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9 Totally Free Government Touch Screen Phone Providers

Posted onAuthorPamela Lipscomb
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Free Government Smartphones.  You can now get smartphones and free the best touch screen government phones.  The best free government phone is the Smartphone or touchscreen Android.

Lifeline phone providers like QLink Wireless and Safelink Wireless make free smartphones available to new or old clients who upgrade services.

Assurance Wireless gives all users free Android phones with wireless access.  Standard and flip phones are declining as phone users want more efficient and modern phones.

Here is a List of  Companies that offer Free Government Smartphones

Q Link Wireless

Q link wireless  This company offers smartphones to all new users on the program.  As with most providers, you can upgrade to modern smartphones if you have an older phone. 

QLink now offers 1 GB of free data along with 1000 monthly minutes and unlimited texting. Find out how to update your  QLink Wireless phone.

Access Wireless

Access Wireless is also a major company in the free government phone program.   Their great appeal is offering free touchscreen government phones issued to new enrollees. They additionally provide upgrades to users with basic phones. 

Their free program offers 1000 minutes of talk, unlimited text, and 50 MB of data.  They also have discount-paid plans for those not qualifying for the Lifeline program. 

Unlimited Talk & Text, no data, wifi $20, unlimited Talk & Text, 3 GB Plan, $35, 10 GB data, unlimited Talk & Text, $50.  They also offer a bring-your-own phone (BYOP).  Here is more information about this phone provider.

Safelink Wireless

Safelink Wireless is another major company in the free cell service market.   They offer clients the opportunity to upgrade to touchscreen government phones.   Now you can upgrade for as little as $39.  Choose to bring your phone or choose from a few dozen phones they offer for sale.  Is your phone compatible with Safelink Wireless phone service?

TruConnect

This is not a major cellular company but has grown from a regional to a nationwide provider.  It has changed names through the years but strives to maintain reliable service to the community.  They offer a free 5-inch Smartphone, up to 3 GB monthly data, unlimited talk & text.  TruConnect offers free touchscreen phones.   

Assurance Wireless

This company is a nationwide 4G LTE network and one of the program’s big free providers. Assurance Wireless is a Virgin mobile branch that offers new customers free Android Smartphones.  How to add minutes to your Assurance Wireless phone.

True Wireless

This is a regional cell phone company based in Oklahoma.  They provide Lifeline discounted cell phone service to low-income consumers in Arkansas, Maryland, Rhode Island, and Texas.  (more)

Life Wireless

Life Wireless works with the Lifeline Assistance Program to offer smartphones and free cell phone services to Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois,  Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Tag Mobile

Tag Mobile is a Lifeline participant who covers the residents of Arkansas and Louisiana.  You may qualify for Lifeline assistance if you receive service from one or more government programs or your gross family income falls within or below the federal poverty guidelines.  (more)

Reachout Wireless

This provider is one of the top mobile providers in the Lifeline program.  One of the first to offer free phone service, and has remained a leader in the industry.   They provide free touchscreen government phones and smartphones, free service, and other benefits. 

Don’t expect an iPhone 10 or last Samsung or Motorola models, but you can get a phone that is head and shoulders above the first phones they used to offer.  If you started the phone before, you can upgrade to a smartphone/touchscreen phone.

What is the Lifeline Program?

Lifeline is a government program that gives low-income adults free phone and phone services. This service is available to consumers who qualify financially.   Lifeline is dedicated to helping low-income, elderly, and disabled get affordable phone service, cheap Internet, and computers.

Lifeline also covers previously recognized reservations in Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaiian Homelands.  Also, disadvantaged consumers living on an Indian Tribe’s reservation, pueblo, or colonies recognized by the federal government qualify.

Free Government Smartphones

Most Lifeline providers offer smartphones to give customers a way to keep up with the growing cellular technology.  Of course, if you purchase your phone, you have more options.

The Lifeline program is constantly keeping up with new technology and modes of communication. They are also now offering low-cost and complimentary internet services. 

Companies that provide smartphones. They are not only suitable for making emergency calls and scheduling essential appointments.

Free Government Smartphones When You Upgrade

Customers that sign up for the Lifeline Assistance service will receive 250 minutes per month that they can use.  Smartphones are not a part of the sign-up package.

However, you can purchase one when you upgrade.  If you need assistance when enrolling, Lifeline’s agents can help to set up services.  

There is also a list of cellular companies authorized to work with the program.  They will also show you how to qualify and apply for the program, add extra minutes, and upgrade compatible phones. 

How to Find a Compatible Phone

To find out how to find a compatible phone. Go to the company site and look for ‘Upgrades”.  If there is no upgrade section, then call or email the company.

You can purchase the phone from the provider or at a provider’s store.  Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and just about anywhere they sell telecommunications products. Make sure it works well with your service.

Today Lifeline phone providers are making smartphones accessible when upgrading your service.  However, Assurance Wireless gives all new customers a free Android phone with wireless access.  

These subsidized phones will make it easier for those struggling to make ends meet and help low-income adults who work or get back to work manage information more effectively.

Qualifying for a Phone is Easy

You may qualify for free government Smartphones if you qualify financially or receive assistance from a government aid program, such as SNAP, SSI, Section 8, SSI, TANF, Work First, LIHEAP, etc. When you apply, proof of income is required.

You can receive 350 or more free talk and text minutes if you are eligible for a phone. Like other free phone programs, you will receive free text messaging, voice mail and call waiting, an ability to add minutes and call 911 and 211.

188 Replies to “9 Totally Free Government Touch Screen Phone Providers”

  4. Hello, very curious!! What lifeline company gives out the best smartphone? And what brand are they? I’d really appreciate the help in my search for the right company.

  7. I am with safe link & need a new phone & I want to upgrade my plan my cell will not let me make calls from my home & I need a cell to get calls from my doctors how to get a new phone & send old phone back & upgrade thank you

  8. What website? I called safelink they were Very Rude, Refused to send me a phone, I am 72years old! I need a phone! I am afraid to get in car with no phone! I just got this msg, I am at the library, took the bus. Please Help Me Out!, I Am Very Upset!

  10. I finished the Safelink application- All documents submitted and approved. My account is still pending-I started process in Nov. 2018 and has been without a phone since the end of Dec. 2018- I am a 55 yr. old female who has medical issues-I need a new phone and a new phone number. Please help me-What do I do next?

    Danette Douglas

  11. I had a phone through SafeLink and I never got my mins for 2 months in a row. An when I called to let the company know that I was having problems with my phone over heating what do they do send me out the same phone for a replacement. I can’t change to a different company, I cancelled my enrollment with SafeLink. An now I’m stuck going through Walmart Family mobile and even their service sucks. Do anyone have any good service anymore and employee’s that understand english too.

  12. I want to reactivate my safelink phone. I had lost it and have recovered it. How do I do this.

  13. My phone doesn’t have the capabilities that other phones have can I use qlinkservices. With a iPhone or Samsung

  14. I have had my phone for several years and its ringer is no longer loud and i miss calls. It is up all the way it can go. Can i get a new phone and how do i do that as there is no # to call on this

  16. I don’t have a debt or even a credit card ,I only can send payment in a money order,is there any way I can upgrade my little Free ZTE mobile phone to a larger and bigger mobile phone.

  17. Can I upgrade the free government safelink phone I have now for a free government smart phone?

  19. Can you use your another phone through Q-link that’s not a smart phone but a flip phone.

  21. I lost my cell phone I am tryin to get it switched over to another phone it a traphine can’t get hold of anybody so I need to speak to someone asap

  22. I lost my Government Smartphone and decide to use the tracking system >It appear that the phone is in the State of Maryland and my home is in the District of Columbia.The tracking Company want me to paid One Dollar for their assistingbut I am afraid that it may be more.
    Please contact me as what to do?

  23. I have not had a phone with y’all in a while and it’s still showing I do a 205239 number

  24. My phone just stop working and i cant purchase another phone . thats the point of me havjng a free phone how can i get another one for free.

  25. I have a plan through qlink was wondering if my number and plan can be switched over to my at&t htc phone???

  26. I was given a Safe Link phone many years ago, It is a Samsung cellphone with a keyboard only. When I walked by a human resource office a couple of months ago, they were on the sidewalk giving away the smartphones, It was Assurance. I took one and was approved. However, I found it very hard to use, So I stopped using it. I am used to hitting hard on keys and not using touch pads, Trying to dial a number on their touch pad was impossible.

    I then shortly after called my Safe link program to ask if I could update my phone, they told me I am no longer able to receive any phones and my added minutes were stopped, I only have about 15 more left. I am saving them to use only if I need 911 before being approved for another phone.

    I then called QLink. That was the beginning of April. I sent, by mail, my proof of income and ID. I am on SSDI, foodstamps and medicaid.

    I got a email saying they received my documents and I was approved,. I have been waiting and continually sending emails asking where the phone is. When you apply online you can check your status. When I check, I continually get You only get a notice saying that “Your order is pending” and/or We are awaiting your proof of documentation. I cannot call them because you only get that recorded message I just sent an email telling them if I don’t hear from them soon, I will go to another lifeline phone service. Is there anything you can do to help me find out what is going on?

    1. Hello, Virginia. It is important to make sure you only have one cell phone at a time from one provider. If you keep applying for phones from other providers this is considered fraud and not allowed. You can be banned from the free phone program. You must first cancel your service with your first company before you go to another Lifeline provider.

  27. Hello I was wondering if I can upgrade my phone. I’ve had it for about 8 months and it’s got some battery overheating issues. Al at o the screen will freeze and I have to take battery out. Please send me info on getting a newer one. Thanks

  29. I haven’t got chance to received my Safelink Smartphone when I discovered trhough the SafeLink agent that the phone was mailed or dropped to my mailbox on the 12-17-2016….Unfortunately i never got a chance to retrieve the phone to my mailbox box someone stolen….The SafeLink agent provided me the stolen phone number(504-408-5497) which did place a call hoping that the perpetrator makes a right moral decision but unfortunately the call went direct to a voice mail….So from that instant i report stolen phone to SafeLink.
    I truly need a phone and it urgent for my needs especially when i am on the hunt for work.
    Please your immediate action would be highly appreciate.

    Thank you.

    1. Anazo, please contact Safelink to let them know your phone was stolen and request a replacement phone. Perhaps have them send the phone to another address where the phone won’t be stolen from your mailbox.

  32. I am in need of assistance. I have a cell phone through Qlink but my phone went through a fire. Our home caught fire on Easter weekend. How can I obtain another phone? I am already in your system that I have received one. I only remember the area code and last four digits of the number. I had a flip phone which was nice but a bit difficult for me to use or see. Am I able to get a replacement?

  35. I got a letter to upgrade my Safelink phone but could not reach you. I want to upgrade mine.please let me know. Nancy

  36. there are free phone companies, that if you are a long time customer with a free phone, you are able to get a upgraded phone for “free”.this should be done with all the free phone companies, because how can one company do it and others can’t? these people need an upgraded phone,especially because those little candy bar phones are hard to see, hard to handle, hard to find, you almost forget you have one, hard to dial etc. “Give us an upgraded phone”, yes we need charity cause we don’t have the money, and those teeny phones stink! and yes beggars can be choosey especially old ones, who are responsible for generations existing. DO NOT ANSWER ME NICELY WITH BULLS##@@**** just say you will find a way in the near future to make this happen. Also don’t tell me to seek those companies that do that , because I am not with their company,but another, I found this out because they just started posting it. If there’s anything can be done/ appreciate it. thanks

    1. Hello, Ms. Clark. I agree the phones are tiny, but also remember they are free and you get what you pay for, which is $0. If you are unhappy with your phone, you are free to purchase a bigger, better cell phone that is compatible with your FREE service.

  37. I already have an old phone I want to upgrade it to smart phone but dont have the 25 dollars I would trade this phone for that tho is that possible. Thanks

    1. Hello, Nora. Thanks for your question. Free phone providers do not trade in phones. If you desire to upgrade your phone to a smartphone, go to your provider website and purchase one. You can also purchase another phone elsewhere, but make sure it is compatible with your service.

  39. I need a new phone mine broke and it’s the only one I have I would really love a smart phone but I will take anything

  40. I once had ‘the’ phone. I was eventually cut off as I didn’t use the phone enough to use up my ‘free’ minutes. Mostly because I live in a remote area that had poor to no signals. So I would get email and occasional phone messages saying I wasn’t using the phone enough. I applied to another program, other than Lifeline hoping to get a better phone. No such luck, it was just as bad. Back then there was no recourse to get a better connecting phone. Has this connectivity issue been improved?

    1. Hi, Marty. Yes, you have to use the phone at least once a month to continue to receive phone service. You have to register again. Contact you new provider to find out which phones are best for remote areas.

  41. How can i get a smart phone? I already have a safelink phone just want to upgrade.

  42. I would love to have one of these free opportunities of a life time gift. This is beautiful!!!

    1. Hello, Latrice. If you would like to upgrade your phone, go to the website of your provider to see what phones they have for upgrades. You will have to pay for the new phone.

    1. Hi, Ruth. I always advise people to write all that down when they first get their phone. If you remember who you cell phone provider is they should be able to locate the information for you.

  48. I have applied for the free smartphone, it’s been probably a week haven’t received email about it . l am on medicaid

  49. I just Mail a Check Outlook TO QLINK WIRESS HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET MY SMART PHONE

  51. Your website keeps telling me that my address is not valid. Check with mapquest.. It is a valid address.

  52. I had a phone lost it and don’t remember the phone number so I can’t get another phone sent to me what can I do to receive another phone

  53. How do I upgrade my old version of my phone to a smartphone and keep the same number?

  56. I’m on Medicaid and receive SNAP benefits…would I be eligible for a phone.

  58. I applied for safelink in Mar, 8, 2016, my account number is 26073112 I have sent proof twice by mail and sent a email twice April 24, 2016. I have called twice. What is taking so long to get one of your goverment smart phones?

  62. I have QLinkWireless and I told them my cellphone quit working I canot use it so How can I make calls if the company willnot call you back I wish I never lelf t safelin

  64. How can I send this phone back? It does not work and I only had it two weeks

  65. I have safelink. And have been looking for a smart phone. Would I still be able to able to get a smart phone with safe link….. or would I have to sign up for another plan to get it. I know I’m due for an up grade far safe link.

    1. Hello Nichole. Please contact Safelink Wireless to find out which smartphones are compatible with their service. Then you can purchase the phone of your choice and transfer your service to the new phone.

  66. I have a cricket wireless htc series 625. Would this phone be eligible for free minutes?

    1. Hello, Billie. Cricket now longer give Lifeline discounts. If you already have a discount under their old phone line you can keep it until all phone lines are upgraded.

      “In all states, Cricket has stopped accepting new Lifeline applications. All existing customers that have been approved for Lifeline will retain their Lifeline discount until they disconnect their phone number from Cricket Wireless CDMA service or until the CDMA network upgrade is complete.”

      Cricketwireless.com

  67. I have a cricket wireless htc 625. Would this phone be eligible for the free minutes?

    1. Hello Billie. In short, no. “In all states, Cricket has stopped accepting new Lifeline applications. All existing customers that have been approved for Lifeline will retain their Lifeline discount until they disconnect their phone number from Cricket Wireless CDMA service or until the CDMA network upgrade is complete.” cricketwireless.com

    1. Hi, Nancy. You did not say who you have you phone service with, but you can always purchase a new phone that suits your needs. Contact your provider to see which phone are compatible.

  70. Hey my name is Darnishiapenn I really need the phone I’m a single mom an at home alone an know phone….

  71. I am a safelink customer but a while back my phone was lost i reported it and i have nit had a response so inwad really interested of how to get a smartphone or what can i do with my situation.

    1. Hello, Edna. If you lost a phone a while ago. You have probably already had your service cancelled. Contact your provider to see if you have to recertify and submit a new application for service.

  72. hi i have been a safelink customer for bout 5 yrs , my question is i have a Alcatel one touch i would like to know how or if i can transfer my number and mins to this phone from my old safelink phone????

  73. Why can’t we be able to change over to a smart phone I have an older version of the Obama phone

  74. Hi, I had a phone from life line and it got stolen. Is there anyway I can get another phone? Thank You,Sincerely Debbie Ruiz

    1. Hello, Debbie. I hate when that happens. Contact your company so they can shut down the phone. Different companies have different replacement policies. So, call you company to find out if the replacement is free of if you have to pay a small fee.

  77. I applied for this and didn’t receive a smart phone so I never activated it because I cannot see on the small one was wondering how I can get a smart phone?

    1. Hello Shawn, If you already have Lifeline phone service, contact your phone provider or go on line to see the phone available for upgrade. You will have to pay for an upgrade.

  82. How do I find out who offers the upgrade phone? I already have a account and want to upgrade.

  84. if they would give me a smartphone and unlimited text and they would give me a phone where I can take pictures that’s what I was told on the phone in the application I mailed out I’ve done sent another application because they said they couldn’t read my Medicaid

  85. I sent my proof off to SafeLink Monday so you should receive it no later than Monday of this week it was on the 11th when I mailed it off you should receive it on the 18th for SafeLink thank you Brenda means 2603 Hillcrest terrace Evansville Indiana thank you and you have a great blessed day

  86. DEAR ACCESS WIRELESS PROVIDER I WOULD LIKE FOR YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CALL ME AT (520) 409-4164 ASAP PLEASE. I HAVEN’T HAD ANY ACCESS USE TO MY ACCESS WIRELESS CELL FONE FOR THE PAST 2 MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REACH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE ON DIFFERENT OCCASIONS ON DIFFERENT TELEPHONE NUMBERS AND I HAVEN’T HAD ANY LUCK SO I CAN REPORT MY PROBLEM. IT WILL BE MUCH APPRECIATED IF I CAN RECIEVE A CALL BACK CALL FROM YOUR COMPANY ACCESS WIRELESS PROVIDER. I WILL BE AVAILABLE AROUND THE TIME OF 11:00AM – 11:30AM PACIFIC TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FULLY ATTENTION! SINCERELY, PATRICIA CASTANEDA CELL NUMBER (619) 218-9658 not in survice since February of 2016.

  88. Hello Free Government Smartphone. I looking at this program can I ask you this okay I have smartphones samgung note 4. And also have service with tmoblie I try get some help bec I have new phone from tmoblie and tables. Ok I wounder do have program for tmoblie help me keep same phone n looking if have program for data and texting also email please let me know I try catch sup with my tmoblie phone service. Thank you Eunice Spain

  89. We have a Budget Mobile and after a month it won’t boot. It is impossible to figure out if we have options with another carrier or if we used our one shot. This phone is a smart phone and had 250 data which was what attracted us as we need to access email with job hunting. There is no replacement phone other than purchase. But why purchase another bad phone when this lasted only 30 days plus week. What should we do. What is the best company with the best phone with the best plan. Why are all these sites so iffy about the facts ?

  90. i cant see how to use this ph,i through i was getting a smart ph they face is lorger and i can see the face,so i am giveing this back.thank you Valerie Coleman

  94. Hello to another Pamela: I have been trying to get an upgrade all day from my Assurance Wireless phone account and I would LOVE to have an updated phone, but they do not have much of a choice and what those choices are pretty limited with usually two stars out of five. I am considering changing my service to one (I had no idea that there were so many Government sites to choose from!) so I could purchase a Smart Phone for a reasonable price. What is your opinion about this? Thanks so much and I am so glad I happened upon your website! Pamela Zito

  95. Well don’t have a provider yet terra com was getting Samsung phones in Friday first time on food stamps so don’t know bout what I will be getting or I don’t understand what u mean by upgrade

    1. Tim and upgrade is when you change your phone or service features. Please contact whoever you choose for you cell phone service for a list of smartphone they have available. You will have to purchase a smartphone from them or any manufacturer that is compatible with your phone service.

    1. Heather, the phone vary from provider to provider. Also, you don’t have a choice for your initial phone. If you don’t like the phone your receive, you have the option to purchase another one. Contact your provider.

  98. I have a question about my phone I have a smartphone that I purchased from Metro PCS and it is a Samsung my question is can I get a sim card and use it instead of the flip phone that you sent me. I have a problem trying to text on the flip phone but not on the smartphone is this possible to be able to use the smartphone. Thank you Frances Moore.

  101. I would like to work and enroll customers in the new government program that provides them with free smartphones

  102. I receiveda new phone and thisphone also wont charge ..i will switch if i have to pay again for a lousy phone….Annette Day
    Need new working phone

    1. Annette, please contact the phone company that you have your service with. You can send the cord back and wait for a replacement, or purchase another cord. It is up to you.

  103. Is there a data limit with the smart phones? How does the internet work? Is it off minutes or…?

  105. I ask reachout representative if I can buy a upgraded phone with a hotspot capability, your co. sent me a LG-VS410PP and this phone has no hotspot capability,so I tried calling your co. and your representatives keep hanging up the phone,I consider this to be very poor business on your part and I am now contacting the Better Business Bur. so they will know of your scam to the american public.I hope your co. looses its contract with our Government.

    1. Hello Ronald. You sound pretty frustrated. Unfortunately, we have no affiliation with Reachout Wireless. This site is a resources for those looking for further information about the Lifeline program. Please contact Reachout’s customer service for help. Do not purchase any phone unless you go online to confirm it has the features you desire. Good luck!

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