Access Wireless lets you use your own phone instead of the free one it provides. The phone must be GSM LTE compatible (its phone page says “unlocked LTE 4G/5G compatible”), unaltered, fully paid off with its original carrier, and not reported lost or stolen. Access Wireless’s terms say you get a free SIM.
This guide covers the requirements, the compatibility check and activation. For bringing a phone to any company, see bring your own phone to Lifeline. For the company overview, see our Access Wireless review.
Access Wireless BYOD requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Network | GSM LTE compatible; unlocked LTE 4G/5G device |
| Unlocked and paid off | Paid off with the original carrier |
| Software | Unaltered operating system (not rooted or jailbroken) |
| Not blacklisted | Not reported lost or stolen |
| SIM | Free Access Wireless SIM, per its terms |
Check your phone
- Dial *#06# to get your IMEI.
- Find the ICCID number printed on your Access Wireless SIM card.
- Enter both in the checker on Access Wireless’s eligible phones page.
- If your phone came from another Lifeline company, confirm it is unlocked; see can you unlock a free government phone.
Activate your own phone
- Insert the Access Wireless SIM.
- Dial 611 from the phone, or call 1-866-594-3644 from another phone, to activate it on your account.
- Make a test call, send a text and open a web page.
- If data does not work, reset network settings; see the Access Wireless activation guide.
Why bring your own phone
- Keep a better phone than the free model, including a newer iPhone if it is compatible and unlocked.
- Avoid paying full price for a replacement if your Access Wireless phone was lost; see Access Wireless replacement phone.
- Keep your hotspot-capable phone; Access Wireless’s support page includes hotspot setup steps, though its terms limit tethering to what your plan describes.
If your phone does not qualify
You can use the free phone Access Wireless provides to eligible new customers, or compare other companies’ networks and phone offers in our Lifeline providers guide; Assurance Wireless also accepts unlocked phones on T-Mobile. If you are moving from another Lifeline company, a Lifeline transfer brings your benefit.
For help, see Access Wireless customer service. For the program basics behind every free government phone, see how to apply for Lifeline. You qualify through income or programs such as SNAP.
Sources: Access Wireless: Lifeline support, Access Wireless: Eligible phones, Access Wireless: Terms.