Are you a SafeLink customer wondering how to switch from SafeLink to Qlink Wireless? If so, you have come to the right place. However, before we answer this question, let’s first take a look at why would you perhaps want to switch from SafeLink to Qlink in the first place.
There are several potential reasons for switching from SafeLink to Qlink, including:
- You may be moving to a state where SafeLink doesn’t offer its services.
- You may be moving to an area where Qlink offers better coverage.
- Qlink’s Lifeline and ACP services may better fit your needs.
- You may wish to receive Qlink’s free tablet (as SafeLink doesn’t offer free tablets).
Steps For Switch From SafeLink Wireless to Qlink Wireless
Regardless of why you want to make the switch, you will have to know exactly how to switch from SafeLink to Qlink.
As both SafeLink and Qlink offer Lifeline and ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) benefits, we must take a look at how to transfer both benefits.
Steps 1: Preparing to Switch from SafeLink to QLink
Transferring your government assistance benefits (both Lifeline and ACP) from SafeLink to Qlink is simple. All you need to do is to contact Qlink’s customer support service (online at “qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx” or by phone at 1 (855) 754-6543) and ask the representative to transfer your benefits. The agent may ask you to apply for the company’s services or they may be able to assist you with that as well. Transferring your Lifeline and ACP benefits should not result in an interruption in service.
Steps 2: Transfer Your Lifeline Benefit From SafeLink Wireless to Qlink Wireless
Qlink’s agent will ask you to provide certain information that will enable the company to successfully process your Lifeline transfer request. This information includes:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal ID number
- Home address
- Phone number (and the information about whether you wish to keep the phone number or get a new one)
- Your verbal or written consent acknowledging that once the transfer is complete, you will lose your benefit with the previous company and that Qlink has explained that consumers may not have more than one Lifeline benefit per household.
Steps 3: Transfer Your ACP Benefit From SafeLink Wireless to Qlink Wireless
To transfer your ACP benefit, you will have to contact Qlink’s customer support service, ask them to transfer your ACP benefit, and provide the following information:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- The identity data provided in your application
- Home address
- Phone number
- Your verbal and written consent for transfer (see above)
Steps 4: Enrolling in QLink From SafeLink Wireless
Now it’s time to enroll in QLink. When you provide all of this information, you may be asked to apply and you can order a new SIM card for your phone from Qlink. If you are eligible for receiving a Qlink tablet, you may also use your SIM card on your tablet.
Think about whether or not you wish to keep your old phone number. Also, decide if you wish to bring your own phone to Qlink. This may be a good idea, as Qlink offers free government phones to certain customers in certain areas.
To bring your own phone to Qlink, visit “qlinkwireless.com/byop.aspx”, type in your phone’s ID number (ESN, IMEI, or MEID), and press ‘Continue’. The system will tell you if your device is carrier-unlocked and compatible with Qlink’s services. This webpage also includes instructions on how to find your phone ID and BYOP eligibility rules.
All SafeLink phones are locked to SafeLink’s network, however, they can be unlocked under certain conditions. To unlock your SafeLink phone, you must contact SafeLink’s customer support service. The agent will inform you if your phone is eligible to be unlocked.
Steps 5: Activating Your QLink Phone
Once you receive a Qlink SIM card and prepare a Qlink-compatible phone or tablet, you will be able to carefully insert the SIM card into the device’s SIM card slot, turn the device on, enter your QLink activation code and activate it on Qlink’s network. Only once you do so, will your service be fully transferred and you will be able to enjoy the Lifeline and/or ACP benefits from Qlink.
If you have any questions or issues with your QLink service, customer service and support is available to assist you. You can reach out to QLink through their website or by phone for help with any issues you may be experiencing.
Comparison Between SafeLink Wireless And Qlink
Now you know exactly how to switch from SafeLink to Qlink Wireless. But before you actually do so, it is vital to compare both companies in all the most important areas. Only so will you be able to make an informed decision.
SafeLink and Qlink are both Lifeline and ACP providers that offer discounts on monthly phone and wireless internet services. However, their exact offers differ from one another.
Depending on the plan and state, SafeLink’s customers can receive up to:
- Free unlimited monthly talk minutes
- Free unlimited monthly text messages
- Free calls to Canada and Mexico
- Up to 25GB of free high-speed data
- Up to 5GB of free hotspot data
- A free smartphone
Depending on the plan and state, Qlink’s customers can receive up to:
- Free unlimited monthly talk
- Free unlimited monthly text
- Free unlimited picture messaging
- Free unlimited monthly data
- Access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations
- A new tablet with a huge ACP discount that costs only $10.01.
Moreover, SafeLink and Qlink operate in different U.S. states.
Networks Comparison Between SafeLink And Qlink
Both SafeLink and Qlink are MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that don’t have their own network towers but use another company’s network instead. Furthermore, both companies offer access to the network of one of the three largest carriers in the country, as such, both companies provide reliable networks.
SafeLink uses TracFone’s nationwide network, which means that it enables customers to choose one of the three largest networks – AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Qlink Wireless, on the other hand, uses T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
Coverage Areas Comparison Between SafeLink And Qlink
Good coverage is of utmost importance. Make sure that the company you wish to switch to has the same or better coverage in your area.
- See SafeLink’s TracFone coverage map at my previous article “What Network Does SafeLink Use” or “https://ww3.tracfone.com/coverage/check”.
- See Qlink’s coverage map at qlinkwireless.com/coverage.
Customer Care Comparison Between SafeLink And Qlink
When it comes to customer support service, there are no major differences between the companies. Both enable customers to contact them online or by phone and both offer professional and prompt care.
FAQ
If I Switch From SafeLink Wireless to Qlink, Can I Keep My Old Number?
When you switch from SafeLink to Qlink, you can easily keep your old number. All you have to do is to make sure you are eligible to do so, contact the company, and provide certain information.
If I Switch From SafeLink Wireless to Qlink, Will I Lose Lifeline Eligibility?
By switching from SafeLink to Qlink you won’t lose your Lifeline eligibility. On the contrary, as Qlink is also a Lifeline provider, you must be Lifeline-eligible to apply for Qlink’s services in the first place. However, you cannot receive benefits from both companies at once.
Are There Any Special Conditions for Switching From SafeLink Wireless to Qlink?
When you switch from SafeLink to Qlink, make sure to respect these rules and restrictions:
- Only one person per household can receive Lifeline and/or ACP benefits.
- Only eligible households can apply.
- Only residents of the states where Qlink offers its services can switch to Qlink.
- A household can only receive benefits from one company at a time, however, they can switch to another company in their state at any time.
- Normally, you can transfer your benefit to a new company once a month. To do so sooner, make sure to contact your company and ask if you are eligible for a transfer exception.
- If you didn’t receive a tablet with a huge ACP discount from your previous provider, you will be able to get one from the new provider. However, if you already have an ACP tablet, Qlink will not provide you with another one.
