In California, Access Wireless offers a California LifeLine plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text and 6 GB of data at no monthly cost. The sign-up process is different from other states: you get a PIN from the California LifeLine Administrator, and the state program covers a $39 activation fee for first-time enrollees and people switching providers.
This page covers California’s plan, how to sign up, the activation fee rule, top-ups and renewal. For the company in other states, read our Access Wireless review. For the program behind every free government phone, see how to apply for Lifeline.
Access Wireless California plan
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Plan | California LifeLine Unlimited Talk, Text and 6 GB, free of charge |
| Phone | Free phone; model varies with inventory |
| Activation fee | $39, covered by California LifeLine for first-time enrollees or people switching providers |
| Fee limit | The fund covers up to 2 activation fees per household per year; after that you pay $39 |
| New service line | 1-888-900-8920 |
How to sign up in California
- Call Access Wireless at 1-866-594-3644 or visit an event, a participating Kroger store or a retail site.
- Receive a PIN from the California LifeLine Administrator.
- Apply at californialifeline.com or by mail with that PIN.
- Bring your date of birth, Social Security number, ID and proof of your qualifying program.
Since February 1, 2026, California residents apply separately for California LifeLine and federal Lifeline, because the FCC moved federal applications in California to the National Verifier. Ask Access Wireless whether you are enrolled in both.
Top-ups in California
Access Wireless’s California page lists its own top-up prices, which differ from other states: $5 for 500 MB, $10 for 1 GB, $25 for 7.5 GB, $35 for 8.5 GB and $50 for 10 GB. International calls are charged per minute plus airtime.
Renewing California LifeLine
California LifeLine renewals come from the state administrator, not Access Wireless. Access Wireless lists four ways to renew: on a smartphone at private.californialifeline.com, by phone at 1-877-858-7463, on a computer at californialifeline.com, or by mailing back the pink envelope. You may also get a reminder text from Access Wireless. Our guide on how to recertify Lifeline explains the federal side.
Keep your California LifeLine active
- Use the phone at least once every 30 days; California removes the discount after 30 consecutive unused days. See the Lifeline 30-day usage rule.
- Only one LifeLine benefit is allowed per household; see the one-per-household rule.
- Switching companies more than twice a year can mean paying the $39 activation fee yourself.
For activation steps, see the Access Wireless activation guide; for help, Access Wireless customer service. To compare California plans across companies, see our Lifeline providers guide, including Assurance Wireless, which offers 12 GB in California. Programs such as CalFresh, California’s name for SNAP, qualify you.