We must make something clear first as we do not want to be misleading any of our readers. The ‘Virgin Mobile Assurance Wireless Phone’ title that you can see above is being used because people are still searching for Assurance Wireless compatible Virgin Mobile phone models. However, you need to know that Assurance Wireless is no longer affiliated with Virgin Mobile.
Moreover, as of January 2020, Virgin Mobile announced that it is shutting down its operation. All its remaining customers were transferred to Boost Mobile in February 2020.
That said, Assurance Wireless still operates and continues to offer free wireless plans and cell phones to call Lifeline eligible users, it is just no longer brought to you by Virgin Mobile. Thus, we will take a closer look at Assurance Wireless, its advantages, and some cell phone models that they are giving for free to all Lifeline-eligible users.
Are you ready to dig deeper? Let’s do this.
What is Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless is a worry-free way to stay connected with family, school services, doctors, and employers. Assurance Wireless provides a free smartphone, along with free phone service each month to low-income residents in over 40 states.
Low-cost plans with more minutes and data are also available as well as low international rates to over 200 countries. There are no bills, long-term contracts, or activation fees.
Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline is a government benefit program supported by the federal Universal Service Fund. Enrollment is available to individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. You may qualify if you participate in certain public assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or others. Moreover, you can also qualify based on your household income. Proof of program participation or proof of income must be provided in order to qualify.
Assurance Wireless is operating on the Sprint network, however, since Sprint became a part of the T-Mobile family in 2020, it is now using the T-Mobile network. This means you can expect a reliable and high-quality signal in most areas all across the state.
Furthermore, Assurance Wireless is one of the Lifeline wireless carriers that offer services in a great number of states and thus serves a large number of users all across the nation.
Why Choose Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile Phone?
Keep in mind that as a Lifeline eligible customer, you get to choose the carrier that you feel best suits your needs and expectations, assuming you live in an area where more than one Lifeline provider is available.
In this section, we will present you with the benefits of Assurance Wireless, which will help you determine whether or not their services are of your interests.
One of the main benefits of Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile phone service is their great coverage. Most Lifeline carriers are servicing only a couple of states but Assurance Wireless operates in over 40 states.
Aside from impressive coverage, eligible customers get free monthly data, free unlimited monthly texts, free monthly minutes, and a free Android smartphone. The exact amount of mobile data and minutes vary from state to state. For instance, Californians are offered the best deals. In order to view details for your area, visit the Assurance Wireless official website and enter your zip code.
Other Assurance Wireless program benefits include no annual contract, voicemail account, calling waiting, caller id, 911 access, free calls to customer care, and free unlimited calling to 211. All that on Sprint’s and T-Mobile’s reliable network.
In addition to the above free benefits, Assurance Wireless offers their Lifeline eligible clients to upgrade their plans with several top-up options and Unlimited Talk & Text Plans. Those include:
- Additional Voice Minutes:
- $5 for 250 additional Voice Minutes each month
- 10¢ each additional Voice Minute
As an Assurance Wireless client, you get to purchase the above online (https://origin-www2-ls.virginmobileusa.com/login/login.do). After signing in to My Account click on Add More Minutes under I Want To…
- Additional Data Available (Valid for 30 calendar days from date of purchase):
- $1 for 100MB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $3 for 500MB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $5 for 1GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $10 for 2GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $20 for 4GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
- $30 for 5GB High-speed Data for 30 service days
To purchase the above data visit the link in the parenthesis (https://origin-www2-ls.virginmobileusa.com/login/login.do). After signing in to My Account click on click Add on Data under I Want To…
- Unlimited Talk & Text Plans (upgrades to a free plan, which all include 3GB of data)
- $15 Plan:
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- Total Data: 3.5GB
- $20 Plan:
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- Total Data: 4GB
- $30 Plan:
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- Total Data: 7GB
- $45 Plan:
- Unlimited minutes
- Unlimited texts
- Total Data: 13GB
As an Assurance Wireless client, you get to purchase the above online (https://origin-www2-ls.virginmobileusa.com/login/login.do). After signing in to My Account click on Add Minutes and Data Bundle under I Want To…
- $15 Plan:
Assurance Wireless Benefits Recap
- FREE AndroidTM Smartphone
- 3GB FREE Data Each Month
- Unlimited FREE Texts Each Month
- A minimum of 1000 FREE Voice Minutes Each Month
- FREE Voicemail Account, Call Waiting, and Caller ID
- FREE 911 Access
- FREE Unlimited Calls to 211
- FREE Calls to Customer Care
- Keep Your Current Home or Cell Phone Number
12 Best Virgin Mobile Assurance Wireless Phone Models
Before we move on with this section, we need to inform you that as an Assurance Wireless Lifeline client, you get a free smartphone. However, keep in mind that you do not get to choose the device. You get what you get. That said, we will take a closer look at some of the most common devices that are offered by Assurance Wireless.
You also need to keep in mind that all phones offered for free by Assurance Wireless are entry-level Android smartphones. This means that none of the devices below is capable of performing the most advanced multitasking or run the latest mobile games fast and smoothly. However, for an average user, the one that is mainly using the phone for calls and texting, the following models should do the trick.
1. ZTE Tempo X
Main features:
- 5.0″ Touchscreen Display (854×480)
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 5MP Rear Facing Camera
- Li-ion 2200mAh Battery (up to 14.7 hours talk time)
- 1.1GHz Quad Core Processor
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
2. ZTE Quest Plus
Main features:
- 4.0″ Touchscreen Display (800×480) TFT WVGA
- M3/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 2.0 MP Rear-Facing Camera/0.3 MP Front Facing
- Removable Li-ion 1600mAh Battery (up to 14 hours talk time)
- 1.1GHz MSM8909 Quad Processor
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
3. ZTE Prestige 2
Main features:
- 5.0″ Touchscreen Display (854×480) TFT
- M3/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetoo
- 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 5MP Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2035mAh Battery (up to 17 hours talk time)
- 1.1GHz Quad Core Processor
- 16GB ROM/2GB RAM
4. Unimax U683CL
Main features:
- 5’’ Touchscreen Display (854×480) TFT
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 64GB microSDtm Card Compatible
- 2MP Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2000mAh Battery (up to 5 hours talk time)
- Android Go Operating System
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
5. L51
Main features:
- 5’’ Touchscreen Display (854×480)
- TFTM4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- 2MP Rear, VGA Front Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2000mAh Battery (up to 5 hours talk time)
- Android Go Operating System
- 8 GB ROM/1GB RAM
- External memory: Supports up to 32GB MicroSD
6. Kyocera Hydro Reach
Main features:
- 5.0″ Touchscreen Display (qHD 540×960)
- M4/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 64GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 5MP Rear Facing Camera
- Li-ion 2160mAh Battery (up to 11.9 hours talk time)
- 1.1GHz Quad Core Processor
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
7. Coolpad Legacy SR
Main features:
- 5.45” Touchscreen Display HD+(1440×720)
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- 8MP Rear, 5MP Front Cameras
- Removable Li-ion 2450mAh Battery
- Android™ 9; Google Assistant
- 16GB ROM/2GB RAM
- External memory: Supports up to 64GB MicroSD
8. Coolpad Legacy GO
Main features:
- 5.0” Touchscreen Display (854×480) FWVGA
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- 5MP with Flash, Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2150mAh Battery (up to 12 hours talk time)
- Android Go Operating System
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
- External memory: Supports up to 64GB MicroSD
9. Coolpad Illumina
Main features:
- 5.0” Touchscreen Display (854×480) FWVGA
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDtm Card Compatible
- 5MP with Flash, Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2150mAh Battery (up to 12 hours talk time)
- Android Go Operating System
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
10. Coolpad Avail
Main features:
- 4.0″ Touchscreen Display (WVGA 480×800)
- M4/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.0, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 2MP Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 1600mAh Battery (up to 14.4 hours talk time)
- 1.2GHz Dual-Core Processor
- 4GB ROM/512MB RAM
11. Wiko Life 2
Main features:
- 5.5” Touchscreen Display FWVGA+(960×480)
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- 2MP Rear, VGA Front Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2500mAh Battery (up to 16 hours talk time)
- Android™ 9; Google Assistant
- 16GB ROM/2GB RAM
- External memory: Supports up to 32GB MicroSD
12. ALCATEL Dawn
Main features:
- 4.5″ Touchscreen Display (480×854) TFT
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 5MP Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 1780mAh Battery (up to 13 hours talk time)
- 1.1GHz Quad A7 Processor
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
Note: Aside from the free phones provided as part of the Lifeline deal, Assurance Wireless offers their existing clients (those already provided with a free device) higher grade devices to be purchased in some areas. To see if this option is available in your region, visit https://shop.assurancewireless.com/ and enter your Assurance Wireless number.
Related post Latest Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones
How do I Get the Assurance Wireless Free Phone?
In order to get Assurance Wireless free phone, you need to qualify for the Lifeline Assistance support. We’ve already mentioned above that there are two ways to meet the criteria, either by participating in a certain government-supported program or by low income.
Lifeline Eligibility Details
So, do you qualify for the Lifeline support? Below are the details that will help you answer that question.
Qualify Based On Your Participation In Federal Assistance Programs
You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participates in one of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands):
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Showing a card, letter, or official document, as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for Lifeline is required (proof). You can sign up for Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.
Qualify Based On Low Income
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
Showing proof of income (e.g. three consecutive pay stubs or a tax return) when you apply for Lifeline is required.
Applying
Once you have determined that you are eligible for Lifeline support you have two options, each of which has additional options.
You can either apply directly with official Lifeline Support or you can visit the Assurance Wireless website and apply via their system. Before you do that, make sure to ensure that the Assurance Wireless service is available in your area. To do so, visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and enter your zip code.
Applying via Lifeline Support
Online option via Lifeline National Verifier:
- Visit https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline, choose your state, and click the ‘Get Started’ button. (Note: This option is not yet available in all states)
- Follow the steps and enter all the necessary information. Make sure to have scans or photographs of all necessary documents and proofs ready to upload.
Via regular mail:
- Print an application and fill it out:
- Send the completed application together with the copies of the required document to Lifeline Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742
After approval, enroll with Assurance Wireless.
Applying via Assurance Wireless
If you decide to apply directly with Assurance Wireless (keep in mind that they will redirect your application to the same authorities as to the above option), you have three options:
- You can apply online at https://www.assurancewireless.com/apply-now
- Call Assurance Wireless Customer Care at 1-888-898-4888
- Speak to a representative in your neighborhood. The representative will help you apply. Along with proof of eligibility, you will be required to provide proof of address and identity to qualify for a free Assurance Wireless phone. Once the representative receives confirmation that you are approved for Lifeline service, you will be provided with a free phone. The representative will help you activate it.
Read More How To Get Assurance Wireless Free Phone
How to Activate the Assurance Wireless Phone?
After you’ve determined that you are eligible and have successfully submitted your application, you need to wait to be informed that your application has been approved. If you’ve applied directly via Assurance Wireless, you’ve also already enrolled with their plan. However, if you’ve applied via Lifeline Support directly, you now need to get in touch with Assurance Wireless (call 1-888-898-4888) and tell them that your Lifeline application has already been approved and that you’d like to enroll in their free Lifeline plan.
Whichever of the two approaches you go with, you will be mailed a package with a phone.
Once you were mailed an Android™ Smartphone follow the steps below:
- Press and hold the Power Button to turn on your phone. Allow hands-free activation to connect the phone to their network and then allow the phone to check for any updates. The phone will power off.
- After the phone turns back on, it may ask you to customize your phone. You may need to skip the setup screens and complete Step 3 first.
- Dial 611 and follow the recorded directions.
- When prompted, enter your Assurance Wireless Account PIN, which can be found at the top of your Assurance Wireless approval letter.
Note: Customers who sign up with a representative will receive help with the activation process.
How to Replace the Assurance Wireless phone?
Keep in mind that Assurance Wireless serves only Lifeline eligible clients. As such, you need to qualify and apply for Lifeline Support. This will provide you with a free phone.
However, let’s say you want a better device or that you have lost or damaged your free device or it was perhaps stolen. What to do? How to replace your Assurance Wireless phone?
If you are interested in upgrading your device, you may visit https://shop.assurancewireless.com/ and enter your Assurance Wireless number to see what phones are available in your region. Keep in mind though that this option is limited to certain locations.
If your phone was stolen, damaged, or lost, you need to contact Assurance Wireless support. Call 1-888-321-5880 right away so no one else may use your remaining account balance (in case of a lost or stolen phone). You may be charged for a replacement device and shipping.
Read More How To Replace Assurance Wireless Phone If Lost, Stolen Or Damaged
Where to Buy Assurance Wireless Virgin Mobile phone?
As explained in the introduction section, Virgin Mobile is no longer operational and is also no longer associated with Assurance Wireless.
As far as the Assurance Wireless mobile devices go, you by this point that they provide all their clients with free devices. This means that all Assurance Wireless users start off with a free device that was selected and provided by the carrier.
However, they offer existing clients to upgrade their phones. To do so, users must visit https://shop.assurancewireless.com/ and enter their Assurance Wireless number to see what phones are available in their region. Keep in mind that this option is limited to certain locations, which means that you may not be able to buy an Assurance Wireless mobile phone anywhere.
FAQs
Which network does Assurance Wireless use?
Assurance Wireless uses Sprint’s network. However, since 2020 Sprint has been acquired by T-Mobile, which means that Assurance Wireless now operates on T-Mobile’s network.
Can I transfer my Assurance Wireless number to another phone?
Transferring your Assurance Wireless phone number to another phone is easily done if you are staying on the Assurance Wireless network (upgrading a phone scenario). In that case, you will continue to use the same SIM card and no special action other than activating your new device will be required.
It is somewhat different if you want to transfer your Assurance Wireless number to other carriers. In that case, you need to get a green light from both, Assurance Wireless (call 1-888-321-5880 and explain your request) and from the carrier you are transferring to. With the latter, you will need to request to port-in your number.
Are other carriers’ mobile phones compatible with Assurance Wireless?
No. Assurance Wireless is very strict and does not offer a ‘Bring your own phone’ option. This means that the Assurance Wireless services may only be used with free phones provided by Assurance Wireless or with the devices obtained at https://shop.assurancewireless.com/.
Can I put my Assurance Wireless SIM card in another phone?
Physically you may put the SIM card in any other phone, however, since Assurance Wireless does not offer a Bring Your Own Phone option, their SIM card only work with their devices.
Where can I buy minutes for my Assurance Wireless phone?
Assurance Wireless enables its clients to top up their accounts via their online services. All plan upgrades or add-ons are available at https://origin-www2-ls.virginmobileusa.com/login/login.doafter a user has signed in. After signing in to My Account a user gets to click on Add More Minutes or Add on Data under or Add Minutes and Data Bundle under I Want To …
Final Thoughts
We’ve covered a lot in today’s article. At this point, you should know all of the most important information regarding the Virgin Mobile Assurance Wireless phone. Starting with the fact that Virgin Mobile is no longer associated with Assurance Wireless.
You’ve also learned about the Lifeline eligibility and application process, which are all essential parts of becoming an Assurance Wireless user. You also know that you get a free Android smartphone when enrolled with Assurance Wireless, which you do not get to choose.
Furthermore, we have also presented you with the main features of the most popular Assurance Wireless devices that come for free, which will help you set your expectations.
Assurance Wireless is one of the best Lifeline providers and offers great benefits, as such it definitely deserves your attention.
We hope you’ve found the information herein useful and that you will use it wisely.
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