If your Life Wireless phone is lost, stolen or damaged, report it to customer service right away at (888) 543-3620. In most cases you can get a replacement phone by paying a $55 replacement fee, which Life Wireless says is based on state regulations, and it ships within 24 business hours after payment. You are responsible for any charges until you report the phone lost or stolen.
This guide covers replacement costs, SIM replacement, return rules and the California exceptions. For replacement policies at other companies, see lost or stolen Lifeline phone replacement. For the company overview, read our Life Wireless review.
Replacement costs
| What you need | Cost and timing |
|---|---|
| Replacement phone (lost, stolen or damaged) | $55 in most cases; ships within 24 business hours of payment |
| Replacement SIM | Free within 30 days, then $5 |
| Replacement phone in Puerto Rico | $55; replacements may be refurbished |
| Defective phone in California | Replaced free with a new or refurbished phone |
| Phone damaged by you in California | Replaced at your expense |
Step by step
- Call (888) 543-3620 (Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET), or use the contact form topic “SIM / Battery / Phone Replacement.”
- Report the phone lost, stolen or damaged. Charges stop being your responsibility from this point.
- Pay the replacement fee.
- Activate the new phone when it arrives; call the Activation Line at 770-200-1000 if needed.
- Make a test call, which also counts for the Lifeline 30-day usage rule.
Return rules
| Phone | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Free phone | Not eligible for return or refund (all states except Puerto Rico) |
| Purchased phone | Returnable within 30 days of receipt for a full refund, in like-new condition with original packaging; call for an RMA number; you pay return shipping; refunds can take up to two months; restocking fees may apply |
| California LifeLine phone | Returnable within 3 days of activation with no restocking fee |
Cheaper alternatives to the $55 fee
- Use a phone you already own. See Life Wireless bring your own phone, but note the $50 SIM/eSIM fee on the state plan pages.
- Switch companies. Some companies include a phone for new customers; a Lifeline transfer moves your benefit. Compare in our Lifeline providers guide.
Unlocking your old phone
Life Wireless unlocks phones no later than one year after activation for customers in good standing, and deployed military can unlock early with deployment papers. See can you unlock a free government phone.
For help, see Life Wireless customer service. For California details, see Life Wireless California LifeLine. The program basics are in how to apply for Lifeline, and every guide is on the free government phone hub. Your eligibility through income or SNAP does not change when you replace a phone.
Sources: Life Wireless: FAQ, Life Wireless: Returns, Life Wireless: Terms, Life Wireless: California terms, Life Wireless: Unlocking, Life Wireless: Contact.