Safelink Wireless is a brand of Tracfone, and it offers to bring your own phone program if your smartphone is functional with Tracfone’s network. However, most devices sold by many phone service providers come locked to that network; thus, Safelink bring your own phone does not apply to all devices. Additionally, if your account gets settled in full, your phone company can unlock your cell phone to enable you to switch to Safelink Wireless.
Safelink BYOP is a program that enables you to bring your own device and use Safelink services when you are eligible for the free government phone service. Besides, bringing your own phone program enables Safelink compatible phones to receive free cell phone service. Notably, this carrier offers its services only to those customers eligible for the Lifeline Assistance initiative in the U.S. Lifeline works with Safelink to provide phones with plans for those who qualify.
Thus, upon qualifying for the lifeline program, you can maintain your current phone by asking for Safelink’s Bring Your Own Phone service plan. Safelink sends you a free sim card via mail to put into your existing device with the same phone number. Moreover, this option is also available for Safelink customers to replace a broken Safelink phone. You can bring in your current phone or buy it in any retail store.
What Phones Are Compatible With Safelink
You need to have a compatible or unlocked GSM or CDMA cell phone to qualify in the SafeLink’s Bring Your Own Smartphone plan. However, devices with another active carrier account and those reported as lost or stolen are not liable for this program. Besides, to switch your existing cellphone number to SafeLink, the number must be active on your current service provider.
When you receive your free SIM card via mail, you need to contact the SafeLink Technical Support number at 1-800-378-1684 and request the SafeLink representative to port in your phone number. Generally, devices that work with Tracfone Wireless can also work with Safelink. However, Safelink smartphones function only on a GSM or CDMA network, and they are unlocked.
How Do You Identify What Network Is Your Phone
Devices purchased directly from a provider usually display their logo during the startup process. Thus, if it fails to show while the device is still active, you can reach out to the current provider to get all the information for that device.
Additionally, if you are switching to Safelink, you can check with the Tracfone compatibility tool as Safelink is a Lifeline brand of Tracfone. You can still contact the Safelink technical team or text the word BYOP to 611611 to ascertain if your phone is compatible.
Safelink Bring Your Own Phone
Bring your own phone implies that you can come with your current cell phone with your Wireless services. Usually, cell phones from almost every manufacturer will work on this network as long as they operate using a SIM card.
However, if your phone gets lost or stolen, you can go for a Safelink phone upgrade and continue receiving the Safelink services. You can also purchase a replacement phone from Safelink or provide your own unlocked phone and buy a replacement SIM card.
Most importantly, BlackBerry phones and older Sidekick phones will not operate or may have restricted functionality with SafeLink service. Thus, SafeLink cannot offer assurance for all phone functions, including picture messaging, web usage, and other phone-specific applications, to be compatible with the SafeLink service.
Safelink Byop Process
The SafeLink BYOP process is quickly done online by visiting the SafeLink Wireless website. After opening the link, the next step is to enter your ZIP code in the empty box next to the “Apply Now.” After entering your ZIP code, you have to click the blue “Start” button to navigate a page that comprises all the details regarding the Lifeline Assistance program.
Its advisable to carefully read through and then click the “Continue” button at the bottom. You will start the application process which includes the following steps:
- Personal Information
- Address
- Eligibility
- Device Information
- Review
- Application Completed
However, to successfully finish your application, ensure you have all the required documents, including ID, tax report, Social Security Number, and others. Moreover, you must prove that you are not currently participating in the Lifeline Assistance with another carrier. To complete the overall process, you need to follow the instructions on each step and give the required information.
SafeLink SIM Activation Kit
Once you successfully finish the application process, you will at the same time apply for the SafeLink SIM activation kit. This activation kit is operational with CDMA phones with micro, standard, or nano-SIM cards. Fortunately, you don’t need to purchase it, but rather it is provided to you cost-free. This kit arrives at your mail address in a couple of days after submitting the application process.
However, immediately after the SafeLink SIM card is delivered to you, you need to install it on your phone. This process is the same for all SIM card types and all phones. To insert your Sim card, you will either have to remove the battery and put the SIM card in the rear SIM card slot or use the eject tool to put it on the side SIM card slot, which is a standard feature for newer smartphones.
If you require further help with SIM card installation, you can call SafeLink technical support at 1-800-378-1684 and request a representative to guide you through the process. After successfully installing your SIM card, you will need to activate it on Safelink wireless upgrades and put your phone number, then tap the “Continue” button and complete the process.
SafeLink Bring Your Own Phone Compatibility
During the BYOP application process, you will undergo the compatibility check process, and if your phone meets the required criteria, your phone will automatically work with SafeLink. You need to activate your phone by inserting a SIM card in the received activation kit.
SafeLink has traditional, Micro, and Nano-SIM cards, and the Micro and Nano-SIM cards are tiny than conventional SIM cards. They are primarily present in various iPhone models and newer phones. For a device to be compatible with Safelink Wireless, it must be an unlocked phone.
On the other hand, if your devices show the restricted, contact Service Provider or don’t enable you to access your phonebook or make and receive calls, the phone is most certainly locked. In this case, you have to contact your previous carrier to assist you in unlocking your phone.
Qualification For Safelink Wireless
Safelink, in collaboration with the federal government, offers the best free government smartphone to low-income earners in the U.S. under the LifeLine program. This program is present to eligible consumers in select states and territories.
However, the specific requirements vary by state, but, in general, to benefit from LifeLine, you must either possess a gross income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following government-aided programs:
i) Program Participation
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Additionally, some states have extra eligibility qualification under the following Tribal programs:
- Tribal Head Start (for those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
ii) Income Participation
Alternatively, based on your Household income, the Yearly Gross Income must lie within the category indicated next to your household size. To define a Household, any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
However, the Household Worksheet is needed to prove there are multiple households. Gross income refers to money acquired before tax by everyone in your home for adults and children.
The gross income can be taxable or non-taxable, including, but not restricted to dividends, alimony, wages, salaries, and child support, grants, gifts, allowances, inheritances, stipends, lottery winnings, worker’s compensation, income from self-employment, unemployment, and public assistance benefits, cash payments from other sources, social security payments, pensions, rental income, and all employment-related non-cash income.
Bottom line
Safelink Wireless allows you to port in your current cell phone to their services. If you are looking for a no-contract provider that offers lifeline services, you won’t go wrong if you choose Safelink.
Interestingly, you can bring your desired smartphone if you plan to switch to Safelink wireless and enjoy the benefits of free cell phones and a plan that can help if you are disabled, lost your job, or work in low-wage jobs. However, Safelink BYOP and services are subject to the terms and conditions found on safelink.com.