These days most of us can’t imagine our lives without a cell phone. As such, it is very important to know what to do when unfortunate events occur. Herein, we will cover how to replace SafeLink phone if it stops working properly, is lost, or even stolen.
We will cover as many details as possible to provide you with as helpful guidance that will ensure you to replace your SafeLink phone as fast as possible and reconnect with the world.
Why and When Should You Replace Your Safelink Phone?
If you have been unfortunate enough to have your device stolen or damaged, you will need to get a replacement device to continue using your Safelink services.
There are two particular situations to keep in mind; one is in case your phone got damaged and you still have a working Safelink SIM card and the other is that your phone with the SIM card inside got stolen.
In the case where you still have your activated SIM card, you may use it with any other compatible device. Simply place the SIM card inside the phone and turn it on. If the SIM card and the phone are compatible, you will be able to continue using your services.
Of course, you can get in touch with Safelink support and request a replacement device.
In case your SIM card got stolen or lost with your phone, you have no other option than to call Safelink support, explain your situation, and request for replacement SIM activation and phone.
Aside from the above two reasons, you may also have an old phone on your hands that you want to replace. In that case, you might also want to upgrade (t.i. replace your current phone with a newer device).
What Type of Replacement Phone Does Safelink Provide?
Officially, Safelink’s policy states that they no longer provide free replacement phones: “If you wish to continue receiving SafeLink service, you may either buy a replacement phone from us, or provide your own unlocked phone, and purchase a replacement SIM card.”
However, they still tend to be as kind to their users and if possible provide them with replacement devices. If that is the case, the replacement phone is typically some sort of refurbished entry-level Android.
What If The SafeLink Phone Doesn’t Work?
NOTE: This section covers phones malfunctioning without being physically damaged; meaning you haven’t caused the malfunction to occur.
Your phone might have stopped working properly, got super slow, perhaps only certain functions don’t work anymore, or maybe it is completely unresponsive or broken. Whichever the case, you must get your phone fixed or replaced.
Most of the SafeLink devices follow a 1-year warranty policy, so if the phone stops working within the first year the general warranty should cover the repair or provide you with a free NEW phone.
1st-year warranty rules:
- The policy states that if you get a defective device you can receive a new one within the first year.
- In order to replace your phone, you must, however, be able to prove the phone’s date of purchase and present a receipt.
- The warranty can only be exercised by the owner and is in no circumstances transferrable.
When it comes to the first year warranty, things are very case-sensitive, thus it is best to call the SafeLink support at 1-800-723-3546 or 1-800-378-1684 as soon as the issue occurs. You can also visit a local SafeLink representative to assist you further. They will provide you with detailed further instructions.
What If Your Safelink Phone Is Lost, Stolen, Or Damaged?
We all do the best we can to take good care of our phones, however, sometimes we do get distracted and we drop them or misplace them. Furthermore, they also get stolen.
SafeLink Phone Replacement Procedure
Since SafeLink is one of the largest providers, they decided to offer a very generous solution to this problem. You must understand that as a provider, they are not responsible for physical damages, lost, or stolen phones. You understand that, right? Yet, they allow their customers one FREE replacement phone in case of it being stolen or lost, of course, after they have determined that you are not abusing their policy.
If your device is damaged the urgency completely depends on your needs. If the damage occurred within the first year, you may ask if it is perhaps covered by the warranty. However, the SafeLink replacement policy applies only for lost or stolen phones.
However, if your phone is lost or stolen you must act as fast as possible to avoid a third party inflicting additional cost to your account. As soon as you realize that your phone is lost or stolen, call SafeLink support at 1-800-723-3546 and file a report.
GENERAL SAFELINK REPLACEMENT PHONE PROCEDURE:
- Call 1-800-723-3546 (Enrollment & Plan Changes Support Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST & Sunday 8:00 am – 7 p.m. EST) OR 1-800-378-1684 (Enrollment Technical Support Hours: 8:00am -12:00 a.m. EST (7 days a week)) and report your issue. Inform the representative of the estimated last date of use. Provide a detailed description of where you may have lost the phone or how it got stolen.
- Provide the representative with your mobile device’s serial number or ESN found on your activation card. If you cannot locate the activation card, provide the representative with the cell phone number.
- Request to keep your old phone number or apply for a new one. After the representative reports your cell phone lost or stolen, request that a copy of the report be sent to your active email address. Check your email address to make sure that you have received the email and a cell phone replacement confirmation number.
- Expect the replacement SafeLink mobile device to be mailed to you within three to ten business days, without cost. Check the contents upon arrival to make sure that the replacement cell phone, battery, charger, SIM card, and activation card are intact.
GENERAL SAFELINK REPLACEMENT PHONE RULES:
- Call 1-800-723-3546 or 1-800-378-1684 as soon as possible in case your device is lost or stolen.
- Everyone can get only ONE FREE replacement phone.
- A FREE replacement phone is a refurbished device.
- If you are getting a FREE replacement phone because your previous device has been lost or stolen, then you get only 10 minutes of lost airtime (for the ongoing month). All additional airtime that you may have had will not be replaced.
- All reported lost or stolen phones are DEACTIVATED PERMANENTLY.
- SafeLink replacement policy (section 13 of the SafeLink Wireless Terms and Conditions of Service) refers only to stolen or lost phones. If you severely damage your phone (e.g. run it over with your car, drop it in a toilet) you are not entitled to receive a replacement phone.
- If your phone is lost or stolen in the transit, SafeLink follows its cover company’s (TracFone) rules by offering a ONE-TIME service to provide you with a replacement phone and airtime.
How Do I Permanently Deactivate Safelink Lost or Stolen Phone?
Safelink’s policy clearly states: “All reported lost and stolen phones will be permanently deactivated.”
This means that all you have to do is call Safelink support and report your phone lost or stolen and it will be permanently deactivated.
How Do I Activate My Safelink Replacement Phone?
Activating your replacement phone is not much different than the initial activation. Keep in mind that the activation is only required in case that you are also getting a new SIM card. If you have a Safelink SIM card at your disposal and are only getting a replacement device, you simply place the SIM card in it and start using it.
If you are reactivating your existing phone, you may simply text REACT to 611611. However, if you are activating your Safelink account for the first time, visit https://www.safelink.com/wps/portal/home/Activate and complete the steps.
Tricks to Help You Locate Your Phone If Lost or Misplaced
However, sometimes the phone is just misplaced and knowing the following tricks can help you find it. If it’s turned on, it can be rather easy to do so. If you believe that your phone has just been misplaced, then try one of the following actions (depending on the type of phone you have) to help you locate it:
- Call your number – use another phone and call yourself. Listen carefully because it might be in your proximity. If some else answers, ask them kindly to store it for you until you come to pick it up or to send it to you.
- Find your Android phone using Google Android Manager – if you’ve used your Android phone for any of Google services (Gmail, Chrome Browser, Google Play, …), then use a laptop or a tablet, log in to your Google account and enter “Find my Android phone” into the Google search bar. Then scroll down until you find a result that says ’Find your phone – My Account – Google’’. Click on that result and follow the on-page instructions.
- If you have an iPhone, you may use ‘Find my iPhone’ or iCloud to locate it. It works similarly to the above android phone finder.
- Let your mobile service provider help you locate your phone. Call your provider’s customer support and ask them if they can help you locate your phone.
If none of the above options worked for you or if you are certain that your phone has been stolen, proceed to the next section.
Where And How To Submit A Phone Replacement Claim If Not Replaced By The Authority?
In our case, the authority is Safelink and if they refuse to provide you with a FREE replacement phone, which they have the right to do, you will be given a chance to purchase a highly affordable replacement phone.
The only alternative option to file a claim is with your insurance company if you have insured your phone before the incident.
If you don’t have phone insurance and if Safelink doesn’t want to provide you with a FREE replacement phone, your only option to continue using Safelink will be to purchase a replacement phone, get an upgrade phone, or obtain a phone elsewhere and use with Safelink’s BYOP option.
Online you can find companies that offer practical websites, which may be used to file a claim for almost all existing carriers. The two most reputable and most widely used companies of that sort are Asurion and PhoneClaim.com, however, we can boil it down to Asurion since the PhoneClaim.com uses their platform to offer their services.
By visiting any of the two above-mentioned sites or any other site that offers you to file a claim online, you will be able to select your provider and complete the claim process. Moreover, you will be able to track your claim’s progress and stay on top of things with ease.
Though these sites can be handy and helpful in cases when you have valid phone insurance or warranty, however, they will do you no good, if you don’t have phone insurance or your warranty has already expired. You may always try your luck but generally speaking, you can save a lot of time by either purchasing a replacement phone, upgrading to a new one or switching your provider directly.
Safelink Replacement Phone List
As far as the replacement phones go, they are not chosen by the customer. Replacement phones are provided by the Safelink according to their current availability of refurbished phones. Safelink never lists which models may be provided as a replacement phone, however, we were able to look at their store and assume that the following may be valid options:
- ZTE Z FIVE 2
- ZTE MAVEN 3
- ZTE AVID 4
- LG REBEL 4G
- LG PHOENIX 3
- MOTOROLA G4
- ALCATEL CAMEO X
- ALCATEL IDEALXCITE
- ALCATEL 1X EVOLVE
- ALCATEL A30 FIERCE
- COOLPAD DEFIANT
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S4
- SAMSUNG GALAXY J3 LUNA
- SAMSUNG GALAXY SOL 4
6 Best SafeLink Phones Replacements for 2021
When it comes to replacement phones, there are three major alternatives:
- In case of your first replacement, you are entitled to A FREE REFURBISHED REPLACEMENT.
- If you are replacing your free replacement (2nd, 3rd, and all consecutive replacement phone), you must pay it in full.
- You can upgrade to a smartphone, starting at $39.
In case of a FREE refurbished replacement, you don’t get a chance of actually choosing a phone yourself. However, if you decide to purchase it or upgrade, then you can select a device you prefer.
Below are some very solid affordable options you can choose from in 2021.
ZTE Z Five 2 4G
Z Five 2 is a solid smartphone with a large screen and solid rear and front cameras that will help you capture some special moments. It also offers a highly responsive interface that is able to handle multiple tasks at the time.
Features:
- 5” touchscreen
- 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
- 4G LTE
- Android 6.0, Marshmallow
- 4. GHz Quad-Core Processor
- 8GB Internal memory, optional microSD up to 32GB
LG REBEL 4G
LG REBEL 4G is a very solid smartphone from a reputable manufacturer. It is equipped with an HD screen and 8 MP rear and 5MP front cameras to help you create memories in the form of photos and videos. Its 4G connectivity will enable you to surf the internet smoothly.
Features:
- 5” HD touchscreen
- 8MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- 4G LTE
- Android 8.1 Oreo
- 4. GHz Quad-Core Processor
- 16GB Internal memory, optional microSD up to 32GB
Alcatel 1X Evolve
The new Alcatel 1X Evolve features an 18:9 Full View display that maximizes on-screen content by minimizing borders, so you can check more social updates, and watch videos like they’re intended to be seen. With a quad-core processor, 4G LTE, and Android 8.1 Oreo, the Alcatel 1X Evolve has the power to keep up with your daily demands.
Features:
- 4G LTE
- 34″ FWVGA+ HD display
- 8MP rear, 5MP front
- Android 8.1 (Oreo)
- Quad-Core 1.1GHz processor
- 2460 mAH battery
- 16GB of memory, microSD up to 32GB
- 2GB RAM
ZTE Avid 4
The ZTE Avid 4 is loaded with features and flexibility, ready to personalize to fit your life. The Avid 4 comes with a 5.0″ FWVGA display and a 2520 mAh battery. Save your favorite moments by capturing those striking photos with either the 5MP front camera or the 8MP rear camera.
Features:
- 4G LTE
- 5″ FWVGA touchscreen display
- 8MP rear, 5MP front
- Android OS, v7.0 (Nougat)
- Quad-Core 1.1GHz processor
- Removable Li-Ion 2520 mAh battery
- 16GB of memory, microSD up to 32GB
- 2GB RAM
Alcatel A30 Fierce
The Alcatel A30 FIERCE is designed to immerse, impress, and perform. Powerful performance with a big-screen experience, connected convenience with Amazon Alexa, and a large 32GB internal storage ensure you have a versatile mobile companion for everyday work and play.
Features:
- 4G LTE
- 5″ HD Display with 2.5D Dragontrail Glass
- 13MP rear, 5MP front
- Android OS, v7.0 (Nougat)
- Quad-Core 1.5GHz processor
- Micro-SIM
- 3,000 mAH battery (12h 3G Talk)
- 32GB of memory, microSD up to 128GB
- 2GB RAM
Coolpad Defiant
The affordable Coolpad Defiant™ is optimized for your smartphone needs. Packed with the essentials, Defiant features a large 2,450mAh battery, a fast 1.4GHz processor and the latest Android Nougat OS. Its 5” display offers an expansive viewing experience and brings the phone’s features to life. And with 8GB of internal and 32GB of expandable memory, you will have plenty of space for your apps, photos, and games! Be bold. Be different. Defy the status quo.
Features:
- 4G LTE
- 0″ HD display
- 5MP rear, 5MP front
- Android OS, v7.0 (Nougat)
- Quad-Core 1.4GHz processor
- 2,450 mAH battery
- 8GB of memory, microSD up to 32GB
- 1GB RAM
How to Replacement Safelink SIM
Replacing the SIM card is a very rare thing (unless you are replacing it with another provider’s SIM card). However, let’s assume that you’ve takes your Safelink SIM card out of your phone and lost it or damaged it accidentally. In order to continue using Safelink services, you will need a new Safelink SIM card.
In this situation, you must call Safelink support on 1-800-378-1684, explain your situation and follow their instruction. This situation is treated as a lost or stolen phone situation.
They will need to deactivate your old SIM (just in case you are trying to obtain two SIM cards at the time) and then send you a new SIM card, which you will have activate upon receiving and physically installing it in your phone. Also, make sure to request to keep your previous phone number (if that is what you want).
Do Insurance Companies Replace The Mobile If Lost Or Broken Or Damaged?
Yes, if that exact situation is covered by your insurance policy. However, you must understand that insurance companies do all they can to avoid expenses, as such they have a lot of fine print in place, which means that not all lost or stolen phone situations fall in the same category and that they will always examine your situation.
Difference Between Safelink Phone Replacement and Phone Upgrade
The most obvious difference is in the fact that replacement phones fall in the same category as the free government phones, which are provided by the carrier and you can’t choose the actual phone. Even if a replacement phone is not FREE, it is still chosen by the carrier.
On the other hand, the upgrade phones are completely your choice. You choose any phone you like (of course it must be available in their store), pay for it and use it with the Safelink services.
Safelink Replacement Phone Others Thing You Need to Knew
Does Safelink offer any plans when I replace a Safelink phone?
Safelink is devoted to serving Lifeline eligible clients. Users are not able to choose their plans, rather, they are provided with a special free plan. In case additional airtime is required, one can purchase it.
How long does it take to replace a Safelink phone?
The process starts with a user’s call to Safelink support. The process will be initiated immediately, though the shipping of replacement SIM and phone may take a couple of days.
Can I Find My Friend’s Lost Qlink Phone Using My Safelink Phone?
Qlink mainly focuses on Android phones. If you have two Android phones, you can always log into your Google account and use Find My Phone to locate your device.
If both have iPhones, you may log in to your iCloud account and use the ‘Find My’ feature to locate your device.
Can I put my old Safelink SIM in a new Safelink replacement phone?
Yes. Safelink phones are compatible with Safelink services, so you simply enter your existing SIM card into a new phone.
Can I transfer my Safelink service to a new replacement phone?
Yes. That is the whole point. In order to continue using your Safelink service, your account will be transferred to a new replacement phone.
Does Safelink charge me when I replace my phone?
Officially, Safelink no longer offers free replacement phones. You may purchase one or use any existing phone or one purchased elsewhere as long as it is compatible with the Safelink services.
Can I change my Safelink phone number when I replace my phone?
Your phone number is not connected to your phone but to your SIM card. So, if you are also replacing your Safelink SIM card, you can change your phone number very easily.
How to cancel my Safelink service if I lost my phone?
You need to call Safelink customer support at 1-800-723-3546 and file a report.
What are Safelink compatible phones?
Safelink compatible phones are all phones that are able to function with Safelink SIM cards.
Final Words
SafeLink is a leading Lifeline provider that serves millions of users throughout 38 states. It offers very generous Lifeline FREE deals, good free government phones, and even one FREE replacement phone per user.
If you want to know about Qlink replacement visit How To Replace Qlink Wireless Phone
If you want to know about free Government smartphone phones read Free Touch Screen Government Phones
