Our promise. We provide a buying advantage with verified reviews and unbiased editorial research.
About Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless Reviews
ConsumerAffairs has collected 892 reviews and 939 ratings.
A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.
- 4,432,640 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
- We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Reviewed April 18, 2024
Order a phone from them and paid express shipping and everything then ordered my phone case from Walmart the next day. And I got my phone case yesterday and here it is five days later still no phone. This is soo sad. Really regret buying from them instead of Walmart and would put 0 stars but can't.
Reviewed April 13, 2024
Had to call customer service every other week because my service would stop working. The only thing the representative did was transfer me to someone else who then transferred me to someone else...it was a never ending cycle! I spent over three hours on one of these calls just being transferred! After months of bull crap I took my business elsewhere!
Thanks for subscribing.
You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.
Reviewed April 12, 2024
I signed up with Safelink because of a very hard time. The phone they sent me was cracked and randomly called my contacts. I called them and they sent me a new phone. And gave me a new phone number that I didn't want. I spent over 45 minutes on the phone with them and 5 different people. NO ONE there knows their jobs!!!! I can NOT wait to get rid of them.
Reviewed April 1, 2024
I received a free phone from Safelink and my phone went completely black. So I called customer service and they claim to have shipped me a new one via UPS, they gave me tracking number and everything. I traced phone for three weeks. Still haven't received new replacement phone. I called and complained and they told me it said delivered, when in fact it never arrived 'cause it was sent back to carrier. I explained this 15 times to Safelink customer service and they gave me hell, I never felt so flustered and not understood. The last call I made to this horrible phone company the person who assisted me caught an attitude and started pressing buttons in my ear. I will let everyone I know and make it my job to tell them not to ever order a phone from Safelink or buy a trace phone ever.
I'm disgusted at this company lack of care and intelligence. I'm gonna also be reporting to people in high rankings 'cause this is ridiculous!!!! I'm even going legal and opening up an investigation. That's how horrible I was treated and I have proof, I made sure to record everything and time stamps. I'm appalled at this montrausious company. Definitely suing big time!
Reviewed March 16, 2024
Early SSDI and years ago found the lifeline program. It was a nightmare. Always had to call some offshore account with barely English speaking customer service "reps" going round and round. (Moved from East to West coast and at sisters until I could find housing). So I could only use their then landline when they were not at home (would tie up the phone). I filed complaints with Gov agencies (went nowhere). I had worked on scholarship for NYC agencies (health dept and law firms) so knew how to research et al.
FAST forward to 2024 - older NOT wiser, lol, and end stage health issues, and ONLY because the first of many persons to whom I would speak was SO helpful, so capable thought THE progam must have improved!!! LOL LOL LOL LOL It was now the ending of the ACP program which I already used for my internet cost reduction (and they have provided a plan that is only $5 more then what I was on) Charter Spectrum FYI
Regarding my small "flip top" (early "Smartphone was lifeline Safelinks and a horrible experience). I was happy with Tracfone and the many programs (low income so happy with plans and roll over minutes which I'd buy for ONE year and not have to remember until then). (Verizon planned to take them completely over with plans that would cost me much more and monthly - lately however - they have longer plans - think negative feedback but not as inexpensive as tracfone)
Suddenly against the original request my emails informed me... PC internet was going to be switched to another service (safelink's phone) and IF I did not agree to this contact them. Contacted Charter Spectrum and corrected this PLUS was informed of a plan when the ACP ends. I depend on the computer for most all things (housebound). When I tried to use my tracfone flip top - it went (looped) repeatedly to services I had to look up and ended up at Safelinks - a mess and can't rememer it all. (all a machine NO one in person). Luckily my health care provider let me use her phone and I made calls to my internet provider (Charter Spectrum) and said I did NOT authorize any such change.
I went online at tracfone website and chatted and got that corrected. The next day however - while still in bed I got a call on my phone from the Philippines and person said something about the ACP program. I said YOU know it's ending - I already stopped the Lifeline/Safelinks program and do not call ever again and I will be reporting you (did not as I know here at least dada done). I have many notes on paper but hard to read my handwriting. The FCC started the Lifeline program when Ronald Reagan Presidency.
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2024
I qualified for this service rather quickly. When I signed up I provided the IMEI number for my device and it said it was compatible with their services. When I received the sim card the instructions seemed simple enough which were just basically to stick the sim card into the phone and you are good to go. Only problem though was that wasn't the case. Only thing that worked on the phone was data. It wouldn't make or receive calls or texts. I did all the normal troubleshooting steps to no avail.
Contacted Customer Service and they rehashed all the same steps I had already taken then told me they couldn't help me and told me they'd have to transfer me to the technical department (which I was super confused about because I already thought I was considering they were doing troubleshooting). Anyway, they transferred me and I waited a good 30 minutes and no one picked up so I hung up. I've decided completely against Safelink and canceled my account and went with another provider. I would never recommend this service. Stay far away!
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2024
In 7 yrs with Safelink I've had to recertify every 2 yrs, and each time I recertify they send me another cheap phone and A NEW NUMBER. When I asked why they keep changing my number, they say I would have to pay for services for that choice. Really, really, so, to keep my lifeline I'm forced to change my number every 2 yrs. Start my acct all over again. I'm going to change my lifeline carrier asap. And don't get me started on the overseas customer service, good luck getting connected to an ENGLISH SPEAKING/UNDERSTANDABLE person. Joke of jokes. Worst ever service.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2024
I was enticed to transfer from the acp program with Cricket wireless (unlimited text call and more data) plus a new phone. I had the service one month then my phone stops working. I'm told I exceeded the 350 min max. What max. I have you recorded saying it's unlimited. Well it can be but you have to reapply and wait 7-10 days with no phone. (Mind you I wear a defib vest and must have a phone.) If given a choice get the acp or Obama phone thru cricket wireless. Much better service and no gimmicks or lies.
Updated review: Jan. 1, 2024
Still not overly happy with the experience but I did receive a text giving me a way to check my data usage balance. It's unlimited plus the hotspot works. Service has worked well thus far. The phone is slow! My old phone is 5x faster of the hotspot this new phone provides for it. I still recommend shopping around but in all fairness, it's better than I originally gave it credit for.
Original Review: Jan. 1, 2024
Just because it's free doesn't mean you don't have choices. In fact, Safelink is getting $30 a month for this service. What did you get for this $30? A phone that has 5+ year old tech, a plan that you know nothing about and little access to customer service. I don't know how many minutes I have, how many texts I get it how much data I have. My service is not eligible for an account to find out this info. It's what I get feeling pressured to get a phone ASAP. There are better ways to use your government subsidy to obtain a "free" phone. Shop around because Safelink is essentially stealing this money and giving the bare minimum for service (whatever that may be). Know what you're signing up for. I did not and now I'm locked in for 3 months I believe. Good deal for them. Also, the plans you see online aren't the plans you get when you get a phone from one of their street associates. Their sales practice is based on trickery and deception.
Reviewed Nov. 13, 2023
I was calling for my 86 mother who was having a difficult time activating this replacement phone and I wanted to see about porting the number she'd had for 5 or more years over to this new phone since it was giving us a different number now that it was activate. After verifying that the phone was operable & ready for use, I asked Grace about the possibility of changing the number to the number that my mother remembered, at 86 getting her to memorize a new number was going to pose a challenge. We verified that it would, that number was under the carrier T-Mobile & Grace stated the Safelink phone would have to be shut off in order for the number to be ported over, and I would have to contact T-Mobile and see if they would release that number.
I told no, I wouldn't make that decision without consulting my mother. I just need to verify the phone number for this phone is **? She asked again if I wanted to suspended service on the phone? I said no, I wouldn't do that without talking to my mother. She's been without this phone long enough; I promised I would get this phone working & back to her before I return to work on Monday. I would just like to verify that the phone number is **, she asked, "Do you want to cut the phone off?" I said no, I want to respect my mother. She 86, I respect my mother. She not at a stage that I have to take that type of authority & make those decisions for her. I just need to make sure that the number is **. The call terminated.
The next thing I know, 25 or more verification codes started coming to the phone. I would have let it go but you are now messing with the device that was going to my mother's house. How evil can a human being be to do something so unjust to a senior citizen, a child or someone with a disability. I called Safelink and spoke to someone named Ashley. I'm not sure if this was or will ever be reported. However, I know that anyone as acrimonious as Grace has no business working in Affordable Connectivity Division. She needs to over in Corp contracts so shows in companies bottom line how she treats customers.
Safelink Wireless author review by ConsumerAffairs Research Team
TracFone Wireless operates SafeLink Wireless, which is a plan designed for people who meet certain income qualifications. Consumers who qualify for a SafeLink plan receive free cell phone service and can add minutes on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Lifeline service: The Lifeline program was established in 1984 to help low-income families access telecom service. SafeLink’s plan gives qualifying customers cell phone service for free. Consumers may only enroll in one Lifeline program, but those enrolled in another program can easily switch to SafeLink.
Features: SafeLink’s plans include caller ID, call waiting and voicemail. As long as the phone consumers select can enable these features, they are provided for free.
Extra minutes: Consumers who need additional minutes can purchase a TracFone Airtime card. The company will automatically add extra minutes to these cards for free when they’re applied to a SafeLink account. TracFone Airtime cards are available at major retail stores.
Customer service: Customers with questions or problems can reach a technical support representative from 8 a.m. to12 a.m. seven days a week. Those wishing to enroll or change their service can reach a customer service agent during extended business hours seven days a week.
Qualification: Consumers who are not already enrolled in a Lifeline program can find information about qualifying on the SafeLink website. They can also submit required documentation and check the status of their application on the site.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team believes everyone deserves to make smart decisions. We aim to provide readers with the most up-to-date information available about today's consumer products and services.
Safelink Wireless Company Information
- Company Name:
- Safelink Wireless
- Website:
- www.safelinkwireless.com