Q Link is one of the most popular telecommunications companies and Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) providers in the country. It offers its eligible low-income customers free government cell phone service with free unlimited data, talk, and text. The company also offers a new tablet, which is funded by the ACP and subject to a contribution of a $10.01 co-payment.
In this article, you will find out all there is to know about the Q Link tablet activation process and more.
Why Should Q Link Tablets Be Activated?
Q Link offers its ACP subscribers a new tablet to enjoy along with the free unlimited cell phone service under their network.
Tablets are incredibly practical devices. They can serve as substitutes for laptops, as they are large enough to enable comfortable reading, writing, watching videos, gaming, or other tasks that require larger screens. On the other hand, they can also replace cell phones, as, unlike laptops, they have a SIM card slot that enables the device to get connected to the carrier’s network and use the carrier’s talk, text, and data.
Q Link’s free tablets come with the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Tablets also have a webcam, microphone, and apps that enable users to connect to loved ones, work, virtual classrooms, emergency services, and more through the internet. As such, tablets offer plenty of benefits without being activated.
However, if you do the Q Link tablet activation process, you will be able to do much more with the device. This way you will be able to use Q Link’s services on the tablet and enjoy its many benefits, including:
- Unlimited talk minutes
- Unlimited text messages
- Unlimited monthly data
- 10 million free Wi-Fi locations
- Access to America’s largest nationwide 4G/5G network (T-Mobile)
What to Do Before Q Link Tablet Activation
Before you can start your Q Link tablet activation, you must take a few vital steps:
1. Sign up for Q Link’s ACP program
In order to sign up for Q Link’s ACP program, you must be ACP-eligible and able to prove it. ACP is a government assistance program that offers low-income citizens discounts on monthly internet services and in the case of some providers (including Q Link Wireless) internet-connected devices (tablets).
A household is ACP-eligible if its annual income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. It also qualifies if a household member participates in a qualifying government assistance program, such as Lifeline, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, or certain Tribal Programs, or if the household has received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
To prove your eligibility, you must provide a copy of an unexpired official document that contains all the required information (your income, program participation, etc.) and submit it during the application process.
Apply for the ACP program by visiting qlinkwireless.com, entering your ZIP code and email address in the provided boxes, and pressing ‘Get It Now’. Then, follow the on-screen instructions, provide all the required information and documentation, and apply.
2. Receive a Q Link ACP tablet and SIM card kit.
If your application gets accepted, you will receive both a Q Link ACP discounted tablet and a SIM card kit. You will need both to start the Q Link tablet activation process.
How Do I Activate a Q Link SIM Card on a Tablet?
Generally, there are three ways to activate a Q Link Wireless SIM card on a tablet:
- Manually
- Using the Q Link app
- By contacting Q Link’s customer support service
See the detailed instructions in the next section.
Q Link Tablet Activation Process
Once you have both your Q Link tablet and SIM card, follow these quick and simple steps that activate your Q Link tablet manually:
- Step 1: Insert your Q Link SIM card into the tablet. Charge your tablet and turn it off. Locate the SIM card slot on the device. Prepare your Q Link SIM card kit and select the appropriate SIM size. Carefully insert your Q Link SIM card into the tablet’s SIM card slot. Turn your tablet back on. If you get a network signal immediately, you can start enjoying your services. However, as it is mostly not that simple, you may need to proceed with the following steps.
- Step 2: Reset your network. If you don’t have a network signal or get a message saying that you are not registered on the network, you will have to reset your network. To do so, go to the tablet’s Settings app. Tap Reset or Network Settings, and finally select Network Reset and follow the on-screen prompts. Afterwards either enable and disable Airplane mode or restart your tablet. If you get the signal now, you can enjoy your services. Otherwise, continue.
- Step 3: Change your APN settings. If you are still unable to make/receive phone calls or use data, you will have to change your APN settings manually. See the APN settings for Android devices and iOS devices below.
To do the Q Link tablet activation process using the Q Link app, follow these instructions:
- Visit your tablet’s app store and search for the My Mobile Account app by Q Link Wireless. Download it and install it following the prompts.
- Log into your Q Link account using your Q Link mobile number. You can also do so at qlinkwireless.com/login.
Finally, you can also complete the Q Link tablet activation process by contacting the provider’s customer support service. To do so:
- Dial 1-888-505-7678 or 1-855-754-6543.
- Ask to activate your Q Link SIM card.
- You can also contact Q Link’s help center at qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx.
After Activating the Tablet, How to Set Up Q Link APN for Android?
To locate your qlink APN settings on your Android device, go to Settings, Connections, Mobile Networks, and there, you will see Access Point Names, which is what APN stands for. Note that the step names may vary between devices.
Once you get there, press Access Point Names, tap Add and input the following APN values:
- APN: Q Link
- MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc
- MNC: 240
- MCC: 310
- APN type: default, supl, MMS
- APN Protocol: Select IPv4/IPv6
Save the settings and restart the device.
After Activating the Tablet, How to Set Up Q Link APN for iOS?
Q Link Wireless does not offer iOS tablets, therefore you will generally not be required to activate an iOS tablet. However, as the company allows you to bring your own tablet or phone, which may be an iOS device, you can access your APN settings at Settings, Cellular, and Cellular Data Network. Input these settings:
- APN: qlink
- Username: (Leave this blank)
- Password: (Leave this blank)
Save the settings and restart the device.
How Long Does Q Link Tablet Take to Activate?
As you can see above, the Q Link tablet activation process is quite quick, regardless of which method you choose. Once you complete all the steps, your tablet should be activated.
In case you are experiencing any issues during the Q Link tablet activation process or if you have any questions, make sure to contact the company’s customer support service.
How Can I Deactivate My Q Link Tablet?
To deactivate your Q Link tablet, you can simply turn it off, turn on airplane mode, or eject the Q Link SIM card. This way, you will still be able to use the tablet but you will not be able to use Q Link’s monthly services.
However, to deactivate your entire Q Link account, call Q Link’s customer support service at 1 (855) 754 – 6543. Tell the representative that you wish to deactivate your account, whether you wish to do so temporarily (for example, if your device and SIM card were lost or stolen) or permanently, and why. The agent will take care of the rest.
How Can I Reactivate My Q Link Tablet?
If you have deactivated your Q Link tablet by simply tuning it off, enabling airplane mode, or ejecting the SIM card, you can reactivate it by turning the device back on, disabling airplane mode, or reinserting the SIM card.
If, however, you have deactivated your entire Q Link account (for example, because the device was lost or stolen) and now you wish to reactivate it (because you found the device), contact the company’s customer support service once again and explain your wish.
How to Unlock My Q Link Tablet
If you wish to take your Q Link tablet and use it with another carrier, you will have to unlock it first. To do so, contact Q Link’s customer support service. The agent will check if your device is eligible to be unlocked (paid off in full, not flagged as lost or stolen, and not involved with fraud). If so, they will remotely unlock your device.
In case you also need information How Do I Activate My Qlink SIM Card
FAQ
Why Does My Q Link Wireless Data Sometimes Not Work on My Tablet?
If your Q Link data does not work, try some troubleshooting methods at support.qlinkwireless.com/purchased-data-q-link-phone-im-not-able-access-internet-can-fix.
How Long Does It Take to Transfer My Number From Old Phone After Activating Q Link Tablet?
It depends. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 1 business day.
Does Q Link Tablet Have Hotspots?
Q Link currently doesn’t offer hotspots for their devices.
Why Does My Tablet Sometimes Have a Weak Signal?
There are several possible reasons. You may be outside the network’s coverage area, roaming, or in a place with weaker signal strength. Factors such as terrain, traffic volume, service outages, and weather may also influence signal strength.
Is My Q Link Tablet Covered Under Warranty?
Yes. You have a 14-day Q Link guarantee and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers all malfunctions that did not result from the misuse of the device.
Does the Q Link Provide Any Tablets for Free?
Not exactly. According to the rules of FCC, each customer must pay a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 to obtain the device. In Q Link’s case, you must pay $10.01. The offer may vary between states.