Top 10 Best Safelink Wireless Phones In 2021

Safelink Wireless is a free cellphone service provider under the U.S. government’s Lifeline program for low-income individuals and families. The more below the poverty line you are, the more minutes you’ll receive. Safelink wireless phones are just regular handsets like any other cellphone. But unlike other phones, Safelink’s devices come from their free wireless service, allowing you unlimited communication. Therefore, you should expect Safelink compatible phones to provide all the functions of a regular phone. To qualify for the Safelink free phone, you can visit the carrier’s site and fill out the registration forms. The company will review your application and let you know whether you’re eligible for a free government phone.

When you first register and qualify for a Safelink phone, the company operator delivers free cellphones and free government smartphones. The wireless carrier often sends popular brands like Kyocera, Nokia, Samsung, LG, and Motorola. Keep in mind that Safelink itself chooses the phone model that its new customers get. And once you qualify for Safelink wireless phones, you’ll be eligible for Safelink phones replacements. The carrier will replace your lost or damaged phone, though at a fee. Replacement charges are often in the $15 range. You can visit their site or call customer support for an accurate price.

If you’re trying to rev up your smartphone experience, then you’ve come to the right place. Safelink offers a decent selection of mid-range free smartphones if you meet their eligibility criteria. And if you’re in luck, you could qualify for one of Samsung’s Galaxy series phones or Apple’s iPhone. So, in this article, we’ll explore the best Safelink wireless phones in 2021. But Safelink’s free phone offers aren’t for everyone. So, if our list doesn’t match your needs, feel free to keep your own phone and number when you switch. You can port in with a Verizon wireless phone or a compatible GSM handset.

Safelink Wireless Phones: Everything You Should Know

Safelink Wireless is TracFone’s subsidy. It means Safelink Wireless phones make it easy for eligible customers to switch to the TracFone-based network. Also, you can change their SIM cards between compatible handsets. And if you’re looking to enhance your smartphone experience, the Safelink phone upgrade provides a great selection of cellphones with unique styles and capabilities. For example, Lifeline customers can upgrade their Qlink wireless phones at Safelink Wireless. However, only Safelink determines the phone you’ll receive.

So, in this article, we’ll explore all the ins and outs of Safelink wireless phones. We’ll also highlight cell phone plans that you can use with Safelink compatible phones.

Safelink Wireless Phones

What Are Safelink Phones Replacements?

Safelink Wireless does not insure the free phones it gives customers. So, you’ll have to buy a new phone if you lose the current one or it stops working. Currently, there are two options when you want to get Safelink phones replacements. First, you can place an order for the initial Safelink lost phone. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a newer model, which might cost you more. The good thing is that you can also replace the SIM card and transfer all the information in a moment.

It’s vital to reach customer service immediately you lose your Safelink phone. The representative will suspend the phone and hold the available data, minutes, and texts. Once you get a new Safelink phone, they will transfer your minutes and other services upon activation.

The moment you lose your phone;

  • Go to Safelink Wireless site or call Safelink customer service to report
  • You’ll need to provide your name, the missing phone’s serial number, as well as your phone number
  • Enter your zip code on Safelink’s website for a list of available replacements for Safelink wireless phones
  • Pay the replacement fee and wait to receive the new handset

Remember that you can keep the current phone number or request for a new one. If they don’t have suitable replacements, consider shop for Safelink compatible phones from online stores like Amazon.

What Are Safelink Compatible Phones?

Not everyone is eligible for a free phone from Safelink. But you can enjoy Safelink’s discounted cellphone services with your own phone. You can sign up for the Safelink Wireless Bring Your Own Phone program to switch with a compatible device. Safelink compatible phones are handsets that work with Safelink Wireless network.

Safelink is a TracFone subsidiary, which uses both AT&T and Verizon’s network. Therefore, TracFone supports both GSM and CDMA phone models, and you can bring any TracFone compatible handset to Safelink. If you’re switching from a different carrier, make sure the phone is unlocked.

Still, Safelink provides an easy way to check whether your handset is compatible with its network. You can send a text message to 611611, with the word BYOP or SWITCH.

Which Are The Safelink Wireless Plans?

We know that you are eager to know the best Safelink Wireless phones you can buy this year. But before we give you that list, let’s first talk about Safelink Wireless cellphone plans.

Safelink Wireless Phones: Lifeline Assistance Plans

You can choose from several free Safelink Wireless phone plans. Interestingly, the company allows customers to change their plans once every month. But you must call customer service before the 25th of each month when Safelink sends minutes and SMS for the new month.

Limited Time New Customers’ Lifeline Plan

On top of the free cellphone from government, new customers get unlimited messages, 3-GB data and 500 minutes’ talk-time for a maximum of five months. However, this limited-time offer will depend on your location as follows:

  • The 500 minutes for five months are available for residents of New York, Florida, and Texas.
  • New customers from the remaining states will receive the same offer for the first three months

When you sign up for the Safelink service, the carrier will ask you to choose from one of its free plans. The free cellphone plans dictate several things, including;

  • The number of minutes you’ll receive per month
  • How they’ll carry over your talk-time balance every month
  • Whether or not you’ll get free international long-distance services
  • The charges for your text messages

Here are the plans you’ll get from Safelink Wireless;

 Free Minutes Per MonthCarryover MinutesTextsFree International Long DistanceVoicemail, Caller Id, Call Waiting, Free 411 & 911Data
Plan 1350🗷Unlimited🗷✔3-GB
Plan 268✔1,000✔✔🗷
Plan 3125✔1,000🗷✔🗷
Plan 4250🗷1,000🗷✔🗷

California has an exceptional plan among all the states. Californians get the following features in their program;

  • Unlimited voice minutes
  • Unlimited texting
  • 3-Gig High-Speed data

You’ll want to remember that all Safelink cellphone plans include a free SIM card. Also, their three Gig high-speed internet is only available to customers 4G LTE capable smartphones. And your unspent voice minutes carry over to the next month depending on your plan. If you want to participate in the Safelink BYOP program, you’ll need an unlocked or compatible device. The good thing is that most smartphones are compatible.

Top 10 Best Safelink Wireless Phones in 2021

Our top ten best Safelink Wireless phones include;

1. TracFone Samsung Galaxy S7

TracFone Samsung Galaxy S7
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Buy this TracFone Samsung Galaxy S7 and qualify for the $50 eGift Card Promotion. This S7 is the 32-GB version with a 5.5-inch screen, 4-Gig RAM, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,000 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 5-MP selfie camera
  • Snapdragon 820 processor
  • Up to 256-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 8.0 Oreo OS
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Powerful 64-bit processor (quad-core)
  • Get a $50 free gift card
  • IP68 rating for water-resistance
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset

2. TracFone TCL LX

TracFone TCL LX
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The TCL LX smartphone is one of the most affordable safelink wireless phones. It’s one of the handsets that come with a free TracFone SIM card to activate on your preferred Safelink Wireless plan. This TCL is the 16-GB version with a 5.3-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, an 8-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,460 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 5-MP selfie camera
  • 1 GHz processor
  • Up to 32-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 8.1 Oreo OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Powerful 64-bit processor (quad-core)
  • Decent battery offering up to fifteen hours talk-time
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset
  • Small MicroSD support

3. TracFone LG Stylo 4

TracFone LG Stylo 4
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If you favor big-screen viewing, then this TracFone handset could be a perfect choice. The LG Stylo 4 lets you own a modern smartphone at a reasonable price. This Stylo 4 is the 16-GB version with a 6.2-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, a 13-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,300 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 5-MP selfie camera
  • 8 GHz Octa-core processor
  • Up to 2 TB expandable memory
  • Android 8.1 Oreo OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Excellent MicroSD support
  • Get a $50 free gift card
  • Powerful processor (quad-core)
  • Decent battery offering up to fifteen hours talk-time
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset
  • Small MicroSD support

4. TracFone ZTE Blade T2 Lite

TracFone ZTE Blade T2 Lite
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If you’re in the market for a capable smartphone, you could do far worse than this TracFone ZTE Blade T2 Lite. Own it for a chance to connect to your networks on the go. This Blade T2 Lite is the 16-GB version with a 5.0-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, a 5-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,200 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 2-MP selfie camera
  • 1 GHz Quad-core processor
  • Up to 256-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 8.0 Oreo OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Reasonable MicroSD support
  • Powerful processor (quad-core)
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset
  • Poor quality of selfie camera

5. TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro

TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro
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The TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro lets rev up your smartphone experience with superfast processing speeds. You won’t miss a moment of your social connections with its high-speed internet connectivity. This J7 is the 16-GB version with a 5.5-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, an 8-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,300 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 5-MP selfie camera
  • 4 GHz Quad-core processor
  • Up to 256GB expandable memory
  • Upgradable Android 6.0 OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Reasonable MicroSD support
  • Powerful processor (quad-core)
  • Decent battery offering up to 31 hours talk-time
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset

6. TracFone ZTE ZFive2

TracFone ZTE ZFive2
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The TracFone ZTE ZFive2 is a versatile device with tons of options for the modern-day smartphone user. The phone can be yours with a free SIM card to get you started on the Safelink Wireless network. This Z Five2 is the 8-GB version with a 5.0-inch screen, 1-Gig RAM, a 5-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,800 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 5-MP selfie camera
  • 4 GHz Quad-core processor
  • Up to 32-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 6.0 OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Flexible wireless connectivity
  • Powerful processor (quad-core)
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset
  • Low-quality selfie camera

7. TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown

TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown
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You could grab the internet and take it with you with this TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown. Get this phone for a chance to activate a free TracFone SIM card on Safelink Wireless. This J7 Crown is the 16-GB version with a 5.5-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, a 13-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,000 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 13-MP selfie camera
  • 56 GHz Octa-core processor
  • Up to 400-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 8.0 Oreo OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Admirable MicroSD support
  • Get a $50 free gift card
  • Powerful Octa-core processor
  • Great selfie camera
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset

8. TracFone Alcatel MyFlip

TracFone Alcatel MyFlip
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This easy-to-use TracFone Alcatel MyFlip is perfect for staying in touch with family and friends while capturing all those special moments. The TracFone flip phone is an ideal choice if you need a cheap prepaid handset with a numeric keypad. This Stylo 4 is the 4-GB version with a 2.8-inch screen, 1-Gig RAM, a 2-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 1,350 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • Up to 32-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 8.1 Oreo OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • 1 GHz Quad-core processor
  • Snapdragon 210 processor
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Convenient dual displays
  • Built-in Caller ID
  • Reasonable internal storage for a basic phone
  • Excellent battery life with a maximum of 300 hours standby time
  • Records HD videos
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset

9. Tracfone LG 305C

Tracfone LG 305C
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If you’re searching for a primary phone without the bells and whistles of most smartphones, then get this Tracfone LG 305C. It’s particularly great if you need a quick, low-cost phone to replace the one you lost until you can afford a better model. This 305C is the 270-MB version with a 3.2-inch screen, 1.5-Gig RAM, a 2-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 1,540 mAh Li-ion battery.

PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Free activation card
  • Average MicroSD support
  • Powerful processor (quad-core)
  • Decent battery life
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset

Other Features

  • Up to 32-Gig expandable memory
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network

10. Tracfone Alcatel Onetouch Sonic

Tracfone Alcatel Onetouch Sonic
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Do you prefer to keep things simple? Then the Tracfone Alcatel Onetouch Sonic is a perfect choice. It comes in a sleek and stylish build with all the essential features of a modern smartphone. This Onetouch Sonic is the 4-GB version with a 4.6-inch screen, 1-Gig RAM, a 5-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,200 mAh Li-ion battery.

Other Features

  • 4 GHz Dual-core processor
  • Up to 32-Gig expandable memory
  • Android 4.1 Jelly OS
  • 4G LTE compatible
  • Supports Bluetooth technology
  • Wi-Fi capable
  • Works with the CDMA network
PROS
  • Comes with a SIM card
  • Get triple minutes
  • Multiple wireless connectivity options
  • Powerful processor (quad-core)
CONS
  • Carrier-locked handset

Once you get one of these Safelink Wireless phones, you’re likely to want to contact the carrier’s customer service for phone activation or with a question. So, before we wrap up this post, let’s see how you can contact Safelink Wireless.

How’s The Safelink Customer Service Like?

If you plan to join Safelink or have queries about your cellphone plan, call you can reach their customer support team. The Safelink wireless customer service is available from Monday to Saturday. On these days, they offer services starting 8 am to 10 pm Eastern time. You can also reach them on Sundays from 8 am to 7 pm.

Why Clients Call Safelink Customer Service

Individuals call Safelink’s support department for different reasons, such as;

  • Confirming their eligibility for service
  • Joining the program
  • Technical assistance
  • A change of service plans
  • Terminating service

Important Tips for Calling Safelink’s Customer Service

The following things can ensure a successful call to Safelink customer support.

  • Always make sure you are calling the correct department. The company has dedicated numbers for its enrollment department, technical support team, as well as the plan change unit.
  • The carrier asks existing customers to have their Safelink Wireless phones’ serial numbers or cell phone numbers at hand. Doing this helps the customer representative to find your account number quickly.
  • Make a habit of having a pen and paper on standby. You’ll want to take notes for future reference when contacting Safelink about your concern.

The following chart is a summary of everything you may want to know about Safelink customer care;

Key DetailsDefining Numbers
Customer care number800-378-1684
Call back serviceYES
A real person picking up your callYES
Department to callCustomer Service
Call Center’s Business HoursMonday – Saturday: 8.00am – 10pm   Sundays: 8.00am – 7.00pm
Best time to make a call8.00 am
Navigate your call to humanPress 1, followed by 0 continuously until you get a transfer to a real representative
Average wait time before picking up20 minutes
Alternative contact methodsTelephone, chat service, website, or email

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Bottom Line

You have seen the full range of Safelink Wireless phones available. You can use these cellphones to call and text. Keep in mind that each applicant can receive a different cellphone plan depending on their qualifications. Even so, Safelink Wireless services will let you call and text your family and friends unlimitedly. But their phones can do more than that. All of Safelink’s handsets come with enhanced capabilities for quick and efficient internet access. It means you’ll get to install various apps and complete tasks like online shopping, banking, playing games, and watching movies, among others. You can choose from the vast selection of Safelink compatible phones to match your needs.