enTouch Wireless phones ship with a plan loaded: you power the phone on and call (866) 488-8719 to activate. If you are bringing your own phone, enTouch sends a free SIM, and you activate it by calling the same number with the ICCID printed on the SIM package. iPhones also need enTouch’s data settings profile.
This guide covers each case, keeping your old number, and fixes when data does not work. For the company overview, read our enTouch Wireless review. For activation at other free government phone companies, see how to activate a free government phone.
Activate a new enTouch phone
- Power on the phone. It ships with your plan loaded.
- Call (866) 488-8719 to activate.
- Make a test call and send a text.
Activate an enTouch SIM in your own phone
- Punch out the SIM size your phone needs from the card.
- Insert the SIM into your phone.
- Turn the phone off and on again.
- Call (866) 488-8719 with the ICCID number from the SIM package.
- Test calls, texts and data.
Your phone must be unlocked; see can you unlock a free government phone and bring your own phone to Lifeline.
iPhone data settings
On an iPhone, connect to Wi-Fi and install enTouch’s APN profile from the link on its activation page. Without it, calls may work but mobile data will not.
Keep your old number (port-in)
Have these ready before you call:
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Your phone’s ESN or IMEI.
- Your old account number and PIN.
Ports take 24 to 48 business hours. enTouch advises not starting a port on a Friday. Keep your old service active until the port completes; if you are coming from another Lifeline company, see Lifeline transfer.
Fixing data and signal problems
enTouch’s support page gives these fixes:
| Phone type | Fix |
|---|---|
| Phones on T-Mobile (GSM) | Set the APN to “pwg” in mobile network settings |
| Older Sprint-network phones | Dial ##72786# to reset |
| Any phone | Dial 611 to check your balance; you may be out of data |
If the phone still fails, see free government phone not working or contact enTouch Wireless customer service. Once active, use your phone at least once every 30 days; see the Lifeline 30-day usage rule.
If you have not applied yet, start with how to apply for enTouch Wireless or the general steps in how to apply for Lifeline. You qualify through income or a program such as SNAP, and can compare companies in our Lifeline providers guide.
Sources: enTouch Wireless: Activate, enTouch Wireless: Support, enTouch Wireless: Terms of service.