Table of Contents
- How Do You Qualify for Assurance Wireless Free Phones?
- How Do You Apply for An Assurance Wireless Free Phone?
- What Documentation Do You Need to Apply for Lifeline?
- What Offers Do You Get with Assurance Wireless
- 1. Add On Benefits
- 2. What California Customers Get
- 3. Assurance Wireless Coverage
- How Do You Upgrade Assurance Wireless Phone?
- Assurance Wireless Replacement Policy
- Replacement Process
- 1. Contact Assurance Wireless Customer Care
- 2. Report Your Lost Or Stolen Phone
- 3. Apply For A Replacement Phone
- 4. Choose A New Phone
- How To Activate Assurance Wireless Replacement Phone
- Bottom Line
Lifeline is a program offered by Virgin Mobile that helps people throughout the US. Assurance Wireless is a cell phone carrier affiliated with Virgin Mobile. Assurance Wireless launched the Lifeline Program to provide free phones to people with low incomes, who are unemployed, are elderly, or are disabled. This carrier’s free monthly plan allows low-income families to stay connected with such cell phones.
Members of qualifying households can obtain free or reduced-cost landline or cellphone service through the lifeline program. Assurance Wireless is one of several wireless companies participating in the program and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In addition, companies participating in the program offer discounted rates, and a minimum savings of $9.25 per month is available.
This free phone is not just given away at random. Applicants must meet certain criteria to qualify for the free government phones. A wide range of smartphones is compatible with Assurance Wireless’ network plans. Different Assurance Wireless compatible phones are available.
How Do You Qualify for Assurance Wireless Free Phones?
Even if you are working and your income falls below the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for a government phone. The income level and participation in government-sponsored programs determine eligibility for this offer.
You are eligible for a free phone if you earn less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, the following programs may be available to you:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- VA Survivors Pension
- WIC Program
- Section 8
- Low-Income Energy Assistance
- National Free Lunch
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
How Do You Apply for An Assurance Wireless Free Phone?
Assurance Wireless won’t charge you any connection fees, annual contracts, deposit payments, or monthly charges if you meet a free phone qualification. To continue service, you need to comply with annual certification requirements.
If you are interested in enrolling in Assurance Wireless free smartphones, you can download an application form from the company’s website or order an application by calling 1-888-321-5880.
In addition, you need to provide documentation regarding your income or participation in any government-sponsored program. You will receive an Assurance Wireless approval notice via e-mail or regular mail.
What Documentation Do You Need to Apply for Lifeline?
When you are sure you are eligible for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline Program, you will need to submit the following documentation:
- Proof of income can be provided by payroll stubs, letters from social services, or W-2 statements
- Documentation of program participation
- Social Security Number
- Child support or divorce documents
- The last income tax return you filed with the IRS or your state
What Offers Do You Get with Assurance Wireless
If approved for a free government phone, Assurance Wireless will provide you with a free talk, text, and data plan, a free smartphone, 1000 voice minutes, unlimited talk and text, and 50MB and 2GB Broadband every month.
Airtime and texting are as low as $5 per month. In addition to affordable plans, Assurance also offers pay-as-you-go options. In addition, Tracfone any-time Top-Up cards are available at numerous retail outlets across the country or online using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account.
1. Add On Benefits
Assurance Wireless free phones come with the following extra benefits.
- Voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID
- Access to free mobile hotspots
- Emergency 911 access
- Unlimited 211 calling
- Free customer service calling
- Cheap International calls to over 200 countries
- Keep your current number
2. What California Customers Get
With Assurance Wireless’ free phone program, California customers will receive the following benefits.
- A free Android smartphone that is Wi-Fi enabled
- High-speed 3G Data
- Free text messages and unlimited voice minutes
- 500 MB free monthly data
3. Assurance Wireless Coverage
The company operates in more than 40 states throughout the United States. These include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island of Columbia, Missouri, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and, South Carolina.
How Do You Upgrade Assurance Wireless Phone?
It is impossible to switch from an Assurance wireless phone to a better model. Assurance Wireless offers a variety of phones. It does not provide any warranty for this new phone.
In some cases, your device may have a problem that the warranty does not cover. Assurance Wireless, for example, can request a new phone through its upgrade program. The first step should be to browse their website if you need an Assurance Wireless phone upgrade. Check out the upgrade process by going to “My Account.”
Most of the phones that Assurance Wireless and the federal government give away are basic models. You can also upgrade the free government phone. Samsung, ZTE, Kyocera, and Alcatel are among the brands producing phones compatible with Assurance Wireless.
Assurance Wireless Replacement Policy
Assurance Wireless customers can receive free government phones through the Lifeline Assistance Program. It is not a standard policy to replace a Lifeline phone if stolen or lost. You might have to pay a small fee to get a new phone.
The original phone manufacturer typically provides a one-year warranty with Assurance Wireless phones. Assurance Wireless Customer Care is available for replacement devices if your phone malfunctions within the first year.
Replacement Process
You might need to purchase a compatible phone from this provider or another store to replace your lost or stolen phone when it is lost or stolen. Check your home to ensure your phone has not been misplaced before asking for a replacement. You must follow the steps below to get a replacement if your device is lost or stolen:
1. Contact Assurance Wireless Customer Care
If you have any questions, please contact this company’s customer support team by calling 1-888-321-5880 or emailing them at ourteam@assurancewireless.com. Alternatively, you can open the web browser and follow the steps on mobile virgin media.
2. Report Your Lost Or Stolen Phone
You must report having your account placed on hold. This way, you will ensure someone else is not using your Assurance Wireless service. If you do not report the loss, your device will still be subject to charges.
3. Apply For A Replacement Phone
To replace your phone, you must follow the instructions carefully. Assurance Wireless will request ten digits of your phone number.
4. Choose A New Phone
Make sure you select a replacement phone that meets your needs. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a range of options with Assurance Wireless.
You might be charged a $20 replacement fee by Assurance Wireless. Furthermore, keep in mind that you might or might not qualify for a free replacement phone from Assurance Wireless. To determine whether you qualify, you should contact the company’s Customer Care.
In addition, the Lifeline Program will give you 45 days to activate Assurance Wireless or notify them that you have received your phone. Assurance Wireless will deactivate your account otherwise, wiping out any remaining balance. Depending on the offer, the replacement phone can be yours for a low price or free.
How To Activate Assurance Wireless Replacement Phone
After receiving it, you must activate Assurance Wireless service on your new phone. Follow the instructions below to activate Assurance Wireless on the replacement phone.
- Press the power button to turn your phone on.
- For hands-free pairing, enable the hands-free activation feature on your phone.
- If any updates are available, let the phone confirm it (the phone will then turn off).
- Once your phone is switched on again, you will need to customize it. You can skip the setup screens and proceed directly to step 3.
- Get instructions by dialing 611.
- If prompted, provide your Assurance Wireless PIN. You can find it on the top of the letter approving your Assurance Wireless account.
- You’ll get your account balance and phone number transferred to the replacement device after the device activation and updates are completed.
During the activation process, you can reach customer service by calling 1-888-321-5880.
Bottom Line
The company, owned by Virgin Mobile, is the second-largest provider of free cell service in the United States. Assurance customers can receive a free cell phone with unlimited texting and up to 1000 minutes per month.
Assurance Wireless has the best wireless plan for lifeline participants so that you can get free phones and services from this carrier.
Are you interested in learning more about different grants and programs that can help you with your living situation? Check out the rest of Gov Relations’ blog section today!
FAQs
What carrier is Assurance Wireless under? ›
Free unlimited data, free unlimited texting, free unlimited calling and free 10GB monthly mobile hotspot data on the Assurance Wireless Unlimited plan — all on the power of T-Mobile's nationwide network.
Can you unlock an Assurance Wireless phone? ›Assurance Wireless will unlock mobile devices that meet the following eligibility criteria free of charge: The device must be provided by Assurance Wireless. The device has not been reported as lost or stolen or otherwise flagged as ineligible to be unlocked. The device has been active for at least 12 months.
How much free data do you get with Assurance Wireless? ›Free Unlimited Calls. Free Unlimited Texts. Plus an extra 20GB FREE Data* each month – that's more than any other Lifeline service!
Is Assurance Wireless giving free phones? ›The Assurance Wireless offer provides eligible low-income customers free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes. Plus a free phone.
What does ## 25327 do? ›What do numbers ##25327# and ##873283# each do? CLEAR (25327) removes the device network provisioning then updates it. UPDATE (873283) just checks for any changes compared to what is already provisioned on the device and updates them if there is a difference.
Who gives the best free government phone? ›Safelink Wireless
Safelink is the oldest and the largest company providing best free government smartphones for years. Currently, millions of people in over 40 states find this platform very efficient. They offer a free government smartphone and sim card depending on your qualification.
Phones don't have a single master pin to unlock them as each is different to the phone according to what the person makes it when they set it up. Often times they can have a SIM pin that is default to 0000 or 1234 but that is the SIM cards pin and can be changed by the user.
How do I upgrade my Assurance Wireless phone? ›To upgrade to an AndroidTM Smartphone with a 4” screen call 1-877-233-4032 and select option 3 for details.
How do I reset my Assurance Wireless phone? ›How To Hard Reset A UMX U693CL Smartphone - YouTube
How can I get unlimited data with Assurance Wireless? ›You can enroll in our Assurance Wireless Unlimited plan if you participate in one or more government assistance programs, such as SNAP or Medicaid. You may also qualify based on your household income. Please be prepared to provide proof of program participation or proof of income during the application process.
What government phone has unlimited talk text and data? ›
Q Link Wireless & Lifeline
Q Link Wireless offers qualifying customers FREE monthly UNLIMITED Data, Talk & Text through the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Assurance Wireless offers mobile Broadband Internet Access Services for smartphones and feature phones, over T-Mobile's network. T-Mobile provides service on its 2G and 4G LTE broadband networks.
Does Assurance Wireless have 5G phones? ›Assurance Wireless Coverage
It's important to note that you will need a 5G-compatible phone. Currently, Assurance does not provide a free 5G phone. However, if you already own a 5G smartphone, you can bring it to Assurance Wireless and access 5G.
Several carriers offer free phones through the government's Lifeline program. These carriers include Assist Wireless, Assurance Wireless, enTouch Wireless, and True Wireless, among others. Many other carriers—like Verizon, Metro by T-Mobile, and Cricket—offer free phones to new customers.
Whats the difference between lifeline and ACP? ›Lifeline is the FCC's permanent program to support affordable access to essential communications services such as broadband Internet access. The ACP is a new program designed to provide additional support to make broadband more affordable for certain low-income households.
What does ## 873283 do? ›As far as I know, the ##873283# code is primarily used for PRL updates on iphones. ##25327# does a subscriber settings reset which will not delete any data from your phone and instead "reset" your service, as it does not cause you to lose your account or service, and it is also primarily used for iphones.
How do I use ## 873283? ›- From the home screen, tap Phone.
- On the keypad, dial ##873283# (##UPDATE#) and tap the Call button.
- Tap OK. The handset will search for updates and install them. Follow device instructions.
Network Reset for Android Phones
Connect to WiFi (if available) Go to the dial pad or phone app. Dial: ##72786# (##SCRTN#) Confirm the reset.
- Check Your Eligibility. You must qualify for ACP or Lifeline to get a free 5G government phone. ...
- Apply for ACP or Lifeline. If you're eligible, it's time to apply for ACP or Lifeline. ...
- Choose Your Company. ...
- Enjoy Your New Phone!
- Safelink Wireless.
- Access Wireless.
- Assurance Wireless.
- Reachout Wireless.
- Budget Wireless.
- Free Government Internet Provider List.
What kind of phone does safelink give you? ›
About Tracfone
Safelink Wireless customers are issued cell phones through the Tracfone Wireless prepaid cell phone company. According to the Safelink Wireless website, Tracfone offers nationwide coverage, and their signals are carried on more than 30 towers of major cell phone companies across the country.
Android secret codes are programmed into your SIM card or mobile phone number and allow your smartphone to communicate with your mobile network operator. You can use these codes to do things on your smartphone faster and thus become a more efficient user.
What is input phone lock code? ›A code that prevents a wireless phone from unauthorized use. When explicitly locked, and each time the phone is turned on, it will prompt the user to enter the code before it will allow a call to be placed. Calls, such as emergency or other specially-programmed numbers, may be placed without entering a lock code.
Can I switch from assurance to SafeLink? ›Yes. You may transfer your telephone number from another company to SafeLink after you receive your phone or SIM by calling 1-800-378-1684. To port your existing telephone number to SafeLink, the number you are porting must be active with your current service provider.
How long does Assurance Wireless last? ›Use It, Don't Lose It. FCC rules state you must use your FREE Assurance Wireless service at least once every 30 days or it will be terminated. Once every 30 days, you MUST make a call, send a text or go online (not using Wi-Fi) from your Assurance Wireless phone to keep your FREE service.
Can Assurance Wireless be trusted? ›Assurance Wireless has a consumer rating of 1.4 stars from 493 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about Assurance Wireless most frequently mention customer service, new phone and tracking number problems.
What device is a U693CL? ›U693CL Mobile phone U693CL Smartphone User Manual Unimax Communications.
Can you factory reset a government phone? ›You can reset a government phone the same way you reset any mobile phone.
How do I reset my Wiko Assurance Wireless phone? ›Wiko Ride how to Hard reset and recovery mode? - YouTube
What is an ACP benefit? ›The ACP provides eligible households up to $30 a month, or $75 a month for households living on tribal lands, toward their internet bills, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
How can I get free phone service? ›
5 Simple Ways to Get a Free Cell Phone & Free Service - YouTube
Is lifeline and ebb the same? ›The EBB is a temporary program through which a participating provider can apply discounts to the same service plan on which you receive Lifeline service or a different service plan.
Does Q Link give you a free tablet? ›We proudly offer ACP subscribers under our network a new Tablet to enjoy along with FREE and UNLIMITED Cell Phone Service. Please, keep in mind the Tablet offer varies by state. The Tablet comes with the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Does Q Link give you a phone? ›Get a free cell phone, 1000 voice minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data every month.
How do I switch my government phone to another phone? ›Call the phone service provider (the one you currently have) and inform it that you want to apply for “transfer of service.” The provider will know exactly what you mean. Your current provider will ask you to fill out a form that shows you are eligible for a free phone and free service.
How much data do you get with assurance? ›4.5GB FREE Data Each Month** Unlimited FREE Texts Each Month. A minimum of 1000 FREE Voice Minutes Each Month* FREE Voicemail Account, Call Waiting and Caller ID.
How many minutes do you get on a government phone? ›At the time of this writing, 250 free voice minutes are automatically added to your account each month. If you run out of minutes before the end of the month, you can buy additional minutes to get you through the month. You can also pay for any extra services not included such as texting or international calls.
Who is offering free 5G phones? ›T-Mobile's best free 5G phone offer: Trade in any functioning cell phone (or activate a new line of service on an eligible wireless plan), and T-Mobile will give you a free 5G phone. The eligible phones: You have a choice of two phones under this plan — either the OnePlus Nord N200 5G or the Revvl V+ 5G.
Is Assurance Wireless the same as Sprint? ›Assurance Wireless, which is part of Sprint prepaid brand Virgin Mobile, takes part in the Lifeline Assistance program and offers discounted service to those in public assistance programs like Medicaid or SNAP or even a free phone and service to qualifying low-income households.
How can I get new iPhone for free? ›How To Get a Free iPhone 13 - YouTube
How can I get an iPhone 11 for free? ›
Long story short, you can get an iPhone 11 64GB for free if you bring your number to T-Mobile from an eligible carrier and activate a qualifying voice plan. Then, you have to buy the iPhone 11 64GB on a monthly payment plan.
What free phone is AT&T giving away? ›AT&T is giving away free Galaxy Note 9 to customers ahead of 3G shutdown in February 2022. AT&T is preparing to shut down its 3G network in just five months from now, in February 2022, and the telco is not in the mood to leave behind its customer with no signal.
How many times can you use ACP? ›No. An ACP consumer can only use their one-time device benefit on a device offered by the same provider through which that consumer receives ACP-discounted internet service.
Can you have Assurance Wireless and ACP at the same time? ›You can receive both benefits at the same time, but you need to contact a participating provider to enroll in the ACP. You can apply your ACP benefit and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services.
Can lifeline be used for internet? ›Lifeline also supports broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles.
Which lifeline service uses Verizon? ›We're dedicated to continuing TracFone's participation in the Lifeline program. Verizon offers Lifeline plans for home phone service, wireless and Fios Home Internet. TracFone offers Lifeline services on prepaid cell phones and service provided by SafeLink Wireless® and Walmart Family Mobile.
Can Assurance Wireless be trusted? ›Assurance Wireless has a consumer rating of 1.4 stars from 493 reviews indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Consumers complaining about Assurance Wireless most frequently mention customer service, new phone and tracking number problems.
Is Assurance Wireless the same as Sprint? ›Assurance Wireless, which is part of Sprint prepaid brand Virgin Mobile, takes part in the Lifeline Assistance program and offers discounted service to those in public assistance programs like Medicaid or SNAP or even a free phone and service to qualifying low-income households.
What government phone uses AT&T? ›An MVNO that reportedly runs on AT&T's network, Life Wireless offers services in 29 states as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Lifeline program was established by Congress in 1985 to provide phone services to users who earn no more than 135 percent of the federal poverty level.
How can I get a free 5G phone? ›- Check Your Eligibility. You must qualify for ACP or Lifeline to get a free 5G government phone. ...
- Apply for ACP or Lifeline. If you're eligible, it's time to apply for ACP or Lifeline. ...
- Choose Your Company. ...
- Enjoy Your New Phone!
How can I get a free Iphone from the government? ›
Lifeline is a government benefit program that offers eligible customers FREE cell phone service every month. You must participate in federal programs such as Medicaid and SNAP, or by income in order to qualify for this FREE benefit. Sign up now to see if you qualify.
What free phones does SafeLink offer? ›- J3 Luna pro 5.0 – Samsung galaxy.
- ZTE Nubia Z5 – 4G.
- Alcatel IdealXcite.
- LG Rebel 4G, LG 840G.
- ZTE Maven 3.
- LG Phoenix 3.
- Alcatel Cameo X 4G.
- Samsung T245G, S390G, S125G, Galaxy S4 etc.
To upgrade to an AndroidTM Smartphone with a 4” screen call 1-877-233-4032 and select option 3 for details.
How long does Assurance Wireless last? ›Use It, Don't Lose It. FCC rules state you must use your FREE Assurance Wireless service at least once every 30 days or it will be terminated. Once every 30 days, you MUST make a call, send a text or go online (not using Wi-Fi) from your Assurance Wireless phone to keep your FREE service.
Can you switch from Assurance Wireless to SafeLink? ›Yes. You may transfer your telephone number from another company to SafeLink after you receive your phone or SIM by calling 1-800-378-1684. To port your existing telephone number to SafeLink, the number you are porting must be active with your current service provider.
What carrier is offering free phones? ›Several carriers offer free phones through the government's Lifeline program. These carriers include Assist Wireless, Assurance Wireless, enTouch Wireless, and True Wireless, among others. Many other carriers—like Verizon, Metro by T-Mobile, and Cricket—offer free phones to new customers.
Whats the difference between lifeline and ACP? ›Lifeline is the FCC's permanent program to support affordable access to essential communications services such as broadband Internet access. The ACP is a new program designed to provide additional support to make broadband more affordable for certain low-income households.
What network does Qlink wireless use 2022? ›Currently, Q Link Wireless uses T-Mobile's network towers. Before Sprint and T-Mobile merged in April 2020, Q Link Wireless used Sprint's network towers. Sprint used to work on the CDMA network, while T-Mobile functions on GSM technology.
How can I get free phone service without paying? ›Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program
Together, Lifeline and ACP make up the two major government-funded programs that provide free or discounted phone service.
Cricket Wireless, AT&T, And Others To Offer Free Phone Plans Under FCC's EBB Program. Starting on May 12th, eligible persons can enroll in the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.
Can lifeline be used for Internet? ›
Lifeline also supports broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles.