Bring Your Own Phone and get free Lifeline service
Keep the phone you love. Get a free SIM or eSIM and free monthly service.
Quick answer
Can I bring my own phone to FreeCall Wireless?
Yes. If your phone is unlocked and supports 4G LTE with HD Voice, you can bring your own phone, get a free SIM card or eSIM, and use free Lifeline service on it. You can keep your number too.
- Free SIM or eSIM
- Unlocked phones
- Keep your number
Can I use my own phone with Lifeline?
Yes. If you love the phone you have, keep it. We send a free SIM card, or set up an eSIM, and your Lifeline service works on your own device. It is the fastest way to get started, because there is no phone to ship.
Which phones are compatible?
- Unlocked iPhones from the iPhone XR and newer
- Unlocked Android phones compatible with the T-Mobile network: 4G LTE with VoLTE (HD Voice), plus 5G where available
- Phones that are not reported lost or stolen
- Phones that are paid off with their old carrier
How do I check if my phone is unlocked?
- 1
Find your IMEI
Dial *#06# to see your phone's IMEI number.
- 2
Check the lock status
On iPhone, go to Settings, General, About, and look for "No SIM restrictions". On Android, try a SIM from another carrier.
- 3
Ask your old carrier
If it is locked, ask your carrier to unlock it once it is paid off.
SIM card or eSIM?
| Physical SIM | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| How it arrives | In the mail, free | Set up digitally |
| Works with | Nearly all phones | Newer iPhones and many Android phones |
| Setup time | When the SIM arrives | Same day after approval |
Will I keep my number?
Yes. You can port your number at the same time. See keep your number.
Why bring your own phone?
- Keep your photos, apps and contacts exactly where they are
- Start service faster with eSIM, often the same day
- Use a newer or premium phone you already paid for
- Avoid a co-pay on an iPhone offer
What if my phone is not compatible?
No problem. Choose one of our free phones instead. The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G and moto g 5G are free for eligible customers and work right out of the box.
How do I activate my own phone?
- 1
Insert the SIM or scan the eSIM code
Power off, insert the SIM, then power on. For eSIM, scan the QR code we send.
- 2
Restart and test
Restart the phone, then make a test call and send a text.
- 3
Turn on Wi-Fi calling
Optional, but it helps indoors.
Have questions about a specific model? Call (918) 931-0991 with the make and model, and we will confirm compatibility before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SIM card free?
Yes. The SIM and shipping are free.
Can I use a phone from another Lifeline provider?
Only if it is unlocked. Many Lifeline phones are locked to their original provider.
Does my iPhone work?
Unlocked iPhone XR and newer models usually work.
Can I switch back to a free phone later?
Yes. Contact support about phone offers.
What size SIM do I need?
We send a universal SIM that fits standard, micro and nano slots.
Sources and last update
Reviewed and updated on by the FreeCall Wireless team. Program figures come from these official sources:
- FCC: Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
- USAC: Lifeline program overview
- Lifeline Support (USAC): How to qualify
- FCC: Keeping your phone number when you change providers
Spotted something out of date? Email support@freecallwireless.com and we will correct it.
Get your Free Government Phone today
Apply in about five minutes. No contracts, no credit checks and free shipping when you are approved.