SafeLink Wireless is a carrier devoted to the Lifeline Assistance program. This means it offers its services only to those individuals/households that are eligible for the Lifeline Assistance support. SafeLink is provided by TracFone Wireless and thus based on the largest “No-Contract” cellular network service.
There are certain areas where SafeLink offers free phones, however, in most regions, it prioritizes Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) option. This means, that you can bring in your existing phone, or purchase it elsewhere and use it with your FREE SafeLink plan.
The most common plan you can get if you bring your own phone to SafeLink includes 350 free minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data on a monthly basis.
Herein we will have a closer look at SafeLink Wireless’s BYOP option. We will provide you with all the details regarding the process and exact steps you must take to get all the perks that SafeLink offers.
After reading this article you will know exactly if the SafeLink BYOP is the right choice for you and how to proceed if you decide to give it a try.
SafeLink BYOP Process
SafeLink Wireless has a slightly different procedure compared to other wireless providers. The simplest way to go around it is online (and this is what we will focus on), however, you can also find a local retailer and sort the transfer in person (find a local dealer at this link https://www.safelink.com/wps/portal/home/retailers).

The SafeLink BYOP process online will start by you visiting SafeLink Wireless’s website. The first thing you should do is to enter your ZIP code in the white box next to the “Apply Now – Enter your zip code to start the process” text. After entering your ZIP code you must click the blue “START” button.
This will transfer you to a page that includes all the details regarding the Lifeline Assistance program. We advise you to read it carefully and then click the “CONTINUE” button at the bottom. This will initiate the application process that consists of the following steps:
- Personal Info
- Address
- Eligibility
- Device Info
- Review
- Application Completed
To successfully complete your application make sure you have all the documents ready (ID, tax report, Social Security Number, etc.). Moreover, make sure you are not currently exploiting the Lifeline Assistance with another carrier.
To successfully complete the entire process, simply follow the instructions on each step and enter the information requested.
Through this process, you will provide all the information to prove your eligibility. Moreover, you will also check that your current device is eligible.
SafeLink BYOP Compatibility Check
Unlike many other Wireless providers that offer the BYOP option, SafeLink doesn’t offer a designated page on their website where the phone’s compatibility can be checked. As described above, this part is done via the application process.
There are some general rules that will let you know in advance if your existing phone is compatible with the SafeLink wireless network. More on that will be covered in the last section.
SafeLink SIM Activation Kit
Once you will complete the above-presented application process you will simultaneously apply for the SafeLink SIM activation kit. Great thing is that you don’t have to purchase it, it is provided to you free of charge. It normally arrives at your address in a couple of days after completing the application process.
SIM card installation/SafeLink SIM card activation
As soon as the SafeLink SIM card is delivered to you, you may install it on your phone. This process is general to all phones and all SIM card types. You will either have to remove the battery and insert the SIM card in the rear SIM card slot or use the side SIM card slot, which is a standard for newer smartphones.
If you need help with SIM card installation, ask any of your younger family members, or use Google or YouTube to find results for “How to insert SIM card” or similar. If this doesn’t help, call SafeLink technical support at 1-800-378-1684 and ask them to guide you through the process.
Once you have successfully installed your SIM card, you will have to activate it. To do so, you will have to visit https://www.safelinkupgrades.com/upgrade/collectmin and enter your phone number, then click the “CONTINUE” button and complete the process.
NOTE: If you need any help from the SafeLink support team, just call them at 1-800-723-3546 and ask for assistance.
How to reactivate your old SafeLink?
The re-activation process is the same as the activation process. Simply follow the above instruction and get your account reactivated ASAP.
Can I keep my old cell phone number when I switch to the SafeLink BYOP program?
If you are qualified for the SafeLink Service you can also port in your existing phone number to SafeLink Wireless. Once you have received your free SIM card via mail please call the SafeLink Technical Support number at 1-800-378-1684 and inform the SafeLink representative you want to port in your phone number.
Most Common SafeLink Activation Problems
Normally there are no problems with the activation process, however, people do often enter wrong PIN numbers and ID numbers.
Make sure not to stress out and simply follow the activation process instructions and remember that you can always call SafeLink support for assistance at 1-800-723-3546.
9 Best SafeLink Bring Your Own Phone
NOTE: SafeLink offers its clients to upgrade their phones, however, they typically do not offer the latest phones. As such, all of the below present phones may only be used through the SafeLink Wireless’s Bring your Own Phone option.
3 Latest SafeLink Bring Your Own iPhones
iPhone SE (2nd generation – 2020)
Features:
- Highly compact and pocket-friendly size
- Lightweight and very thin
- Designed to be handled with a single hand
- Relatively affordable for an iPhone
- Very solid combination of performance, size, and price
Specifications:
- Display: 4.7 inches
- Dimensions: 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 inches
- Weight: 5.22 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 12MP; Front: 7MP
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
- Battery: 1821mAh
Why best?
iPhone SE is the latest iPhone. It offers a great combination of performance and affordability. It is not as pricey as iPhones tend to be. Its best pro is its pocket-friendly size, which is something that many users tend to appreciate.
iPhone 11
Features:
- WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
- Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Siri natural language commands, and dictation
- Very slim design – less than 1 cm thick
- Perfect sizing for most users – Not too big, not too small
- Available in various colors, including Black, Green, Yellow, Purple, Red, White
Specifications:
- Display: 6.1 inches
- Dimensions: 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches
- Weight: 6.84 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 2x 12MP; Front: 12MP
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB/256GB
- Battery: 3110mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
iPhone 11 is a current Apple flagship model, though there are two Pro models alongside it that are more capable. It offers great design, packs all the amazing features that may all be experienced via a large display. It is best for Apple fans that do not require/want the edgiest features.
iPhone 11 Max Pro
Features:
- The most powerful battery among iPhones
- Pro-grade camera set for advanced photography
- Large display for movies and series watching
- Fast charging – 50% in 30 min
- Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Siri natural language commands, and dictation
- Highest level of water and dust resistance among all smartphones
Specifications:
- Display: 6.5 inches
- Dimensions: 6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32inches
- Weight: 7.97 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 3x 12MP; Front: 12MP
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB/256GB/512GB
- Battery: 3969mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
iPhone 11 Max Pro is the best and the largest smartphone that Apple currently has to offer. It is the best choice for all iPhone fans that want large display and extreme performance.
NOTE: If you want extreme performance but a slightly smaller size, then you should consider iPhone 11 Pro.
3 Latest SafeLink Bring Your Own Samsung Phones
Samsung Galaxy S20
Features:
- Fast charging
- Triple rear camera
- Powerful processor
- The latest Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with high resolution
- Corning Gorilla Glass 6 Protection
Specifications:
- Display: 6.2 inches
- Dimensions: 5.97 x 2.72 x 0.31 inches
- Weight: 5.75 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 12MP + 64MP + 12MP; Front: 2x 10MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4000mAh; Fast charging 25W
Why best?
This is the current Samsung flagship model. It offers incredible performance, large display, and pro-grade features.
NOTE: If you want a larger display or even more edgy features, consider Samsung Galaxy S20+ or Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra.
Galaxy Note10 Lite
Features:
- Large display and solid performance
- Powerful battery with fast charging
- Many extra features, including fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and ANT+
- Stylus (Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, gyro)
Specifications:
- Display: 6.7 inches
- Dimensions: 6.44 x 3.00 x 0.34 inches
- Weight: 7.02 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 3x 12MP; Front: 32MP
- Processor: Exynos 9810
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4500mAh; Fast charging 25W
Why best?
Great smartphone for all note-takers; busy individuals who want to make multitasking as simple and as fast as possible but do not require the edgiest camera and processor power for the latest advanced mobile gaming.
NOTE: If you want a larger display or even more edgy features, consider Samsung Galaxy Note10 or Samsung Galaxy Note10+.
Samsung Galaxy Fold
Features:
- Completely new kind of smartphone
- Largest display ever
- Can be used folded or unfolded
- A powerful set of cameras
- Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, ANT+, Bixby natural language commands and dictation
- Samsung DeX (desktop experience support)
Specifications:
- Display: 7.2 inches; 4.6” cover display
- Dimensions: Unfolded: 160.9 x 117.9 x 6.9 mm; Folded: 160.9 x 62.9 x 15.5 mm
- Weight: 9.28 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 12MP + 12MP + 16MP; Front: 10MP + 8MP; Cover camera: 10MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 512GB
- Battery: 4380mAh; Fast charging 15W
Why best?
One of its kind smartphone that offers extremely large display (when unfolded) and practical, single-hand use when folded. Its 12GB will help you manage even the most advanced tasks with ease.
3 Latest SafeLink Bring Your Own Android Phones (other than Samsung)
Google Pixel 4 XL
Features:
- It includes advanced features, such as face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
- Great processor
- Solid camera set
- High-resolution display
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection
- Best phone for Google apps
Specifications:
- Display: 6.3 inches
- Dimensions: 6.31 x 2.96 x 0.32 inches
- Weight: 6.81 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 12.2MP + 16MP; Front: 8MP + TOF3D
- Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB
- Battery: 3780mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
Google Pixel 4 XL is a great choice for all android fans and Google apps lovers. It offers great performance, advanced cameras, and a large but not too large display.
Moto G8 Power
Features:
- Extremely powerful battery with fast charging
- Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
- Very solid performance
- Quality and durable design
Specifications:
- Display: 6.4 inches
- Dimensions: 6.14 x 2.98 x 0.38 inches
- Weight: 6.95 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 16MP + 8MP + 8MP + 2MP; Front: 16MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
Its battery is extremely powerful and durable, which gives it some edge over other smartphones. It is also relatively affordable.
TCL 10 Pro
Features:
- Strong battery life
- Fast charging – 50% in 35 min
- Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
- Impressive OLED display
- Great premium design
Specifications:
- Display: 6.47 inches
- Dimensions: 6.24 x 2.85 x 0.36 inches
- Weight: 6.24 ounces
- Camera: Rear: 64MP + 16MP + 5MP + 2MP; Front: 24MP
- Processor: Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery: 4500mAh; Fast charging 18W
Why best?
The TCL 10 Pro delivers a premium design, great display, and solid performance at a relatively affordable price (compared to the leading smartphone brands). It offers solid memory size and performance. Great for those who are not looking for the best camera set.
SafeLink Bring Your Own Phone List
SafeLink Wireless doesn’t provide a specific list of phones, the do have a more general guideline as per below.
During the application process, you will also go through the compatibility check process, however, if your phone meets the following criteria, your phone will normally work with SafeLink:
- Your phone requires a SIM card. SafeLink has traditional, Micro, and Nano SIM cards. Micro and Nano SIM cards are smaller than traditional SIM cards and are typically found in newer phones and various iPhone models.
AND
- You have an unlocked phone. If your phone says, “Restricted,” “Contact Service Provider,” or doesn’t allow you to make calls or access your phone book, the phone is most likely locked. Contact your previous carrier to unlock your phone.
OR
- You have an AT&T GSM, T-Mobile GSM, Sprint CDMA, Verizon CDMA, U.S. Cellular CDMA or GoSmart Mobile phone.
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