.

        Reply
  129. Gradie Roberson says

    March 12, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    Can I use a ZTE cell with safelink

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 12, 2017 at 5:12 pm

      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.

      Reply
  130. Christine Marrs says

    March 11, 2017 at 10:33 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 11, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      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.

      Reply
  131. Barbara says

    March 9, 2017 at 11:42 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 9, 2017 at 4:18 pm

      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.

      Reply
  132. Mark Munker says

    March 8, 2017 at 10:39 am

    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.

    Reply
  133. Michelle M says

    March 6, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Can i start paying for my Safelink Wireless service in the event i become ineligible ?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 6, 2017 at 2:16 pm

      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

      Reply
  134. john k says

    March 5, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Chris Parmele says

      March 6, 2017 at 5:27 am

      That wasn’t the question. The question was can I put my sim card in another phone? Pay attention.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 6, 2017 at 6:13 am

        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.

        Reply
        • mike says

          March 7, 2017 at 3:54 am

          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…..

          Reply
          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            March 7, 2017 at 5:09 am

            Not quite sure what to say.

      • Deanna says

        April 6, 2017 at 4:50 pm

        Mean

        Reply
    • Paul Reynolds says

      May 12, 2017 at 12:48 pm

      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

      Reply
  135. Heather Queen says

    March 3, 2017 at 11:18 pm

    How can I unlock my truconnect cell to put on another carrier?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 4, 2017 at 6:18 am

      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.

      Reply
  136. Bridgett moore says

    February 22, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    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 ****

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 22, 2017 at 6:13 pm

      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

      Reply
  137. Amanda says

    February 21, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 21, 2017 at 4:00 pm

      You need to check with Safelink’s customer service or tech support team. They will tell you what your options are.

      Reply
  138. bob B. CT says

    February 21, 2017 at 2:01 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 21, 2017 at 3:55 pm

      Those are all questions that can only be answered by Safelink’s customer service team, Bob. Give them a call ASAP.

      Reply
    • Jim says

      November 7, 2017 at 2:28 pm

      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.

      Reply
  139. Tim Alberstein says

    February 15, 2017 at 4:54 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Tim Alberstein says

      February 15, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      Got it! APN settings.

      https://apn.gishan.net/settings/769_8_net_10_apn_settings_for_lg_g3.php

      Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 15, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      Tim is asking for your help, readers. Can anyone give him any info?

      Reply
    • Jaecee says

      March 19, 2017 at 12:26 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 19, 2017 at 5:13 pm

        Thanks, Jaycee!

        Reply
  140. Beverly says

    February 8, 2017 at 5:40 am

    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.

    Reply
  141. Mariel says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    What if the phone is unlocked?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 8, 2017 at 6:49 am

      Can you clarify what your question means?

      Reply
  142. Eric Smith says

    February 7, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
  143. Beverly says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:49 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 7, 2017 at 7:17 am

      One of which plans?

      Reply
  144. M.L. Sheldon says

    February 6, 2017 at 2:15 am

    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.

    Reply
  145. Theresa Immoos says

    February 4, 2017 at 6:36 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 4, 2017 at 9:04 am

      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.

      Reply
  146. Mescia Haynes says

    February 2, 2017 at 8:56 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 3, 2017 at 3:15 am

      You should be able to re-enroll, Mercia.

      Reply
  147. Sll says

    February 2, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 2, 2017 at 1:00 pm

      Thanks for the tip, SII.

      Reply
  148. john c speights says

    January 28, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    My name is john c speights, i need a new replacement phone free. mine went black won’t work.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:46 pm

      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

      Reply
  149. Diane Neville says

    January 25, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 26, 2017 at 3:37 am

      You need to contact Safelink customer service by phone or online, Diane. This is an independent website, not a free government cell phone company.

      Reply
  150. Della says

    January 25, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 25, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      We’re not quite sure what your question is, Della.

      Reply
  151. trish says

    January 25, 2017 at 8:48 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 25, 2017 at 10:20 am

      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.

      Reply
  152. Bridgett Haney says

    January 25, 2017 at 3:25 am

    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!

    Reply
  153. JCCooper says

    January 24, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 24, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      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.

      Reply
  154. Joleen Valencia says

    January 21, 2017 at 11:19 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 21, 2017 at 6:39 pm

      You definitely need to contact Safelink tech support, Joleen. They’re the only ones who can talk you through this problem.

      Reply
  155. Cathy duncan says

    January 19, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    Can I use my virgin mobile Android cell phone with safe link ?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 19, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      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.

      Reply
  156. Candress says

    January 14, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 14, 2017 at 5:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
  157. timmy says

    January 13, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    How much to upgrade on a phone and pictures of phone please

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 13, 2017 at 7:13 pm

      Different companies offer different phones and different prices, Timmy. You’ll need to contact your service provider to get specifics.

      Reply
  158. Sonsarae says

    January 10, 2017 at 3:12 am

    What if you have a smartphone and you cant open the back cause its not removable?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 10, 2017 at 12:14 pm

      Then you won’t be able to do it.

      Reply
  159. Stephanie Wren says

    January 7, 2017 at 10:12 am

    Someone left a safelink phone at my house can I find out whose phone it is from the Sim card?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 7, 2017 at 10:50 am

      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.

      Reply
  160. Anna Hyde says

    January 5, 2017 at 4:20 pm

    My son gave me a Samsung can I transfer safelink mins?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 5, 2017 at 6:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
  161. Sed says

    January 4, 2017 at 10:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
  162. Tee says

    January 3, 2017 at 4:08 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 3, 2017 at 6:06 am

      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.

      Reply
  163. Row says

    December 27, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 28, 2016 at 2:14 am

      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.

      Reply
  164. Lisa Vanalstine says

    December 27, 2016 at 4:34 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 27, 2016 at 5:11 am

      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.

      Reply
  165. James harold Prince says

    December 26, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Can i transfer my sim card from the Alcatel to the tracfone LG

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 26, 2016 at 1:14 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Kewltek1 says

      January 3, 2017 at 6:50 am

      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.

      Reply
  166. Michael Bailey says

    December 18, 2016 at 6:15 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 18, 2016 at 10:49 pm

      Sounds like Michael may be an unhappy customer.

      Reply
  167. David D. says

    December 11, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 11, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      You’ll need to contact Safelink’s customer service or tech suppor team, David. They can talk you through the process.

      Reply
      • David D. says

        December 13, 2016 at 1:53 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
  168. Julie says

    December 10, 2016 at 8:17 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 10, 2016 at 11:03 am

      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

      Reply
  169. shy says

    December 10, 2016 at 6:07 am

    How do you get a upgrade?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 10, 2016 at 11:01 am

      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

      Reply
  170. Danni says

    December 8, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 8, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      The phones they show are usually upgraded smartphones, Danni.

      Reply
  171. Alexandra says

    December 7, 2016 at 9:58 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Alexandra says

      December 7, 2016 at 10:00 am

      actually shouldve said you have to use a tracfone

      Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 7, 2016 at 10:57 am

      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.

      Reply
  172. Tony Maggard says

    December 2, 2016 at 1:45 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 2, 2016 at 2:23 pm

      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.

      Reply
  173. Luvs Retro says

    December 1, 2016 at 7:25 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 2, 2016 at 1:05 am

      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.

      Reply
  174. Nicole says

    November 30, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 30, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      Contact tech support, Nicole. We are unable to troubleshoot your problems via the comment section.

      Reply
  175. Jeremy Reiff says

    November 30, 2016 at 6:51 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 30, 2016 at 9:58 am

      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.

      Reply
  176. Ana Franceschi says

    November 29, 2016 at 10:57 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 29, 2016 at 11:51 am

      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.

      Reply
  177. Adub says

    November 26, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    I put my safelink sim in a tmobile phone and it works fine.

    Reply
  178. v says

    November 18, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    If you get trac smart phone call safe link and have them switch it over

    Reply
  179. Tom says

    November 11, 2016 at 11:28 am

    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).

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 11, 2016 at 7:22 pm

      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

      Reply
    • KBell says

      November 22, 2016 at 4:19 pm

      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.

      Reply
  180. Bonnie Cuchta says

    November 5, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 6, 2016 at 5:50 am

      Have you tried contacting customer service through the website?

      Reply
  181. Jack Frost says

    November 3, 2016 at 6:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Sherae Collado says

      November 15, 2016 at 9:18 pm

      I have a note 4. can I use the safe link Sim in it? The phone they sent is way too outdated and small.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        November 16, 2016 at 4:16 am

        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.

        Reply
    • Jessica says

      December 4, 2016 at 8:07 pm

      Where do you find the apns?

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        December 5, 2016 at 3:50 am

        Google the words “cell phone APN” and you’ll find lots of good info, Jessica.

        Reply
  182. Deja says

    November 2, 2016 at 12:22 am

    What if you remove the SIM before it gets powered up?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 2, 2016 at 4:00 am

      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?

      Reply
  183. Tony says

    November 1, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Terri says

      November 2, 2016 at 9:08 am

      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?

      Reply
  184. Cindy says

    October 28, 2016 at 12:03 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 28, 2016 at 4:15 am

      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.

      Reply
      • james Lundgren says

        October 28, 2016 at 10:58 am

        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.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          October 28, 2016 at 12:35 pm

          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).

          Reply
  185. Eric says

    October 22, 2016 at 4:30 am

    Can i put the safelink wireless sim card inside my unlocked samsung which was eligible with tracfone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 22, 2016 at 5:05 am

      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.

      Reply
  186. Francine Gonzalez says

    October 19, 2016 at 8:07 pm

    The man who set me up with SafeLink said he put his in a TMobile phone and it worked perfectly

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 19, 2016 at 8:45 pm

      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.

      Reply
  187. Patrick says

    October 14, 2016 at 7:21 am

    How do l turn in my trac phone and activate my I phone in safe link program

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 14, 2016 at 10:13 am

      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

      Reply
  188. Neftale Negron says

    October 11, 2016 at 4:34 am

    Network rejection cause Sim not provisioned MM_#2

    Reply
  189. NV says

    October 6, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
  190. requeno Rosali says

    October 5, 2016 at 9:33 am

    I am rosali my cell phone is not working.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 5, 2016 at 10:20 am

      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

      Reply
  191. dawn says

    October 4, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    I have a net 10 safe link government phone and my SIM card works on my boyfriend’s Samsung galaxy from metro pcs!

    Reply
  192. Debra Hagerty says

    October 2, 2016 at 4:30 am

    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

    Reply
  193. Jessie says

    September 27, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 27, 2016 at 8:53 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Prisonangel says

      October 1, 2016 at 1:26 am

      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.

      Reply
    • Joseph Phelps says

      October 1, 2016 at 10:40 am

      You can put the sim in trac. Att. Net 10 etc

      Reply
    • Mar says

      October 5, 2016 at 12:02 pm

      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 ?

      Reply
  194. ELVER GALARGA says

    September 25, 2016 at 10:25 am

    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……

    Reply
    • Morena says

      September 25, 2016 at 11:59 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Will says

        September 26, 2016 at 5:30 pm

        Good one

        Reply
      • Angie says

        October 5, 2016 at 11:21 pm

        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

        Reply
    • Stanky Ho says

      September 27, 2016 at 12:03 pm

      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 .

      Reply
    • Joseph Phelps says

      October 1, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Why be ignored man

      Reply
    • Haley says

      October 2, 2016 at 5:58 am

      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

      Reply
    • Rebecca Price says

      October 4, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Christine Larsen says

      October 5, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      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!

      Reply
    • RonnieRonski says

      October 21, 2016 at 9:30 am

      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.

      Reply
    • Donna says

      October 23, 2016 at 7:12 pm

      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

      Reply
    • Leeann says

      November 1, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • my biz says

      November 17, 2016 at 4:12 pm

      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.

      Reply
  195. Sue carpell says

    September 25, 2016 at 10:02 am

    I need a bigger phone how do I go about this

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 25, 2016 at 10:20 am

      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

      Reply
    • ELVER GALARGA says

      September 25, 2016 at 10:28 am

      UH, MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO AND PAY FOR ONE AT YOUR LOCAL RETAIL STORE….WHERE YOU HAVE TO ACTUALLY PAY FOR SERVICE…YOU KNOW???

      Reply
      • Morena says

        September 25, 2016 at 12:04 pm

        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]

        Reply
      • Blue Violet says

        November 30, 2016 at 3:46 pm

        @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.

        Reply
    • Joseph Phelps says

      October 1, 2016 at 10:42 am

      Get 1 at walmart

      Reply
  196. Morena says

    September 25, 2016 at 9:46 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 25, 2016 at 10:43 am

      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

      Reply
      • Morena says

        September 25, 2016 at 11:53 am

        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.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          September 25, 2016 at 1:17 pm

          Our pleasure, Morena. Good luck.

          Reply
  197. Carolyn Wadley says

    September 20, 2016 at 8:41 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 20, 2016 at 8:48 am

      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.

      Reply
  198. tia says

    September 19, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Rosa says

      September 20, 2016 at 4:21 pm

      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

      Reply
  199. Gayle L. Bruner says

    September 17, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    How can I reach you by phone if my phone isn’t working?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 17, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      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

      Reply
  200. Justin says

    September 15, 2016 at 8:20 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 16, 2016 at 3:33 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Justin says

        September 16, 2016 at 7:31 pm

        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.

        Reply
  201. Julie says

    September 11, 2016 at 10:40 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 11, 2016 at 11:05 am

      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

      Reply
  202. Marci Collet says

    September 10, 2016 at 12:18 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 10, 2016 at 5:52 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Dev says

        September 19, 2016 at 6:46 pm

        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. 🙂

        Reply
  203. John Gilmore says

    September 7, 2016 at 9:58 am

    I HAVE NO SERVICE 90% OF EVERYDAY! I NEED SERVICE BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN, DISABLED!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 7, 2016 at 12:47 pm

      Are you saying that you’re a current Lifeline customer, but your phone does not work properly?

      Reply
  204. Heather says

    September 6, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 6, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      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

      Reply
  205. Jon Doe says

    September 6, 2016 at 11:50 am

    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.

    Reply
  206. January says

    September 4, 2016 at 9:17 am

    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.

    Reply
  207. Colleen says

    September 3, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Rosa says

      September 20, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        September 20, 2016 at 5:06 pm

        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.

        Reply
  208. Gary Martin Drady says

    September 3, 2016 at 5:37 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 3, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      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.

      Reply
  209. may ng says

    August 25, 2016 at 3:37 am

    Tracphone has never worked properly. Constantly drops calls. I have ten mins on it and in the middle of a court crisis!

    HELP!!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 25, 2016 at 5:33 am

      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

      Reply
  210. ronmacnab says

    August 23, 2016 at 1:07 pm

    can tracphone send me a sim’s card that i can put in another phone.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 23, 2016 at 2:00 pm

      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.

      Reply
  211. juanita says

    August 20, 2016 at 8:53 am

    I upgraded my safelink phone. It does need to tracfone check with them for available phones. http://www.tracfone.com

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 20, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      Thanks for the input, Juanita. We love it when one of our readers tells all the others about their experiences.

      Reply
  212. John says

    August 19, 2016 at 3:56 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 19, 2016 at 6:59 pm

      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.

      Reply
  213. Yone says

    August 19, 2016 at 11:38 am

    I can change SIM card of safelink Alcatel A205g to LG 306g

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 19, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      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.

      Reply
  214. Louann Salisbury says

    August 18, 2016 at 8:56 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 18, 2016 at 11:14 am

      You need to go to the Safelink website or speak to customer service, Louann.

      Reply
  215. donna sampson says

    August 16, 2016 at 10:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 16, 2016 at 10:52 am

      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.

      Reply
  216. MrFixit says

    August 14, 2016 at 7:40 am

    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?

    Reply
    • MrFixit says

      August 14, 2016 at 8:04 am

      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!!

      Reply
    • Stacy Pontefract says

      August 25, 2016 at 2:44 pm

      MrFixit – what phone did you upgrade to?

      Reply
    • Sara Shutt says

      December 26, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      trac fone gave me a number to call that may work for you *777*1# try and see

      Reply
  217. Jay Ce says

    August 13, 2016 at 8:29 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Liza says

      August 14, 2016 at 9:43 am

      Just having service on mine once in a while would be nice, but that’s not going to happen.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        August 14, 2016 at 10:09 am

        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

        Reply
    • juanita says

      August 20, 2016 at 9:06 am

      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.

      Reply
    • GUEST says

      September 4, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      Really??? Poor people use phones only for job search and emergency calls??? REALLY???

      Reply
    • Larry G says

      September 7, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      Try texting on a Samsung SPH-S125G and you may understand why, then.

      Reply
    • Sienna says

      March 6, 2020 at 10:06 am

      Um have u used these provided free phones before? Half the time I cant even make a call . they suck . Just because you’re poor does not mean you don’t need updated, working devices just like everyone else. Idiot.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 6, 2020 at 11:23 am

        No, we have not provided any free government cell phones. This is an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone service provider.

        Reply
  218. Skip Mooney says

    August 11, 2016 at 8:58 am

    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 ?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 11, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      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

      Reply
  219. Douggie Diner says

    August 9, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    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 .

    Reply
  220. Marie Byrd says

    August 9, 2016 at 11:23 am

    Can I have my phone number changed from SafeLink 2 Android phones as long as it’s a TracFone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 9, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      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.

      Reply
  221. Raheem says

    August 8, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    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 .

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 8, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      You’re a braver man that we, Raheem. No way we would attempt to do what you’ve done.

      Reply
    • fly says

      August 31, 2016 at 3:08 am

      Its easy just go n set up the apn then you will have full data and mms

      Reply
  222. Tonia says

    August 7, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 7, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      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

      Reply
  223. Tammy cunnif says

    August 7, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 7, 2016 at 1:35 pm

      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.

      Reply
  224. Jenny says

    August 7, 2016 at 12:27 pm

    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.

    Reply
  225. brandon haymer says

    August 4, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    how can I extract audio recordings from my lg328Bg to any other device or card>?? tracphone

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      August 5, 2016 at 8:34 am

      That’s too technical for us. Perhaps someone else here might know the answer.

      Reply
    • Ryan says

      August 16, 2016 at 10:52 pm

      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.

      Reply
  226. Shirley Gauthier says

    August 1, 2016 at 8:00 am

    can i use a phone that i have with my sim card

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 1, 2016 at 8:17 am

      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.

      Reply
  227. Shirley Gauthier says

    August 1, 2016 at 7:57 am

    I have gotten a Qlink phone it broke and i want to know why do i have to pay for a replacement phone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 1, 2016 at 8:17 am

      How long were you able to use it before it broke, Shirley?

      Reply
  228. Bal Krishna says

    July 31, 2016 at 10:57 am

    I have an unlocked phone. Can I use it in an unlocked phone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 31, 2016 at 2:53 pm

      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

      Reply
  229. Cassandra bacon says

    July 29, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    I would like to upgrade my phone to in iPhone can you help me with that

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 30, 2016 at 4:45 am

      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

      Reply
  230. Janelle says

    July 28, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    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!

    Reply
  231. Rebecca Griffeth says

    July 25, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    Can I get a smart phone from safe Link?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 26, 2016 at 3:43 am

      Safelink currently offers smartphones only in California.

      Reply
  232. Daniel ary says

    July 23, 2016 at 11:52 am

    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.

    Reply
  233. beverlycook says

    July 20, 2016 at 4:46 am

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 20, 2016 at 5:43 am

      The only way to solve your problem, Beverly, is to call your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply
  234. Susan Allen says

    July 18, 2016 at 4:16 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:33 pm

      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

      Reply
  235. Armando Alarcon says

    July 18, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 18, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      No hablamos español, Armando.

      Reply
  236. shane says

    July 18, 2016 at 1:59 pm

    how can i change my safelink phone to a better phone purchased elsewhere

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 18, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Derrick Richards says

        July 23, 2016 at 12:59 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          July 23, 2016 at 3:23 pm

          You need to contact Safelink customer service, Derrick.

          Reply
  237. Stephanie Moore says

    July 18, 2016 at 10:06 am

    My name Stephanie Moore my phone do not work an I call do not get no answer

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 18, 2016 at 10:32 am

      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.

      Reply
  238. Connie says

    July 15, 2016 at 8:01 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 15, 2016 at 9:26 pm

      Your description sounds as if what you did was within the rules, Connie. Speak to customer service immediately, Connie.

      Reply
  239. Rick Volp says

    July 14, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    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…..

    Reply
  240. Vana Jackson says

    July 14, 2016 at 2:58 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 14, 2016 at 4:14 pm

      Here’s an article that will tell you all the details, Vana:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-demands-tracfone-unlock-free-government-cell-phones

      Reply
  241. Ms.C says

    July 12, 2016 at 2:44 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 12, 2016 at 3:51 am

      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.

      Reply
  242. candy kraycar says

    July 11, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    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-****

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 11, 2016 at 2:47 pm

      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.

      Reply
  243. Belinda says

    July 10, 2016 at 4:44 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 10, 2016 at 5:29 pm

      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.

      Reply
  244. Kevin Burk says

    July 5, 2016 at 11:39 am

    http://freegovernmentcellphoneguide.com/lost-tracfone/
    you can as long as its compatable

    Reply
  245. Lisa Shelton says

    July 3, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    How do i upgrade my cellphone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 4, 2016 at 4:00 am

      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

      Reply
  246. Minnie Lewis says

    July 2, 2016 at 6:10 pm

    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.

    Reply
  247. Nichole says

    July 1, 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Can I get an obama phone for my 7 year old daughter or do you have to be 18 years or older?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 3, 2016 at 7:02 pm

      You must be 18 years old, Nichole.

      Reply
  248. DESTIN says

    July 1, 2016 at 7:56 am

    i don’t receive my minutes

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 1, 2016 at 11:01 am

      Call Safelink customer service, Destin.

      Reply
  249. raymond says

    June 30, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 30, 2016 at 9:24 pm

      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

      Reply
  250. Harold Riggans says

    June 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 30, 2016 at 4:59 pm

      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

      Reply
  251. Danny Lane says

    June 30, 2016 at 9:31 am

    I want to change back to my flip phone, can I reopening my old phone back and discontinue the new phone.Thank you

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 30, 2016 at 10:18 am

      You’ll need to speak to Safelink’s customer service or tech support to answer that question, Danny.

      Reply
  252. ron williamson says

    June 27, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:05 pm

      Call customer service, tell your story and raise holy hell. The last report we have is that Safelink only offers smartphones in California.

      Reply
  253. Tammy White says

    June 26, 2016 at 12:36 pm

    Can I use a safe link phone that has been disconnected from a friend

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 26, 2016 at 4:24 pm

      Clarify please. Are you asking if you can use a former Lifeline Assistance outside of the free government cell phone program?

      Reply
  254. Linn says

    June 22, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Ca I use iphone4on safelink

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 22, 2016 at 4:01 pm

      Check with Safelink customer service online or by phone.

      Reply
  255. Michael says

    June 22, 2016 at 1:40 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 22, 2016 at 4:03 pm

      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.

      Reply
  256. Cody says

    June 19, 2016 at 11:00 pm

    I already have a TracFone, from Straight Talk. Can I transfer my Safe Link service to that phone? If so, how?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 20, 2016 at 2:20 am

      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

      Reply
    • Shannon Lee says

      June 30, 2016 at 10:12 am

      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

      Reply
  257. Lorissa says

    June 15, 2016 at 11:47 am

    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?

    Reply
  258. Brian Solomon Showdown says

    June 12, 2016 at 9:46 am

    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.

    Reply
  259. Sarah Trevino says

    June 8, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    Can I get a better phone that I previously had? I breaks so easily. Can I get an upgrade?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 8, 2016 at 6:16 pm

      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

      Reply
  260. Thomas Davidson says

    June 4, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    Whom to contact when PUK ??

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 4, 2016 at 6:51 pm

      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

      Reply
  261. Charles Morganti says

    June 3, 2016 at 7:23 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 4, 2016 at 3:40 am

      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.

      Reply
  262. Zaid Hayder says

    June 3, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 3, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      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

      Reply
  263. Simone hayes says

    June 2, 2016 at 11:27 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 3, 2016 at 4:39 am

      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

      Reply
  264. Rick Teeple says

    June 1, 2016 at 4:18 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 1, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Rick Teeple says

        June 1, 2016 at 6:33 pm

        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

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          June 1, 2016 at 9:49 pm

          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.

          Reply
          • Rick Teeple says

            June 1, 2016 at 10:41 pm

            OK. I am currently looking for a good phone. I will let you know what happens. Wish me luck. Lol

          • Rick Teeple says

            June 8, 2016 at 3:11 pm

            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

            June 8, 2016 at 4:14 pm

            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

            July 7, 2016 at 12:32 am

            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

            July 7, 2016 at 4:07 am

            Thanks for the update, Rick. Glad things worked out for you.

  265. Sm says

    May 29, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 29, 2016 at 2:21 pm

      Thanks for the input, SM. Our readers will appreciate it.

      Reply
    • Kristi Thompson says

      May 31, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      How do you switch the phone numbers?

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        May 31, 2016 at 6:42 pm

        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

        Reply
  266. Heather says

    May 24, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 24, 2016 at 1:52 pm

      Great info that our readers will really appreciate, Heather. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Vic says

        June 2, 2016 at 10:18 pm

        So there’s no smartphone for no state besides California when dealing with safelink

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          June 3, 2016 at 4:37 am

          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.

          Reply
    • Kellie says

      June 8, 2016 at 5:23 pm

      What kind of SIM card activation kit? Does it matter what kind of kit T-Mobile etc?

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        June 8, 2016 at 6:14 pm

        Technical questions like this can only be answered by your service provider, Kellie.

        Reply
  267. Heather says

    May 24, 2016 at 1:28 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Grace says

      May 25, 2016 at 9:55 am

      How did you do that? the rep I got kept telling mam you can’t do that

      Reply
    • Cody says

      June 19, 2016 at 11:11 pm

      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

      Reply
  268. Erwin Matias says

    May 23, 2016 at 10:09 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 23, 2016 at 11:03 am

      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.

      Reply
  269. adrian says

    May 22, 2016 at 9:43 am

    Can i switch my safelink account to a verizon lg phone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 22, 2016 at 10:43 am

      Only Safelink’s tech support or customer service team can answer that question, Adrian. Please contact them ASAP.

      Reply
  270. Thomas Keith Davidson says

    May 21, 2016 at 1:00 am

    My Safelink Wireless 1(916)602-**** Alcatel OneTouch SIM locked into a PUK mode please contact me at 1(916)862-****
    Thomas Keith Davidson

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 21, 2016 at 9:45 am

      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

      Reply
  271. Lace says

    May 20, 2016 at 7:34 am

    Can you transfer an existing non-safelink phone number to a new safelink phone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 20, 2016 at 9:15 am

      Yes. Tell them that you want to “port over your current phone number.”

      Reply
  272. Kelly says

    May 17, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    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

    Reply
    • peterabbot says

      May 18, 2016 at 10:40 am

      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).

      Reply
      • Ne says

        June 3, 2016 at 9:47 am

        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?

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          June 3, 2016 at 10:05 am

          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

          Reply
  273. Lori Fischer says

    May 17, 2016 at 2:45 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 17, 2016 at 4:35 am

      Glad to hear it all worked out for you, Lori.

      Reply
  274. Tracy says

    May 12, 2016 at 4:32 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 12, 2016 at 5:13 am

      It depends on the phone. Your best bet is to contact Safelink’s customer service team.

      Reply
      • peterabbot says

        May 18, 2016 at 10:44 am

        Good luck with that….

        Reply
  275. Tammy c Smith says

    May 10, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 11, 2016 at 2:50 am

      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.

      Reply
  276. James says

    May 9, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    How can I get internet service on my safelink phone.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 9, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      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.

      Reply
  277. john snell says

    May 6, 2016 at 5:04 pm

    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

    Reply
  278. James zeise says

    May 1, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 1, 2016 at 4:44 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Kelly says

      May 17, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      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

      Reply
  279. Thomas Thornburgh says

    April 29, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    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

    Reply
  280. Vicki Adams says

    April 29, 2016 at 1:15 am

    Is there anyway to upgrade the safe link phones? I would like to have something that makes pictures.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 29, 2016 at 6:29 am

      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

      Reply
  281. James Gasque says

    April 27, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    Can I use my Verizon iPhone 4 from ReachOut Wireless on this plan

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 27, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
  282. Alicia says

    April 27, 2016 at 11:38 am

    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??

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 27, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      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

      Reply
  283. Colleen ipock says

    April 27, 2016 at 3:57 am

    I have a sunburst LG phone will that be compatible with safelink service for my father?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 27, 2016 at 6:08 am

      Only Safelink’s tech support or customer service team can answer that question for you, Colleen.

      Reply
  284. Jamie merrill says

    April 25, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 26, 2016 at 4:09 am

      You need to contact your service provider’s tech support or customer service team by phone or email. Good luck, Jamie

      Reply
  285. debra nystrom says

    April 23, 2016 at 6:51 pm

    I cant believe so many people are complaining about safelink,,,ITS ALL FREE !!!! Dont kick a gift horse in the mouth,,

    Reply
    • Kelly says

      May 17, 2016 at 3:20 pm

      Right on haha
      Its never enough huh..
      Spoiled Americans

      Reply
    • Karen says

      May 20, 2016 at 8:43 am

      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.

      Reply
  286. jordan says

    April 23, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Randy says

      May 4, 2016 at 6:28 pm

      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?

      Reply
  287. Michele Dorman says

    April 23, 2016 at 8:51 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 23, 2016 at 9:19 am

      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.

      Reply
  288. Jenny A says

    April 20, 2016 at 1:49 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      April 22, 2016 at 5:38 am

      Budget is totally different from safelink. Safelink locks the sim to the phone thus making it impossible to transfer the sim.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        April 22, 2016 at 10:39 am

        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.

        Reply
        • Shannon says

          April 22, 2016 at 12:05 pm

          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.

          Reply
          • Grace says

            May 25, 2016 at 10:02 am

            I just tried today and they told me it couldn’t be transferred

  289. Elaine Lucas says

    April 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm

    I have a saddling phone that dropped and broke the bottom off. Where I get a upgraded saddling phone. Email lucaselaine70@********.com

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 18, 2016 at 4:25 pm

      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…

      Reply
  290. Don Gregory says

    April 7, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    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

    Reply
  291. Charlie says

    April 1, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 1, 2016 at 6:20 pm

      You must contact Safelink’s customer service team by phone or online to get the answer to that question.

      Reply
  292. Bud says

    March 25, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    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.

    Reply
  293. Kevin says

    March 20, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    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.

    Reply
  294. Maryellen Smith says

    March 4, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 5, 2016 at 6:39 am

      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.

      Reply
  295. BostonHolly says

    March 3, 2016 at 4:24 pm

    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 .

    Reply
    • Rob says

      March 4, 2016 at 1:06 pm

      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.

      Reply
  296. Elizabeth says

    February 22, 2016 at 2:53 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      April 7, 2016 at 6:27 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        April 7, 2016 at 6:51 am

        We love it when our readers share their experiences with the larger FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net community. Thanks, Mike.

        Reply
  297. Brandy says

    February 18, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    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?….

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 19, 2016 at 8:33 am

      It depends on the service provider. We recommend calling them to get the most accurate information.

      Reply
  298. Ron D says

    February 18, 2016 at 12:13 am

    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.

    Reply
  299. char says

    February 17, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    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.

    Reply
  300. nbourgeois says

    February 16, 2016 at 12:12 pm

    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?

    Reply
  301. mary wilkerson says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    I got the phone LG441G you told me to get how do I active it and I didn’t get minutes for this month

    Reply
  302. Alicia Hargis says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:55 am

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Erica says

      February 7, 2016 at 10:56 pm

      I can’t use my tmobil phone the Sim card is to big for it

      Reply
      • Alicia Hargis says

        February 21, 2016 at 2:31 am

        Hi Erica,
        I answered this same question for Fred right below. Check it out. Super easy fix.
        🙂
        Alicia

        Reply
    • Fred says

      February 12, 2016 at 7:58 am

      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

      Reply
      • Alicia Hargis says

        February 21, 2016 at 2:12 am

        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

        Reply
        • Alicia Hargis says

          February 21, 2016 at 2:21 am

          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

          Reply
          • Shannon says

            February 23, 2016 at 4:30 pm

            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

            February 24, 2016 at 6:36 pm

            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

          February 21, 2016 at 5:39 am

          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.

          Reply
        • lorraine says

          February 24, 2016 at 6:33 pm

          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

          Reply
        • Nick says

          April 5, 2016 at 8:06 am

          Alica I need your help with APN settings trying it on my galaxy s5

          Reply
        • Tommy says

          May 20, 2016 at 9:12 pm

          For metro pcs phones as well?

          Reply
    • Brandy says

      February 18, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      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…

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        February 19, 2016 at 8:32 am

        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.

        Reply
    • Kymie says

      March 1, 2016 at 4:36 pm

      Could you tell me how to do this? Kymiekrystal@*******.com

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 2, 2016 at 6:38 am

        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.

        Reply
    • lorraine says

      March 2, 2016 at 11:23 pm

      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

      Reply
    • Toni says

      March 30, 2016 at 9:03 am

      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

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 30, 2016 at 9:46 am

        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.

        Reply
    • Terri says

      April 20, 2016 at 2:45 pm

      I wonder if it will work on my galaxy 3s with changing the settings like you did?

      Reply
  303. Amy D. Fred says

    January 29, 2016 at 7:57 am

    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.

    Reply
  304. Bobby white says

    January 20, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    Can I transfer my service to another phone please

    Reply
  305. cathy meister says

    January 18, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    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

    Reply
  306. William sanders says

    January 17, 2016 at 1:52 am

    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.

    Reply
  307. Jacob says

    January 11, 2016 at 10:42 am

    Thanks for the information, this helped me. I had the same question.

    Reply
  308. John Clecak says

    December 26, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    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?

    Reply
  309. Pat says

    December 25, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • rebecca says

      January 22, 2016 at 9:22 am

      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.

      Reply
  310. a veasy says

    December 20, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    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

    Reply
  311. JJ Smith says

    December 18, 2015 at 5:32 am

    I’m looking for a phone for a friend for Christmas, he has a government phone. Does anyone know how I can do this?

    Reply
  312. sherley louis says

    December 16, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    I want to use the sim whit another phone

    Reply
  313. bobbie says

    December 16, 2015 at 11:17 am

    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!

    Reply
  314. charles toh says

    December 14, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    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.

    Reply
  315. Laura kessler says

    December 14, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    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?

    Reply
  316. Infinty says

    December 5, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    I put a Tracfone in a NET10 and I know someone that put a NET10 sim card in a Tracfone and it worked

    Reply
  317. Gary Phifer says

    November 29, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    Suppose I can unlock the phone, then can I get you SIM card to work in my phone?

    Reply
  318. Teddy says

    November 29, 2015 at 7:35 pm

    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????

    Reply
  319. kristin says

    November 10, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    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??

    Reply
    • debby says

      November 28, 2015 at 8:04 am

      It has to be a non-android cell phone so there are only certain models that will work

      Reply
  320. Sheronica Thompson says

    November 8, 2015 at 8:41 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Gregory says

      November 13, 2015 at 12:34 am

      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

      Reply
  321. Tiny says

    November 1, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
  322. lisa vanalstine says

    October 15, 2015 at 7:01 am

    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

    Reply
    • Nancy Mottley says

      October 25, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • TAMMY says

        November 17, 2015 at 11:35 am

        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.

        Reply
      • George says

        December 5, 2015 at 1:14 pm

        You need newer technology than that which was used in 1915.

        Reply
        • Jeff says

          December 9, 2015 at 9:55 am

          George, thank you for that comment. Made my day!

          Reply
  323. Isabella says

    October 10, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    How many minutes per month?

    Reply
  324. Kayla says

    October 3, 2015 at 8:09 am

    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…

    Reply
  325. Ray says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    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

    Reply
  326. Mysticholyman says

    October 1, 2015 at 4:45 am

    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.

    Reply
    • 4today says

      November 19, 2015 at 10:07 pm

      @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.

      Reply
  327. laureen says

    September 29, 2015 at 5:22 am

    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

    Reply
  328. RhondaD says

    September 24, 2015 at 10:14 am

    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?

    Reply
    • James says

      October 5, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Mary says

      October 14, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      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.

      Reply
  329. Teresa says

    September 22, 2015 at 6:03 am

    How do I get a new number .Thank you

    Reply
  330. TERESA Duran says

    September 16, 2015 at 10:38 pm

    My phone gets horrible service. Is there a way I can get a sim card to put in a straighttalk phone?

    Reply
  331. Pam Jones says

    September 10, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    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.)

    Reply
    • Tricia says

      September 21, 2015 at 1:23 pm

      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.

      Reply
  332. mic jager says

    September 4, 2015 at 10:00 am

    will my safelink sim work in a t-moble phone?

    Reply
    • Pam Jones says

      September 10, 2015 at 5:27 pm

      I Believe you have to get a Tracfone for Safelink

      Reply
  333. milagros says

    August 26, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Diane Russell says

      November 4, 2015 at 6:33 am

      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!!

      Reply
  334. jacqueline jacobs says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:49 am

    Would like to.up grade to a better phone.what phones do you have available.

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      August 25, 2015 at 11:08 am

      You have to contact Safelink.

      Reply
      • milagros says

        August 26, 2015 at 4:31 pm

        1-800-378-1684
        http://Www.safelink.com

        Reply
  335. Jessie says

    August 20, 2015 at 11:05 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Someone says

      September 19, 2015 at 10:45 pm

      Yes but it has to be LG 306g or the LG 840g

      Reply
  336. jack mackrall says

    August 19, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    Can you port your number to the free phone?

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      August 20, 2015 at 8:15 am

      Yes

      Reply
  337. Jennifer Dawson says

    August 19, 2015 at 6:37 am

    Change I change my safelink phone number to my former AT&T phone number and only use the safelink phone?

    Reply
  338. Nicholas James says

    August 15, 2015 at 10:33 am

    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…

    Reply
    • Nicholas James says

      August 15, 2015 at 10:55 am

      Sorry I mean tracfone…

      Reply
  339. Bolly says

    August 7, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Whi dey don give me a Ifone???

    Reply
  340. Leon Bullock says

    August 3, 2015 at 7:39 am

    what other phones are available for safelink I’d like to upgrade to a bigger phone

    Reply
  341. Will says

    August 2, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    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

    Reply
    • summer says

      August 12, 2015 at 8:33 pm

      I pop my sim card in my LG T Modike Phone And its not working..did do i miss something?

      Reply
    • Ashley Williams says

      August 25, 2015 at 9:02 pm

      could I use my sms card an another phone that is unlock like and at&t cellphone

      Reply
  342. Lillie Cole says

    July 27, 2015 at 11:43 am

    How can I get free internet for seniors with low income?

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      Nothing specific for seniors, but here is a site with special low-cost internet programs:

      http://www.cheapinternet.com

      Reply
  343. MarcoBriseno says

    July 20, 2015 at 9:49 am

    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

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      July 20, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      Yes you can. Please read this page:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement

      Reply
  344. jessyka graham says

    July 15, 2015 at 9:56 am

    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

    Reply
  345. Laura says

    July 4, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    Phone was very small and hard to use, keyboard hard to see.

    Reply
  346. Johnathan says

    July 2, 2015 at 10:43 pm

    screen Brock can i go too the booth and get a new cell phone

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      July 3, 2015 at 7:58 am

      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.

      Reply
  347. hope says

    July 2, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    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.

    Reply
  348. Russ says

    June 29, 2015 at 4:34 pm

    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…………..

    Reply
  349. darlenekeller says

    June 13, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    i moved to seward alaska and ny phone is dead dropped in water how do i get another

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      June 14, 2015 at 9:20 am

      Click Here to read about how to get a replacement phone.

      Reply
  350. Kenneth says

    June 11, 2015 at 3:19 am

    How. Do. I. Renew. My. Safelink

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      June 11, 2015 at 6:41 am

      Talk. To. Safelink. Info. Here.

      Reply
      • Lissa says

        June 12, 2015 at 8:23 pm

        *Giggles*

        Reply
  351. steve smith says

    June 8, 2015 at 11:34 am

    I just got my safe link phone, it never came with a sim card how do I get one??

    Reply
  352. joey marie says

    June 3, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    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.

    Reply
  353. mickey mason says

    May 28, 2015 at 11:02 pm

    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?

    Reply
  354. Jamie says

    May 25, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    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

    Reply
  355. Jenna wheatman says

    May 24, 2015 at 8:51 am

    I need to upgrade to a better phone. One with an actual keyboard and larger screen. Help pls?

    Reply
    • Susan says

      June 20, 2015 at 10:26 am

      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.

      Reply
  356. mary says

    May 20, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    recertifiey my phone

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      May 21, 2015 at 6:23 am

      Recertification instructions:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-do-the-annual-verification-of-my-phone

      Reply
  357. Sarah says

    May 10, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Kate says

      July 5, 2015 at 7:47 am

      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?

      Reply
  358. tavia says

    April 24, 2015 at 9:12 pm

    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?

    Reply
  359. SALLY says

    April 24, 2015 at 11:39 am

    YES IT ONLY WORKS WITH A VIRGIN MOBILE PHONE

    Reply
  360. Gus says

    April 21, 2015 at 11:04 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Frank says

      June 1, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      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”?????

      Reply
      • Louis says

        June 12, 2015 at 8:57 am

        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.

        Reply
  361. jane maldona says

    April 17, 2015 at 8:08 am

    my phone is 5 years old i need to get a new one where can i purchase one

    Reply
  362. Kathy reynolds says

    April 3, 2015 at 7:48 am

    My dad has poor eyesight and needs a phone with bigger buttons. Can you provide this?

    Reply
    • dorothy bardo says

      August 10, 2015 at 12:10 pm

      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..

      Reply
  363. cindy says

    March 27, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    I have lost my tracfone safelink how can I get another one or were do I call?

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      March 28, 2015 at 8:20 am

      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

      Reply
  364. JJ says

    March 24, 2015 at 2:08 am

    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

    Reply
  365. Amy says

    March 15, 2015 at 6:19 am

    Can anyone please tell me which tracfone smartphones can be used with safelink wireless plan?

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      March 15, 2015 at 7:25 am

      You have to contact Safelink to see what is available.

      Reply
  366. Steve Reid says

    March 14, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    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.

    Reply
  367. Rich Baker says

    March 9, 2015 at 10:58 am

    Can i use a Tracfome sim card in a iphone 4S that was bought at another phone compant?

    Reply
  368. Joyce says

    March 6, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
  369. tina says

    March 6, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    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

    Reply
  370. Izzy says

    March 2, 2015 at 6:56 am

    How much would it cost to upgrade to a flip phone

    Reply
    • tina says

      March 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      $10-$15 If you have a family dollar near you. tjey always have tracfones on sale

      Reply
  371. lee says

    February 26, 2015 at 3:36 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Eileen says

      March 23, 2015 at 12:47 am

      Any smartphone?

      Reply
  372. Lil women says

    February 24, 2015 at 11:33 am

    If I purchase another Trac fone and use my sim card from my government phone to the new track one

    Reply
  373. Susan Deen says

    February 21, 2015 at 7:47 am

    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.

    Reply
  374. Robert Vanderpool says

    February 16, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    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.

    Reply
  375. MIKE says

    February 14, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Robert Vanderpool says

      February 16, 2015 at 9:48 pm

      Thank U

      Reply
  376. Aquila mines says

    February 8, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    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!!

    Reply
  377. Desiree says

    February 7, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    If you can afford a better nicer phone then maybe you don’t need to use taxpayers money and buy your own minutes

    Reply
    • Robert Vanderpool says

      February 16, 2015 at 9:53 pm

      I would rather go without a few things an buy my phone rather than depend on the all ready over taxed

      Reply
    • Jesus Is Lord says

      March 24, 2015 at 12:06 pm

      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!

      Reply
    • Jerome says

      April 24, 2015 at 8:13 am

      Some smartphones are cheap. About $20 now.

      Reply
    • suck it says

      April 24, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      Tax payers dont pay for these phones phone company’s do

      Reply
      • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

        April 25, 2015 at 10:25 am

        That is not correct. Here is the answer:

        https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/who-pays-for-free-cell-phones

        Reply
  378. Billy says

    February 6, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    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!

    Reply
  379. Michele Goins says

    January 31, 2015 at 9:58 am

    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

    Reply
  380. The Bella 304 says

    January 31, 2015 at 8:12 am

    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.

    Reply
  381. Alice Brauhn says

    January 25, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    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

    Reply
  382. Christine Crislip says

    January 24, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    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

    Reply
  383. lmn says

    January 15, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
  384. Gloria Royal says

    January 9, 2015 at 10:42 am

    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-****.

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      January 9, 2015 at 4:04 pm

      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

      Reply
  385. calvin berry says

    January 6, 2015 at 9:59 pm

    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

    Reply
  386. Shantika says

    January 2, 2015 at 8:16 am

    What Trac Phones are compatible w/my safelink phone for a upgrade??? Ones I can buy @the store? Or Net10

    Reply
  387. Rebecca Perez says

    December 22, 2014 at 10:35 am

    How do i switch my current free phone to a track phone

    Reply
  388. Larry says

    December 16, 2014 at 3:56 pm

    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.

    Reply
  389. mary ann colyer says

    December 16, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • Larry says

      December 16, 2014 at 3:29 pm

      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.

      Reply
    • Shelley says

      December 16, 2014 at 8:37 pm

      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 .

      Reply
  390. bobbie cormier says

    December 9, 2014 at 12:31 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Larry says

      December 16, 2014 at 3:17 pm

      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…

      Reply
  391. Felicia says

    December 8, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    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 .

    Reply
    • Larry says

      December 16, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      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.

      Reply
  392. Rosie says

    December 8, 2014 at 5:40 am

    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?

    Reply
  393. Susan says

    December 8, 2014 at 12:27 am

    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,

    Reply
  394. Stephanie little field says

    December 6, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    i need a new safelink phone. How can I get one

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      December 6, 2014 at 3:17 pm

      You can call Safelink.

      Reply
  395. mary ann colyer says

    December 5, 2014 at 1:04 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      December 5, 2014 at 5:41 pm

      Every month automatically.

      Reply
  396. mary ann colyer says

    December 5, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      December 5, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      Many companies will allow you to keep your own number. But you need to check with them.

      Reply
      • mary ann colyer says

        December 16, 2014 at 3:08 pm

        Thank you for answering my question i will ask them

        Reply
  397. Tolessa Scott says

    December 3, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    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

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      December 3, 2014 at 7:07 pm

      You need to contact Tracfone.

      Reply
  398. lorraine Sitter says

    November 30, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Kort says

      December 2, 2014 at 12:34 am

      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.

      Reply
  399. richard says

    November 26, 2014 at 11:28 am

    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

    Reply
  400. Gail Barker says

    October 25, 2014 at 7:19 am

    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

    Reply
  401. Billy Wood says

    October 22, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Kort says

      December 2, 2014 at 12:35 am

      apply through safelink Billy

      Reply
  402. Denise C says

    October 5, 2014 at 8:15 am

    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.

    Reply
  403. Sam says

    September 20, 2014 at 10:48 pm

    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

    Reply
  404. Jonathan Asher says

    September 5, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    I have a safelink phone I was wondering could u send me a Sims card to put in my pantech phone that I got

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 5, 2014 at 3:01 pm

      We’re not Safelink, you will need to call them.

      Reply
  405. Dave Coleman says

    September 2, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    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.

    Reply
  406. melissa says

    July 29, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    Someone stolen my SIM card for safelink phone. Where I can buy? Or what number I call them. Please respond back to me immediately

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 29, 2014 at 3:43 pm

      Safelink contact info here.

      Reply
  407. Hunter says

    July 17, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Dave Coleman says

      September 1, 2014 at 11:33 pm

      Thanks Hunter for that clarification, I need a better way to message w/keyboard and the Samsung 425g. tracfone would be a big help.

      Reply
  408. Tonya says

    July 1, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • John says

      July 14, 2014 at 2:43 pm

      Yes call safelink and tell them though

      Reply
    • heather says

      September 27, 2014 at 8:38 pm

      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.

      Reply
  409. lucy says

    May 28, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • william says

      June 13, 2014 at 12:39 pm

      you have to contact safelink they will send you a new sim for your phone

      Reply
  410. LeCat says

    May 28, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Why do you need tracfone if you can afford an iPhone 5s?

    Reply
    • Shane says

      July 13, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      Because he stole it.

      Reply
  411. Zeus says

    May 10, 2014 at 10:57 am

    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?…

    Reply
    • JD says

      December 15, 2014 at 7:07 pm

      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.

      Reply
  412. Josh says

    April 24, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • william says

      June 13, 2014 at 12:38 pm

      nope its got to be powered by tracfone windows phones does not work with tracfone

      Reply
      • Angel Zuniga says

        July 6, 2014 at 5:14 pm

        But they have a tracfone version of that phone??

        Reply
  413. Jane Lewis says

    April 7, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    My safe link phone is so old it just won’t work properly any more. How do I get a new phone replacement?

    Reply
    • Matt says

      April 10, 2014 at 7:09 am

      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

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        April 23, 2014 at 3:22 pm

        So it can’t be a track phone from att….
        ..

        Reply
    • william says

      June 13, 2014 at 12:36 pm

      buy one of tracfone phones and transfer your account over to iti know you can because i done it

      Reply
  414. dixie pittenger says

    March 16, 2014 at 11:56 am

    where can i get a new government trac phone that has the key board for text messages. Thanks Dixie Pittenger

    Reply
  415. dixie pittenger