Cell phones have taken over a huge part of our lives. They are essential devices that are so hard to live without in these current times. The thoughts of losing one when you are not in the right financial state to buy another are devastating. This is because the level of inconvenience that comes with losing a phone is unmatched. From losing valuable data to losing essential contacts, there are a lot of inconveniences that come along. If you lost, damaged, or misplaced your phone as a SafeLink customer, you should worry less. This is because SafeLink has fair replacement policies on their phones. Whether you brought your own phone to safelink or got a free government phone from them, it’s so possible and simple to replace your phone with this service provider.
SafeLink Wireless is one of the leading lifeline cell phone provider in the US. The company has helped millions of families and individuals to remain connected through their free program. Serving in nearly all states, this company provides free phones to eligible consumers. The good news is that these phones can be replaced through SafeLink one year warranty. However, this replacement is limited to one time per user. This means you can’t replace your phone twice from SafeLink free of charge. Also, there is no assurance of getting a brand new phone as they offer refurbished phones of the same brand and model. It’s also important to note that there are instances that safelink will decline to replace your phone. To know more about safelink phones that are eligible for replacement, safelink phone replacement procedure, and the types of phone to get, we bring to you this helpful guide. Therefore, stick with us to the end!
Why You Replace SafeLink Phone
Several instances might force you to replace a SafeLink phone. You need to replace your SafeLink phone if it defects in materials and workmanship due to system failure under normal use by the buyer. Luckily, replacing such a phone with safelink is so easy on condition that it’s within their one-year limited warranty.
If your phone was damaged, stolen, or misplaced, you should also replace it to continue using SafeLink services. If your phone was stolen without a SafeLink activated SIM card, chances are that you still have the older card with you. Call SafeLink customer service, request a phone replacement, get your new device delivered, insert your older SIM card, activate your phone, and continue using SafeLink services. If you misplaced your phone and the SIM card, you need to ask for both phone and SIM replacement.
Cell phones are hastily improving. From a larger and sharper screen display, more clear cameras to better performance, there are a lot of advancements noticed in newer phones. If you want to enjoy the benefits of an updated phone, you can return your older phone and get a newer one at a cost. Lastly, you can replace your SafeLink phone if you want a newer model.
What Can I Do If The SafeLink Phone Doesn’t Work
If your SafeLink phone doesn’t work, you should call the SafeLink customer care team, explain the situation and ask for a replacement. However, if your phone is not working due to physical damage (your fault), you will incur the cost of its replacement.
On the other hand, if the phone stopped malfunctioning without any physical damage from the user (not your fault), SafeLink will repair or replace it under their one-year warranty policy.
What Can I Do If My Phone Is Stolen
If you notice your phone is missing, you should first confirm whether it’s stolen or just misplaced. To confirm whether the phone is just misplaced or not, use your friend’s number to call your number. Listen to confirm whether the phone will ring in your proximity. Alternatively, you can use your tablet/laptop to access your google account and find your android phone in the search bar. If it’s an iPhone, use iCloud to find your phone.
If you still can’t find your phone, call SafeLink to help locate it for you. If the phone is still not found, it might have been stolen. In this case, report your issue and the representative will permanently deactivate your stolen phone. Once deactivated, go ahead and request a replacement phone from SafeLink. Unfortunately, any airtime loaded in your stolen phone will be lost.
How Does SafeLink Wireless Phone Replacement Work
SafeLink wireless phone replacement works by allowing consumers to request a replacement when their free government phone is lost or stolen. Once you ask for a replacement, you will get a one-time free refurbished phone that is similar or comparable to your lost phone. Also, you can return your malfunctioning phone and get a replacement if the phone stopped working with no physical damage. If your replaced phone is lost or damaged for a second time, SafeLink will not be answerable. In this case, you will have to purchase a new phone from them.
Note that you can also return a new phone from SafeLink either for replacement or refund. This mostly happens if the phone dint entices you or perhaps it’s in default. However, you must return it within one month from your delivery date. Also, you must pay for shipment back to the sender with a copy of the receipt attached. In addition, your phone must be looking new, in an excellent working condition, in its original package and all accessories attached just as it arrived. These are accessories like a charger, manual, battery, and your phone. Once returned, SafeLink can refund you or replace it with another phone.
If you want a replacement of the same value, SafeLink will ship a new phone for you. If you want a higher value replacement, you will be requested to top up the difference to get your upgraded phone. If you want a refund, you will get it within 30 business days.
1. SafeLink phone replacement policy
Millions of phone users lose, misplace or damage their phones in a year. Since SafeLink is always committed to ensuring everyone remains connected, it made phone replacement easy and smooth. However, there are several rules or policies set by SafeLink regarding their phone replacement. If you are looking forward to getting a phone replacement from SafeLink, you should meet the following rules.
- Your phone will be replaced one free time to one customer.
- When replacing your lost phone, you will get a refurbished device
- If you are asking for a replacement over a lost phone, it must be deactivated by the SafeLink customer team.
If you need to replace your defective phone under SafeLink warranty services, your phone must meet the following policies:
- Your phone must not be subjected to any abnormal condition, improper storage, unauthorized connections, neglect, abuse, alteration, accident, and exposure to moisture.
- Your phone must be properly used to operate its intended purpose
- Your phone must not be damaged by any external courses like fire, floods, accidents, battery leakage, warms, earthquake or any other natural calamity.
- Your phone must have its serial number plate or enhancement data code intact.
- Your phone must not be damaged by viruses or any third-party sourced software.
- Your phone must not be outside the 12 months limited warranty period.
- To get your phone replaced, you must be the original purchaser who bought it from an authorized dealer. Note that SafeLink warranty is not transferrable under any circumstance.
- You must provide a dated itemized receipt or bill of sale as evidence of the original date of purchase.
- Your phone replacement will not cover loss of any personal information like contacts, password, ringtones, saved music, videos, memory cards, apps, software or any other content.
- Your phone must be purchased from an authorized dealer or from the SafeLink official website with verified IMEI numbers.
2. SafeLink phone replacement procedure
Once you meet the above eligibility rules, time is ripe to request your phone replacement from SafeLink. To replace your phone:
- Call SafeLink customer care on 1-800-723-3546
- Once you call them, report your problem to the representative. If your phone was stolen, you should inform them the exact day, where and how your phone was stolen.
- The representative will need your lost phone’s serial number or ESN. If you can’t find the numbers, you can also submit your cell phone number.
- If you want to keep your old phone number, you can send a request. Alternatively, you can apply for a new number
- After your request has been received, the representative will deactivate your stolen phone.
- You will receive an email address with your phone replacement confirmation number.
- Expect your SafeLink replacement phone to be shipped to you on the condition that is has been confirmed eligible for replacement.
- If you want to replace a phone that is defective, the technician will give you a ticket number. Use the number to send your defective phone to your designated SafeLink service center for replacement. Here, you can get a SafeLink phone replacement or a repair.
3. How long does it take to get a SafeLink phone?
When you request for SafeLink phone replacement, the process will start immediately. After, the phone will be shipped to you within three business days. However, it can take up to ten business to get it delivered. Once you receive your phone, always remember to confirm whether it has all the accessories upon arrival.
4. How do I activate my replacement SafeLink phone?
Once you receive your SafeLink replacement phone, you can use SafeLink self-help service to activate it. Just insert the SafeLink SIM card in your phone and send the keyword ‘activate now” to 611611.
Read More: How To Apply SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Types Of Phone You May Get SafeLink When Replacing
If you want to replace your phone with SafeLink, there are alternative methods. These are:
- If you want to replace a malfunctioned phone but not your fault, you will get a new phone under SafeLink warranty on condition that you return it within 30 days from the date it was delivered to you.
- If you are replacing a lost phone for the first time, you will get a SafeLink refurbished phone for free.
- If you are replacing your phone for more than one time, you must pay in full to get the new phone.
- If you are returning your SafeLink replacement phone for an upgrade, you will top up the price difference between your former phone and your upgraded phone.
Note that: while replacing the SafeLink phone, you will not be given a chance to choose your type of refurbished phone. Nevertheless, you might get the following types of the phone when replacing:
1. Google Pixel 4
This amazing phone you are likely to get with SafeLink replacement. The phone comes with a wide range of features that beautifies your phone experience. With its 16 MP rear camera and 8MP front camera, this phone allows you to capture clear and sharp images. Google Pixel 4 also boasts of a 5.7-inch screen display that is well protected using corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. Also, it features a lasting non-removable battery of 2800, 128 GB internal memory, and 6GB RAM.
2. Samsung Galaxy Note 9
This fantastic brand and phone model is commonly known to have one of the most reliable batteries. The phone features a 4000mAh battery that can work all day and night without a recharge. The phone also features a large 6.4-inch screen that is perfect for gaming and watching videos. Besides, with its dual 12MP rear camera and 8 MP front camera, you can have clear shots that can be stored effortlessly in its big sufficient memory space. The phone boasts 8 GB RAM and up to 412 GB memory space.
3. Motorola G power
One of the most intriguing features of this phone is its lasting battery of 5000 mAh capacity. It also has a large internal memory of 64GB, making it possible to store many contents without lagging behind your phone. Moreover, the phone allows you to capture clear pictures with its 16MP rear camera and 16MP selfie camera. With a screen display of 8.4 inches, you can watch your video and play games effortlessly.
4. Apple iPhone 11
This IOS 13 type of phone is inscribed with a massive 6.1 inches Liquid Retina HD LCD screen display. Thanks to its water and dust resistance features, you don’t have to worry about rain or splash with this phone. Its super reliable 3110 mAh wireless charging battery with fast charging technology and a lightning charging port. In addition, the phone features a 12MP main camera, memory storage of 64 GB, and 4GB RAM.
5. OnePlus 8 5G
This 48MP rear camera phone is well known for capturing super clear, beautiful, and well-colored pictures. Its camera system is so efficient in taking pictures even in low light conditions. This is attributed to its advanced LED flash technology with the best brightening ability even in the poorest lighting conditions.
Moreover, its back camera has the ability to shoot 4K videos. The phone also features an Auto-HDR 16MP selfie camera, 256GB memory space, 6.55 inches screen display, and a lasting 4300 mAh battery.
Here is a list of other phones you may likely get when replacing a phone with SafeLink.
- Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
- Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Nokia XR20
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Google pixel 5a 5G
- Moto G Stylus 5G
- LG velvet 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Samsung galaxy 11
- Motorola G Power
- Samsung Galaxy A 12
- OnePlus Nord 100
- Samsung galaxy A03s
- Alcatel 3V
- Motorola E5 plus
- Alcatel TCL A3X
- Blue view 3
- LG K40
- Alcatel Volta.
Frequently Ask Questions
How To Submit Phone Replacement Claim If Not Replaced By SafeLink Authority
If your phone is not eligible for replacement with SafeLink wireless, you will be given a chance to buy another phone from them at an affordable fee. Also, you can get an unlocked phone from another source and bring it to safelink through the BYOP program. However, you can also opt to submit a claim from your phone insurance company. This works on the condition that you had insured your phone with that company before the accident. The good news is that you can easily find insurance companies to insure your phone online. One of the most reliable phone insurance company is Asurion. You can submit your phone replacement claim by visiting the Asurion official website (or any other company of your choice), selecting safelink as your provider, and submitting your claim.
Is There Any Difference Between SafeLink Phone Upgrade And Replacement?
SafeLink phone upgrade entails purchasing or obtaining a newer device that is more advanced than the former. In safelink phone upgrade, your latter phone must outperform the former. Also, you have a chance to select your new phone. The phone will incur you high cost unless it’s a giveaway or any other deal.
On the other hand, phone replacement is where you are entitled to a refurbished phone from SafeLink after your former is stolen, lost or damaged. In phone replacement, you are not given a chance to choose your specific model. Also, you get a phone replacement of the same model and not higher than your former phone.
How Often Do You Get A New SafeLink Phone?
While replacing your SafeLink phone, you can only get one free replacement per customer. However, if you lost or misplaced your phone for the second and third time, you can still get a new replacement phone from SafeLink at its total cost.
Can I Replace My SafeLink Phone For Free?
Yes. If you replace your malfunctioned phone (not your fault) or lost/ stolen SafeLink phone, you will replace it for free. However, you must be replacing it for the first time. More than that, your phone replacement will incur some cost.
How Do I Get A Replacement SIM Card From SafeLink?
When you accidentally misplace your SIM card (Which is not something rare), you should contact the SafeLink support team to request a SIM replacement. The representative will ask you to explain the situation and follow all the instructions. After, they will deactivate your lost SIM card and send you a new sim card. While requesting a new SIM card, you should request them to keep your existing number. Once you receive your SIM, insert it in your phone and activate it using Safelink self-help service number: 611611 or call the customer team on 1-800-723-3546 to activate the Sim card.
Can I Transfer My Old SIM Card To A New Replacement SafeLink Phone?
Yes. If you still have your old SIM card, you can transfer it to your new replacement safelink phone. However, is your old SIM activated under SafeLink? If yes, just insert it in your new SafeLink replacement phone and start using.