Cintex Wireless is one of the most popular and generous wireless providers that offer government assistance in the US. The company participates in not one, but two government assistance programs, Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Through participation in these two programs, the company offers amazing benefits to eligible clients, including a free monthly plan with free monthly talk minutes, free texts, free data, the opportunity to purchase a discounted tablet, and a Cintex Wireless free phone. In this article, you will learn all there is to know about Cintex Wireless and a Cintex Wireless free phone and plans. You will also get a guideline on what to do in order to receive your own free device and monthly wireless plan. Let’s dive in!
Reasons to Opt for Cintex Wireless?
In case you qualify for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Cintex Wireless may be a great option for you. With Cintex Wireless, you will get a long list of amazing benefits, including a free wireless plan, the option to buy a discounted ACP tablet, and a reliable, high-quality 4G/5G smartphone completely free of charge. The company currently also offers free unlimited international calling to over 80 countries.
Cintex’s services are only available to Lifeline and ACP subscribers and for them, all services are completely free of charge, with no contracts, fees, or monthly bills. Cintex has dedicated customer service with reliable representatives, fast and free shipping, and other perks. Cintex is a mobile virtual network operator that borrows the network from America’s largest and most reliable carriers, offering nationwide coverage to its customers. Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to become a Cintex customer, as the company’s application process is remarkably simple.
Cintex operates in numerous US states, however, as its list of states and specific areas within states constantly changes, you can check whether or not the company offers benefits in your area by visiting https://cintexwireless.com/apply, entering your ZIP code, and pressing Apply Now. The system will then immediately tell you whether or not the company operates at that location. If so, you will be redirected to a webpage that lists all the plans offered in your area, saying “Congratulations, we provide service in your area”.
The Process of Getting a Cintex Wireless Free Phone With Plans
In order to obtain a Cintex Wireless free phone and plan, you must follow these important steps:
Cintex Wireless Free Phone Lifeline/ACP Program Eligibility
To qualify for the Cintex Wireless Lifeline and ACP programs, you can use the following government assistance programs or meet specific income criteria:
Qualify by Income If Your Annual Household Income is:
- At or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for Lifeline.
- At or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines for ACP.
Qualify by Government Program Use If You Participate in:
- Medicaid / Medi-Cal
- Food Stamps / Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) / CalFresh
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Additional programs for ACP qualification only: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, or receiving a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
What Documents Are Needed For Cintex Wireless Free Phone Application
Proof of Identification:
- Driver’s License or Passport (unexpired)
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization or of U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card (unexpired)
- Foreign Passport
Proof of Address:
- Driver’s License, Government, State, or Tribal Issued ID (unexpired)
- Current Income Statement, Paycheck Stub, or W2
- Statement of Benefits from a Qualifying Program Which Contains Name And Address
- Current Mortgage or Lease Statement
- Utility Bill
Proof of Government Benefit Participation:
- Current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal program
- Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal Program
- Program participation documents
- Another official document evidencing the consumer’s participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal Program
All addresses and proof documents must contain the address matching your application and be recently dated.
Please note that all three elements listed above must be visible within a single image when enrolling online. For more information about qualifying programs, visit usac.org.
Cintex Wireless Free Phone – How to Apply
The simplest way to apply for the Cintex Wireless free plan and the FREE phone is online.
First, it’s advisable to apply through the National Verifier. You can find the Lifeline application instructions at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/ and the ACP application instructions at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/.
The second step is to apply directly through Cintex Wireless. To do so, visit the company’s official website at https://cintexwireless.com/apply. Enter your ZIP code and press Apply Now. The system will tell you if the company operates in your area and if so, you will be able to review the plan or plans available at your location.
Select the plan that best fits your needs and press Continue. You will then be redirected to the company’s online application form. Complete it by providing the following:
- Personal info
- Eligibility proof
- Phones & plans selection
- Preview is the last step before submitting the application. Here, you can make sure that the information/documentation provided is complete, correct, clear, and valid.
You will complete the application form easily and in no time. The company will then review your application and either reject or approve it, depending on your eligibility. If you are eligible and provide all the information and documentation, you can expect to receive your FREE phone via mail within a couple of days. As Cintex only operates online, there is no possible pick-up location.
If you need any help, call Cintex Wireless customer service at +1 (855) 655-3097 or https://cintexwireless.com/contact.
Cintex Wireless Plans in 2024
Cintex Wireless offers FREE Lifeline plans, FREE ACP plans, and sometimes, a Lifeline & ACP Combo plan in certain areas. Aside from that plan, it offers many add-on bundles, minutes, and data, which we will also present to you below.
The exact number of monthly talk minutes, texts, and data depends on the plan and location.
Cintex Free Lifeline Plan:
The plan includes FREE monthly unlimited texts, 1000 minutes, and 4.5GB of data.
In addition, Free Lifeline service includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Call Waiting
- Voicemail
- Ability to Connect to Wi-Fi
- Free 911
- Caller ID
- 3 Way Calling
- Text & Picture Messaging
Cintex Free ACP Plan:
The plan includes FREE monthly unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and from 8GB of high-speed 5G internet data.
In addition, Free ACP service includes:
- A free classic smartphone (iPhone 6s, Galaxy S7, and more)
- Upgrade option: a free tablet with a co-payment of $10.01.
- Nationwide Calling
- Call Waiting
- Voicemail
- Ability to Connect to Wi-Fi
- Free 911
- Caller ID
- 3 Way Calling
- Text & Picture Messaging
Cintex Wireless Add-Ons:
- Minutes:
- $5 for unlimited minutes
-
Cintex Wireless Data:
- $5 for 500MB of data
- $15 for 1GB of data
- $20 for 2GB of data
- $25 for 3GB of data
- $32 for 4GB of data
- $35 for 5GB of data
-
Cintex Wireless Bundles (Data & Minutes):
- $10 for 500MB of data and unlimited talk
- $15 for 1GB of data and unlimited talk
- $25 for 2GB of data and unlimited talk
- $30 for 3GB of data and unlimited talk
- $40 for 4GB of data and unlimited talk
- $45 for 5GB of data and unlimited talk
Top Free Phones at Cintex Wireless
As with any wireless provider that offers free phones, you don’t get to choose the actual device yourself. However, we decided to present you with the best options that you MAY get at Cintex Wireless. Check out more free touch screen government phones or the best free government phone.
Generic Smartphone
This is a certified pre-owned device from a generic manufacturer. It has a nano SIM card, a large screen, an Android or iOS operating system, 4G or 5G connectivity, and other benefits. The device is reliable and of high quality, even though you cannot expect to receive one of the most advanced devices, as Lifeline and ACP simply don’t cover such phones.
The specifications depend on exactly which phone model you will receive.
Unlimax U696CL
This is another reliable certified pre-owned device. Granted, it doesn’t come with the most advanced specifications, but it is unlikely to let you down.
The device is by Unimax, a solid manufacturer and it operates on Android 11 OS. It has a 5MP camera and a nano SIM card.
Generic 4G LTE Flip Phone
This is not a smartphone but a simpler flip phone instead. As such, it doesn’t come with many overwhelmingly modern apps and options and may be a viable option for seniors and other light users. This phone will likely be new and have a nano SIM card and 4G connectivity.
The specifications depend on exactly which phone model you will receive.
Note that these are the phone models currently listed on Cintex’s official website at https://cintexwireless.com/free-phone. However, the company tends to regularly update this section, as such, other phone models may be offered by the time you wish to apply. At that time, Cintex may offer certain older Apple, Samsung, Motorola, LG, Google, Alcatel, or Nokia phone models, as it did in the past.
What Phones Are Compatible With Cintex Wireless?
Cintex Wireless also offers a Bring Your Own Device program, which enables customers who already have a device they like to bring it to Cintex and use it with Cintex’s services.
However, before you bring your own phone to Cintex, you must check its compatibility with the company’s services. To do so, visit https://cintexwireless.com/byop, enter your phone’s 14-16 digit IMEI number, and press Check Compatibility.
To find your phone’s IMEI number, you have two options:
- You can either enter *#06# on your phone’s dial pad.
- Or check in the Settings:
- For Android, go to Settings, About Device, and Status.
- For iPhone, go to Settings, General, and About.
The device you bring must also be carrier-unlocked. Phone models that are currently offered by Cintex Wireless for free or at a normal or discounted price (upgrade phones) are a good indication of which devices may be compatible.
List of Cintex Wireless Upgrade Devices:
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
- Apple iPhone 8
- Apple iPhone 7
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Apple iPhone 7 Plus
- Apple iPhone 8 Plus
As this selection may also change in the future, you should check the selection again before applying or wishing to upgrade at https://cintexwireless.com/upgrade-phone.
Cintex Wireless BYOP Process
As mentioned before, Cintex Wireless gives you a chance to Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP). It is a simple 3-step process:
-
Check Your Phone’s Compatibility
First, check if your phone qualifies for the BYOD program by entering its IMEI/ESN/MEID at https://www.cintexwireless.com/ByodCheck.php. To locate your phone’s ID, refer to our guide on finding your IMEI/MEID/ESN for Android Phones or iPhones above. For a list of phones most likely compatible with our network, consult our Masterlist of Compatible Phones.
-
Cintex Setup
Once you’ve verified your phone’s compatibility, the system will let you know if a SIM card kit is required. If necessary, Cintex Wireless will ship it to you free of charge. If no SIM card is needed, you can activate your phone promptly.
-
Activate Your Phone
Simply dial 611 and select option 3. You will receive a confirmation message indicating the successful activation of your Cintex device. Once you receive this message, your Cintex device is ready for use!
Start the Cintex SIM card activation process at https://cintexwireless.com/active-my-sim-card.
What to Do if a Cintex Wireless Phone Gets Damaged, Stolen, Broken, or Lost?
If your Cintex Wireless phone doesn’t work or breaks:
For common questions, visit https://cintexwireless.com/help-center and search for the specific issue. If this doesn’t help, contact the company support service at (855) 655-3097 or https://cintexwireless.com/contact for further assistance. Make sure to call from a phone other than your Cintex Wireless phone so that the agent may give you concrete troubleshooting tips that you can try while on the line with him/her.
If your Cintex phone doesn’t work at all, you will need a replacement phone. Cintex Wireless customers are provided with a 15-day window starting from the delivery date of their Mobile Device to initiate a return for any defective Mobile Device or accompanying accessories. If a Mobile Device is found to be defective, Cintex Wireless may, at its discretion, replace it with a new phone. To request a replacement for a defective phone, please contact Cintex Wireless Customer Support at +1 (855) 655-3097.
If your Cintex Wireless phone is lost or stolen:
If your phone was lost or stolen, you may qualify for a free replacement or can purchase a replacement. Simply call the Customer Service at +1 (855) 655-3097.
When it comes to replacement phone models, you can expect to receive the same phone model as your original device or a comparable model with comparable features. However, instead of receiving a basic phone model comparable to your original device, you can decide to opt for an upgraded model for a small fee. You can see the available upgrade phones at https://cintexwireless.com/upgrade-phone.
Cintex Wireless is dedicated to ensuring your connectivity, and it offers various options to help you continue benefiting from Lifeline on a smartphone. To comply with federal regulations, it’s important to activate a new phone promptly, as service to inactive accounts may be canceled after 30 days.
How Do I Activate Cintex Wireless Free Phone?
Activating your complimentary Cintex Wireless phone is a straightforward process, requiring just one simple action: making an activation call.
Here are step-by-step instructions:
Dial 611 and select option 3. Upon doing so, you will receive a confirmation message indicating the successful activation of your Cintex device. Once you receive this message, your Cintex device is ready to use. It’s a hassle-free process.
If your device is already activated, you will be notified with a message confirming its previous activation.
To activate your SIM new Cintex SIM card, visit https://cintexwireless.com/active-my-sim-card and follow the on-screen instructions.
Cintex Wireless Free Phone-Related Other Things You Should Know
Why does Cintex Wireless offer free cell phone services?
Cintex Wireless provides free cell phone services through the Lifeline and ACP government assistance programs. The company offers eligible clients free plans with minutes, texts, data, and smartphones, as they are reimbursed by the government for providing these benefits to eligible households. The government provides this assistance in hopes of bridging the digital divide between people.
How good is Cintex Wireless’s free phone service?
Cintex Wireless offers a solid and reputable option for Lifeline-eligible customers in the states they cover. Their plans are reliable, and the free phones included in the plans are of good quality.
Can I add minutes to my Cintex Wireless free phone?
Yes, you can easily add minutes by visiting Cintex Wireless’s official website, clicking on Shop in the top menu, and selecting Top-up refills.
What network does Cintex Wireless use?
Cintex Wireless uses several of America’s most reliable and largest networks.
Does Cintex Wireless charge any cost for a free phone?
No, the free phones and plans offered by Cintex Wireless are completely free for Lifeline and/or ACP-eligible households. Upgrade phones, on the other hand, are not free, however, they are very affordable.
How long does it take to receive a Cintex Wireless free phone?
Once your application is accepted, Cintex Wireless typically ships the free phone and activation SIM kit within a few days.
Can I upgrade my Cintex Wireless free phone at no cost?
Unfortunately, upgrade devices are not provided for free.
Can I switch the Cintex Wireless free phone to another carrier?
Cintex Wireless has an unlocking policy in place, allowing users to unlock their phones once certain conditions are met. Unlocked phones can be used with other carriers that offer a Bring Your Own Phone option, but compatibility should be verified.
Are Cintex Wireless phones compatible with other carriers?
Once unlocked, Cintex Wireless phones should be compatible with other carriers. However, compatibility may vary, so it’s essential to check with each carrier individually.
Is Cintex Wireless GSM or CDMA?
Cintex Wireless is a GSM service provider, as such, GSM phones are likely to be compatible with the company’s services.
What to do if I have additional Cintex Wireless free phone and plan-related questions?
If you have additional questions or experience any issues, you should check the FAQ section at https://cintexwireless.com/help-center. Alternatively, you can contact the company’s customer support service at +1 (855) 655-3097 or https://cintexwireless.com/contact.
