Note: We just began this page on March 5, 2014, so it will take some time to get enough reviews to be meaningful.
Average Rating: [starrater tpl=10 style=’starscape’]
Please rate above and contribute your review in the comments below.
Welcome to our Rating and Reviews page for Life Wireless. The star rating above is an overall customer satisfaction average of all those surveyed. Further below you’ll find reviews of the company from real customers. If you have a free government phone from Life Wireless we encourage you to rate the company and leave a review.
Life Wireless is a Lifeline provider of free government cell phones in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.
Please consider your overall satisfaction with Life Wireless — customer service, delivery, product quality, cell connection quality — and give them a one through five star rating above.
Valerie says
I have been using Life Wireless for about 6 months now. I like the service, I live in Ohio and get more than I thought I would need. My main issue (until a few days ago) was with getting texts from other people for somebody else (ie Uber pickup, food delivery, school closures). I’m not sure how to stop these but block the number/person it’s coming from. That happens very seldom though and they are always for the same person, so I assume the person just didn’t change their number within those websites needed.
My main issue now, which I noticed a few days ago, is that I can not send MMS messages. My plan includes unlimited MMS. I’ve called a few times with no reply, messaged them and got a reply about SMS (which is working fine). So, I called again today and was on hold for 20 minutes (exactly) before a rep from NJ picked up. I explained the issue. She told me that because I am using my own phone (and not the one they provided) that MMS is one of the features that won’t work – even if included with my plan. I’m not sure if Life Wireless using AT&T or T-Mobile and I see both depending on the comment. Does anybody have APN settings for them? It’s crazy to me that everything except MMS works fine. It would help if I knew which provider they used to look it up myself, if needed though.
Thanks in advance.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that should provide the info you need. You can also call 6-1-1 to speak to customer service. Seems like a simple question they should be able to answer easily.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Al says
MMS setup is challenging. The APN is:
pwg
…which will help you search a list of pwg MMS parameters on the web, like I did when I moved my LW SIM to an aging Samsung Galaxy 3 Neo.
It worked, but to be sure, I also asked LW’s CS to email the correct parameters – which looked nearly identical.
After some months had passed, LW sent a “Configuration Message” (which is not a standard SMS), that set up pwg data and pwg MMS in a different triple-line format, with the same parameters. Possibly that was a new program to make everyone’s LW MMS standardized?
It’s at least possible that MMS must be set up manually before the LW computer will send the exacting configuration message. If that’s true, why did it take months to arrive?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t explain how some of the Lifeline companies operate, Al.
Laureen S says
Life Wireless was deducting minutes off my account for almost a month while my sim card was removed from my phone. It was all meticulously well documented. The phone was crushed and inoperable. There were multiple minute deductions for single calls that I did not receive or initiate. Until today this company never even offered me a courtesy block of minutes to compensate. They don’t even give their employees the freedom to do so like other providers and carriers do. When they can’t give you an answer they always fall back on this HACKING hysteria or tell me that the calls are computer generated. My question is who’s computers? Who benefits from this the most? Corporations are some of the most seasoned hackers out there
RICHARD SUSSMAN says
Safelink does not honor its own phone replacement policy, even when they agree the customer is eligible for a replacement, they will not provide a replacement for lost or stolen phones!
Lea Dalle says
There is No Government Free Cellular Service for those who qualify. I was just on a phone
call with a Govt. Employee who could NOT HELP ME AT ALL! When I was filling out the Life Line Application…when it got to page 4…it would no longer allow me to fill in the blanks with my initials. I checked my application over several times and did not find any errors. I told her that at that point in time, I understood this was All BOGUS. These Employees have No Answers. She told me that I could go around the street corners to find someone selling Cellular Service? What a Horrible Remark to make to someone who is poor but…not dead as I hear people are frauding this kind of service with dead person’s social security #s. No wonder this is Fraud and there is NO Real Service for those on Medicaid and Snap.. How AWFUL to waste 3 of my hours never being allowed to fill out the application On-line as an honest person who just needs a cell phone for Emergencies.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your problems, Lea, but you are 100% wrong. This is a real program and it is currently helping millions of low-income people across America.
Peter Lipman says
Will not answer phone when on hold for 30 minutes. When I e mailed them
.says can not correspond with people in my area.I had their phone for 4 years.. now they will not answer.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very odd.
Danielle says
Having the same issue today
Kat Gleason says
I signed up for Life Wireless here in California a week ago. I got a phone (terrible speaker compared to my motorola) and was told to call customer service to port my number. I have called 611 several times a day for five days and I have never reached a representative. I went back to the kiosk rep but he was told to call 611 as well . I tried emailing but only received a response telling me i couldn’t use email to process a port/SIM card request. Life wireless is back east and their EST hours are 9 – 6 which means 6 am to 3pm here in California. SoI set my alarm and got up to call them at six and they still didn’t answer the phone “…high call volume…continue to hold next available representative”. I’ve had phones with entouch and assurance (which has better customer service) and my friend is with tru connect and those companies answer their phones during business hours. NOT LifewireLESS. Emphasis on “LESS” is intentional. This seems like a violation of FCC laws about porting. Clearly life wireless has pushed in to a market they are unprepared to serve. Probably the CPUC would be interested. But meanwhile I have three days to port my number while my service with cricket is still active. . I will have to call the California Lifeline Service Administrator and request a benefit transfer. Any suggestions on a responsible lifeline company ? — K.G.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We avoid recommending one company over others, but you can look through each provider’s page to see readers comments. That might help you see which one has the best comments.
Chris says
Free phone needs minor update to SD card, but 32G is only about $7.50 now, the max the phone will handle. I’ve switched to LW from another company and they provide more data and phone time, and better support. I’m not able to talk to any support team over the phone, but through email they respond and have saved me twice from when I thought I’d have to buy a new phone. I really recommend them, I doubt anyone else is better.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s good to hear about your experiences because we hear so many horror stories about our readers’ experiences with customer service.
Jacob Smith says
Worst customer service ever, has their own jaded recertification, which I can’t get to because I’m a California resident, and it’s based on Georgia. Claims it’s phones are locked to itself and makes you have a fear you won’t be able transfer to another phone company, have I already said that the customer service sucks? Let me see, they had no idea how to give me my recertification pin, when California lifeline says they can do so, so I switched to truconnect for the fact that Lifewiress felt like they wanted to start gouging me for money
anthony says
GREAT SERVICE, been with 3 other providers, by far the best one i’ve been with. Thank you Life
Wireless!! Would highly recommend
Stephanie Ebel says
This company is bullcrap. I applied and sent in all the personal info they wanted and only after they received my personal information did they tell me they don’t have coverage in my location. What a scam. Please check to see if you can provide service BEFORE you get personal info.
Free Government Cell Phones says
They didn’t take any money from you nor enroll you, so we think the word “scam” is far too harsh for this incident, Stephanie. Maybe “unorganized” or “inefficient” would work, but not “scam.”
Jane S. says
Browsing the internet should use about 25mb per hour, I browsed the internet for an hour then checked my phones Data Usage and it showed 68mb had been used. There is nothing wrong with my phone (my unlocked smartphone with Life Wireless Sim),no malware,etc..Another time I went online for 4mins to check something quickly and then checked the Data Usage and it showed I used 20mb for 4minutes! Life Wireless is clearly ripping people off. Isn’t anyone in this Government Program monitoring these people?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible for us to comment on your problems because we are not privy to how you used your data. However, measuring it by the hour is an odd concept. Usage depends on what you do while you’re online, not how long you’re online.
PurpleCrayon says
Something everyone should be aware of, as far as data usage:
Every single app, as well as your phone operating system, is sending and receiving data daily
-beyond the current app you might be using.
Learn how to turn of data transmission(cellular, bluetooth) when it is not needed to be used. Also, uninstall ALL apps you do not use-like the ones that came as default with the phone.
William Shannon says
I just signed up and pending for a free phone and minutes. If approved which smart phone are they going to send me
Free Government Cell Phones says
No way of knowing, William. Most companies offer a range of makes and models and they are all handed out randomly.
Tony S says
I have had life wireless for almost 2 years. Absolutely the best service I have had using lifeline. No issues what so ever. But I use my own phone. If you have a unlocked ATT phone go with life wireless you will not be disappointed. Note, most of these comments are from dull minded people. Life wireless is ATT. It is the best deal you will find, and as long as your phone is compatible it will work flawlessly. You can buy a decent unlocked smart phone from Amazon for $40.
Sandra Frith says
Someone can text me takes me one hour to get it ,only work’s 59 percent of the time..add to put the SIM in my AT&T phone are it wouldn’t work at all…
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not got, we haven’t heard about this long of a dealy before. But we are extremely curious as to how you calculated a precise 59%.
Geraldine Blazek says
My life wireless phone dies when I’m not even using it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Geraldine.
Carmela Cadle says
Can i use an old cell phone with my sym card. I broke my screen and it hardly works now
Free Government Cell Phones says
You may be able to use another cell phone you already own, but only if it is compatible with your free government cell phone company’s national network. Here’s an article that tells you more about that:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Talk to your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to find out if the make and model of phone you own is compatible with the service provider’s network.
DEBBIE TENNEY says
WORST LOW LIFE PONE COMPENTY EVER..YOU LIFE WIRELESS ARE THE WORST.CUT OFF MY DISABEL DAD 7 TIMES.NOW HE IS DEAD BECAUSE HE COULD NOT CALL 4 HELP
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry for your loss, Debbie, but we want all our readers to know that ANY cell phone with a working battery can call 9-1-1 in case of emergencies. You don’t need an account with a cell phone company.
Edward waits says
Hate it. Called to change number and had hard time understanding her then she changes it tells me new number and instructs me dial and power off. I did and my phone has been disconnected every since
Phil G says
from 1 to 10 I give it 0 The Phone it self
The staff are very nolageable and nice it’s just The gov Phone it self
steel don’t see the slat to get it apart
The WiFi is a Jock an a half theirs no Av You don’t go on line with out Av
I just wont yous it. and no Malware just Phone calls an Text..WOW just a gov free Phone.not a payed P.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s exactly what we were thinking, Phil.
Jessica Guile says
I got unlimited texting but for over a week I can’t text or receive. This never happened before and I’ve been using my own personal phone instead of the crap one I originally got which wound up dying on me. Why is my texting gone? And how can I get it fixed? I can’t always call my friends and family
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, so it’s impossible for us to diagnose your problems, Jessica. Call 6-1-1 to speak to customer service.
Eric says
They say,” you can’t complain about something free,” well,maybe that’s true,but I’d like to make this suggestion.If the companies selling these cheap no good cell phones that are paid for with government money,perhaps,the government needs to quit buying them,and require everyone to purchase their own cell phone with the government service,an option lifewireless and others are given the customer anyway.Just saying,the phone are crap.
Ron Otis says
Run don’t walk away from lifewireless !!
Just getting signed up should have been a red flag. I send in what was required , no response after a couple weeks so I called back and was told we can’t read the address on your License , resent it again then another week passes by with no call and now it’s the fact that one of my ID’s stated my name was Ronald on one of the ID’s but Ron on the other 3 yet they have my address on 2 of them and my social. Number as well. This took 2 more calls and another month before I finally got my phone but then when I get it you can’t hear on it. Like the speaker fell into the phone so I called again and was told to put the phone back in the box , write “ return to sender” and when we get it we will send you another phone. A week went by and I called to see that they got the phone back and they said “ nothing yet. Then the next week I called again and still nothing. The girl on the phone asked me for the tracking number and I told her as I stated before that when you write “return to sender” and place it in the mail box you don’t get one. About 20 minutes later after being put on hold I was told that a one time curtesy phone will be sent out to you. But when I got the replacement phone it had a battery that lasted maybe 10 hours so I called AGAIN and was told they would send me a new battery in 7-10 days. well 12 days passed so I called this morning and was told that “ I’m not sure who you talked to but there is nothing on my account about sending a new battery and further more it shows that we haven’t spoke to you since November??? And that if I wanted a new battery then I would have to PAY 5 bucks for it ?? So now I have to pay for a defected battery that I did nothing to ?? This place is total BS.
AGAIN , RUN DONT WALK from these people !
Addie says
Zero stars
I just got off the phone with these incompetent service representatives,
I call to get my texting re enabled because they cut it. (They have cut my texting twice in the past month even though I have unlimited) So I call up & need wait like ten mins to talk to someone. Finally a lady answers, I tell her that my service is disconnected & she asks, “Your name please?” I reply, “My name is Addie, but this phone is registered to my parent.” & she goes like freaking crazy. “Well, I can’t help you till parent calls, this is Not your phone. I can talk to you but can’t reset your service” So I’m like, “Okay, why did you cut my service?!” She’s like mad for some reason & is like, “I can’t tell you, that private information. Your parent needs to call.” I’m like, “Listen, I’ve been without texting for two days, you guys couldn’t answer the phone for the past two days, & by the time my parent can call your office will be closed. That will be three days of no service, what atonement do I get for this?!” & then the lady screams at me, “THIS IS NOT YOUR PHONE!!!” & hangs up. What kind of customer service is that?!
If any other carrier’s customer service demonstrated such disregard for a costumer they would be fired. This is completely unacceptable.
This carrier has won ZERO stars on their service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No doubt that the rep’s attitude was horrible, but unfortunately she was correct that she cannot discuss your parents’ account with you.
Alex says
Besides that the service is mostly lies,I can’t use my data fully,my phone stopped working and it wasn’t even my fault,the battery is crap,the phone is crap too dosent even have space for anything and my text messages get blocked often because lies they are not unlimited you only get 1,000 per day and if you waste them after 6pm you have to wait until the next day to call and get them unblocked. Instead of just sending me a new phone they make the process longer by me having to spend my money and send mine,reason is why do you want my non working phone?. I hope I get the new one fast cause if not,I will sue.
Alex says
Oh and let’s not forget I’ve been less than a month with the phone. Thank God I’m getting an iPhone.
Joseph C. McGee Jr says
thanks, lifewireless you make my everyday life easier and stress free.
Joseph.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Always good to hear from happy customers of the Lifeline program.
Eugene L Gallion says
My life wireless is a good carrier it helps me with all my doctor’s appointment and being able to contact my family and friends ,and schools .
Free Government Cell Phones says
Great to hear, Eugene.
Ava says
Terrible company. Here’s why:
1. They only gave me 10mb of data usage per month. I checked the amount I am supposed to have according to my state and it’s 1gb. When I brought this to their attention they refused to upgrade my data allowance and said they would “get back with me.” They never did.
2. I can’t connect to the internet even if I wanted to use my measly 10mb of data. The customer service rep said they would send some codes to my phone that would enable internet usage but they never did.
3. Somehow I had used 2mb of data usage. I asked the rep how did that happen when I can’t even access the internet. She didn’t answer me and acted dumb.
4. Customer service reps are rude and act like they have better things to do. One time I was disconnected while talking to the rep, I called back and she didn’t even apologize for the lost connection. I ask a question and their reply is “I don’t know.”
Stay away from this company!!
robin says
This company is a joke. I feel they are using this “life wireless” just as a front to screw the government out of money. There are so many complaints that prove it. For me they said the sent me a phone and I never even received it. I called the crappy company many times and they always say let me talk to my supervisor. And of course you get nowhere. They said its the post office. So I have to call the post office, why should I have to call the post office its their package, the post office said Life Wireless addressed it incorrectly. Needless to say many calls no answers I am done.
Even if the phone ever shows up I will refuse it.
Once again. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!!!
Arron Gonzales says
Dose life wireless have a 24 hour tech support number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check the company’s website at LifeWireless.com
Just Me says
Received phone and, when activated it said I would get 10MB per month instead of the 1GB as advertised for people in my state (1/10th) so have to purchase more data from them. Government paid/subsidizing isn’t enough. Customer service said wasn’t eligible because a new account using AT&T and not T-Mobile. I HAD NO CHOICE WHO PROVIDER WAS!
The phone sent keeps putting random digits in PINs, outgoing telephone numbers, web pages.
Mark Teoli says
I got my phone and it never really worked. They said keep trying it and they will send me another one free if not satisfied. I could never answer my phone. I pressed so hard I thought my screen was going to break. In the box was directions like a little book from a cracker jack box it reminded me of. You couldn’t see it at all. I called to get another phone and she said it was $35.00. Was so rude and she never cancelled my service but said she did.
C says
Awful!!!! Coustomer service is rude. The rep refused for me to speak to a manager and on top of it all I received a non working phone. I was told they would send me out a new one but I would have to pay for shipping even tho they sent me a Non working device.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Might be time to file a complaint, C. Here’s an article that tells you the most effective ways to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
joanne mansfield says
After reading most of the neg. replies I wasn’t sure what I would be getting. I rec. my phone yesterday and it was very easy to set up once the battery was charged up. I was able to use it with no problem and it was as clear as my home line. Thank you for a great phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t thank us, Joanne, because we’re an independent informational website, not your service provider. But it’s always good to hear back from a happy customer.
Joe says
This phone company is not complient at all man I’m trying to get a job I applied about 3 week ago but I guess I’m the dumb one I put all my personal information to apply it took 1 for them to send me my page and shirt no mangers contacted me all business was done on the internet and email
They gave me all random into I was suppose to get training I called the guy over ten times I live in a local area and he live far away I never met the guy he finally picked up the phone 6 days after I called them said he was going to train me first he say Monday then Monday turns into next Saturday to Tuesday it’s just been so much better yet I still haven’t had the training I need to start and all the people I called to try to get help it keep taken me to the same person please if u thinking about working here don’t do it!!
Leticia says
I applied for a life wireless phone at a booth. I took out the chip and put it into an prepaid AT&T cell phone that I bought at Walmart. I’ve been using it over a year. It works great. Just remember to place at least one phone call within every 30 days or your service will be terminated. The cell phone that I bought at Walmart cost $30 at the door. I believe it is called an AT&T Microsoft Lumia.
Grace M Rhodes says
I’ve been a LifeWireless customer since June 2016…This is the absolute worse phone company. Not only have I had to have four phones replaced since the beginning, they forced me to purchase one for $35 back in October 2016. By January 5th of this year, the new phone had stopped powering on so I had to send my new phone back to them. They finally sent me a phone Feb. 2nd, but it wasn’t the new phone I purchased. This phone had scratches on it and did not look new. I called and argued with them until a supervisor checked the IME for the new phone I had purchased, and I read her the IME number for the phone they had returned to me. We both agreed it was not my new phone but the supervisor said it was a warehouse issue and there was nothing she could do. However, I find out this morning the supervisor I spoke with had noted on my account that they did send me my new phone (a flat out lie); so when I tried to make arrangements to send this phone back, I was told I had to buy yet another phone because according to their records my warranty had run out. I’m so disgusted with this company that I ask them to disconnect my service, then I was told I couldn’t change to another government company until after a year of leaving LifeWireless.
I’ve always paid for extra minutes every month with this company, and today I feel cheated and ripped off.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a pretty story, Grace.
Sam says
LIFE WIRELESS plans are a complete rip off!!!! I don’t use the free minutes I PAY 29.95 for 30 days of unlimited talk and text this is the second month in a row they have ripped me off a week!!! I added minutes January 27th here it is February 15th and my phone doesn’t work! I WILL NOT be adding anymore minutes!!! Not only do I get jipped on my 30 days you don’t get service hardly anywhere! I’m a truck driver so I need service!! I am switching to straighttalk today!
jeffery says
That took my money. Then the next that took my 29.95.and no that will not put my money back on my card or gave me my money back..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Tell us more, Jeffery. Why are you paying for your free government cell phone?
jose says
never had any problems until now, I just enrolled again and got a smart phone, I love it, but today is dead, it doesnt charge, cant get it on, is just dead after about two monthsths
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team immediately, Jose.
Samantha says
Jose,
Same thing happened to me! I’ve had my Lifewireless phone for only a couple of months and it stopped working. Lifewireless refuses to replace it even though after explaining what happened it was evident that it was a malfunction with the phone. I will never again use this company for anything! How is it that other people are getting a phone when they are not eligible but ones who need it are denied??
Diana says
I did have Life Wireless service, I cancelled after just 4 days. I received a very poor quality of actual voice service. Quite often the icon on the screen of my phone would light up indicating that I didn’t have any working phone service. Other times my phone calls would just disconnect in the middle of the conversation. After conversing with Life Wireless tech support, it was determined that the problem was because they use AT&T equipment and the reception was very bad by my home. Funny because my SafeLink service I now have uses T-Mobile equipment and works great. But T-Mobile and AT&T use the same equipment. Huh? Also, they were handing out their phones within 2 blocks from my home. Why would they hand out their phones in an area where it’s known that AT&T has very bad reception? Oh, well, it’s all good now.
Free Government Cell Phones says
So sorry that Life didn’t work out for you, but happy to hear that Safelink has solved your problem.
However, your story should serve as anothe warning for our readers about street booths and tents. The people who work at these facilities are generally independent contractors who do not report directly to the Lifeline Assistance companies. They set up where and when they want and the Lifeline companies generally do not know their schedules. The fact that you were given equipment that doesn’t work well in the area in which it was given out reinforces what we’ve said so many times to our readers:
ENROLL IN LIFELINE BY PHONE OR ONLINE, NOT IN STREET BOOTHS AND TENTS.
Chester Artis says
I’m a friend of one of your customers, Mr Chester Artis, & the only reason why I am sending you this text is because he isn’t able with his phone. Please feel free to call this number 253-732-1457.He needs a replacement phone for work. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Also this is my email because he cannot access his.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Chester, but we are not Life Wireless. We are an independent website that’s not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. You need to contact Chester’s service provider directly. Here’s an article that tells you exactly what to do if your phone is broken:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
James Stamper says
The phone I got had everything in Spanish language! And there were no settings to change it to the English language. And after 1 month the battery failed! I ended up putting the sim card into a AT&T GoPhone and then it worked fine. The service is just as good as AT&T in terms of coverage, signal, etc. But the phones you get from LifeWireless are the absolute worst!
Lisa Shelton says
I just received a small older safelink cellphone that is too small for me..can i used my sim card in another cellphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the phone, Lisa. Not all SIM cards are compatible with all phones and all cell networks. Contact your service provider’s customer service team or tech support team to verify before you try it.
mark says
I simply wanted to swap out my phone, cause I got the phone with small lettering , and could not see the screen well. They gave me a hard time , so I cancelled my service. I’m disabled and needed the phone for my doctors. Thanks for nothing life wireless.