QLink Wireless is among America’s fastest-growing Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program service providers. Besides, the company provides free cell phone service, monthly minutes, data, and unlimited texting. The service is available to tens of millions of low-income Americans. However, the company also provides affordable prepaid wireless phone service for Lifeline and non-Lifeline customers. If you want more detail about this carrier, this guideline provides Qlink wireless reviews; thus, stay tuned.
On the other hand, Q Link Wireless provides fast and reliable nationwide coverage through the T-Mobile network. Thus, customers who subscribe to Qlink Wireless services enjoy the same coverage as T-Mobile customers. Besides, customers enjoy no monthly bills, no credit checks, no fees, no surcharges, and no contracts. All eligible customers who sign up for Qlink Wireless Lifeline and ACP services receive FREE Phone Service and connected devices such as free tablets or government smartphones.
Moreover, Qlink Wireless focuses on providing reliable, economical, and high-quality Lifeline and ACP cell phones and services to eligible low-income individuals within the United States. To qualify for FREE service from Qlink, you must be a part of government-supported programs such as Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), and more. Qlink Wireless features nationwide coverage and the ability to call nationally or internationally. Plus, customers can choose from various free monthly minute plans, which vary by state.
About Qlink ACP Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the newly launched government assistance program undertaken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Qlink ACP program offers low-income Americans discounts on their monthly broadband services and connected internet devices such as laptops, tablets, or desktop computers.
If you meet the provided ACP eligibility criteria, you can receive discounts of up to $30 for your monthly broadband internet access service. Besides, eligible households on Tribal lands receive up to $75 per and up to $100 on Select Connected Devices.
Benefits Of The Qlink ACP Program
Generally, ACP benefits at Q Link Wireless offer qualifying Americans low-income families UNLIMITED Talk, Data, and Text on one of America’s largest and most reliable networks. Besides, Qlink offers ACP-eligible subscribers a new Tablet to enjoy alongside the FREE and UNLIMITED Cell Phone Service.
Qlink Wireless provides a tablet with the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. In this case, ACP subscribers must contribute a one-time $10.01 co-pay before getting their tablet. Notably, the tablet offer is subject to product availability, varies by state, and shipping days may vary.
Immediately after your order is made and you’ve paid the one-time ACP co-pay contribution of $10.01, Qlink Wireless will ship your tablet.
Qualification For Qlink Wireless ACP Benefits
If you want to apply for Qlink ACP benefits, you may qualify through participation in government benefits programs like:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Lifeline
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- SSI
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits Fund and more
You may also be eligible if your total annual household income equals or doesn’t exceed 200% of the federal poverty threshold or if you’re currently unemployed.
Qlink Free Government Phone Offer
Qlink does provide a free government phone. Lifeline is a federally supported government program that offers millions of Americans FREE wireless service every month. Through this program, Q Link Wireless provides a free government phone plus FREE Talk, Text, plus Data to eligible Americans.
Most importantly, the program initially issued low-income households the ability to get discounted or free landline phone service. Later, in 2005, Lifeline upgraded also to include wireless phone services. The program ensures low-income households are not deprived of essential wireless services, a requirement that everyone now depends on for happy, safe, and productive lives.
Although eligibility for a free cell phone and service varies by state, there is general eligibility to qualify for a Qlink free government phone. If you participate in a government-supported program such as Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, or SSI, or if you meet the 135% income level criteria according to Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify.
Network Of Qlink Wireless
Qlink Wireless is one of the America’s renowned Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO), which offers free telecommunications services. The free cell phone service includes free talk time with free monthly data and text messages to the low-income household through the Lifeline program. The question of what network qlink wireless use gets asked by many, and here the answer is.
Qlink doesn’t have its own cellular towers but leases coverage through one of America’s dependable and robust networks. This company has a contract with T-Mobile to deliver cellular services using its network services. T-Mobile covers more than 97% of the US, and thus there is no doubt that Qlink wireless network is reliable.
Throughout the US, T-Mobile provides 62% 4G coverage that serves 99% of the US population. Although Qlink receives network coverage from T-Mobile, it covers 97% of the US state and territories, including rural areas. Qlink operates through the T-Mobile network tower, the leading 5G network. Qlink customers can enjoy extensive coverage of 4G and 5G networks. Qlink network coverage can also become weak due to signal strength, building structure, location, weather, rain, and other factors.
Features That You Will Get In Qlink Free Phone
Q Link customers are eligible to purchase from the carrier’s inventory of significantly discounted Android Smartphones. However, the cell phone inventory depends entirely upon stock and availability. In other words, the offer varies from one month to the next, and it’s hard to know the exact brand and model phone Qlink will always have in stock.
On the other hand, if you qualify for a Qlink Wireless free phone, you can enjoy the latest smartphone with features including:
- A browser to surf the web, and more
- A built-in high, quality digital camera
- Touchscreen interface
- Text and picture message
- Data for using email and apps
- GPS capability for Map use and Directions apps
- Bluetooth capability (compatible with third-party wearables, such as a smartwatch!)
- Communicate with family and friends, and connect on social media
- The ability to utilize mobile payment features (Wallet, GooglePay, Venmo, Zelle, or CashApp)
Procedure To Get Qlink Wireless Free Tablet
The US government has a program that currently allows eligible customers to have a free tablet. Through the ACP program, you are eligible for a Qlink Wireless free tablet if you meet the qualifying requirements. The ACP mirror the same qualifying eligibility programs as Lifeline. To qualify, you must participate in SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, and Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, among others. Besides, your gross annual income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Most importantly, Universal Service Administrative Company’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database determine the program eligibility for the FCC. Or an alternative verification procedure approved by the FCC. QLink will give tablets with webcam, microphone, and Wi-Fi capability to eligible ACP subscribers upon a $10.01 co-payment after applying an ACP device credit of $100. After placing your order, tablet shipments may take up to six to eight weeks to arrive based on availability. Q Link will send your invoice to your email to make your co-pay of $10.01, due within 30 days.
To apply for a Qlink free tablet, follow the steps below:
- Proceed to Qlink Wireless signup.
- Submit your ZIP code and email address. Then, tap ‘Get it now’.
- Complete the provider’s online application form by giving the required information and documentation.
- Complete the process by applying. QLink will inform you about the status of your application within a few days.
Check Your Qlink Wireless Application
Checking your Qlink Wireless application status is simple. Just follow the below easy steps:
- Sign in to your Q Link Wireless account using your email for username and enter your zip code as your password.
- You’ll proceed to your Status Page, where you can check all the steps required to complete your application.
However, if you ever require further assistance, contact Customer Support at 1-855-754-6543, or send Qlink an email. Ensure to avail your information similar to the case of your QLink Wireless account and state the issue clearly. It may take 72 hours for the Customer Support team to process your request.
On the other hand, if your application status reads “Pending Verification,” Qlink may require additional documents from you. To finish your application process, you must submit the needed proof documents. These eligibility documents include proof of participation in a government program or low-income certification documentation; sometimes, you may have to submit proof of identification.
Suppose you’ve already submitted any of these documents, and you’re getting the pending verification message. In that case, it’s because one or more of your proof documents might have been rejected, OR you are still required to submit an additional proof document. To attach your proof documents and finish your application for free monthly service, sign in to your My QLink account and follow the instructions.
Your Order Arrival Time After Submitting a Qlink Application
If you’ve recently made an application from QLink Wireless, you’ll get an email indicating your tracking number after your package gets shipped. However, you can also check your tracking number by signing into your My QLink account. To check tracking details for your package, tap on the tracking number in your account overview.
Most importantly, if your tracking information shows the package was delivered and you have not obtained your QLink phone, you can contact customer support immediately. You can contact Customer Support at 1-855-754-6543 or send an email. It may take up to 3 days for the Qlink Customer Support team to process your request.
Phones That Are Compatible With Qlink
Typically, not all devices can work on Qlink services. In other words, the term ‘compatible phones’ means devices that can operate on Qlink’s network. If you want to know what phones are compatible with Qlink, these devices can accept Qlink’s SIM card, connect to their network, and allow you to use Qlink FREE phone service.
The best way to confirm if a cell phone is compatible with Qlink Wireless is to visit the Qlink Wireless website. On this site, you enter your cell phone’s ESN (IMEI or MEID), check the reCAPTCHA’s ‘I’m not a robot option, and tap on the “Continue” button.
Notably, the MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier), the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), or ESN (Electronic Serial Number) is a unique 15 digits number that identifies a mobile phone in the United States. If your phone doesn’t have an ESN, it will have the IMEI or MEID. You can dial *#06# to find ESN/IMEI/MEID.
Qlink Wireless Bring Your Own Phone Program
When joining Qlink, you don’t have to purchase a new device from the Company’s inventory. However, Qlink Bring Your Own Phone program enables you to bring the cell phone of your choice to the Qlink network (if compatible). You need to follow the below three easy steps to get started:
1) Check Your Phone’s Compatibility
To check if your cell phone qualifies for the BYOP program, submit your IMEI, MEID, or ESN. To find your IMEI/ESN/MEID number on your Android Smartphone or your IMEI/MEID/ESN on your iPhone, dial *#06#, and your device ID (IMEI/MEID/ESN) will display on the screen.
2) Q Link Setup
After confirming your cell phone’s compatibility, Qlink will let you know if you require a SIM card kit. If you do, the Company will ship it to you for FREE. However, if you don’t require a SIM card, Qlink activates your phone immediately.
3) Activate Your Cell Phone
You can follow the instruction provided on the activation page to ensure that your cell phone is now activated via the Q Link Wireless network.
4) Qlink BYOP Eligibility Rules
- All cell phone contractual and financial obligations must be settled with your current provider for a phone to be BYOP eligible.
- The cell phone is ineligible if it is reported as lost or stolen. You must contact your current cell phone provider to unflag the phone.
- Leased cell phones are ineligible.
Process To Do Your Qlink Wireless Phone Upgrade
Do you want to upgrade your primary cell phone to something bigger and better? Q Link Wireless got you covered through the Qlink Wireless phone upgrade. Existing Q Link customers qualify for the $75 smartphone at a discounted price of $34.95. You can make your order online or contact your toll-free number at 1-(855) 754-6543 to receive your Smartphone upgrade.
For a Qlink phone upgrade, you can pay through a debit or credit card linked to your account name and address. If you do not have a credit or debit card, you can get cash to buy a Visa gift card or prepaid Mastercard or and utilize it to place your order online or through the phone.
Most importantly, you can upgrade your cell phone directly at Qlink Wireless (through their online store) for as little as $25, or you can upgrade your device elsewhere in the below list of suggested places:
- Qlink Phone at Amazon – This is an online retail store where you can find a diverse range of compatible and unlocked cell phones that will work with Qlink Wireless.
- Qlink Phone at Walmart – Walmart provides a wide range of quality cell phones from reputable phone manufacturers like Samsung and Apple in their online store. However, some phone models can also be found locally.
- Qlink Phone at Best Buy – Best Buy is another best-selling marketplace selling a wide range of unlocked mobile devices. Through this retail store, you can choose between new or reconditioned devices.
Qlink Wireless Phone Replacement
All Qlink Wireless smartphone models feature a 1-year Manufacturer’s Warranty. Thus, if your cell phone breaks within 1 year of delivery, you can request the smartphone manufacturer for help in getting a replacement. For any stolen or lost Q LINK Wireless cell phone, you may ask for a Qlink wireless phone replacement for as little as $34.95. All the reported lost, and stolen mobile phones will be permanently deactivated.
However, the replacement Mobile Device includes all your remaining allowance minutes for that month, and any purchased minutes contained on your lost Mobile Device will not get replaced. If you lose your replacement cell phone or it is stolen, you will have to purchase an additional one at your cost. If a Qlink replacement phone gets lost or stolen while in transit to the owner before delivery, the lost cell phone and minutes may get replaced as a one-time courtesy at Q LINK Wireless’ sole discretion.
Additionally, if you fail to activate a new cell phone or notify Q LINK that you have found your Mobile Device within forty-five (45) days from the date of notification, your account will get deactivated. You will lose Your Q LINK cell phone number and be de-registered from Q LINK Wireless Services.
If you purchase a replacement phone, you will get an email once your request is processed. After the shipment of your device, you’ll receive a second email telling you about the shipment and providing a tracking number. You can wait for 7 to 10 business days to process your replacement Q Link phone.
Qlink Wireless Cell Phone Plans
QLINK Wireless provides the following cell phone plans to its customers in certain states, which can change anytime. However, the rate plans available to you in your state may be different but not limited to.
1) 1,000 Minutes, Unlimited Text, and 4.5 GB Data (Q LINK ALWAYS ON)
Eligible Qlink customers will enjoy free 1,000 voice minutes per month, unlimited text and picture messaging, and 4.5 GB of monthly data. Voice minutes. However, the data allowance does not roll over month to month. The retail price of this Plan cost is $15.00 per month. However, the net price of this Plan is $0.00 per month for qualifying Lifeline customers from the federal Lifeline subsidy.
The Q Link Always on Lifeline Plan features FREE monthly:
- Data
- Minutes
- Text and picture messaging
Additional Plan Features Include:
- 3-way calling
- Call waiting
- Voicemail
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Caller ID
- FREE domestic roaming
- FREE emergency calls to 911
- 411 directory assistance
- FREE Q Link Wireless customer service calls
- Call forwarding featuring “QLink’s Find Me, Follow Me.”
2) Qlink Unlimited Plans
Q LINK Wireless provides several unlimited plans to customers requiring a massive amount of monthly data. However, if you subscribe to any plan with Unlimited Offering, you should be aware that such “unlimited” plans are subjected to these Q LINK Wireless Prohibited Network and Voice Uses.
During congestion times, customers may experience slower speeds due to data prioritization of the primary carrier. You can check a list of Qlink unlimited data plans at Qlink Wireless members quick purchase and choose the one that suits your needs.
Procedure To Get Qlink Wireless Lost Phone
The first step to undertake when your Qlink Wireless cell phone gets lost is to trace back your movement. Try looking in areas you were in the event your cell phone got lost. You can also try calling your number using another phone and listen to if you hear the ring tone. If your device becomes untraceable, you can follow the below steps to get started for Qlink wireless lost phone.
i) Report It To Your Provider
You need to report your lost phone to Qlink to track your phone as soon as possible. Call Q Link and report the lost or stolen cell phone. In this case, you can go to their webpage to get your contact information or contact the carrier at 855-754-6543. Ensure to offer your phone number, name, and enrollment ID in the SUBJECT section.
ii) Phone Deactivation
Qlink will deactivate your device after tracking the lost cell phone bears no fruit. QLink will deactivate the cell phone to block unauthorized use of your device and to secure your remaining cellular balances.
iii) Pay For Replacement Fees
After Qlink deactivates your lost cell phone, you should pay a $25 device replacement fee and receive a payment receipt. Then, you will then get your new cell phone within 24-48 hours. You can order a replacement phone online or through the phone by calling 1-(855) 754-6543.
Qlink SIM Card Replacement Method
Qlink Wireless has upgraded its network to 4G/5G. For this reason, if you are a current QLink customer and haven’t obtained a new branded SIM Card, you will need to look for a Qlink SIM Card replacement. You need to replace your old SIM Card in your phone with the new upgraded one that supports the new Qlink network.
After ordering a new Sim card from Qlink, you will receive the carrier’s SIM Card kit, which packs your upgraded SIM Card, your ejector tool, and detailed instructions to assist you in activating your new SIM Card transfer onto Qlink new network. Again, after you get your SIM Card kit in the mail, open and follow the instructions through the end.
Is Qlink Allow To Put Your SIM Card On Another Phone
Among the many questions customers ask while using Qlink Wireless services, one is, can I put my Qlink sim card in another phone. There are two options when moving your QLink SIM card to another phone. You can transfer the SIM from one device to another or acquire and activate a new one.
The next option is the most reliable for long-term transfers. Whether or not your SIM card is compatible with your cell phone, you should choose to activate your new SIM card and simply port over the number.
However, to transfer the Q Link SIM card to another phone, follow the below steps:
- Step 1: Confirm if your SIM card is compatible with another phone’s network, turn off your cell phone and carefully eject the SIM card using the Sim card ejector tool. The SIM card may be located in the SIM slot on the side, top, or underneath your cell phone’s back cover, below the battery.
- Step 2: Open the SIM tray on your new cell phone and insert the SIM card in its correct size that fits into the new phone.
- Step 3: Put on your new cell phone.
- Step 4: Call Q Link customer service to activate your SIM card if it doesn’t automatically activate.
Activation Of A Qlink SIM Card On Another Phone
After you have inserted a Q Link SIM card into another cell phone, you must activate the cell phone. To activate the phone/SIM card, observe the following instructions:
- Step 1: After turning the device on, you can follow the on-screen instructions to activate your mobile phone.
- Step 2: Next, you may have to perform a Network Reset, which connects you to the QLink Network.
- Step 3: Perform Network Reset
For an iPhone, proceed to ‘Settings,’ tap ‘General,’ scroll down and press ‘Reset,’ then tap ‘Reset Network Settings’. Submit your iPhone password and confirm. Wait for the iDevice to complete the process.
For an Android phone, proceed to ‘Settings,’ scroll down and tap ‘Reset’ or ‘Network Reset Settings. ‘Select ‘Network Reset’ and follow the instructions. Wait for the cell phone to complete the process. If you are experiencing any problems, you may configure your cell phone’s APN settings.
Q Link Wireless Bring Your Phone Number
You can now bring your current phone number to the Q Link Wireless network. If you want to transfer your number from a different wireless provider to start enjoying service with Q Link Wireless, ensure to have the following information ready:
- Your existing phone number
- The account number from your existing wireless provider
- The account password/PIN from your existing wireless provider
- Billing name and address on your existing wireless provider’s account
Eligibility Guidelines:
- Maintain your number active on your existing network. Do NOT call your current provider to deactivate your account before or during the number transfer, or your number will NOT be eligible.
- Settle any remaining balances with your existing provider. Otherwise, you will not be permitted to port even if the number is still active.
- Your phone requires to be unlocked. Contact your current provider to ensure your phone is unlocked.
- Do not have a current port ongoing with your existing provider. If you do, you will have to contact them to cancel it.
Most importantly, your old phone number and account will get deactivated immediately after your number is approved to move to Q Link. After you follow the above instructions and have the correct information, contact Qlink at 1-(855) 754-6543 to transfer your number.
Qlink Wireless Online Service Cancellation Process
As a Q Link Wireless customer, you will get free monthly cellular service for 12 months, provided you continue to qualify for the Qlink program. Then, you will need to re-certify and renew your service for another year cost-free in a process called an Annual Recertification.
Every year when your recertification period is due, Qlink will call, email, and text you to confirm you are still eligible for the Lifeline Program. Re-certifying your eligibility for Lifeline avoids the cancellation of your account and ensures that you’ll continue to get this benefit every month at no cost!
Remember, you must inform Qlink if you are no longer eligible for Lifeline service, if you change your address, or if your income level changes. To keep your cell phone service active, you also must utilize your cell phone at least once every 30 days. On the other hand, you may cancel the Qlink Wireless service at any time by calling 1 (855) 754 – 6543 to get help on how to cancel qlink wireless online.
Qlink Wireless APN Settings
If your mobile internet connection is not working on your Qlink devices, you must update your Qlink APN. You need to update the following details for your iPhones or Android devices to stay connected to data service or MMS.
APN Settings for Android Devices
Proceed to Settings and find Wi-Fi and Mobile Data. Ensure both are turned ON.
- Tap Mobile Networks.
- Then, Tap Access Point Names (APN).
- Tap New APN or the + sign.
Input The Settings As Shown In The Description Below:
- Name: Qlink
- APN: qlink
- Proxy: Not set
- Port: Not set
- Username: Not Set
- Password: Not Set
- Server: Not Set
- MMSC
- MCC: 310
- MNC: 240
- Authentication Type: Not set
- APN Type: default,supl,MMS
- APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- APN Roaming Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- Enable/Disable APN: APN Enabled
- Bearer: Unspecified
- MVNO Type: None
- MVNO Value: Not Set
- Press Menu or tap the More Options icon
- Tap Save
- Choose QLink Wireless under Access Point Names (APN)
- Restart your cell phone, open your browser, and start using your data.
APN Settings For iPhone Devices
- For iPhone, just proceed to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network >APN and input the details below:
- Cellular Data
- APN: qlink
- Username: Blank
- Password: Blank
- MMS
- APN: Blank
- Username: Blank
- Password: Blank
- MMSC: Blank
- MMS Proxy: Blank
- MMS Message Size: 1048576
Final Verdict
Q Link Wireless is a prominent cell phone and service provider for Lifeline and Non-lifeline customers. However, the company offers FREE unlimited monthly talk, data, and text to eligible customers through the federal Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. There are other packages and cell phones other non-eligible customers can get at an affordable price.
This guideline includes a comprehensive Qlink Wireless review on various aspects concerning Qlink free government programs, service plans, number transfer, bring your own phone and upgrades, replacements, and other crucial information about this provider.