Assurance Wireless is one of the big companies that offer the eligible American people federal Lifeline Assistance and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This Company provides low-income eligible households free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes plus a free phone. Interestingly, Assurance Wireless customers do not get a bill and do not have to sign a contract. This guideline highlights more about Assurance Wireless reviews. Stay tuned till the end of the discussion.
However, Assurance Wireless Lifeline Program is brought to you by Virgin Mobile, all powered by T-Mobile’s nationwide network. The Lifeline is a government-assisted program managed by the federal Universal Service Fund. Enrollment applies to a household member who qualifies following the federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. You are eligible if your gross annual household income meets the state’s poverty level guideline. Unemployed individuals also qualify but must submit proof of program participation or proof of income.
Most importantly, after meeting the eligibility criteria, you will get a free Assurance Wireless phone when you enroll for Assurance Wireless. Besides, you will also receive 1,000 Free voice minutes and Unlimited texts each month plus 4.5GB of data through its Lifeline plan. On the other hand, California subscribers receive a FREE android cellphone with unlimited texts and minutes plus 6GB of data each month. The ACP participants get a fully unlimited plan and a 10GB hotspot.
Overviews Of Assurance Wireless – Everything You Need To Know
Free internet and phones are available to qualified customers of Assurance Wireless, a federal lifeline mobile service provider. Users of Assurance Wireless are not sent a bill, are not obligated to sign a contract, and are not charged any activation or ongoing costs.
One of the biggest suppliers of free cell phones is Assurance Wireless with unlimited data and hotspot plans. The qualified subscriber also able to grab free tablet and free phone with food stamps as well as EBT respectfully. The Assurance Wireless reviews advice might help you comprehend this carrier better if you are learning about it for the first time.
About Assurance Wireless Network
Assurance Wireless provides mobile Broadband Internet Access Services for smartphones and feature phones through the fastest T-Mobile network. Initially, Assurance Wireless was a subsidiary of Virgin Mobile, but later on, Assurance Wireless operated using Sprint’s nationwide coverage. Recently, Sprint Mobile merged with T-Mobile; thus, you can now understand what network does assurance wireless use.
Assurance Wireless is today offering its services through the T-Mobile network. T-Mobile offers service on its 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G broadband networks. Notably, the 2G and 3G options are slowly being phased out and are no longer available for new customers.
According to the available information, T-Mobile is the second-best wireless carrier in the United States. It features one of the most updated network towers and maintains them regularly. Additionally, T-Mobile is the best telecommunication company with a fast-growing 5G network. As a result, the Assurance Wireless signal towers are of high quality and thus provide outstanding reliability to their customers.
Furthermore, although Assurance Wireless operates on one of the country’s largest networks, T-Mobile, its service is unavailable in all states/areas and may vary by state. You can find the coverage map on Assurance Wireless’s official website and check if Assurance Wireless service is available in your area. You can check availability in your state at coverage.assurancewireless.com/t-mobile.html.
Assurance Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program
Assurance Wireless believes everyone, especially members of low-income families, deserves access to high-speed internet, regardless of income. However, to ensure that low-income households remain connected to the modern world, Assurance Wireless takes pride in participating in the federal government’s new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Through the Assurance Wireless affordable connectivity program, eligible households can get the free broadband benefits they need every month to stay connected.
Moreover, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) refers to a newly developed, permanent government program that replaced the expired Emergency Broadband Benefit. The ACP gives a monthly discount on broadband internet access to increase the adoption of increased telecommunication services by eligible consumers. Notably, only a single ACP discount per eligible household applies and is non-transferable between households.
To apply for the ACP program, proceed to FCC broadband benefit. This website provides all the eligibility requirements and the proof of documentation you need to submit for your application to be successful. Notably, households may be eligible to obtain the ACP benefit if any member participates in programs such as WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid. Besides, you are eligible if you have an income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
Through the ACP benefit at Assurance Wireless you can get:
- Free unlimited data, free unlimited calling, free unlimited texting, and free 10GB monthly mobile hotspot data with the Assurance Wireless Unlimited plan.
- A free smartphone for eligible new customers (model based on availability)
- Scam Shield with free Scam Block, free Scam ID, and free Caller ID
Qualification To Get Assurance Wireless Phone With EBT
Are you currently receiving SNAP benefits and wonder how to get a free cell phone from the government. This section highlights the most convenient way to receive Assurance Wireless EBT phone.
However, the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that enables state welfare departments to give benefits using a magnetically encoded payment card. You can obtain a phone at Assurance Wireless with EBT if you qualify for the SNAP program.
Notably, all the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries can pay for their groceries via their SNAP benefits. Thus, SNAP participants can get a free Assurance phone with EBT under the following qualifications:
- Annual gross household income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines.
- A recipient of one of the following benefits
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.
Assurance Wireless gives the Lifeline Assistance benefit for only one wireless or wireline account per household. Besides, separate households residing at the same address qualify, including residents of nursing homes and homeless shelters. Residents with temporary addresses are also eligible.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline Program In California
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline provider in many states, including California. Assurance Wireless offers services supported by the federal Universal Service Fund and the California Lifeline Program. To qualify for Assurance Wireless California Lifeline, you must submit proof of program participation or proof of income alongside the official California LifeLine Application Form from the California LifeLine Administrator.
The easiest method of application for California Assurance Wireless Lifeline services is online. In this case, you must provide a copy of your proof of eligibility attached with your California Lifeline Application. You can mail the California Lifeline Application to the California Lifeline Administrator.
Additionally, new customers can benefit from the California FREEdom Plan with:
- Free Unlimited Talking and Texting
- Free 6GB Data Each Month (High-speed data)
- Free Android Smartphone
- Free Voicemail, Call Waiting, and Caller ID
- Free 911 Access
- Option to Keep Your Current Home or Cell Phone Number
Most importantly, the California 6GB Data Plan is a limited-time benefit for Lifeline qualified California customers that includes free unlimited texts and voice minutes every month.
To maintain your California 6GB Data Plan, you must:
- Make a call, send a text or browse online using your Assurance Wireless phone at least every 30 days. Besides, data consumed on a Wi-Fi network will not count as data activity on your account.
- Every year you must undertake the Annual Renewal and be approved.
Various Ways to Request California LifeLine Service
- Complete an Assurance Wireless California LifeLine Request Sheet.
- Contact Assurance Wireless at 1-888-898-4888 to request service.
- Talk to a representative in your neighbourhood. The representative will assist you in filling out the California Lifeline Application.
Assurance Wireless Unlimited Plans
Assurance Wireless provides eligible customers with the most generous Assurance Wireless plans, including Assurance Wireless Unlimited. However, this plan combines Assurance Wireless Lifeline service and the Affordable Connectivity Program to feature unlimited data, texts, and minutes, including 10GB of Mobile Hotspot Data.
Additionally, new Assurance Wireless customers also get a FREE Smartphone. You can call 1-888-321-5880 to sign up for Assurance Wireless Unlimited. If you qualify today, Assurance Wireless will offer the following package in its Unlimited plan:
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Texts
- FREE Unlimited Minutes
- FREE 10GB Mobile Hotspot Data
Qualification for Assurance Wireless Unlimited
A household qualifies for Assurance Wireless Unlimited if one member of the household:
- Is eligible for the Lifeline program following participation in specific public assistance programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or following a 200% annual household income level according to the Federal Poverty Threshold.
- Receives benefits through the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or a beneficiary in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school years; Pell grant; or
- Recipient of benefits through the Special Supplemental Women, Infant, and Children’s Program (WIC).
If you need more minutes, data, and texts, you can purchase one of Assurance Wireless’s low-cost Bundled Plans for Smartphone customers. Here are the bundled plans:
- $15 Plan – Feature Unlimited Voice Minutes, Unlimited Texts, and an additional 500MB of Data monthly.
- $20 Plan – Feature Unlimited Voice Minutes, Unlimited Texts, and an additional 1GB of Data every month.
- $30 Plan – Feature Unlimited Voice Minutes, Unlimited Texts, and an additional 4GB of Data every month.
- $40 Plan – Feature Unlimited Voice Minutes, Unlimited Texts, and an additional 10GB of Data every month.
Assurance Wireless Hotspot Plan
Assurance Wireless offers free 10 GB of monthly hotspot data (up to 4G LTE speed) featured in its Unlimited plan. However, an assurance wireless hotspot allows you to share your data connection with other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including tablets, smartphones, and MP3 players.
The Mobile Hotspot feature is free, and the smartphone builds its own secure Wi-Fi network shared with up to 5 devices. Besides, you must ensure you are subscribed to a plan that supports it. You can amend plans by contacting Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880.
To connect to the Assurance Wireless Mobile Hotspot plan on your phone:
- Proceed to Settings on your cellphone and switch on the Mobile Hotspot feature
- Put on Wi-Fi on the second mobile device and look for your primary cell phone’s SSID
- On your primary mobile phone, proceed to Hotspot Settings and display the password for the network
- Input this password into the Wi-Fi connection on your second device
- Finally, data from your cell phone’s connection can get utilized on the second device.
On the other hand, you can check your current data consumption by logging into My Account through a computer or your cell phone. Then, go to the “Account Activity/Data Use” section. If you require additional mobile hotspot data, buy a Monthly Data Pack by signing up for My Account or contact Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880.
Best Way To Get Assurance Wireless Free Government Phone
Assurance Wireless is a renowned federal Lifeline Assistance program that offers free government phones to eligible low-income households. However, Assurance Wireless government phone enrollment is available to household members who qualify following the federal or state-specific eligibility criteria or income-based criteria.
Generally, the best way to qualify for a free government from Assurance Wireless is if you or a member of your household participate in one of the below assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)/CalFresh
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start
Additionally, you can also qualify depending on household income. For Lifeline qualification, your gross annual income level should be at 135% or 200% for ACP, according to the Federal Poverty Line.
The following are some of the ways you can get a free Assurance Wireless government phone:
- Apply online at the Assurance Wireless website
- Contact Customer Care at 1-888-898-4888.
- Talk to a representative in your neighbourhood to help you apply.
Eligibility To Get Assurance Wireless Free Tablet
If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you are eligible to get an Assurance Wireless free tablet. To be eligible for the ACP program from any wireless provider, including Assurance Wireless, you must be ACP-eligible. However, you are ACP-eligible if you or any household member attain at least one of the following criteria:
- Your annual household income level is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or any household member participates in an eligible government assistance program, including:
- Lifeline
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP
- SSI
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Assistance
- WIC
- You or a household member participating in an eligible Tribal specific program, including:
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- You or a household member qualification to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year.
- If you or a household member received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- A household member with the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
Most importantly, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides two types of discounts:
- A $100 one-time discount towards the purchase of a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet. To receive this discount on Assurance Wireless free tablet, the eligible subscriber must pay more than $10 and less than $50 toward the buying price.
- A monthly broadband discount of up to $30 on internet services for qualified low-income households. Tribal lands qualifying households receive $75 per month towards their monthly bills.
Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones
Several brands that manufacture smartphones and other mobile devices work with Assurance Wireless. In other words, a compatible phone means cell phones, either smartphones or regular cell phones, that can work with Assurance Wireless services. Notably, Assurance Wireless doesn’t provide the BYOP option, and thus it does not have a set compatibility check procedure. The only cell phones compatible with Assurance Wireless are the ones issued by them for free or bought at their online store.
Thus, Assurance Wireless phones compatible are the only ones compatible with Assurance Wireless SIM cards and services. Many of the cell phones you will find are new, but you can also find pre-owned good, quality models. Some phone brands that offer cell phones compatible with the Assurance Wireless network include Kyocera, ZTE, Samsung, and Alcatel.
Additionally, all cell phones available for upgrade at the Assurance Wireless online store are compatible with their services. You can find your Assurance wireless compatible phone at Assurance Wireless website.
Assurance Wireless Phones for Sale
Assurance Wireless Phones for Sale offers a wide selection of cell phones that work with its network plan. However, Assurance Wireless cell phones or smartphones are available on eBay, Amazon, and other authorized online retailers. You can explore the different models on offer and choose the features and specifications you need.
Whether you’re an iPhone user, an Android user, or searching for Assurance compatible phones, you can do an Assurance Wireless phone upgrade by purchasing any of the compatible phones. You’ll also find phones that are compatible with assurance wireless sim cards.
Process To Upgrade Assurance Wireless Phone
Several reasons may compel a customer to upgrade their Assurance Wireless cell phone. However, the most common reason for an Assurance wireless phone upgrade is when a customer is not contented with the functionalities of the free phones that assurance wireless provides.
The other reason is when the phone breaks down and stops working correctly. You may also opt to upgrade your assurance wireless phone if it gets stolen or misplaced.
Moreover, the first step is to visit their website to upgrade Assurance Wireless cell phones. Then, proceed to “My Account” and complete the steps. Besides, you can also call their customer service number at 1-888-321-5880 to confirm if you are eligible for a device upgrade.
Proper Guide To Assurance Wireless Phone Upgrade
The Assurance Wireless phone upgrade guide is a total step by step process. Here we have arrange this guide in two category by which you can follow.
i) California Specific Instructions
If you open the Assurance Wireless website, you will realize that it only has specific instructions for its California users. In this case, an Assurance phone upgrade is available for Californians who are currently using basic feature Assurance Wireless phones such as the ZTE Tempo, Kyocera Jax, or the Alcatel OneTouch Cinch. A device upgrade for these users implies shifting from a basic to a smartphone.
ii) Smartphone Upgrade
If you have an Assurance Wireless smartphone and you want to change to a better model, you can’t change your current cell phone with a different Assurance smartphone. Thus, you have the option to purchase various Assurance-compatible phones of your choice.
You can view all Assurance wireless compatible phones for sale. Go to the shop, choose the one you want, add it to the cart, and checkout, where you will select a payment option. You can select the Affirm option of paying in installments.
Assurance Wireless users can purchase phone brands such as;
- Apple
- Samsung
- Alcatel
- LG
- Moto
- Coolpad
- ZTE
Ways To Assurance Wireless Phone Replacement
Generally, your free Assurance Wireless cell phone feature a one-year warranty from the original phone manufacturer. However, if you encounter an equipment malfunction, call the support team at 1-888-321-5880 for a similar replacement phone.
Besides, the replacement model may not be the same as the original device. On the other hand, the standard procedure after losing your free government phone is to request assurance wireless phone replacement.
You can initiate the process in two ways:
1) Contacting the Assurance Wireless customer service
Call customer care free of charge using 1-888-321-5880 to submit a lost or stolen item report. The Assurance Wireless customer service representative will enquire about the details of the missing device.
2) Starting the replacement online
The replacement phone is typically cost-free, but Assurance Wireless sometimes charges a replacement fee. If you’ve enrolled in a device protection plan, you can file a claim for your Assurance Wireless lost phone with:
- Your insurance company, like Asurion
- DoNotPay’s Insurance Claim product
Method To Retrieve Assurance Wireless Lost Phone
The first step for Assurance Wireless lost phone is to call Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880 immediately to suspend your account. However, Customer Care may also help you in purchasing a replacement device. If your cell phone was stolen, Assurance Wireless might waive the replacement device fee upon receipt of a police report.
Most importantly, you can if you’ve lost your Assurance Wireless phone, you can try to get it back by:
- Utilize the built-in locator app to track your iPhone
- Look for your Android with the Find My Device feature
- Call Assurance Wireless at 1-888-321-5880 for assistance
It’s always a good move to inform your provider after losing a phone to secure your remaining balance and suspend your account. Apart from giving instructions on how to get the device back, Assurance Wireless can also assist you in filing a police report. When calling the support team, prepare the following information:
- The phone manufacturer and model of your Assurance Wireless lost device
- A detailed description of the cell phone focusing on any recognizable features
- The approximate time and date of the device loss
Unlock Your Assurance Wireless Phone For Free
Assurance Wireless cell phones come locked to their network, and you can use them with another carrier not unless you unlock the device. However, the company offers an unlock Assurance Wireless phone policy for eligible devices.
For any mobile device that can’t get unlocked remotely, Assurance Wireless will forward a notification to the device when it’s eligible with the following steps to finish the unlock process.
If you require assistance with device unlocking, you can get in touch with Assurance Wireless Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880.
Once a cell phone becomes eligible for unlocking, Assurance Wireless will automatically and remotely unlock your device within two business days if the cell phone supports remote unlock.
Some devices cannot get remotely unlocked by Assurance Wireless. Thus, Assurance Wireless will forward a notification to the device within two business days once it’s eligible, with the following steps to carry along the unlock process.
Unlock Assurance Wireless Phone Eligibility Requirements:
Assurance Wireless will unlock your mobile devices if it meets the following eligibility criteria free of charge:
- The device must be issued by Assurance Wireless
- The device must not ever be reported as lost or stolen or otherwise flagged as ineligible to become unlocked
- The device must have stayed active for at least 12 months
Assurance Wireless APN Settings
APN is an abbreviation for point access names, and it’s the settings through which your phone connects to the network of your desired wireless provider. The Assurance Wireless APN Allows you to set up your phone to access the internet using your Assurance Wireless Sim card.
However, once you get an Assurance Wireless SIM card, plus an Assurance cell phone data plan, you will have to set up APN settings to access the internet. Below are the settings for your Android and iPhones devices:
Assurance Wireless APN Settings for iPhone
To set up APN settings for iPhones, proceed to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Network, then submit the settings below under the APN section.
- APN: internet
- Username: (blank)
- Password: (blank)
Assurance Wireless APN Settings for Android
If you have a Motorola, Samsung, Pixel, Oppo, OnePlus, or any other Android device, proceed to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names. For Samsung Galaxy devices go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Select SIM > Access Point Names.
However, for other Android devices, just tap on the ‘+’ icon to add a new APN to the settings as described below:
- Name: Assurance
- APN: internet
- Username: (Not set)
- Password: (Not set)
- Proxy: (blank – not set)
- Port: (blank)
- Server: (blank)
- MMSC: (blank)
- MMS Proxy: (blank)
- MMS Port: (Not Set)
- MCC: 470
- MNC: 02
- Authentication type: (none)
- APN type: default, fota, MMS, supl
- APN protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- APN roaming protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- APN enable/disable: enabled
- Bearer: (Unspecified)
- Mobile virtual network operator: (none)
After keying in the above settings, select Assurance as the active APN and restart your mobile device for the settings to start working.
Activation Of Assurance Wireless Phone
If Assurance Wireless mailed an Android Smartphone, you need to activate your Assurance Wireless cell phone to start enjoying the service. Besides, you can add to your account service balance, check your account history or add more minutes or additional services such as Monthly Data packs when your phone is activated.
After receiving your new phone, you need to activate it with Assurance Wireless. Customers who enroll with a representative will get help with the activation process. Please follow the steps for Assurance wireless activation to set up the Assurance Wireless Service to your phone:
- Long press the power button and put it on your smartphone. Allow your cell phone to connect with the Assurance Wireless network (enable hands-free activation to connect your phone).
- When your cell phone turns back on, it will request you to customize the phone. However, you may skip the setup screen and proceed to step three.
- Dial 611 to follow recorded instructions.
- Now, input your Assurance Wireless account PIN (located at the option on your approval letter.)
Your Account PIN is the 6-digit number created during the Assurance Wireless application. Customers who enroll through a representative will get a business card with their Account PIN written on it.
Immediately after you finish the activation and the update process, your previous cell phone number and account balance will transfer to the new cell phone. Contact customer support at 1-888-321-5880 if you encounter challenges during activation.
Procedure To Check Assurance Wireless Application Status Online
After submitting your application documents, you need to track the Lifeline Wireless Application Status to see the progress of the Assurance Wireless application status. To check the status of your Assurance Wireless free government phone application, submit the information below to confirm if:
- Your application got mailed
- Your approval letter has been sent
- Your phone has shipped
On the other hand, if the website mentioned above is unreachable or you can’t check the status, then you will have to call the Assurance Wireless Lifeline department support team at 1-888-898-4888 and enquire about the progress of your application.
The reasons that make you always maintain track of how your application processes are because:
- If your provider rejects your request, you must reapply or call customer service to find out why.
- Your request may have been held after completing your application form, and you may not get your phone. Thus, you should check your status in case of a delay.
- When your request is accepted, you may have to know when you will get your phone.
However, you can track the status of your Assurance Wireless application as follows:
- Open the Assurance Wireless website.
- On the home page, tap my-account
- From my account option, tap check status.
- Next, input 6 -10 account application ID and your home Zip code
- Confirm your information, such as whether the carrier has approved your request and if your cell phone has been shipped.
Assurance Wireless Customer Service
Assurance Wireless customer service provides a channel with contact information through which customers can get assistance on any question concerning the company.
However, 1-888-321-5880 is Assurance Wireless’s best customer service-free number. The other best method to contact Assurance Wireless customer service is by contacting their 1-888-898-4888 phone number connected with their Lifeline Application Status department.
The following are some of the ways you can get in touch with Assurance Wireless’s customer support department.
- Call 1-888-321-5880 The common problems addressed by this customer care service line include Account Access, Lost or Stolen Phone, Activate Plan, Device Support, Login Challenges, and other customer service issues.
- For an application status check, call 1-888-898-4888.
- Website – www.assurancewireless.com
- Assurance Wireless Mail Address – Assurance Wireless, PO BOX 686 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
Final Words
Assurance Wireless is a popular Lifeline provider that serves more than 270 million customers, and the service is available to more than 40 states of the country. However, the Assurance Wireless program offers eligible customers free cell phone and wireless services monthly.
The most exciting part is that eligible low-income households receive an utterly FREE cell phone with 1000 free voice minutes and unlimited text each month, plus 4.5 GB of data.
New customers can join the program and receive the benefits without credit checks or contracts signed up. If you want to know every detail about this carrier, you can read this guideline featuring the Assurance wireless reviews.