Life Wireless lets you bring your own phone and keep your number. Its terms say the device must be compatible with its service, and its open internet page says devices must be 5G or 4G capable and FCC-approved. The catch is cost: Life Wireless’s state plan pages list a one-time, non-refundable $50 fee for a physical SIM card or eSIM.
This guide covers the requirements, the fee, activation, and when bringing your own phone makes sense. For bringing a phone to any company, see bring your own phone to Lifeline. For the company overview, read our Life Wireless review.
Life Wireless BYOD requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Network | 5G or 4G capable phone |
| Approval | FCC-approved device |
| Compatibility | Must work with, and not interfere with, Life Wireless service |
| Unlocked | A phone locked to another carrier will not work; see can you unlock a free government phone |
| SIM or eSIM | One-time, non-refundable $50 fee listed on state plan pages |
Life Wireless’s coverage page links to AT&T’s reseller coverage map, so a phone that works on AT&T’s network is the safest choice. Life Wireless does not publish a compatibility checker, so ask customer care before you pay the SIM fee.
Is bringing your own phone worth it at Life Wireless?
| Situation | Better option |
|---|---|
| Your Life Wireless phone was lost | Compare the $55 replacement fee with the $50 SIM fee; see Life Wireless replacement phone and returns |
| You have a much better unlocked phone | Bringing it is worth the $50 if you will keep Life Wireless |
| You want to avoid fees entirely | Compare companies with free SIMs; see our Access Wireless bring your own phone and Assurance Wireless bring your own phone guides |
Keep your number
Life Wireless says you can keep your phone number when you switch. If you have had Lifeline with another company for more than 60 days, you can fill out Life Wireless’s application and be switched automatically; see how to apply for Life Wireless and our guide to a Lifeline transfer. Keep your old service active until the switch is done.
Activate your own phone
- Confirm compatibility with customer care at (888) 543-3620.
- Get your SIM card or eSIM (with the $50 fee, if it applies in your state).
- Insert the SIM or add the eSIM.
- Call the Activation Line at 770-200-1000 if activation does not complete.
- Make a test call and send a text.
For help, see Life 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, and you can compare companies in our Lifeline providers guide.
Sources: Life Wireless: Terms, Life Wireless: Open internet, Life Wireless: Texas plan, Life Wireless: Coverage, Life Wireless: FAQ, Life Wireless: Home.