Changing Assurance Wireless Phone

Can you change your phone that you're offered for another Assurance Wireless phone?

Comments for Changing Assurance Wireless Phone

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Dec 12, 2022
 Defective Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for sharing your experience. Unfortunately, this website is not affiliated with any provider, so you'll need to try to get ahold of customer service and request that your phone be replaced under warranty.

Please let us know how it goes!
Dec 11, 2022
 Help
by: Anonymous

I received my phone last month and no matter what won’t hold a charge only works for 20 then it’s dead again so it’s of no help and can’t get ahold of anyone to fix the issue
Jul 23, 2022
 New Phones
by: Paco Taco

When will new phones be able to be purchased again for Assurance Wireless? All I have is this POS phone they sent me when they switched from 3G to 4G network, and there is no place to buy new phones anymore. Why is this?
Jul 23, 2022
 Incompetents
by: Anonymous

DO not use Assurance Wireless, they are horrid! You have other options. I had my phone for 10 years with Virgin, they were incredible, very great company. Now that the unethical T-Mobile has taken over they are corrupted. They should not hold a government contract. They cut off my service with ZERO warning and are basically holding my phone number hostage until I return one of the crappy phones they sent me. I guess they thought I might have sold it..lol who would buy this loser phone? Anyway RUUUN from these idiots. Customer service lies to you from the first minute by giving you some fake, made up name.. so corny but it does alert you that are dealing with liars. They are nice but not nice and quick or nice and efficient. I hope this helps others. Look to Safelink, Charity mobile or others!
Mar 28, 2022
 Crappy Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hmm....I'm very surprised they're requiring you to change your phone. The transition from Sprint to T-Mobile ultimately does require you to change your SIM card to get on the T-Mobile network, however, that doesn't require a phone change.

They ARE requiring a phone change for the upcoming shutdown of the 3G network. This applies to ALL carries across all brands. This shutdown has been delayed numerous times, but appears to be actually finally happening this coming June.

That said, the only impacted users that are required to get a new phone are phones 3G phones that don't support 4G/5G. In other words, these are super old phones and really need to be upgraded anyway.

That said, your Samsung phone certainly doesn't fall into this category. Perhaps just try swapping out for a new SIM. Did the phone they sent you come with a new SIM? Definitely worth a call to understand why you are being required to change phones. Or maybe they already made this clear to you?
Feb 12, 2022
 junk phones
by: doug rush

hello to who it may concern
i been with yoiu all a lonf time use to be ok {fair} until i bough a NEW PHONE from them for $300.00 a samsung galaxley A10e was the best phone and service i had... the when they decide to go in with T-MOBILE i got a message the $300.00 phone i bough is now no good to me starting jan 1 so they tell me they would send me a replacement CARD to ungrade my phone.
well it never happen...later a new phone came junk
later a different phone was suppost to come but what happen same junk phone... last finiley a different phone but what happen was a bit better but battery run down from 100% to 0% in 7 hous what bullshit is that well the one lady says it was me not the phone..lol i want my sansung back so far all the rest is junk
maybe that why there froe
but my questuion as bad as they are why does assurancewireless.com still buy them to send out for free....stop buying junk send good phones out i have a good one let me use it
i can replace the battery and card in my samsung not in the junk phones...i been working with assurancewireless sence oct of 2021 still have nothing but junk

Jan 13, 2022
 all of you
by: Greatful

all of you are b1tching about something you got for free get over it
Oct 07, 2021
 Crappy Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Wow, sounds super frustrating! So I wasn't completely clear reading your final sentence; did you end up getting a different replacement phone from them for free?

If not, you can also consider changing Lifeline providers to get a different free phone from them. Of course, you can't be constantly switching, however, if you've been with Assurance for awhile, you should be eligible.

Let us know how it works out for you!
Oct 07, 2021
 ONLY UMX IN INVENTORY
by: Anonymous

I have UMX nasty little phone that drops calls, can’t answer, incoming calls don’t "income" … can’t hear and volume is dead ended, three times I asked and explained UMX downfall. Three times chose a different phone and three times got ANOTHER UMX IDENTICAL PHONE, WHY..THEY ONLY HAVE ONE, YES ONE, ONE ,LONELY ,SHIT UMX PHONE ..GO AHEAD AND ORDER AN UPGRADE..YES ITS ADVERTISED UPGRADE TO NEW MODEL…BUT YOULL GET THE SAME UMX PHONE…CAN YOU BRING YOUR OWN OHONE…NOPE. NOPE . NOTHING BUT UMX SHIT PHONE. 10/2021 …signed, got a different phone from assurance , tell me how you did it..no team mobile merge yet..
Oct 01, 2021
 T Mobil
by: Richard Walters

Changhe old sms card to new T Mobil sms card
Apr 13, 2021
 Change of Zip Code?
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi! I assume you're trying to get in touch with Assurance Wireless customer care. As this site is not affiliate with any providers, your best bet is to try calling them.

I'm not aware of any Lifeline programs being restricted for service to certain zip codes. While providers need to be registered to sell Lifeline in each area, the phone itself should work nationwide.

If you don't re-certify your eligibility annually, you would be removed from the program. Is it possible that's what happened?

Please let us know what you find out!
Apr 13, 2021
 Change of address
by: Penelope Gardner

I have changed addresses and cannot get in touch with you all because my phone will not work in different zip code.
Feb 11, 2021
 Crappy Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi William! Thanks for sharing. What phone are you referring to?

This site isn't associated with Assurance, so hopefully you'll share your feedback with them.

Feb 11, 2021
 AsSholeURENCE umx phone. Suck pos.
by: William

This phone is horrable this phone is horrible this is got to be the worst story of piece of s*** a****** phone ever can't store anything on a memory card where you can put a memory card slot there for it anyway you can't use the motherfuking it's stupid as hell you can't store nothing has no memory the koala picture quality sucks and it's just an a****** piece of s*** phone ain't worth a s*** I can get the Bluetooth workout time my phone I hate this phone I want to smash it with a f****** hammer and send it back to you with it f****** piece of s*** ass phone sucks I hate it and then it would even replacement want to charge me $25 and $25 for another piece of s*** crappy ass phone just can't take this phone and stick it up your ass holes can you hear me now
Feb 03, 2021
 Bricked Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That sucks! What happened prior to it being bricked? Were you doing anything on the phone different that usual? Time to call Assurance to get a replacement!
Feb 03, 2021
 Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

It is a brick. I do not think or believe that I rooted it or unlocked sim, but it got bricked some how. Ok, it does not even power on or boot up, thanks.

Mario, Parents gave me this name, ok?

Bye.
Jan 24, 2021
 T-Mobile Acquisition of Sprint
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Well that sounds frustrating! T-Mobile did acquire Sprint, and as a result they are working on combining billing systems. Moving from Sprint to T-Mobile in reality.

That said, I don't know how this will or is impacting Assurance. And if there is an impact, whether it's a short term or long term effect.

It's entirely possible that this change is impacting what phones are compatible. I recommend you call back and talk to at least two different people and see what answers they give you.

Also, if you buy from Amazon/eBay or elsewhere, make sure they allow you to return it if it doesn't work. If they state it works with Assurance, and it doesn't, they should honor a free return. If you can email them and ask, and they respond that it will work, that would be even better.

Let us know how it goes!
Jan 20, 2021
 Upgrading my AW Phone
by: SZ

Thanks for the comments. My boyfriend wanted me to have a nicer phone considering how i have all these problems. I was told a week ago by AW that I could go on quality one.com and order a phone and put it on my account. Today I talked to a rep to confirm the model and he told me that they are now a part with T-Mobile so I can't bring in another phone from anyone including the website they told about a week ago...I'm so confused?? So I can't order anything from eBay or Amazon even though it says its for assurance wireless? Uughh help? I don't know what rep I'm suppose to listen to.
Jan 17, 2021
 Good Advice
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I think that's good advice. Note that you CAN purchase phones that are not sold directly from AW, HOWEVER, after years of feedback, we see that it's somewhat hit and miss.

I've always recommended confirming with AW that the specific model you're buying elsewhere will be able to be activated in advance, or ensuring it can be returned.

That said, if you find a good phone (as mentioned below) from AW, that's definitely a less worrisome option.

Let us know what you decide to do! Cheers.
Jan 17, 2021
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Hey SZ, my best advice is try to BUY a better phone from Assurance Wireless. Seeing that you get free unlimited calls, texts, and plenty of free data from Assurance Wireless already, why not "splurge" a little and buy a nice phone? Although phones are in short supply now because of the global pandemic, Assurance Wireless does offer quality phones from time to time (you need to keep checking), including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, amongst many more brands. I bought a Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine several years ago from Assurance Wireless, and it's the best phone I've ever owned. Although new it was $300, they do offer reconditioned and previously owned phones for a much lower price. That way, you'll have a really nice phone that will last for years, while enjoying the free services that Assurance Wireless offers.
Jan 17, 2021
 Upgrading my AW Phone
by: SZ

I received an upgraded phone from AW.Its terrible.It doesn't ring I can't connect to my home WiFi, I can't view the web using their data....it goes on and on.But I want a better phone than this UMX.AW told me that I can only order off their site? Right now they have couple refurbished phones for hundreds. Do I have any other options to get a phone I want? AW said I couldnt buy the same phone at Walmart and add it to my account or I couldn't buy one off of eBay either....I'm stuck.Any suggestions please?
Email me zagorselina@gmail.com
Jan 06, 2021
 Hmm...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for sharing your experience. So the phone has an SD card, however, the operating system won't let you move apps or files there?

It would be great if you could elaborate so others can fully understand what's happening. Kindly refrain from using profanity; thank you & Happy New Year!
Jan 06, 2021
 Assurance Wireless UMX phone SUCKS ITS TOTAL SHIT
by: leeopel426@gmail

Won't move files to SD card because of some shady assholes lock have to buy bullshit google. Storage . kiss my ass shifty ass hole fucks you canvtake this bullshit ass phone and all it's shit and shove it up you re hacker fuck bitch asses it s bullshit I'm going to smash it with a hammer and send it back .cits a peace of shit.
Apr 28, 2020
 Upgrade basic flip phone to smart phone
by: Anonymous-B

My mom has AW in North Carolina. She has had a flip phone (same phone) for 5+ years. Does anyone know if AW will change her over to a smart phone? I see on their site that they have data plans (3gb). She does not currently have any data allotment on her phone.She qualifies for the free phone service, but gets the run around when she calls to ask about this. I know we could just buy her one, but the site says new people are eligible for a smart phone right away.
Apr 25, 2020
 No to Assurance
by: Anonymous

In Dec. I was told by Lifeline I was fine when I answered questions about re-certifying! In Jan. they shut me off!I told Assurance what happened & have filled out many apps & NOTHING!National Verifier was sending me app & said to return with proof of income..never came! Back & forth over & over & haven't gotten anywhere! Assurance posts letter & phone on the way. Check status again & it's as if I never applied! I have many health probs & need a phone! Oh, I can buy minutes from them but nothing else happens! Suggestions please! Safe link better?
Apr 06, 2020
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Glad to help.
Apr 06, 2020
 Phone 101
by: Anonymous

I will check I it out. Thank you so much for your help🙂
Apr 06, 2020
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Do not buy a phone from your brother for a "low price". It won't work on Assurance Wireless. You must buy a phone from Assurance Wireless. I posted this web site where you can but Apple iPhones directly from Assurance Wireless: shop.assurancewireless.com/phones
Apr 06, 2020
 Phone 101
by: Anonymous

That’s strange because I spoke to the customer service yesterday and she said they’re not compatible with assurance wireless plans. If you said we can use it, can you use your own phone (BYOP)? My brother has an iPhone 8 that he no longer uses, so he’s selling it to me for a low a low price.
Please help because they sent me two phones and none of them worked. I don’t want to spend anymore money to get another one and having it not working.
Thanks so much.
Apr 05, 2020
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Yes you can use iPhones, but you need to buy a phone from the Assurance Wireless web site in order for it to work.
Apr 05, 2020
 Phone 101
by: Anonymous

My phone (ANSL51) can’t receive group texts and I can’t receive any incoming calls when I’m texting. Does anyone know how to fix that?

I talked to the customer service and she told me that you can’t use iPhones for assurance wireless, so why am I seeing a lot of you using them?
Apr 05, 2020
 Assurance wireless phone
by: Anonymous

Can you use iPhone if you have assurance wireless?
Mar 30, 2020
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

You are dead wrong. Look at the web site again. I bought a Samsung Galaxy J7 from there, and now there are several Apple iPhones for sale. And yes, it's for Assurance Wireless.
Mar 30, 2020
 Assurance Website is Separate
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

"...Yes, your web site is selling used Apple iPhones."

Just a quick heads up/FYI that this website is not affiliated with Assurance Wireless. I host this site as an independent third party information and review site. Cheers!
Mar 28, 2020
 Profanity
by: Paco Taco

Keep your profanity to yourself, and I am sure AW will censor you soon.
Mar 28, 2020
 Hey “paco taco”
by: Anonymous

[Deleted for profanity.]
Mar 25, 2020
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Yes, your web site is selling used Apple iPhones. Go to shop.assurancewireless.com/phones to see. I hear you with regards to price. But I like to watch movies on a screen that isn't scratched, which a new phone provides. I got the Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine, and it is a great phone.
Mar 25, 2020
 iPhones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I couldn't see any iPhones listed on their website. Are you able to see any? Or are you referring to bring your own device?

Ultimately, not offering the latest and greatest relates to cost. Prices of smartphones have been getting out of control lately. Realistically iPhones two generations old are just as good for daily tasks. Maybe the cameras aren't as good, but other than that it's really not much better in terms of general performance.

That said, I understand that Assurance customers want the ability to get the same phones as everyone else, but I would focus on the plan features like data allowance and text messaging, which will really make a difference in your daily life.

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy!
Mar 24, 2020
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

I am glad to see AW is now offering Apple iPhones. Please try and offer new phones though instead of the recycled used ones. That way, we are all on a level playing field with the rest of the pack.
Mar 24, 2020
 Change phone
by: Mike Humphrey

Want to change phone
Mar 10, 2020
 Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

What's wrong with Assurance Wireless? I've had AW for years, and now I have a Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine. Best phone I ever had.
Mar 10, 2020
 I'd like a Samsung Phone with my free phone service
by: Douglas F. Price Jr.

I want Verizon free phone service with my Samsung phone
Oct 21, 2019
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Buy a better phone from their web site. The Samsung Galaxy is a good choice, and the battery will last for 20-30 hours. Trust me, I have one. It's worth the investment, and your phone service is free, along with free texting and plenty of free data each month.
Oct 21, 2019
 Coolpad
by: Periwinkle

My phone is not charging the brand new battery and I am only getting 1.2 hour service. My friend got a Coolpad from Assurance wireless that gives more than 3 hours between charges. nHow do I get one?
Sep 11, 2019
 need loud alarm
by: Anonymous

I have dropped my phone, too, many times & the alarm rings, too, low, now! Is there any that have a loud alarm ring compatible with AW & not, too, expensive..around $50 or less? Thank you
Sep 10, 2019
 New phone
by: Anonymous

My assurance wireless phone got smashed. My friend has her assurance wireless phone still, but doesnt use assurance wireless anymore. Can i use her phone and have you just move my number and service to her phone?
Aug 24, 2019
 Safelink Wireless is WORSE
by: Anonymous

For those of you complaining about Assurance Safelink Wireless is WORSE... Their site FALSE ADs! They give NO data, ONLY text/voice CRAP Cell!
Aug 16, 2019
 Upgrade Nightmare...
by: Anonymous

My Mother has been a Customer with Assurance Wireless for 8 yrs+ and @ Christmas time we decided it was probably time for an upgrade.
We called and indeed, she was due for an upgrade! They sent her a "Tech Savy" touch phone, rather than a "Simple- EZ For Seniors to use phone"...Needless to say, she didn't have it 2 wks and the phone went "Kerplunk"!
So they replaced it with the same phone and that one didn't last a week! Insisting on a different replacement, they sent a UMX, now this one has been nothing but problems! PERIOD!!
Very frustrated at this point, I called and requested a phone that she only receives incoming calls on & can call out!! That's all she needs...doesn't play games,internet etc...They inform me that they no longer offer any kind of flip phone or anything close to that type of phone anymore....ALL they had for Customers is the "ANDROID" cell phones, even if you wanted to purchase a different one! Now I know as a back up plan, they have none!!
My Mother is 74 yrs old and I am sure there are thousands of Seniors, on this very same plan that DO NOT & CANNOT OPERATE these type of phones! Not because they are not intelligent enough, but because they are most generally NOT TECH SAVY and have NO DESIRE to learn it @ their age!
Now because of this issue, Mother is forced to switch to another Company and has been without a phone for OVER A MONTH now,due to all the inconveniences to switch! Not to mention the fact that she is fighting Cancer and Phone is her only method of receiving calls for Appointments, diagnosis etc...
My Heart goes out to anyone else that has Assurance Wireless and has to encounter these very same issues!!

CONCERNED FOR THE HANDICAPPED & ELDERLY WITH NO BACK OPTIONS FOR "GOVERNMENT OFFERED CELL PHONE CARRIER".........
Jul 09, 2019
 Broken Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi Mary,

Given that your new phone broke within a couple of weeks, I don't think you should have to wait a year. Give them a call and let them know you received a defective phone. At the very least there should be a 30 day warranty.

If you have the funds to purchase something nicer, that works, however, you should be able to get this broken phone replaced immediately!

If they decline you, politely request to speak with a manager. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Jul 04, 2019
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Mary, go to Assurance Wireless phone store and buy a good phone. Here's their web address: https://shop.assurancewireless.com/phones.html
You can get a phone for $25-$50, or splurge and get a really good phone like the Samsung J3 or J7. Believe me, it's worth it. I got the Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine. It is a really nice phone that I will use for many years to come. Considering I don't pay for phone service, thanks to Assurance Wireless, it's worth the investment.
Jul 04, 2019
 Broken Phone!
by: Mary

I requested a new phone as the old one was losing battery life too quickly. I'd had it for many years. They sent a new one a couple of weeks ago and now that one isn't working. It worked for a few days and now has a gray screen with a language I don't understand and the buttons to turn it off and on have stopped working. I cannot get it to work to call customer service. I understand there can only be one phone requested a year-so do I have to wait a year to get another replacement, Thank you for this thread.....
Jul 02, 2019
 Profanity
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I'm actually the site owner and planning on removing it! Unfortunately, my service provider is doing maintenance and I'm unable to access the comments edit section. Sorry!

UPDATE: I was able to get in and delete it!
Jul 01, 2019
 Profanity
by: Paco Taco

Thank you for commenting on the inappropriate language on this site. It's too bad it can't be removed.
Jul 01, 2019
 Phone Options
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I agree that many of the phones listed on that site are quite expensive. There are a few options between $25 and $50, which aren't too unreasonable. Note, however, that you should be able to call them and request a free phone, including a replacement if you've had yours for awhile.

Also, many providers support bringing your own phone, and unlike in years past, many phone types are supported. So you can use a phone from a family member or friend who has a phone they no longer need, or go to Gazelle or other used phone site, or eBay/Amazon and get a good deal. Just make sure your carrier supports that phone before buying.

To the person below the last comment with profanity, please control yourself as that comment is not helpful to anyone. Particularly since this site isn't affiliated with any provider, it's completely mis-directed and pointless. Cheers.
Jul 01, 2019
 cell phones
by: Anonymous

Most of these listed on Assurance are, too, expensive for me !https://shop.assurancewireless.com/phones.html I thought this service was supposed to be for people who could not afford phone service! It sure has changed! Their free phone is crap unless they give a different one now! I've been with them for quite awhile! I have a Kyocera Contact & have had it quite awhile....need new as I have dropped it many times!Wondering if the cheapest are any good!
May 28, 2019
 Broken Phone!
by: MK

My phone isn’t working and I can’t call to report it. No one has answered my emails, I really need a phone, Thank you
May 25, 2019
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Paco Taco

Go to this web site to see all of the phones you can purchase that are compatible with Assurance Wireless. https://shop.assurancewireless.com/phones.html
May 25, 2019
 UMX vs ZTE Quest
by: Berwickian

My ZTE Quest was having problems, shutting down with no warning, the screen going black while I was in the middle of texting, etc. I paid the $5 to get a replacement and received a UMX. I'm confused. The things I could do using data only on the ZTE Quest require that I use wi-fi on the UMX. Why? I ended up going back to the ZTE Quest with all it's problems because it's less of a headache than the UMX.
Apr 26, 2019
 LEAVE ASSURANCE WIRELESS
by: Anonymous

LEAVE ASSURANCE WIRELESS I DID FOR ACCESS WIRELESS
THIS MONTH I,M ENJOYING ACCESS WIRELESS THEY HAVE A BETTER PLAN THAN ASSURANCE WIRELESS! THEY HAVE BRING YOUR OWN PHONE AND PORT YOUR ASSURANCE WIRELESS TOO ITS THE BEST THING I DID I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS SOONER I,M SO DID IT!
Apr 16, 2019
 ansul50
by: Israel perez

I Israel perez have trouble with myphone keep shoting down I wanted tochange it!
Mar 25, 2019
 assurance wireless
by: j belle

the worst phone ever i need to do a factory reset everyday then call them to reset my phone in which they dont listen to anything you say making a five minute call take up to 30 minutes 100% unhappy
Mar 04, 2019
 Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine
by: Paco Taco

I received this phone recently, and it rocks! I replaced my ANS phone that Assurance Wireless sent me in California with the Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine. For $279 plus tax, this phone is worth every penny. And you can get free shipping if you use the code Assurance upon checkout. The battery lasts for several days or more, depending on your usage. In addition, the camera has a 13 megapixel camera in the front, and in the rear. The Assurance Wireless phone store needs to update that information on their web site, as it lists that the rear camera only has a 5 megapixel camera. The pictures are really fantastic, and they can be sent to your laptop without any cables if you use the Your Phone app. The phone is clear and loud, and you can adjust the volume. I am so glad that after all these years of having Assurance Wireless service, I now have a good phone to keep up with the Jones's.
Mar 04, 2019
 Help
by: Anonymous

What other phone is compatible with virgin mobile
Feb 03, 2019
 Is there a way to use iphone7 with assurance wireless
by: Anonymous

Is there some sort of hack or way to switch an unlocked iphone7? I put the assurance sim in, it reads it, but gives me the no service bar.
Jan 28, 2019
 Samsung Galaxy J7 Refine LTE
by: Paco Taco

$279 gets you a nice phone. It's nice to see that Assurance Wireless is offering good phones to purchase now that are compatible with their service.
Jan 28, 2019
 ANS phone
by: Anonymous

The ANS phone is crap!!
Jan 27, 2019
 So far, so good...
by: DonCarlo

Generally, my experience with the ANS UL40 has been good+. It does what I need and is a remarkable value. Exchanging the service to the new phone went well with the telephone support.
Jan 22, 2019
 Nice!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That's good news. Sounds like you're in a better place with the replacement phone than previously. Regarding finding the alarm; if there's a clock on one of the home screens, try tapping on that. It may bring up the alarm. Otherwise, pull of the app list, and do a search. Good luck!
Jan 22, 2019
 To Momma for android phone
by: Anonymous

I had a simple flip phone that started to have software probs such as text msgs disappearing, alarm clock not working, sometimes would get a voicemail with the phone never acknowledging call. I got a replacement android phone for $5.00 since my alcatel one touch was no longer available. normally a replacement phone if you have to pay is $25.00. I just got it and have never had a android before. so far it is working good except for lots of ads- I need to find out how to get rid of those, and I have yet to find the calendar and alarm, but am very happy it was so cheap! Will have to see if you get what you pay for happens.
Jan 22, 2019
 To Momma for android phone
by: Anonymous

I had a simple flip phone that started to have software probs such as text msgs disappearing, alarm clock not working, sometimes would get a voicemail with the phone never acknowledging call. I got a replacement android phone for $5.00 since my alcatel one touch was no longer available. normally a replacement phone if you have to pay is $25.00. I just got it and have never had a android before. so far it is working good except for lots of ads- I need to find out how to get rid of those, and I have yet to find the calendar and alarm, but am very happy it was so cheap! Will have to see if you get what you pay for happens.
Dec 20, 2018
 Momma
by: Anonymous

I disagree on their service! It is crap, too! Why is it, so, hard for them to list a phone that's acceptable in their program? I can't afford a high dollar smart phone or Android or whatever they are called, but I would like to get a good phone that works with Assurance! I have no home phone as it went up, so, high there's no way I could afford it any longer & this was a few years ago! I have many health problems, so, it's a must that I have a good working phone!
Dec 20, 2018
 ans phone
by: momma

The ANS is consistently terrible, replacement was with the same crap "phone". Like all others that are cursed with tjis one,the battery is garbage and charging port. I really love the service, but I really need to switch to an LG if possible?
Nov 28, 2018
 zCustomer Service
by: Anonymous

Why must we have to put up with horrible customer service? It's bad enough we aren't rich enough to get a great phone! With any customer service in our Country, we have to deal with people from other Countries whom we can barely understand, if at all! We use to be able to get a list of phones acceptable to Assurance~! The last time I tried, there was no longer a list~ I have dropped my phone, so, many times that it doesn't work correctly! Does anyone have a list of those acceptable? Also, are there ones with larger buttons as I am blind in one eye & it's hard to see? Thank you!
Nov 28, 2018
 Samsung Galaxy J3 Achieve LTE
by: Paco Taco

Why is this phone $179 from Assurance Wireless when it is on sale for $59 from Verizon? Something doesn't add up here.
Nov 28, 2018
 ANS Phones Poor Quality
by: Anonymous

Bad non-replaceable battery, poor hardware quality, including the micro usb charging/connect socket.

Indian accents so heavy they cannot be understood in Support, endless bureaucracy make dealing with these people a nightmare.
Oct 24, 2018
 PHONE NEED TO REPLACE.
by: Vilcine Hyacinthe

my phone is broken, nothing appears on the screen anymore. I want to keep my phone number which is 954-662-5080. would you please, send me a new phone. thank you.
Oct 17, 2018
 poor vision
by: Anonymous

Are there phones for those of us with poor vision that are acceptable to Assurance? I am partially blind in one eye & the other seems to be failing slightly! Thanks!
Oct 16, 2018
 WHICH PHONE IS BETTER
by: Anonymous

WHICH PHONES ARE BETTER ZTE QUEST OR COOLPAD 3300?
Oct 13, 2018
 Assurance Wireless ANS UL40 review
by: Aaron Secor

I have your ANS UL40, I've had 3 of these phones so far and now I am having to request yet another replacement... Big surprise, I know right!

I have found that I get much much better results if I just send an Email rather than trying to call and state that my letter should be immediately forwarded to a SUPERVISOR!

My experience with this device goes a little something like this...

It works great for about 2 months and then the battery keeps discharging faster and faster each day it seems like. Next thing I know the charging port gradually gets looser and I have to wiggle the cord around a bit to find the right spot to get it to take a charge. If the phone gets bumped or the cord decides to settle with the effects of gravity or whatever the reason may be, the battery will actually drain while plugged in! Now I have to let the phone completely die again before it will begin to take a charge. After a week of struggling to charge my phone, now it doesn't want to turn on anymore. I can get it to power on for a couple of minutes by plugging it in for a couple seconds and pressing the power button once the phone indicates it is charging, but it turns itself right back off again without warning only a couple moments later...

The software on the device seems to run fairly smoothly for being a generic low end device but seems to have some major hardware failure issues!

The Assurance customer service team is about as useless as a screen door on a submarine...
Each time I have called, I am told to factory reset the device and I have to try to explain in more detail in order to get the telephone representatives to understand that the device will not stay powered on long enough to perform the factory reset and also try to explain the fact that factory resetting the device does not, cannot, and will not repair hardware failure... 20 minutes into explaining everything, I am told that I am not eligible for a replacement device due to another recent replacement and then they go on and on about how I can only get a replacement phone once every 6 months or once a year...
At this point I end up spending probably another 20 minutes trying to get them to understand that I am requesting a replacement under the device manufacturers warranty and not due to negligence or any fault on my part... When I finally get tired of arguing with the representative and trying to explain the issues to someone who seems to barely speak or understand basic English, I then have requested to speak to a supervisor or whoever is the highest ranking person available in their call center at the moment, and they are basically just trying to make excuses as to why I am unable to speak to someone else who may be of authority and more knowledgeable about handling a warranty replacement, rather than just someone reading a script from a computer screen that just shows how to talk a customer through the process of how I can perform the factory reset!

Typically things get resolved within 2 or 3 emails back and forth over a couple day period before I finally get approved for a replacement which typically arrives within 3 or 4 days via a parcel service like UPS or FedEx!
Oct 12, 2018
 WHEN ARE THEY UPDATING THE SYSTEM?
by: Anonymous

THEY SHOULD UPDATE THE SYSTEM SO BETTER PHONES CAN
BE USED ON ASSURANCE WIRELESS SO CUSTOMERS CAN ENJOY THE SERVICE BETTER! I,M BEEN HEARING THAT THEY ARE UPDATING THE SYSTEM SO BETTER WORKING PHONES AND HAVE BRING YOUR OWN PHONES PROGRAM IS IT TRUE OR FALSE? THE FACT THEY CAN AFFORD IT AND
THEY CAN DO IT WITH THE COMPUTER TECHS THEY HAVE
MONEY THEY MAKE FROM PHONES SALES THEY MAKE AND
ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND VIRGIN MOBILE ARE THE SAME
COMPANY THEY CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN IF THEY WANT TO!
MAY IT HAPPEN ASAP SO FAITHFUL AND LOYAL CUSTOMERS
OF ASSURANCE WIRELESS CAN ENJOY THE SERVICE BETTER!

Sep 22, 2018
 7 hours later missed work. Thanks ! Smh!
by: Shamron

So 7 hours later this evening my alerts for voicemail came in, mind you...... There are no missed calls in my log. But the voicemails from my babysitting employer came in around 3pm 4p.m. And again around 5pm. Was my service on pause? I don't get it. And my texts take forever to be sent out. And the damn service bar is constantly disappearing why? I'm always here in same area of my town and it goes out like I left the cell area. I paid $25 for this stupid phone cause I wasn't quite up for an upgrade and had a replacement within that year. Stupid stupid stupid. So my babysitting job was given to someone more dependable. Thanks alot. I'm switching to a different service or something. Can't believe I paid for crap
Sep 21, 2018
 Phone
by: Anonymous

Phone gets hot to touch. Battery doesn't stay charged. Keys don't work right. Service is terrible. I need something that I can depend on for calling Drs. And receiving calls from Drs and my son. I realize that it's a free government phone but even at that it needs to work.
Sep 20, 2018
 piece of crap
by: angie

both the phone and the service are horrible. texts take forever, programs close, apps dont work, phone broke, terrible, terrible customer service. but whats a person to do on a fixed income? so i am joining you all in hoping to change things.
Sep 18, 2018
 WHICH PHONE IS BETTER
by: Anonymous

WHICH PHONE IS BETTER ANS OR ZTE QUEST ?
Sep 17, 2018
 ANS android phone
by: PacoTaco

My ANS phone rocks! Thanks AW!
Sep 17, 2018
 Useless service
by: Alex Marshall

Assurance Wireless is horrible. SMS messages take literally 12 hours to get from one person to me, and vice-versa. (I don't use Assurance wireless, I'm just sick of them delaying SMS messages until 2 in the damned morning, and then suddenly my phone gets a whole slew of messages from Assurance Wireless service users.

but then again, given Assurance Wireless is owned by Richard Branson's Virgin, I expect nothing but the most horrid service possible.
Sep 14, 2018
 confusing process that goes no where
by: Anonymous

I'm finding this circular run disturbing, unable to upgrade my phone
Sep 04, 2018
 SWAPING PHONES AT ASSURANCE WIRELESS
by: Anonymous

SWAPING A PHONE ON ASSURANCE WIRELESS SHOULD BE BETTER THAN THIS! ITS CRAZY YOU,LL LOG ON TO YOUR
ACCOUNT TO SWAP ON THE LIST WHEN YOU,LL TRY TO SWAP YOUR PHONE THAT,S ON THE LIST THEY WON,T ALLOW IT SAYING ITS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ASSURANCE WIRELESS THAN WHY HAVE A LIST TO SWAP FROM VERY UNREASONABLE AND UNFAIR TO LOYAL AND FAITHFUL CUSTOMERS OF ASSURANCE WIRELESS! THEY HAVE THE TECH AND MONEY TO DO IT PLUS ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND VIRGIN MOBILE ARE THE SAME COMPANY PLUS THEY CAN ALLOW THE BE USED AND BE COMPATIBLE IF THEY WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE IT HAPPEN ITS A NO BRAIN-NER
THEY SHOULD DO IT FOR ALL FAITHFUL LOYAL CUSTOMERS
OF ASSURANCE WIRELESS ITS THE REASONABLE AND FAIR
TO DO MAKE IT HAPPEN BE REASONABLE!
Aug 27, 2018
 Leaving Assurance for Sprint
by: Anonymous

For those that have a ANS UL40 phone and plan from Assurance Wireless through the Lifeline program:

Have you considered porting your Lifeline number to the Sprint BYOD 1 year free program and using different Sprint compatible phone? This would effectively cancel your Assurance Plan, so then you could look for better Lifeline plan that allows using Sprint compatible phones. But this get you a free Sprint line for one year.
Aug 24, 2018
 ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND VIRGIN MOBILE ARE THE SAME COMPANY
by: Anonymous

ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND VIRGIN MOBILE ARE THE SAME COMPANY BUT THEY WON,T ALLOW YOU,LL USE THEIR PHONES ON THEIR SERVICE UNLESS THEY PICK OUT WHICH
PHONES YOU,LL CAN HAVE VERY UNFAIR ASSURANCE WIRELESS! ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND VIRGIN MOBILE HAVE THE TECH AND CAN AFFORD TO MAKE THEIR PHONES
COMPATIBLE TO ASSURANCE WIRELESS SERVICE !
THEY SHOULD ALLOW ALL OF ASSURANCE WIRELESS CUSTOMERS THE OPTION TO PICK OUT WHICH VIRGIN MOBILE PHONES THEY WANT ITS A WIN. WIN NO BRAIN-ER
ITS THE RIGHT AND FAIR THING TO DO FOR ALL FAITHFUL AND LOYAL CUSTOMERS OF ASSURANCE WIRELESS!
Aug 18, 2018
 Screwed by Virgin
by: Anonymous

The first Assurance phone I got was a Kyocera Reach. It was kind of crappy in many functions, but it took good pictures and basically worked. Well about 8 months in it started being more and more finicky until finally the screen just went black. I connected it to my computer with a USB cable to get my phone numbers off it, but to my shock found that there was no "contacts" folder. Also, although I had synced with Google (at least that's what I thought I did), my contacts were not on Google drive either. All my photos were there but only about 7 out of a couple hundred international phone numbers.

I contacted Assurance/Virgin to try to get the phone repaired, after verifying with Kyocera that the screen just needed to be replaced, and then I would be able to use touchpad controls so as to get to my contacts, but Assurance refused to fix it and seemed very eager to send me a replacement. I'm condensing so the above was actually the result of several days of long frustrating phone calls with customer service reps who had a poor command of English. I finally agreed to the replacement, thinking that I would be getting the same phone and so could out-fox the company by switching out the screen.

However, my replacement phone was an ANS, a brand I never heard of, and with good reason! This phone is such a piece of crap. The screen cracked on the second day of use and as others have also complained, it was pre-loaded with tons of adware that pop up whenever I'm trying to do ANYTHING on the phone and frequently will prevent me from being able to answer a call before the caller hangs up or gets transferred to voice mail. I have discovered that Virgin's contract with Kyocera forbids Kyocera from making repairs to phones, even though it is possible to repair it. I'm so furious and this has been ruining my life for several weeks. Many of my contact phone numbers will be very difficult, some impossible, to get again. I absolutely hate this new phone and am seriously considering leaving the program completely and just try to come up with the money for a monthly plan on a legitimate service provider. I truly feel that I was deliberately given a phone that would fail within less than a year for the specific purpose of then being lumbered with this ANS piece of garbage overflowing with advertisements.

Even more exasperating has been trying to explain the problem to the English-challenged reps who hardly deviate from their script regardless of how irrelevant it is to one's issue. I was actually told that I must have downloaded something that caused the adware even after I told the rep that it had been this way, straight out of the box and I hadn't downloaded anything anyway! I had to repeat each sentence at least 3 times with every rep. Finally I demanded one rep put me on with a supervisor, which she tried to talk me out of before eventually (about 40 minutes into this call) putting me on to someone who could have been the janitor for all I know. I asked him who I could call that is higher up in the company, that I was even willing to PAY to fix the phone but that it wasn't possible to do except via Kyocera as most cell phone repair places deal only with iPhone or Samsung. Literally, all this guy could do in the end was give me a P.O. Box address for Virgin. A P.O. Box!!!! WTF?

Now I am being threatened that if I don't return the damaged Kyocera, my phone service will be suspended. I've told them I don't want the ANS phone and there is no other option, according to them. So far I'm ignoring that threat and my current plan before I abandon this project, is to try and buy a used Kyocera of the same model and then replace the screen myself (there are Youtube videos that show how, though I'm sure it won't be fun at all).

I am astounded that: a) Kyocera phones don't have a frikkin "contacts" folder accessible by computer connection; b) that they refuse to fix the screen even though that is the only thing wrong with it and the screens can indeed be replaced; c) that the replacement phone is of incredibly sub-standard quality and design, with a teeny tiny screen, a barely functioning touchpad and lots and lots of ads. Yes people as others on here have urged: we ALL need to complain about this to the FTC and the other agencies. I think that Sprint and Virgin are in on this together, not that it was picked up from Virgin by Sprint, so they should get complaint letters too. It's horrendous! But I'm very glad to have found this forum and other fellow victims. Good luck everyone.
Aug 14, 2018
 BOOST MOBILE
by: Anonymous

ARE BOOST MOBILE PHONES COMPATIBLE WITH ASSURANCE WIRELESS TO USE ON ASSURANCE WIRELESS SERVICE?
Aug 06, 2018
 My useless and replacement phone
by: Sophia Thomas

I am fed up with your so called And smartphone. We have tried troubleshooting, nothing doing, only getting worse. It's been almost 1.5 months since I received a replacement for my flip phone. I have requested to have it n back because since I get the supposedly smartphone, I have not had one decent phone conversation let us alone meeting other needs. I have called assurance wireless to even talk to supervising staff, I am not being transferred, only being requested to trouble shoot from another phone. Where, may I ask, is the other phone????? For heaven same I'm on public assistance!!! Stop stealing from the government!!!! In the name of providing smartphones. Shame on you. I have been on this program for 5 ago but have not had much problem with the flip phone except wear and tear!!! I have offered to return the stupid and phone but you have refused to give me the address!!! Come take your can phone back, for, I am tired of your bulshit! Period!
Aug 02, 2018
 Power in Numbers
by: Anonymous

There is no doubt in my mind that by providing these ANS phones Sprint - Virgin Mobile are not fulfilling their obligation to the contract established which states they must provide a device that offers reliable function and service.Grounds for a major Class Action Lawsuit are clearly in place as this has gone on and still continues despite numerous complaints all with the same premise. The phones are unreliable at Best. Hence the constant influx of exchanges and complaints yet no measures have been taken to rectify this. That clearly shows negligence and bad business practices.
Aug 02, 2018
 Power in Numbers
by: Anonymous

There is no doubt in my mind that by providing these ANS phones Sprint - Virgin Mobile are not fulfilling their obligation to the contract established which states they must provide a device that offers reliable function and service.Grounds for a major Class Action Lawsuit are clearly in place as this has gone on and still continues despite numerous complaints all with the same premise. The phones are unreliable at Best. Hence the constant influx of exchanges and complaints yet no measures have been taken to rectify this. That clearly shows negligence and bad business practices.
Jul 28, 2018
 Sims card
by: Dani

I just recently received an assurance wireless phone. I've had one before for years but let it go and decided to get it back. The new phone I got has a Sims card in it. As long as I get a sprint phone can I just put my Sims card in and it work?
Jul 13, 2018
 american network phones
by: Anonymous

i have been sent a 4th so called new phone each one american network, the phones over heat, stay on while it charges and will totally become useless in a matter of days, this all happened in less than a month, we have been with assurance for a very long time and appreciate this service but what good is it if you barely have a phone while sending it back and fourth and to make it worse is the representative i talked with made it very clear that i should be happy for the free service........WHAT SERVICE ????? Assurance Wireless needs to get it together and go back to the way they did things in the beginning !!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 05, 2018
 changing phones
by: ricky thomas

my phone is lost I would like to use the phone I have can I do it
Jun 26, 2018
 Autistic brother needs EASY phone
by: Anonymous

Where can I get a simple flip phone for my 59 yo brother? He’s on SSI and gets service from Assurance Wireless.
Jun 23, 2018
 Switch my phone
by: Yvonne torgerson

I don't like the smart phone from assurancewirless i prefer the flip phone or the other kind please change my phone my email is Y.Torgerson 4818@gmail.com I'm 70 yrs of age i live at 2132 chatterton ave 2f Bx NYC 10472 id appreciate It very much thank you the phone i have from you the number is 347/928/3830 please change my phone to another One either the flip or the other One thank you
May 21, 2018
 bad cell phones form American Network sulotions
by: Vernon Simpson

i got this phone and its my life line form American Network Solutions and it dangerus and un -useable and has sprint on it as service .Butt when i go it and started to us it its like somebodys got control of the keypad and over heat in my hand really bad. and now no out let will servi or replace it ..iis it sprint or is it phone is it ...how do you contact peolpe baout it ...Vernon Simpson Help please....asap it s my life and way to get and keep a job really,Great solution to keep Americans and other job less and home less and in danger with out a phone to even call for 911 help.or it thank corp .American solutions..?
May 05, 2018
 GOING ON MY 3RD SMART PHONE!!!!!!!!
by: Anonymous

SO, AW IS SENDING ME A 3RD SMART PHONE AFTER UPGRADING TO A SMART PHONE LAST NOVEMBER. AT FIRST I WAS EXCITED TO BE UPGRADED UNTIL I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS!!! THE PHONE I HAVE CURRENTLY IS AN ANS SMARTPHONE. BEWARE: I HAVE A VIRUS WITH THIS PHONE. AFTER MANY CALLS TO AW COMPLAINING ABOUT THE PHONE I FINALLY GOT A COMPETENT REP WHO TOLD ME THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PHONE. I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THE SERVICE. I JUST WANT IT TO WORK. JUST TO MAKE A CALL SOMETIMES WILL MAKE ME FRUSTRATED BECAUSE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THE PHONE. ONE OF THE REPS I HAD TO WORK WITH WAS SO HORRIBLE!!! SHE KEPT REPEATING HERSELF, TELLING ME IT WAS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH A TOWER NEAR MY HOME. SHE KEPT INTERRUPTING ME!! SO RUDE!!! I HAD PROBLEMS ANYWHERE I WAS! I THINK THESE REPS JUST READ FROM A SCRIPT OR SOMETHING. MOST DON'T KNOW ENGLISH!!! I KEPT ASKING FOR A SUPERVISOR AND SHE WOULD JUST KEEP SAYING THERE WAS NOTHING A SUP COULD DO FOR ME AND KEPT TO HER STUPID SCRIPT!! RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!
May 02, 2018
 blessed and sad
by: blessed-crew

I have been assurance a long time and its onr of tbe best and worst services even i have the plan that gave me 750 voice minutes and unlimited text but after a while having data on my phone became a must have due to having a huge family and kids needing to reach me. The phones they give are beyond cheap and even if you can afford to upgrade at some point that phone too will be cheap quality I have been dropped to less minutes due to free daya they add but the data is slow to surf nut fast at using up the data we should be able to get same benifits as California residents do. You add time due to running out of minutes only to be told thry wont rollover i appreciate all i get help with in life but i would appreciate being treated nust as my well to do frllow man is. If they can provide they need to shut assurance down wirh what what get we can ban together and open our own phone company to help each other in the boat stay a float. I belive it can and eilll happen with prayer and determination lets show these crooks hoe to be wealthy the right and honest way
Apr 30, 2018
 Assurance Wireless phone swap
by: Girl talking

So, You don't have to call in for them to swap your phone you can log into your account on line as long as you know your phone number and your pin. and on there they have a list of phones that you can swap to. Take for instance I went to Walmart and they didn't carry any. Target had some and also best buy. one review from target said it worked on assurance wireless. So, the only reason they do this with the phones is because they offer unlimted talk and text while the other companies don't. If you have money for a iPhone or a nice big phone yeah maybe you shouldn't be on a free gov lifeline plan lol.. they allow you to switch to the low grade smartphones that are on the list on their website. but no new phones and not a high grade of a phone. yes the phone that they send you to start your service that phone is horrible lol...
Apr 27, 2018
 To: WTF NEW
by: Anonymous

I agree with you, TOTALLY! AND I bet the majority do, too, except for a few idiots who haven't gotten screwed over, YET!!! If anyone knows another Lifeline company that is better, please let us know, so, we can change! If you are poor AND old & poor, you get crapped on all of the time!
Apr 27, 2018
 WTF
by: Anonymous

Assurance Wireless is fucking bullshit. They sent me a brand new phone fully loaded with trojans and adware. I don't understand how they get to pull shit like that when the cost of the phone is getting paid by the government. These people are nothing more than scam artists! Why is nobody suing these criminals?
Apr 25, 2018
 To: Appreciative NEW by: Sui
by: Anonymous

I forgot to add.....maybe, they are giving out better phones, now, then when I got my 3 bad ones, but I doubt it! I know other people who have been getting junk they cannot use! Count yourself lucky if you got one of the few that work!
Apr 25, 2018
 To: Appreciative NEW by: Sui
by: Anonymous

Are YOU kidding me? Your comments make me furious! I have been with Assurance for years & in the beginning, I had to return 3 of the crap phones they sent me 'cause they did NOT work as others have had the same problem! I ended up buying a different phone! Assurance was provided by Virgin Mobile & has gone downhill since Sprint took over! I never complained about anything except it didn't work! Now, I could complain about the small screen cause I have gone blind in one eye. I am 75 & many my age have trouble seeing! Read my other comments about "Use it or Lose it"! I use it when I have to & try to save minutes for emergencies, which this Govt. phone should consider top priority! I, really, don't think the Govt. wants to provide these phones for us & find out all the rotten things this company is doing to "we the poor"! AND.....I AM appreciative or I would, probably, be dead by now without this phone, BUT I expect to be treated as well as the rich! Another thing....I have paid my fair share of taxes over the years, so, I feel I, as well as, others deserve this!!! Just, how much taxes do the rich pay? ZIP!!!!! Those who don't have it made are supporting this country....NOT THE RICH!!!!! SO, Sui, stop cutting the poor down here!!! We do NOT deserve to be treated like trash!!!
Apr 25, 2018
 Use It or Lose it part 2
by: Andrea aka anonymous

In regards to my comments on April 17 of Assurance texting me to make a call ASAP or I could lose my service. I used it many times since plus it rolled over to another month on the 20th & 2 days later I got another text telling me the same thing! I feel I am being harassed. I shouldn't have to make frequent calls. I need my minutes for important calls to my many doctors, etc. My family texts me, so, I text them back! They don't get free service, but get many texts free! I need this phone for emergencies. I can no longer afford a home phone! I've been with Assurance for many years! It use to be with Virgin Mobile, then Sprint took over. I feel that's when the service went downhill. Which other services are better? Can someone tell me? Thank You!
Apr 25, 2018
 To: by: Paralegal Spud
by: Anonymous

Thank you for the important info on who to contact with complaints in regards to Assurance Wireless! Also, I agree that Prepaid-Wireless-Guide provides a valuable service & a big thank you from me, too!
Apr 25, 2018
 Re: Appreciative
by: Sui

Wow, I'm really glad I saw the last comment about being a little appreciative for their free phone and service. I just felt kinda gross reading all the comments complaining and moaning about how terrible it is to be getting a fairly decent pocket computer from the government for free. I know I was pleasantly surprised when I first got mine.

And don't get me wrong, I know that the poor in this country are treated worse than impoverished individuals in nearly all other first world nations, but shouldn't we reserve our anger for areas where there is an actual injustice? All we do by complaining about this is make the right wingers feel justified in thinking that the poor are ungrateful and undeserving of the help they get. Let's not be the stereotype that the fascist right assumes we are. Let's not make them feel justified because we had to moan about how the screen is too small on the free cell phone we were given. Be grateful for what you have yet continue fighting for justice for the working class/poor.
Apr 19, 2018
 Assurance Phones/File Complaints FTC.gov
by: Paralegal Spud

April 19, 2018

Assurance Wireless Phones simply cheap trash, & service not like it used to be, actually worse.

Sprint should be ashamed, Help Make them Change!

We all need to File Complaints with Federal Trade Commission(FTC.GOV)the overseers of the Lifeline program contracting with Universal Service Agency.

File Complaints with State/Federal Legislators, the Office of the Inspector General(OIG.GOV)your

State's Department of Public Utilities which has state oversight/licensing for Telecommunications Companies;and lastly with your State Attorney General's office.

When complaining - Put all your issues about crap phones, lack of quality service, and request unlimited voice/text, 1GB of Data, and free 411(information)calls for your state's Assurance wireless service.(Lifeline) sputnic@zoho.com

Most Importantly A BIG Thank you to: www.Prepaid-Wireless-Guide.com, this is an excellent source of detailed information.


Apr 17, 2018
 by: tiredoftheBS
by: Anonymous

I, just, read the comments by by: tiredoftheBS 3/8/18 concerning all the garbage & lies he says we low-income people get. I TOTALLY agree with him/her! We are treated like trash due to being poor. If our Govt. & the rich had their way, we'd all die ASAP!
Apr 17, 2018
 Use It or Lose It
by: Anonymous

I received a text Sunday morning from Assurance Wireless telling me that I must start using my phone right away....an FCC rule! "Make a call today! Use it ! Don't lose it"! What the "H"! I use my phone when I need, too! Most family & friends text me, so, I text them back! I call my doctors & make other important phone calls! I use to run out of minutes, but now that we have more, I rarely get close to running out! I am in my 70s with many health problems & need this phone for emergencies! Why must I make many phone calls in order to keep the free service? Sometimes I do & sometimes I don't need to! What is going on here? I have, only, used 85 minutes this month & get new ones on the 20th! Why must I use them all up in order to keep the free service. After paying for a high dollar Medicare supplement, I nave $564 left to live on plus a small savings that ironically will go to the govt. for property taxes, insurance, excise taxes, etc., so, I can continue to live in my home! This is ridiculous....pester people, so, I can keep my phone???? BS!
Apr 16, 2018
 phone is running hot and broken screen
by: phyllis herbert

can i get a replace phone, address is 3103 north washington street. My assurance number is 302-495-4560
Apr 06, 2018
 DO NOT USE ASSURANCE
by: Anonymous

SWITCH. Every phone is made cheap except for the old kyocera flip phone which i still own and use as alarm and voice recorder. After getting 3 umx touchscreen which by the way has a way of introducing ads on screen and tons of spam texts even after factory resets. You waste time calling because I can not understand the service rep and most are not knowledgeable. Switch to access or safelink{tracfones}. In ca you get better phones and can BYOD.
Apr 05, 2018
 Great ful for assurance..
by: Anonymous

We r so appreciative of having this phone. It help with,looking for a job,using my limit income to help get stuff that I need instead of paying a phone bill!!!
Extremely appreciative...
Mar 20, 2018
 Completely Agree!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You're right on! I don't understand why Assurance doesn't move to the BYOD model. When the program first launched, BYOD wasn't popular among any carriers on any plan types. However, now it's mainstream, and many Lifeline providers support it.

All I can say is for customers to voice their preferences by shifting to Lifeline providers that support it. It's only a matter of time before Assurance does support it, however, they're WAY behind the competition at this point.
Mar 20, 2018
 Wtf
by: Anonymous

I have a backup LG that I just use on my wifi at home and wanted to transfer my Assurance plan to that phone. It's a Boost phone, but for some reason even though both are Sprint it couldn't be done. They really need to allow you to use any phone as long as it's compatible with the Sprint network.

The phone I originally got is so small and the battery life is so bad. But no, they want you to buy a completely different phone. Yeah I know it's free service, but why should I have to use the phone I was given. Seems like it would be cheaper to just give out SIM cards or something and it be usable on any device.
Mar 20, 2018
 Works For Me
by: Tony T

I have had the Alcatel keypad phone for years, which I was given at no charge when I first signed up. Although it is the older style keypad phone it has worked great for me. Being blind is an everyday challenge for me.

This phone is easy to use and the service and reception are great. It has features that allow me to keep in touch. It reads everything to me. When I hit any key it verbally calls it out. It reads texts aloud, has vibrate, good storage capacity and is overall user friendly.

A friend gave me a Galaxy 4 which I found difficult to use, so I use it now as an MP3 player.

Being on a fixed income I cannot afford to buy an iPhone, so for me this little phone allows me to keep in touch by way of telephone and text.
Mar 10, 2018
 Feedback on ZTE
by: Anonymous

Reasonably good. Had a little difficulty with activation. Cannot complain since this service is complimentary. I appreciate the cellphone and the service. Count your blessings folks; and stop with the complaining. This cellphone is really O.K..
Mar 08, 2018
 Assurance Wireless is GARBAGE:REFUSE, WASTE, TRASH, LITTTER, NOT FIT FOR USE!!!
by: tiredoftheBS

Many people know how BAD these'free' phones are! The Government truly treats low-income and disadvantaged people - like Refuse! Like we are Garbage! I'm trying to get out of the 'system' - but until I do- I have to go WITHOUT! They say- (translate)LIE: they are giving low-income people: healthcare, dental, 'free phones', vision, hearing, and 'health screenings', like pap-smears and cervical cancer screenings and breast cancer screenings- but- They LIE!!! The 'services'- are Crap!!! They are NOT HONEST and Do a Horrible job- It's almost as if I didn't GO to the dentist or the doctor, vision, or hearing place, or get a screening. I can't TRUST ANY of IT!

They treat us so Badly in 'health care', dental, hearing, and vision- as in- zero- decent, regular, simple, everyday, care- for health, going to the doctors with an actual problem -with your health, teeth, vision, hearing- Forget about your teeth! The 'FREE PHONE' IS the very LEAST of the things THEY CLAIM TO PROVIDE, and do NOT actually provide! Forget about a 'Free Phone''!!! It came from the garbage dump!!! Assurance Wireless is a FRONT - A False entity- they have some human beings- in South America, somewhere- answering the 'Customer Service' calls -who cannot even speak English or Understand most of what I'm saying- let alone, actually HELP me, with anything.

They have a SCRIPT- they read from- they say your name and SOME MEMORIZED PROPAGANDA SPEECH -THEY USE ON EVERYONE -FOR EVERYTHING. They keep repeating it over and over- no matter what I say to them. It's like trying to talk to a ROBOT!!! It is an INHUMAN EXPERIENCE. Like trying to get water from a rock- the rock CANNOT EVER GIVE YOU WATER- YET,YOU ARE BEING DIRECTED TO THE ROCK, AND ONLY THE ROCK, TO GET THAT WHICH YOU NEED- WATER!!! NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR DO OR EXPLAIN, OR TRY TO GET IT TO 'EMPATHIZE'- IT CANNOT- IT'S A ROCK. IT CAN NEVER GIVE YOU WATER!!!

This is why - please - get your own phone or go without. I just tell people I don't have a phone and I can only be contacted by email. I go to the library, my school, or a place with free wifi to use the internet. Don't give them the satisfaction of frustrating you ANYMORE!!!
Feb 01, 2018
 Not to buy!!
by: Anonymous

Feb,1,2018 I have had assurance wiress for about 5 years now. I wanted to get a better phone so I got the UMX673 I belive. They are (((Junk))) 1 burned up and 4 went bad in 6 mounths now!!! I just want to be able to make a call. They are telling me to buy the kyocera hydro reach now?
Jan 28, 2018
 They Do Publish the Compatible Phones
by: Anonymous

What phone, other than the FREE Assurance Wireless phone, can I use with Assurance Wireless service?
From Assurance Wireless' website, under FAQs:
"For the best customer experience, we encourage you to use the phone sent to you by Assurance Wireless.

The ZTE Quest, ANS UL40, Unimax 673, ZTE Tempo, ZTE Tempo X, Kyocera Hydro Reach and Coolpad 3300 are compatible.

Some older basic feature phones from Virgin Mobile and PayLo may be used with an Assurance Wireless account. Assurance Wireless does not support Blackberry or iPhone.

To swap your phone, please contact Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880."
Dec 13, 2017
 Response to Moto G5 Plus & Unimax
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Assurance has very limited, and unpublished, phones that are compatible (or at least that they are willing to activate). I think it's unlikely your Moto G5 Plus will be allowed to be activated. Unfortunately, however, the only way to really know is to call and ask.

For those who want to find out what's compatible prior to actually purchasing a new phone, I recommend talking to at least 2-3 different customer service reps to check for consistent responses!

Regarding the Unimax phone; I'm sorry, but I don't really understand what you're asking. Are you asking whether $25 is a good price for the phone? Whether the phone will work on Assurance?
Dec 11, 2017
 Cell quality and price
by: Anonymous

Lost my ZTE. They said I could buy a better phone Unimax for $25. I did. Did I get a rip off?
Dec 11, 2017
 Switch Service to New Phone
by: Anonymous

Hello, I've been with Assurance Wireless for about 2 months now. The service is great, however the phone is not that great.

My brother got a Moto G5 Plus in a raffle at work, so he gave it to me. Can I switch service to this Motorola phone?

Thanks.
Nov 30, 2017
 Phone Options NEW
by: Anonymous

Thank You!
Nov 29, 2017
 Phone Options
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Unfortunately, there's no real science behind this as Assurance no longer publishes what's compatible. For the longest time any payLo phone could be used. However, since payLo was discontinued, it seems to be somewhat inconsistent in terms of what works and what doesn't.

I still recommend looking up the old payLo phones, finding a couple that they want, then calling Assurance to verify that it's compatible before purchasing. And...ideally get their response in writing!
Nov 23, 2017
 Compatible Phones
by: Anonymous

Is there a list of compatible phones with Assurance Wireless? A friend has had nothing but trouble with the free phone & they have blown her off.....no phone that works now! Don't know if she would want a smartphone, so a list of any that are acceptable will be appreciated! Thanks.
Nov 22, 2017
 Upgrading Damaged Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Unfortunately, there's really no secret path here. You just have to give AW a call and request an upgrade. Let us know what they say!

If they refuse, your other option is to activate service with another Lifeline provider. They'll provide you with a new phone, and port your number over for you.
Nov 21, 2017
 AW Phone Upgrade
by: Jessica

My husband got the Alcatel OneTouch phone. It will be three years in March. I was told that we could upgrade this year. The phone is not working properly and I miss important texts. Help. How do we upgrade the phone?
Oct 27, 2017
 IPhone 6
by: Paco Taco

Can I get an IPhone 6 and still use Assurance Wireless? If not, what is the best phone out there that I can purchase and still use Assurance Wireless service?
Oct 27, 2017
 Free Phone /Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

E waste! E waste! E waste!

That is what these free plastic useless cheap phones are.

Too many of them where fabricated! And not a person in their right mind wanted to buy them. So instead of paying for the dump to get rid of them, some genius mind had the idea: Why not give them away to the lower class citizens and control them... A@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@RGHHHHHHH
Oct 25, 2017
 So What Did They Say?
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I'm sorry to hear about your super frustrating experience! So what did they say when you told them that the Hydro Reach was listed on their site as a compatible phone?

Is it that the one you got was not compatible with their network (ex. a GSM or locked phone), or that NO Hydro Reach phones can be activated on AW at all?
Oct 25, 2017
 Kyorcea Hydro Reach - Assurance Wireless - BS
by: Wayland, MI

I have the ZTE Quest because I wanted an upgrade and AW said this was the best. Well.... It is not! I got it and have had more issues with it than the cheapy cheap small reg phone they sent me in the beginning.

Anyways, AW clearly states that they Hydro Reach is compatible. I ordered like another person stated, from eBay. Only place I could find it. Paid $40 for it and got it today. Tried online to get it activated on my AW services. It said it was NOT an AW phone. I called them on the phone and tried it. They also told me that it was not compatible... Even though I mentioned that "IT STATES ON THEIR FREAKING WEBSITE" that the Hydro Reach is one of the other approved phone models.

So if you are reading this.. Learn from my mistake. Don't order this phone and expect it to work. The ZTE Quest I have now misses calls/texts. It even screws up the "Launcher" screen (Home screen) when leaving saying the camera/text/etc area to go to the home screen it says there is a problem with the launcher. Only way to fix it is to restart it. It happens several times a day.

I am talking with a rep on Facebook about this. But if I can't get this phone switched, I am LEAVING ASSURANCE WIRELESS FOR GOOD! I'm tired of their crap phones. Like someone else stated, just because we can't afford to pay tons for phone services, does not mean we should be dealt with dinosaur cell phones that totally suck so bad that it's more of a pain in the behind to try and use them, than it would be to end up paying for a better phone and forking out the money we can't afford for decent services...
Oct 25, 2017
 Follow-Up With New AW Phone
by: Anonymous

I don't know which Kyocera phone you are talking about! The free one is a Kyocera & I have had 2 other Kyocera models....using one right now!~
Oct 24, 2017
 Follow-Up With New AW Phone
by: Savannah, GA

The Kyocera would not work on the AW network. AW shipped a ZTE Quest to me. It is not comparable (speed, screen size, etc) to the Kyocera, but it is minimally adequate. Hey, it makes/accepts calls, texts, and has some data, although I have little need for that. The online swap feature did not work, but since I had been emailing a customer service rep previously about the other phone, I sent an email and within a few hours, AW replied and activated the ZTE.

With my old payLo, I was on a 500 minute, unlimited text plan. I am now on a 350 minute, unlimited text, and 500 MB data plan. I received 2 texts last week that I will be upgraded to 1 GB next month.

So, that's the latest on my AW story. Time will tell if the phone lasts, but for now, it meets my needs.
Oct 16, 2017
 Regarding Who To Complain To
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Given how many people are reporting issues with various Lifeline services, I actually recently created a new page discussing your options for escalating your complaints.

Check out the following page. You can also scroll down and describe your personal story there as well!

Lifeline Complaints
Oct 16, 2017
 Response to Anonymous
by: Anonymous

Leave Assurance Wireless and go to Access Wireless. They have better phones so you can better enjoy your free phone, text and data plan!
Assurance Wireless phones are crap and I don't
care if people say we complain about the phones.
Just because we get this service for free doesn't mean we deserve crap!
Oct 09, 2017
 Who to Complain To?
by: Anonymous

With all the crap Assurance gives almost everyone, who can we complain to about them! After 3 crap phones, I bought my own which was compatible. I've had it a couple of years.....Kyocera Contact....$20 on clearance at the time from Kmart...was $70-$80 phone. I've dropped it several times, so I'm wanting to get another similar phone. Are there any with bigger numbers & maybe letters? I have gone blind in one eye. I don't really want one for the internet. I can't see well enough anyway! Actually, I like the one I have, but dropped it too many times! Thanks
Oct 09, 2017
 Changing to a Smartphone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for sharing your experience. That certainly sounds extremely frustrating to say the least!

It really is annoying how inconsistent they are with respect to what phones are compatible. And since they discontinued payLo, it has become even more ambiguous.

Personally, I would call them in advance prior to purchasing a phone on my own to verify that it will work, and definitely try to get a transcript of that conversation.

I hope you get your new phone mailed to you!
Oct 09, 2017
 Compatible AW smart phones
by: Savannah, GA

Oh yeah, one more thing, the obvious lesson learned. This statement is in the AW FAQs:

"The ZTE Quest is the recommended compatible Android smartphone that can be used on Assurance Wireless at this time. Other Assurance Wireless Android models (Coolpad 3300, Unimax 673, ZTE Tempo and Kyocera Hydro Reach) are also compatible."

Don't believe a word of that.
Oct 09, 2017
 Phone Upgrade
by: Savannah, GA

Some follow-up. I called New Delhi. Lord, those folks are hard to understand. Well, about that Virgin Mobile-packaged Kyocera Hydro Reach I bought off eBay, it will not work on AW's network. Get this, the chip technology is too "new". HA! We're talking about a phone that is already yesterday's trash. You can't buy it new anywhere except some folks peddling it on eBay, and that is too "new".

The friendly yet difficult to comprehend rep promised to send me a phone, a smart phone, to arrive within 7-10 days. We'll see. I'll report back if that actually happens.

Oh, and to top off what a complete screw-up AW is, the sweet New Delhian suspended my service, as if I had lost my phone. Lawd lawd! I clearly explained that my phone (an older VM Samsung payLo) and service were fine, but the battery was no longer holding a lasting charge, hence the need for another phone. Fortunately, I was able to restore it online.

ughhhh!!!
Oct 08, 2017
 Kyocera Hydro Reach
by: Savannah, GA

I bought a new Kyocera Hydro Reach from eBay, relatively cheap purchase too. It was in the Virgin Mobile paylo family. The Assurance Wireless FAQs state that this is a compatible phone. I tried to swap it online, but it didn't work. Perhaps I entered the wrong number (although I tried the 14 and 18 digit numbers), or perhaps my formatting was wrong. Has anyone else had success swapping phones online or did you have to call someone in India to make it happen???

Thanks!
Oct 06, 2017
 Cell Change
by: Deseree Torres

I have the old one. It's too small. I can hardly read my texts, and I want the new one.
Sep 29, 2017
 Assurance
by: Anonymous

Can you take your assurance number with you if you want a different wireless company?
Sep 28, 2017
 You Have Other Options
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sorry to hear about your experience. Yes, you can change to a different Lifeline provider. Just make sure that you apply to the new one, tell them about your existing service, and they will transfer it over. This transfer process will cancel your old service automatically. I have a list of providers; there's a link below, or you can use the menu above and find it under the FREE Service section. All the best!
Sep 28, 2017
 New Phone
by: Anonymous

They (Assurance Wireless) sent me 2 phones within 6 or 7 months. Neither would keep a charge for over 1 day. After about 1 year I called and bought a flip phone for $7.95, and it is not any better.

DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR CREDIT CARD #!!!! I GOT A FRAUD ALERT ON MY VERY LIMITED CREDIT CARD!!! I'm not saying the person did, but they were the only person I have ever given my number to. The odds are pretty limited.

Now I have been given a ZTE ANDROID (used), but cannot log in to my account because the account PIN or whatever it is has disappeared. I really am thankful for the free phone service, but it would be better if it actually worked!!! Now a question. Can you cancel one service for another? I think there are 3 available.
Sep 03, 2017
 to: AMAZED AT THE PEOPLE HERE
by: Anonymous

I could have written your comments myself. In fact, I have in the past.....so, many ungrateful people on here....some probably committing fraud & really don't qualify for a free phone. I am retired & living on $600 a month after I pay for my high dollar health insurance.,,,,Medicare & a supplement that goes up every year....going to have to drop it & I have many, many health probs, too!. I have a small savings to pay for homeowners & car insurance & taxes, so, I can't get any help except for my heating bill, which is NOT paid for by our wonderful govt. One day, my savings will be exhausted...then what? I had to get a different phone due to the freebie not working....tried 3 of them, BUT.....I got one that was being discontinued for $20. I've dropped it several times, so, might have to get another one day! Am I grateful for this program....you bet I am! AND I am sick & tired of the complainers, too! Keep complaining people & this program will be taken away from all of us & many of us dO need it.
Sep 02, 2017
 Where to find/purchase compatible smart phones?
by: Savannah, GA

I'm interested to buy a compatible phone for the assurance wireless plan to replace my unreliable paylo dumb phone, but the smart phones they recommend seem to be outdated or out of production. Any ideas on where to find one of these phones for purchase?

Thanks much!
Aug 28, 2017
 I Hear You!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I can definitely understand your frustration. Unfortunately, this isn't unusual across all industries. New customers often get special pricing, offers, or deals, whether it's for wireless, cable TV, Internet, or just about any other service you can think of.
Aug 28, 2017
 Response to Anonymous
by: Anonymous

You're right. That's why I'm leaving Assurance Wireless and going to Access Wireless. They have better phones, and they have Bring Your Own Phone
Program, which means you can pick out your own
phones to upgrade to, which is good because we deserve it!
Aug 26, 2017
 Upgrade
by: Anonymous

I think it's crappy that existing customers have to pay to upgrade your phone, while new customers do not.
Aug 11, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Well said anonymous. I am grateful to have my Coolpad 3300a that Assurance Wireless sent me. It works great.
Aug 11, 2017
 AMAZED AT THE PEOPLE HERE
by: Anonymous

I CANNOT believe that people who are getting something free, are complaining that they can't get some kind of upgraded phone and that they "deserve" one. And just because they are getting something FREE, they should get what they want. WAH, WAH, WAH.

I am SO grateful that I actually have this service. Yes, the phone I have SUCKS, but it is a phone and it works. The program was originally intended to be a LIFELINE. Do you all know what that means? It doesn't mean that you should get some kind of fancy phone, it means you have a phone.

I just went through hell, breaking my arm falling over my crutches that I was using for my hip that had to be replaced. I had 2 major surgeries in the space of 4 months and I was crippled for the year prior to that. I just lost my job of 22 years ON MY BIRTHDAY because I didn't return to work fast enough. I am a senior citizen and have a lot of health issues and no one is going to hire me. I just signed a lease for a year at $1400 a month because I THOUGHT I had a job to go back to. I am now totally destitute trying to get some help from the State (Massachusetts) and the Government. I am being told that I don't "qualify" because I am not "old" enough, don't have kids, and most likely not a friggin illegal alien. Massachusetts is very good at helping illegal aliens.

I did, however get some food stamps and I "qualified" for a phone from Assurance Wireless. I don't care how bad the phone is, I am happy that I have it and I don't have to PAY for it.

All you people out there whining about the fact that you can't get some kind of upgraded, new phone should STFU and be happy that you live in a country that can actually provide you with a phone. And if you are complaining so much about your phone, then you probably shouldn't even be on the program. Because if you REALLY were in a position like I am, you would be thanking God that you got the phone.
Aug 02, 2017
 There Are Other Providers
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sorry to hear about all of your issues; it definitely sounds super frustrating!

There are certainly other Lifeline providers, many of which now allow you to bring your own device. Some even provide you with a free smartphone. A list of other providers is on this site, and you can find a link in the FREE Service menu item at the top of the page, or the link is posted below on Dec 21.
Jul 28, 2017
 ZTE not good for me - hot to touch & communications sucks
by: delightfool

I was thrilled to find I could get and use Lifeline for a cell phone. I used to have it on my landline, but have moved to where I can't get a landline easily. My cell is necessary for staying in contact with my dad's health care people, and connecting with my own doctor.

Unlimited text messaging makes all the difference for my and my family's peace of mind. The Assurance Wireless ZTE phone overheats and won't charge. The reception sucks. It goes in and out, and I only get every other or every third or fourth word.

Even talking with customer service I have to keep asking them to repeat themselves and speak slower. Sometimes that works. Time after time it doesn't, and messages are also garbled. Leave me a phone message and hope I get the whole message, if I don't get silence.

I was sent a new phone (just the same as my other one, well, there are some minor differences), but the problem WASN'T solved. They had me reset the phone with the ## command; no good. They asked if I had another number I could call from so they could do something at their end and I could turn my phone off and on.

-----DUH! I only have the one line, and there are no more phone booths to use for those "need to" calls. Remember when you carried an extra dime or quarter for safety in case you needed to make that phone call?????

I will have to find a neighbor home and willing to let me use their phone. I also find my phone calling people without my knowing it. Not just "butt" calls. I got a call from a 911 operator to make sure I was okay, since I had somehow called them and then hung up. What?

There must be some other carrier that does the free Lifeline service? I so appreciate Assurance for the thought, but wish it was worth the headache to stay in touch with health and family issues. I have missed important messages, return numbers due to the stuttering and erratic reception. I am limited with my SSI or I would find a way to get a landline.

Also disturbed that the data plan got used up so fast. I need to send pics of my dad to other family members (and visa versa) for health updates. That's probably a different issue, although I don't always receive those pictures.
GRRRR.

- Overheats
- Garbled speaking or missing words
- Phone messages incomplete
- Screen goes blank and can't get screen back without turning phone on/off. Even that creates other problems.
- Overheats - HOT TO THE TOUCH!
- Charge doesn't last very long

Whew, that feels better to get it out.
Jul 22, 2017
 Store's gone...phone's not working, going out of town
by: Improbable

Great, my phone isn't working, called for a replacement & they sent the original tiny phone that I can't use due to joint problems. I don't get all my calls, and you can no longer go on their website to purchase a phone, and I need it ...overnight.
Jul 18, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Hey Toni, I got the Coolpad 3300a from Assurance Wireless. It's a nice Android phone that works well. See if you can get one of those.
Jul 18, 2017
 ZTE Quest
by: tONI

I have the Assurance Program also. My phone is a ZTE Quest. I really don't want to complain and be thankful that there is something FREE out there. But I have to say something. First, the ZTE has many features. A lot that are WOW that's interesting, etc. But, sorry to say, it's just not good at "Performance". Whatever I click on or try to access, I have to keep pushing the icon two to three times to get it to go. Then it takes forever to load. The keyboard has many little extras, but I have to keep hitting it so I can compose a message. It seems everything freezes. Whatever I do, or access, it's almost a minute wait before the phone warms up or does anything.

I never had this problem with my other mobile devices. My notifications show all these games where I have no idea where they came from. I don't know how to remove them. I'm not happy with this phone. If I could afford it, I would buy another phone. I need something that will be beneficial. This ZTE is not. Sorry to say.
Jul 17, 2017
 Overheating Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

If you're so inclined, you could purchase a replacement battery on eBay, and see if that solves your problem. If not, I recommend calling to request a replacement phone as it may be an issue not related to the battery itself. It's unlikely that there's anything you can do to solve the problem yourself other than try replacing the battery.
Jul 17, 2017
 Malware
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Wow, that's certainly disconcerting! It's no doubt that this was not intentional. It's also possible that the Trojan was installed via a disguised update made to the phone. Just b/c they said it's in ROM, doesn't make it true. It could have been delivered via the standard FOTA functionality, and you may be able to delete it.

If you can't manually delete it, I recommend trying a factory reset, then re-doing the scan. If it is in fact still there, and came pre-installed in the ROM, I suggest calling Assurance to report it, and request a replacement phone.

Please let me know what you find out!
Jul 06, 2017
 Overheating
by: Raymond Rolle

I still have minutes on my phone, but the battery keeps getting hot, then it just keeps cutting off/on by itself. I took the battery out a couple times but that didn't work either.. what can I do?
Jul 06, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Phone: Factory Installed Malware
by: Anonymous

My Assurance Wireless UMX phone came with a Trojan factory installed in the Read Only Memory (ROM). Malwarebytes security scan found it in the app that is supposed to upgrade the firmware over the air (FOTA)! Malwarebytes tech says this is a big problem with "cheap" android phones produced in China. The Trojan Android/FakeUpdateTrojan.V was discovered in the SystemFota app. It cannot be removed without unlocking and rooting the phone and re-flashing the ROM with clean system software! Here's a link to a screenshot from the Malwarebytes scan!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2_w7LiixJPtQUNtMEV5YzUtdjQ/view?usp=sharing
Jul 04, 2017
 ZTE Quest n817 Phone
by: Anonymous

This is the Assurance Wireless device. I had to replace 3 phones. The one I have is the same. It drops calls. You will get a voicemail but no ring. It will ring, but the screen is black and you don't know who's calling. The phone shuts down all by itself. It will freeze up. It doesn't respond when you push a contact number to call. You have to push again to have it go through.

I wish Assurance Wireless could be like the other providers out there that let you change your phone. The only thing I like about Assurance Wireless is that I was able to take my home phone number to that phone. I'd like to get a good phone. It just sucks that we can't.
Jul 03, 2017
 Voicemail Issue
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Unfortunately, my only suggestion is that you call Assurance to verify that your voicemail service was properly provisioned. If not, they can correct the issue. If so, they can walk you through how to get in to setup the password.

Before you do that, however, make sure that you dial your voicemail from the same phone. You should either get a message to setup voicemail for the first time, or you can try hitting *, and see if you get a setup menu.
Jul 02, 2017
 No Voicemail
by: Anonymous

Why don't I have voicemail on my phone? There's no way I can set it up. When I tried calling it and let it ring, it rung about 10 times then the person says you have to call back later. How can a person leave you a message. Because I don't text much.
Jun 28, 2017
 Infuriated
by: Anonymous

I was with Assurance Wireless when my phone that they sent me UMX it sucked. The voice quality was terrible and it broke. I bought an LG Stylo 3 through Virgin Mobile, and now they tell me that they do not accept it for swapping, but they accept LG Stylo 2, although they offer it on their website. Crappy service, customer service agents just read to me from a card, and just keep repeating. Still not actually answering my questions.
Jun 21, 2017
 Worst Case...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...You can change your service to another Lifeline provider (there's a link further down in the comments). You can choose one that offers smartphones, or one that lets you bring your own device if you have access to another smartphone that you can activate.
Jun 20, 2017
 Coolpad 3300a
by: Paco Taco

Call Assurance Wireless and get your new Android phone.
Jun 20, 2017
 Old Phone
by: Nubbin

Is there an upgrade that I can get on my Assurance Wireless phone? The one I have I gratefully received years ago, but is really hard to text on as the keys are so small. I'm willing to buy a different phone, but have no idea which one to get?
Jun 17, 2017
 Old phone
by: Anonymous

I've been with Assurance since they came out. I had an ancient Alcatel phone. It stopped working and they sent me another that didn't work. They sent me another, then I see them giving out nice phones. I called and asked why I could not have one? They said I was already a customer, and they are only for new customers.

It takes 5 minutes to send a text to my mom, so I ordered one of their phones for $25. Well it wasn't like their nice phones. It's a umx smart phone. The screen cracked dropping it onto the carpet. They don't even have in any store a case you can buy that would fit this thing. It's not worth $25 when a new customers get free coolpads.

I'm grateful, but the one you order for $25 isn't worth $8. The tiny plus now is that I get less minutes cuz I have data that rarely works. I'm on my neighbor's WiFi now. I'm calling to see if I can switch to my husband's old iPhone 4 when they open today. I'll probably be told no cuz it was an AT&T phone & their data is sprint 3G.
Jun 11, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Hey frustrated, keep trying and don't give up. I live in California and they sent me a Coolpad Android phone. Assurance Wireless rocks!
Jun 11, 2017
 Frustrated
by: Anonymous

I am grateful for the government phone. I can not afford a monthly cell phone bill. It's unfair to existing customers that they are not eligible for the new phone not because of just wanting a smartphone, but the phone that was sent to me many years ago, which I call my dino phone does not work properly it freezes, loses text, and I don't get my whole text. It's just frustrating when we can benefit from it. I have called and emailed with no satisfaction.
Jun 09, 2017
 You can get a smartphone if you are a existing customer
by: Anonymous

I just talked to customer service at assurance wireless, they said an existing customer can pay $25 and upgrade to a cool pad touch screen phone.
Jun 03, 2017
 change phones
by: thomas prince

i would like to get a smartphone phone instead of my alcatel thank you
Jun 01, 2017
 To: ECM
by: Anonymous

I don't know how many times I've said the same thing on here! These so-called Free phones that many are calling Obama phones have NOTHING to do with Obama! Some people will get something in their head [with a pea size brain] & you can, even, show them in black & white & they believe, only, what they want, too! SAD!!! Yes, people, it's hard to believe, but, for once, a Republican Administration did something for the low income people!
May 31, 2017
 Do I have to say it AGAIN?
by: ECM

Pres. Obama didn't institute the Lifeline phone program. Believe it or not, it was the Geo. W. Bush Administration. Further, not one nickel of your tax money goes toward these services, as it comes from a fund collected by the wireless carriers, who know that, once they get a phone in your hands, you will buy extra minutes, ringtones, etc.
Apr 16, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Dude, those comments are unacceptable, and you should be ashamed of yourself.
Apr 16, 2017
 ZTE Smartphone
by: Jeff

[Edited by Admin due to extreme profanity. Please keep it respectful.]

All of you guys are ungrateful. The smartphone is really nice and almost like a Galaxy s7!! Very reliable; I love my phone.
Apr 15, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Phones For Everyone. Special Needs And All
by: Traci

I thoroughly agree with what's being said. The part about "Obama phone" I think just comes along because he is the first president to offer this service for the people who can't afford these other phone plans or the purchase price of others.

Everyone has their own opinions about it, but it has helped me out so much. I can't afford some of the plans or phones and this helps me stay in touch with making appointments. Staying in touch with my family and friends and more. Yeah... Some of the phones may have problems, but there is a solution. Just got to take the time to find out. Have a blessed day and Happy Easter!
Apr 13, 2017
 Did Some Digging
by: Anonymous

I did a little investigating on this since my parents need a phone that's easier to use. Apparently the FCC changed the rules for Lifeline effective Dec 2, 2016. Now carriers like Assurance have to offer a smart phone and include minimum minutes and data or they don't get any payment. So if you want a basic phone to replace your smart phone, maybe call their customer care number which should be 611 from your assurance phone.
Mar 18, 2017
 REPLY TO: So I Called To Ask
by: Anonymous

I agree with everything you say! As far as we elderly, it seems no one cares anymore, if they ever did. My city cares only for the millennials and Notre Dame....down the street from me. Neighbors don't care, either! I can barely get around, plus am blind in one eye & the other is not a lot better.

We need phones with big letters or be able to use our voice to dial & send messages! Yes, the lettering & numbers on these phones are way too small! I am finding out no one cares about we elderly! If you are all lucky [LOL], you will all be in our shoes one day! Sad that everyone calls me their favorite Aunt, but no one has time for me. There is no such thing as the Golden Years!
Mar 18, 2017
 TO: Facts About ' Life-line' Phones
by: Anonymous

I totally agree with you. Just wait 'til you get in your 70's! It doesn't get better, only worse! I lost my eyesight in one eye this past year & now the other one seems to be fading. Yes, there are many who begrudge us phone service to the outside world.....those who have it all. They care about no one but themselves & call this phone the "Obama phone" when he had NOTHING to do with it!

I live on $600 a month without any help except for my heating. There are people on here who are bitching 'cause they want an Android or another fancy phone & most of them probably wouldn't qualify for a free phone if they were honest on their app! I tried a total of 3 free phones & all were garbage, so, I did buy a $20 phone on clearance from Kmart that works....quite awhile ago!

Yes, Assurance has very poor service too. Many foreigners working from the middle east who don't know what they are doing or talking about! And it most certainly isn't fair that the people new to this service are getting great phones plus much more, while we who have been with them for a long time get the crap! Good luck to you, Sir & to all who are getting crap right along with me!
Mar 17, 2017
 Facts About ' Life-line' Phones
by: Anonymous

My experience with Assurance was pretty good - until my 6 year old phone died. I could only find a part time job, and I need to text my supervisor weekly for my schedule and/or he texts me. The phone they sent is useless for this. I am over 50, my eyesight has changed, and I only started texting 2 years ago.

The way they treat us with the phones- not giving everyone equal treatment is the way they treat older people. In this day and age obsolete phones are not enough to get by.

As far as the complaints, they are valid. There used to be things called pay phones. If we needed to call, say we were running late to work, we could easily do so here in NYC. Now we cannot. Combine that with the fact that many people cannot afford another home phone and you can see many complaints are valid.

By the grace of God, these nay-sayers have decent living standards. I hope their jobs never get shipped overseas, nor taken over by robots. Even doctors need to be concerned because of Watson and the like. You never know whether your future will be complaining about your only 'life-line'.
Feb 23, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Not necessarily true Anonymous.
Feb 23, 2017
 iPhone
by: Anonymous

With all due respect, if you can afford to purchase an iPhone, you shouldn't be on Assurance.
Feb 22, 2017
 Old Dog Learning New Trix
by: sweet*tart

I got the free ZTE Android a few months ago. First of all, it was too small to see, and so slow! Since I'm used to Apple products, learning Android has its ups and downs, and I just can't get use to it.

I decided to call Virgin to purchase an iPhone 6 Plus. I was so excited until I was asked about the plan and data, which means I have to sign up with Virgin and give up Assurance, and lose the benefits. So I had to cancel my purchase; it ruined my whole day.

Although there are those restrictions, I'm still grateful that there is such a program. I should have had a better retirement plan.
Feb 19, 2017
 So I Called To Ask
by: Anonymous

I am grateful for my FREE phone and service. But I am approaching my 80s, and the eyes are not what they used to be. Nor are my fingers. Having to press keys (and often hitting the wrong one) on some days can be very painful.

I worked my whole adult life and my only source of income is my SS check. But it is just barely enough to survive on. And some months not even that. So does this mean I should live in pain in order to have a phone that no longer can meet my needs? Am I supposed to be punished due to old age?

Assurance needs to get with the program and stop punishing the elderly.
Feb 03, 2017
 Changing Phone
by: Anonymous

I have MS, and when my Assurance phone died and I asked if I could use a different phone because the 2 phones Assurance (Virgin Mobile) offered were too hard for me to use. I was told "no", I had to get one of those phones I paid 21.99 for it.

I cannot use it; its too small and not clear, and to text was too hard for me. I'm now told I CAN use another payLo phone by Virgin Mobile. Now I have to pay to send back the $21.99 phone. And I have to go and get the new phone, which I'm told I can do.

Assurance Wireless is a great help to me getting service for free, but their people who answer phones are not very qualified. I have spent at least 10 hours switching phones, and setting the new one up. Trying to get info is impossible, and the wait time is horrible. Now I have to do it again!
Feb 01, 2017
 To: Anonymous Alcoholic
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

This forum is for people to express their experiences, opinions, and thoughts, regardless of what their beliefs are. HOWEVER, it's critical that people use language that is appropriate and respectful. Name calling doesn't belong here any more than it belongs in the playground. Thank you for understanding!
Feb 01, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Be careful about who you are calling a loser. The people that qualify for this program need all of the help they can get, and Assurance Wireless has finally come through with a smart Android phone for those that want one or need one and that are qualified for this program.
Feb 01, 2017
 You Should Be Grateful!
by: Anonymous Alcoholic

You losers should be grateful you're living in a prosperous country that can give you free cell service. Some people have to work!
Jan 18, 2017
 Response To Billy Bob
by: Anonymous

So it's okay for for some to have a smartphone, and some not get one, and not loyal and faithful users of Assurance Wireless who deserve it? The fact is that you'll fail to see that there are a lot of customers who would like and can use a better phone.

We have a right to complain about the phones and the fact that only new customers are getting better phones. That's okay from someone who thinks it's okay when they have a smartphone when others can't get one thinking like a brainless twit who doesn't know what they're talking about.

Don't even say that we're not thankful for the service, because we just want and deserve a better phone to enjoy the service better!
Jan 18, 2017
 We're Not Talking About Moldy Bread
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your comments; it's much appreciated. I wouldn't compare Lifeline to offering moldy bread though. There are a lot of people trying to make this program work, and to improve the quality of the phones offered.

It's obviously evolving nicely, though it certainly is taking time, and causing pain for existing customers vs. new customers.

Voicing your feedback is certainly helpful, no doubt!
Jan 18, 2017
 Response to "Response To Missing The Point"'s Response (Jan 12)To "Missing The Point"(Jan 10)
by: BillyBob

I happen to agree with you regarding "We have a right to complain about the phones they give us even though they're free. We're not a nobody who take any junk phones because it's free. We're somebody."

Now I'm on Lifelink with a "free" Android phone and "free" service and really don't have any complaints - it's definitely NOT the best phone/service out there BUT it's also definitely not the worst!

What bothers me are statements like: "You deserve what the program can afford to offer and support." or "I don't understand why people bitch and complain about a free service.... keep complaining and have it shut down; would that make you happier?!"

In addition (Jan 09) "Most of these complainers probably lie to qualify!" Really? and "I sent my phone back twice 'cause they did not work. After the 3rd time I bought a better phone, paying $20!" WOW! You got 2 "crap" phones (didn't complain?) and had the extra $20 to get the 3rd upgraded? Hey fat-cat, $20 is a lot of money to many people - heck Mexico's DAILY minimum wage is $4 a DAY.

Much of these comments are like saying: "I got some old, slightly moldy bread that is still edible and I'll give it to your starving ass for FREE - Yes I said FREE! I've got some fresh bread, but you better not complain about getting moldy bread because you don't really "deserve" anything!
Jan 17, 2017
 Safelink Will Send New Android and Much More
by: Jeravavious King

I was a long time member(Years) of Assurance, when Safelink started advertising a new Android Smartphone with 350 min talk. Unlimited texts, and 500MB per month of data.

I called Assurance and asked them if they would match it. They told me that was for NEW customers only. I told them that if they weren't matching Safelink then I would change to them when my time was up at the end of the year. That was OK to them so I DID change. I got a new Android smartphone, and was connected in a week. I wouldn't wait on Assurance to make good. I would change to Safelink. No hassle.
Jan 12, 2017
 It's Great...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...to hear from someone that is thankful; thank you for sharing your thoughts! Of course, we all want the program to evolve and have more, and I created this forum as a place for people to voice their opinions, and to be heard. In the meantime, also being thankful for what is being offered is great.
Jan 12, 2017
 Thankful
by: Anonymous in NY

I'm most thankful for my free phone, and I am amazed that some people think it is a right not only to have a phone provided free, but that it should be one of their own choosing. The purpose of this phone is that you have a lifeline when needed, not to sit and play games on!
Jan 12, 2017
 Consider This...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

They know the phones offered need to be improved, and they're clearly working on it. It's much easier for them to roll in a change to new customers, than to upgrade millions of existing customers all at once.

Don't worry, they will provide existing customers with an upgrade. Call and ask, and then it's a waiting/being patient game.
Jan 12, 2017
 Response To Missing The Point
by: Anonymous

You're missing the point. We have a right to complain about the phones they give us even though they're free. We're not a nobody who take any junk phones because its free. We're somebody. Somebody who likes to have a better phone to enjoy the service better!

The fact is that a lot of us have been on Assurance Wireless for a long time with the same kind of junk phones, though they give new customers a smartphone plus 500 mins, plus free Internet service, and we're stuck with the junk phones. It's so unfair when we are long time customers.

Don't say stop complaining. We have a right to a better phone, more mins, plus free Internet service. It will help out people with a low income, low on funds, and who need this service! Even if we can't afford it, we're somebody who
deserves it. Nobody should be without it!
Jan 11, 2017
 Yes, It Is True
by: Anonymous

Yes, it's true, I'm in NJ and am having issues with my phone's key pad sticking. I just called and they are sending me out a ZTE smartphone as a replacement. They will be giving them to everyone when their accounts are eligible for an upgrade.

They didn't explain how much data, but I will keep you posted. When calling the customer service reps, they have no idea when the change will be taking effect. Only techinical assistance knows. So keep trying, and call and ask if your account is eligible for an upgrade. Or if you're having issues with the phone, call and get the smartphone.
Jan 10, 2017
 Missing The Point
by: Anonymous

I think you're missing the point. There's a balance between a free service offering something usable, and offering something that's on par with what people are buying in "normal" situations.

It takes time to evolve a service. There are limited funds to build, execute, and maintain this Lifeline service. They started out offering the least expensive phone they felt would work. There's nothing wrong with that. Is it a crap phone; maybe. For the most part can people make calls and send/receive text messages; yes.

Have they been working on improving the quality of the phone and enhancing the services available; yes! Are smartphones becoming available; yes!

People need to be patient and wait for things to evolve. Do you "deserve" the latest and greater phones; no! You deserve what the program can afford to offer and support.

They should try to support people who get phones from friends and family. However, these more sophisticated phones end up costing more in customer care training when people call in with issues. So it makes sense to limit the compatible phones so they can appropriately support them.

I don't understand why people bitch and complain about a free service. Maybe show some gratitude that such a service exists, and exercise some patience to allow it to evolve. Or keep complaining and have it shut down; would that make you happier?!
Jan 10, 2017
 Response to Seriously
by: Anonymous

Seriously you said people should not be complaining about the free phones we get? The fact is we have a right to complain about the phones we get when they're junk, and you can't enjoy the service. We're people who deserve a better phone to better enjoy the service!

This service is to help people who can't afford phone service who are low on funds, and who need a cell phone! Just people who don't have much still deserve a better phone even if they can't afford it. The service is to help people who are in need of a cell phone!

We should not be given junk phones because we're low income, and people in need.
Jan 09, 2017
 To Seriously
by: Anonymous

In regards to people complaining about something they get free....I totally agree with you & have said this more than once on here! Most of these complainers probably lie to qualify! One day, those of us who truly need these phones, won't be able to get them due to these cheaters!

I sent my phone back twice 'cause they did not work. After the 3rd time I bought a better phone, paying $20! I don't expect to get a fancy Android, etc. for free. I appreciate what I got! Without this, I would not have any phone service & in this day & age we seniors need contact with the outside world, especially in emergencies!
Jan 08, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Marilu, call Assurance Wireless and get one.
Jan 08, 2017
 Changing to smart phone
by: Marilu munox

I would like to change my regular to smartphone.
Jan 07, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Wait until you get your Android smartphone! You are right, we Assurance Wireless customers do deserve this phone. I got a Coolpad 3300a and it works great. It was sent to me by overnight mail.
Jan 05, 2017
 Changing My Phone
by: Anonymous

I have an Assurance Wireless plan. What touchscreen phones will work with my free service?
Jan 05, 2017
 Quick Note About Changing Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Note that the physical phone is not tied to your phone number. Thus, you can exchange your phone and keep your existing number, so don't worry about that.

Regarding people being ungrateful, I agree that people are often complacent. However, just because a service is free, doesn't mean it shouldn't be well thought out, and provide the best possible solution to meet people's needs.

Yes, there is a lot of fraud, which is getting a lot more attention this year, so hopefully people that don't truly need the service will be weeded out, so that those who need it can get it.
Jan 05, 2017
 Seriously?
by: Anonymous

I have been using my Assurance Wireless "FREE" service for a couple of years now. As a retired woman in my 70's on a very fixed income, I am so grateful for this free service. Again I say "FREE".

After reading some of these comments, it seems most of them are complaints. How can you honestly complain so much about something that has been given to you for free? If you don't like the service being provided, go back to paying $100 or more a month for the kind of service YOU want.

Why do you think these phone companies owe you anything? You don't pay their wages, and you certainly don't pay for their services, so stop complaining. Accept the "FREE" phone you have or give it back so someone who will appreciate it and will be able to use it.
Jan 05, 2017
 Exchange Phones
by: Anonymous

I got a much needed phone from Assurance. I requested something other than what they had. I was told that the nicer handsets were all gone, and would NOT be given out anymore. A week and a 1/2 later a neighbor told me she got a free phone from the same place. It was very nice. I want an exchange, but to keep this # as I already gave it out.

I will mail them back this one. She got an HTC with a lot of features she will NEVER use. She speaks and understands very little English. I think they really need to fit the needs with the customer. Was hoping I could get someone to HELP ME.

And one more thing. There has been a BIG problem with them setting up my voice mail. Anyone who calls me cannot leave me a message. They get static only. I keep getting the same run-a-round that I need to use a land line for this. If I had a land line I maybe would not need a cell phone. One night I tried to fix this at a friend's home but it still did not get fixed.

As I am older now, I find the type harder to read. Reading glasses in my near future. Overall I thank Assurance for this program, but giving out phones to kids with moms who have expensive phones is a waste. Just saying.
Jan 04, 2017
 Nursing Facility Question
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Just to clarify, Assurance is not "my" service. This is a 3rd party site with free information on everything related to prepaid wireless. I'm not affiliated with any particular provider.

Regarding your question, this is going to be tricky as only one phone per household/address is allowed according to the Lifeline program rules. Does the nursing home have different addresses each person can use? For example, a unit number?

I recommend calling Assurance and explaining the situation, and see how they can help you resolve it. If there is no unique address for each person, they're going to have to handhold you through the process.
Jan 03, 2017
 Changing To Android Smart Phone
by: Anonymous

Just want to let everyone know that I received my smartphone from Safelink. It is an Alcatel Pixi Unite and I'm in love. I hooked it up to my Pebble Watch so that I can feel the vibrations when I receive calls and notifications. So far it has been great. Thanks for all your responses.
Jan 03, 2017
 Smartphone from Assurance
by: Anonymous

I just got off the phone with an agent and was told all current customers would qualify for a smartphone soon. It is only available to new customers at this point. I'm going to keep using my old phone and wait it out. She said it would be by then end of January. I will keep checking their website.
Jan 03, 2017
 I'll Believe It When I See It
by: Anonymous

I did get 500 free minutes this past month & have been getting unlimited texts for quite awhile! As for free internet service, I will believe it when i see it!

AT&T doubled my fee for internet. I cannot afford that & that would be a god send if Assurance were to give us free internet!

I am in my 70s, just went blind in one eye & wondering if I can see & use the internet on a phone. Whether we get free internet or not, I have to drop AT&T. Bummer 'cause it's my only form or entertainment these days due to many health problems! Does anyone know where I can get cheap internet in the meantime where I don't have to get food stamps, TANF, or other qualifying assistance in order to get cheap internet? Thanks.
Jan 03, 2017
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

My Coolpad 3300a came in overnight mail from Assurance Wireless. Excellent Android smartphone. I live in California, so we get one regardless if you are a new customer or not. Great sound and lots of apps to choose from. Thank you Assurance Wireless. I use it everyday.
Jan 03, 2017
 Upgrade to iPhone for $30
by: Anonymous

I am in California, and for every FB group I joined, some members working for Assurance wireless Lifeline posted for the free phones. The other night another member posted to get a free LG smartphone once eligible thru Lifeline, and you can upgrade to an iPhone for $30. I checked her FB profile, and her job current position is a Lifeline manager.
Jan 01, 2017
 Assurance told me Smartphone and Data was for New Customers
by: Anonymous

I have Assurance Wireless Lifeline service. When I called Assurance Customer Service and asked them if they would match Safelink's current offering of 350 min. New Android Smartphone, 500MB of data, and unlimited texts, they told me that was not for existing customers. Only new customers qualify.

I told them I would be leaving them if they didn't match up. So I did, and I am waiting to see what kind of phone I will get. Safelink promised me a new phone, but now I'm beginning to wonder if that's true. They told me the only phones they have now is the Alcatel. If they send me a used phone I'm done with them from the start. It should be in next week and we'll see what I get.
Dec 30, 2016
 It's True
by: Anonymous

It is very true that Assurance Wireless is giving out new Android phones to all customers because I talked to them myself more then once. In fact three times, and I was told that they were. One guy there told me that you will receive a new application in the mail. But the lady there told me to be on the lookout for a text to your Assurance Wireless phone. But the phones haven't came in yet. Now you all can believe what you want, but I'm in Alabama and I was told we are all going to get one. I pray so for all of us. Good luck people.
Dec 30, 2016
 Smartphone Wish List
by: Florida resident

Not sure where some people are getting or creating their information. Although Assurance Wireless is not sending out new phones, but have upgraded total monthly minutes to 500. I personally contacted multiple reps and was told the same old thing... You may replace your phone with the all wonderful (not) Alcatel OneTouch Speakeasy. Something I wouldn't give to an enemy. A true piece of sh*t. Amazing how they openly discriminate against loyal, long time customers!
Dec 28, 2016
 HELP
by: Anonymous

I can never get in direct contact with an actual person on the phone to help me. I work in a nursing facility and I have 3 residents who have signed up for your services. Thay all have the same address because they live in the facility. How can I get the process moving a long for them??
Dec 27, 2016
 Coolpad 3300a
by: Paco Taco

I received my new android smartphone. It's a Coolpad 3300a and I like it. Here's more information about this phone that Assurance Wireless sent me:

Assurance Coolpad
Dec 27, 2016
 New Android for New customers
by: Anonymous

First I had a agent who told me since I never got an replacement, she would try to get me an Android phone. That never happened. Then a second agent said it can not be requested, you just have to see what you get. I got the same phone and returned it. When I asked a third agent about the Android phone, I was then told it is only for new customers. When i asked if I can purchase a ZTE and get it turned on. She said we can try. I do not know if it is worth me getting a ZTE phone. This sucks for existing customers and it is not fair.
Dec 23, 2016
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

Looks like I am getting a Coolpad 3300a from Assurance Wireless. This is a really nice phone.
Dec 22, 2016
 Assurance Wireless Android Smart Phone
by: Paco Taco

I got a letter from Assurance Wireless dated 12/16/16 stating I can upgrade to an Android smartphone because I live in California. New customers also get an Android smartphone.

So in some states other than California only the new customers will be getting an Android smartphone. They wouldn't tell me what phone it is, but I think it will be a ZTE Quest. Unfortunately, the link they had to the Quest manual is no longer active.
Dec 21, 2016
 Changing To Android Smart Phone
by: Anonymous

Hello Again: I messaged 4 different agents and a Manager and they all said the same thing. I even emailed them and my friend called on the phone. I give up on them. I'm changing to Safelink to see if they can help me. Thanks for your reply.
Dec 21, 2016
 Regarding The Smartphone You Bought
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That's extremely infuriating! My understanding is that the "new customers only" policy pertains to them sending out free smartphones. However, if you purchase your own, I don't see why they wouldn't activate it for you. I recommend you call back and speak with another agent. If that doesn't work, ask to talk to a manager. You can also reference the chat you had before buying the phone. Good luck, and please let me know what happens!
Dec 21, 2016
 Response to Your Replacement Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Unfortunately, there's no way for me to know what phone you'll get. Their inventory does change, so depending on how old your phone is, you may or may not get the same phone. Your best bet is to call Assurance and ask them. However, the agent likely won't even know what will get shipped out, so you'll probably just have to wait unfortunately.
Dec 21, 2016
 New Page With List Of Lifeline Providers!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I've built a new page that includes a list of Lifeline providers with notes and other details; please check it out!

Lifeline Providers
Dec 21, 2016
 Changing To Android Smart Phone
by: Anonymous

I am hearing impaired and have been an Assurance Wireless Customer ever since they began. I recently had a Facebook Chat with an agent, and he told me that I could purchase the ZTE Awe, and Assurance would activate it on my account.

Well, I bought the phone and contacted Assurance through Facebook again, and was told no, they cannot activate the phone because the smartphones are for new recipients only. Terrible. And now I'm stuck with a phone I cannot use. Ugh.
Dec 20, 2016
 Replacement Phone Question
by: Anonymous

I just had to order a new phone since I dropped mine in the snow, and then it was run over before I realized it.

I called and they said I had to wait for approval for the new phone for 3 -5 days, and then 7 to 10 days after that for it to be mailed.

Now will I be getting the same tiny crap phone I had, or will it be a better phone?
Dec 19, 2016
 I've Reached Out...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...to my contact at Sprint/Assurance to inquire about the rumored upcoming smartphone availability. As discussed previously, it doesn't make any sense for them to automatically upgrade millions of existing customers; can you imagine the cost! In any case, I'll circle back here if/when I hear back from an official source in writing.
Dec 19, 2016
 No Smartphone For Current Users
by: Anonymous

Well, I chatted online with customer support, and even though my minutes went from 250 a month to 500, existing customers WILL NOT be getting a smartphone. That is only for new customers.
Dec 19, 2016
 Smartphone
by: Anonymous

So, if we currently have the Alcatel Onetouch will they automatically send out a smartphone replacement, or do we have to request it? I only recently in August got a replacement phone because my son lost it.
Dec 19, 2016
 Replacing Your Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Yes, if you're having an issue with your phone (broken buttons, etc.), you can call Assurance and request a replacement. Particularly given that it's been so many years, I doubt you will have any problem having them issue a new phone! Please come back and let us know how it works out for you!
Dec 18, 2016
 Good News to Those Who Got a Smartphone by Mistake
by: Anonymous

You'll be able to use that phone, because they're
allowing all users to have smartphones and will give us 500 mins and free Internet service next month!

I talked to someone at Assurance Wireless this week. They said all users will be allowed to have a smartphone and 500 mins plus free Internet service next month. So don't give up; it will happen, and it gets better this year. What a way to welcome in the New Year by giving us users.

By the way, don't throw away that phone they sent you. It will be good next month. Yes, I talked to one of the bosses, and they said next month it will happen!
Dec 17, 2016
 Upgrading Phone
by: Anonymous

Is it possible to replace my current phone (a Kyocera Domino) for a new phone? I have been using this phone for about 5 years and some of the functions are not working. Is there a way that I can contact a physical representative on the phone or get the new phone online?
Dec 16, 2016
 It's True; Smartphones Soon!
by: Anonymous

Yup, it's true! I just talked to someone today, and I was told we would be getting smartphones in about 3 weeks.
Dec 16, 2016
 New Phones Are On The Way
by: Anonymous

We'll all be getting a smartphone and 500 mins, plus free Internet service next month. I talked to someone at Assurance Wireless, and they said next month!

They're updating everyone to the same plan, and
we'll all a get a smartphones and more mins! They will text or email us when it happen, so wait and see when it happens. If nothing happens, keep
calling to see when it will happen!
Dec 16, 2016
 Why does California state have smart phones, and no one else does!
by: Anonymous

They keep saying that they haven't tested it in my area yet. But why does California have smart phones with their service? And it has been years since California has the use of smart phones! And I know because I ordered a phone and they sent me a smartphone by mistake.

They said that it can't work in my area; only in California, and this was 3 to 4 yrs ago! I live in NY. This is all political and a crock of s**t! Who wants to use those old style phones in this day and age!
Dec 13, 2016
 Upgrade
by: Anonymous

Is there any smart phones compatible with Assurance Wireless?? I called customer service to see if the LG stylo on Virgin Mobile would work. They told me NO phone was compatible with Assurance Wireless service; just the phone that they send you. Is this true? Has anyone upgraded their phone?
Dec 10, 2016
 Obama Phone to Smartphone
by: Mr Battle

I currently have use a "Obama phone" a little small black rectangle with a 2 inch screen and multi-tap keyboard, given to me by Assurance Wireless. I was eligible to receive a free phone because I qualified for some government assistance (e.g. Medicaid, food stamps, etc.). I use that phone as a real texting and calling phone, but I also have an LG G Stylo with no service so it's just for fun and apps.

Could I use the Assurance Wireless service to be transferred to my LG stylo??
Dec 02, 2016
 PrepaidWirelessGuy
by: Andrea

Thank you! I don't have a Smartphone anyway & don't want one. I have a Kyocera Contact & it works fine for me....paid $20 when discontinued!
Dec 02, 2016
 Facebook Messenger
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Yes, you can add that app to any smartphone. However, it will use your free data allowance, as well as contribute to draining your battery. Facebook apps are known to be inefficient with data and battery usage.

I highly recommend you encourage him to use texting to send you updates!
Dec 02, 2016
 Messenger App on FB
by: Andrea

Can we put the Facebook Messenger app on our phones? Will Access charge us? I don't really want to, but my nephew requested since they were on their way to VA hospital 2 hours away....his Dad is dying! I don't know why it would be better than texting. I know nothing about it or if Access will charge me for the app!
Dec 01, 2016
 Dear Anita,
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your comment. Please let me know your question(s), and I'll do my best to help answer them! Cheers.
Nov 29, 2016
 FAQ
by: Anita Shepherd

What's the point of printing subscriber questions without giving an accessible answer?
Nov 24, 2016
 Information on Conversion to Access
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Please see my comment below from Oct 26, and let me know if you have any further questions. Cheers!
Nov 23, 2016
 phones
by: Alex

I was wondering about Assurance Wireless. I understand they are going over to Access Wireless. When is that happening? And are we going to be able to get a different phone? For some reason when you call Assurance Wireless they don't know anything about it. It is crazy. They told me to go online to Assurance Wireless page and info is on there but I don't see that.
Nov 22, 2016
 Will we be able to bring your own device program next month?
by: Anonymous

I hope they have the bring your own device program too like Safelink. It will be a good thing to do for the ones who have had the service many years!

Instead of the phones they give us! The time is now. Allow us this right to bring your own device so we can enjoy the service better for many years to come!

If they'll allow it, money will come to them, and
make all Virgin Mobile phones compatible to the service next month. They did it in Cali. You can do it here too, and anywhere you have Assurance Wireless that will soon be access wireless next month.

That's the right and fair thing to do! And don't say soon it will happen. Say when it will happen, and what will be in our new plan next month. I hope the bring your device program will be in the new Access Wireless plan next month!
Nov 22, 2016
 Your Text From Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Actually, Assurance is being absorbed into Access Wireless (a Kroger i-wireless Lifeline brand). So your service is now with Access.

Ironically, Sprint recently announced it is purchasing a majority ownership of i-wireless after having just sold Assurance to them. It's all probably just creative accounting to make the Sprint books look better.

Anyway, I hope they continue to give you better features and service!
Nov 22, 2016
 Text from ASW
by: Anonymous

I received a text from ASWFreeMsg telling me I have been upgraded to 500 free minutes every month plus unlimited texts & thanking me for my loyalty!

I noticed a couple days ago that my minutes remaining rolled over, plus I got 500 extra minutes & was surprised, but thought that was a one time deal with this new Access Wireless! WOW!!! I had to purchase more minutes last month 'cause I was going to run out & those rolled over instead of me losing them as before! I am impressed.

Now is this a whole new company or has Assurance just changed their name?
Nov 21, 2016
 HTC 626s
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sounds like you're stuck calling their customer service and requesting that they activate it on your account. Good luck, and let me know how it turns out!
Nov 21, 2016
 htc626
by: Anonymous

Sorry, I meant they said it wasn't compatible with the plan. Only payLo phones, but I was told from the tech that I can use it with any virgin phones, and the tech I saw today they don't know how to do it or even to see if it was compatible she just told me to call CS.
Nov 21, 2016
 HTC 626s
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sorry, I don't understand; any way around what? If it's compatible, they simply activate it on your account like they would any other compatible phone. Are you saying they don't know how to activate a smartphone? That would be quite odd.
Nov 21, 2016
 htc626
by: Anonymous

Yeah, I just called and they said it was compatible. I was wondering if there is a way around it. I live in Cali, and I went to the tech person. She said she didn't know how to do it.
Nov 21, 2016
 HTC 626s
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

From my research, it appears as though the HTC 626s was a Virgin payLo phone, so it should work. Do you have one that used to be used on Virgin or another carrier?

I highly recommend that you call them to verify!
Nov 21, 2016
 Htc626
by: Anonymous

Can I use this for assurance wireless??
Nov 08, 2016
 You Have Other Options
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I've noted before that using smartphones on Assurance/Access in any state is inevitable; it's just a matter of time.

What I do want to add is that SafeLink currently has a Bring Your Own Device program that includes smartphones. So there are more flexible options for people who don't want to wait around for Assurance to evolve.
Nov 08, 2016
 Response to PrepaidWirelessGuy
by: Anonymous

Here is another suggestion about how to bring your own device. That's a great idea. It will allow us to pick our own phones, and Virgin Mobile should make their phones compatible with Assurance Wireless. They will make a lot money if they do! They have tech to do it in Cali. They can do it anywhere they have Assurance Wireless!

Ring Plus has it; why not Assurance Wireless? It is the right and fair to do. It will go great with free fixed broadband service with these phones, not the phones they allow us to have or give us. So I hope they have the Bring Your Own Device here. That way we can use Virgin Mobile payLo smartphones on this service so we can better enjoy the service.

Please pass these suggestions to someone at Assurance Wireless!
Nov 07, 2016
 You've Got a Defective Battery
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

From what you describe, I'm quite certain that you have a defective battery. You should contact Assurance customer care. They will either replace the phone, or your battery. Unless your Motorola phone is an old Virgin payLo phone, you're not going to be able to activate it on Assurance.
Nov 06, 2016
 Motorola Older Fliptop Cellphone
by: Anonymous

I have an older Motorola phone. I have an Assurance Lifeline plan. The Assurance phone sent to me will not turn on, charged or not, it will only turn on with the charger plug plugged into the phone. Otherwise nothing. Can I have my Assurance transferred to my old Motorola?
Oct 26, 2016
 Details On Change From Assurance to Access!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I was able to get in contact with someone at Assurance wireless, and they provided the following feedback. The website is pretty comprehensive.

"The Assurance Wireless customers don't need to take any action to stay with Access Wireless. They will continue to use the same phone with the same telephone number. And, they will receive as many or more free minutes, texts and data. Please review our FAQ's at:"

https://www.accesswireless.com/changeinprovider/

One important point for Assurance customers to keep in mind is the following:

"Assurance Wireless customers who have Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards must add them to their accounts by November 30, 2016. Virgin Mobile cards will not work at Access Wireless."

I hope this helps answer everyone's questions!
Oct 25, 2016
 Changing to Access
by: Anonymous

Thank you, so, much! Sorry for getting off topic!
Oct 25, 2016
 Data Usage Needs
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

This is getting a bit off topic for this particular thread, however, in the spirit of trying to help, how much data do you need each month?

If you have relatively low usage, you may be fine with a mobile broadband service. I suspect that's probably not the case though. Have you checked out NetZero's DSL Broadband service?

Lifeline programs are apparently going to start offering free fixed line broadband. It's supposed to begin this December; I'm still researching this. Once available, I will create a new page for Lifeline Broadband Providers!

In the meantime, here's a link to an option for inexpensive fixed broadband:
http://www.centurylink.com/home/internetbasics/?rid=internetbasics

Lastly, note that FreedomPop also offers home Internet service via a wired modem; you can find them in their product page near the bottom of this page after the Hotspots:

Free Home Broadband
Oct 25, 2016
 Changing to Access
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the info! People who have tried QLink are not happy with it! Many have complaints about Freedom Pop, too! As for free or low cost internet, I need it "in house"! I can't see well enough to use it on my phone! My left eye has gone blurry over the past winter. I am getting injections in that eye to try to stop the progression....hopefully clear it up.....no promises on either! It is hereditary! I have AT&T for internet. I have to get rid of it....too, high now, plus not happy with AT&T for a very long time. I had a landline & AT&T was the only provider for my area going way, way back! I got rid of the landline when they jacked the price way up....so much for a decades long customer! I have to get my home internet much lower or get rid of it altogether, which that is the only thing I have for so-called entertainment due to many health issues! Thanks, again!
Oct 25, 2016
 Changing to Access
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I haven't been able to find any details regarding what this change will entail. Will they keep everyone on Assurance plans, and just activate new customers on Access, or will the convert people's plans to Access? I'm reaching out to Virgin and Access to see if they can provide any info.

I see no evidence anywhere on the Access site that they support BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). All of their info about smartphones points to the ability to upgrade, at your own expense, to a phone that you can purchase on their website.

That doesn't mean they don't, or won't, support BYOD now or in the future; it's just not openly promoted at this point. If you have an Access account, I recommend calling them and reporting back here what they say.

Regarding needing free broadband, there are options for you. Please visit the following page, and let me know if you have any questions. I personally have the paid version of FreedomPop, and I am very happy with it.

Free Broadband Internet Access
Oct 24, 2016
 Changing to Access
by: Anonymous

I never could find any info on this change! They give you a link that does not work! How big of a change is this going to be? Will we lose our free unlimited text & get fewer free call minutes? I have no home phone, just my Assurance Wireless.

I had my home phone with AT&T for as far back as I can remember & was a loyal customer! Then they raised the rates far too high for me or anyone on low income, so, I cancelled it! Now, they doubled my internet! I need to find internet for very low income! It's all I have since I have many health problems & can no longer enjoy life outside my home!

No one wants to push me in a wheelchair. I think Adult kids nowadays would rather we old timers, just go away!!! AND no, I am not an ungrateful person....thankful for any crumb thrown my way!
Oct 24, 2016
 When will Assurance Wireless be Access Wireless?
by: Anonymous

They said Oct 3. Well it never happened. When will it be? What are the changes or benefits of Access Wireless when it changes from Assurance Wireless?

Will we be able to bring our own device to Access Wireless? Ring plus has the bring your own device program . Will Access Wireless have the program too? I hope so as it will help a lot people who want smartphones to enjoy the service
better, and pick out their own phones joyfully!

They have the tech to do it in Cali. They can do it anywhere! May they do it anywhere they have Assurance Wireless or Access Wireless. It's the right and fair thing to do!
Oct 03, 2016
 Reconnect
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You'll need to call Assurance to re-activate the account. Note that if you haven't re-certified, you may no longer be eligible to activate the phone until you do so. They can also help you change your phone number.
Oct 02, 2016
 Changing My Phone Number
by: carla

I was enrolled last year, but misplaced the phone until just now. How do I reconnect? I also need to change my number.
Sep 08, 2016
 LG Aspire
by: Anonymous

After going round and round with Assurance Wireless, I was given a short list, and I liked the LG Aspire. However, the phone of course is retired and you can't get it. So why would they even list it? And they said you can't use an Android phone. I told them that I don't care about the data. I just need a phone that is user friendly, and I can see and hear someone. Otherwise their service is useless to me, because the only call I have made is to their support.
Sep 07, 2016
 Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones
by: Rydangel

This is from the Assurance Wireless Facebook Page.
https://www.facebook.com/AssuranceWireless/

1-888-653-9262

Dated Aug.24 2016. From AW employee Victor G.
Phones that work with Assurance Wireless:

Alcatel OneTouch Retro (2017B)
Kyocera Brio
Kyocera Contact
Kyocera Kona
Jax
LG 101
LG 200
LG Aspire
Samsung M340
Samsung M575
Samsung Entro
Samsung Montage
Kyocera Luno
Kyocera S2300
Sep 06, 2016
 Your Dad's Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

If it's a Virgin Mobile phone that is on their official compatibility list for Assurance, you can simply call Assurance and have them transfer it over. If not, you'll need to review the notes below re. doing an unofficial flash of the phone to Assurance.
Sep 06, 2016
 How do I transfer ASW number to a Virgin Mobile phone
by: Anonymous

My dad received the free smartphone with the Assurance Wireless, but it's hard for him to use it, he prefers his old flip phone from Virgin Mobile. Could someone give me the instruction on how I can transfer this number / service to the flip phone please. Thank you!

JP
Sep 06, 2016
 Responses to Last Few Posts
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

re. Upgrading after a few years - You'll need to call Assurance directly and request an upgrade; after 3 years you should be eligible.

re. Size of phone - I understand the stock phone is very small. You'll need to call Assurance to discuss your options. You can also review the discussion below regarding flashing over a smartphone. Please note that this site is not affiliated with Assurance, so please contact them about your specific account.

re. Replacement battery - It sounds like the Kyocera Contact you purchased worked fine currently, however, you're looking for a backup battery in case yours dies? I probably isn't worthwhile unless you can find one that's super cheap, as you'll eventually need/want to upgrade to something better; that phone won't last you forever. Have you checked eBay for a replacement battery? Type in the phone model, and also try searching for the battery code, which is printed on the battery. Good luck; I hope the battery you have lasts a LONG time!

Assurance merging with Access - It will be interesting to see how this plays out regarding features, branding, phone types, topping up, etc. To date they haven't been really clear as to how this "merger" will unfold.
Sep 05, 2016
 Access Wireless
by: Anonymous

I received a message from ASW saying that as of 10/03/16 they will be joining Access Wireless! More info to come! If you have a Kroger store in your area, you can earn extra minutes! We do have Kroger in our area & I go once in awhile, but not often....a little pricey. I go when there's things I need that are on sale!
Sep 04, 2016
 ASW phones
by: Anonymous

Here is my experience! I've been with ASW a number of years! I received the tiny, free phone! It echoed badly no matter whether I held it or used it as a speaker phone & not holding it! I finally complained & was sent another with instructions on how to return the bad phone!

The new one didn't work either, so, I was sent a third that did not work! I found this site we are on & bought a different phone locally by reading the comments on here! It was compatible, but small.... Kyocera S2100....discontinued at Radio Shack & cost $15. i, now, have a Kyocera Contact that I paid $19.....has many more features, BUT I couldn't find a replacement battery for it anywhere except through Kyocera for $29.95....more than I paid for the entire phone!

NOW, I can't find the battery anywhere! The one in the phone is still charging, but one day I'll have to get another phone! I am going blind in my left eye [praying I won't in my right which is weak]! A friend has the original phone, which is still going strong!

So, there are better phones out there, which are compatible, but I'd call ASW before buying any & ask if it is compatible!
Sep 04, 2016
 Size of Phone
by: Lorna Skerrys

I received your phone but it is so small - one inch by three inches with a very compact keyboard. I wrote to you to get a larger phone one month ago with no response. Please help.
Aug 31, 2016
 How To Get a New Phone?
by: william d. flagg

I have had my phone for over three years. How do I go about updating to a new phone?
Aug 31, 2016
 flip phone
by: Anonymous

I would like a flip phone. Is that possible with Assurance Wireless?
Aug 29, 2016
 Using LG Aspire for Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

Hi - I sent an email to virgin mobile about buying a new phone from them, and staying on my Assurance plan. They sent me a reply saying "yes", I can do that and attached a list of compatible phones; the LG Aspire is one of them I am interested in. Has anyone had any experience where this worked out for you?
Aug 21, 2016
 Phone Freezes
by: Anonymous

The new phone I was sent already has issues a month after I got it! It'll freeze and I have to keep taking the battery out if I want to use it! This was the replacement one they sent me! The original one worked 10x better!!
Aug 19, 2016
 Phones Offered Are Crap!
by: Anonymous

Try finding out what phones are compatible with Assurance! Virgin Mobile only offers 1 and it's garbage. I too ordered the Tribute because the site DOES NOT tell you it's not compatible, and I had to pay to return it. The one I bought from them is garbage. It doesn't hold a charge, texting is a pain, and the service sucks. The simple free original phone worked better.
Aug 19, 2016
 Foreigners
by: Anonymous

We have a big problem with Assurance plus all phone companies & most businesses in our country. Having to deal with foreigners in other countries for ALL of our important issues! Most you can't understand & many don't know what they are talking about or how to help us.....too much misinformation!!!
Aug 18, 2016
 Got cheated out of $50.
by: Anonymous

I purchased their LG Aspire and they said it had software issues and they would send me a return box. They never did so I returned it myself. I then purchased another so I would not be without a phone. A month goes by and no $50 credit on my card. They said they never received it. They insisted they sent a return container and they never received a package with that number. Dah. Told me they were sorry. Don't apologize if you don't mean it.

The worst thing is you can only use their phones with Assurance Wireless and the phones they provide are "sh!!". They only last a few months.
Aug 15, 2016
 Crap Customer Service
by: candy wolf

I won't ever order another phone from Assurance Wireless. They only guarantee their phones for 14 days, which is BS. They sell faulty phones, and won't replace them with the same phone. They will send you a phone, but not even close to the one you purchased. I upgraded my phone so I could use it, and within 5 month the screen went blank. Now they're sending a flip phone, however, I can't use it because I can't see it.
Aug 12, 2016
 Data Plans Response :)
by: Kat

I figured it wouldn't be that simple:( they told me I can spend $30 a month, and I don't have to activate it . But then I saw the data plans and thought who better to ask:). I bought the phone from the Assurance Wireless website. When I logged into my account and shopped the phones it brought up phones. The Web address stayed as assurancewireless.com the entire time, but I suspect now it was embedded to virginmobile? It really was/is very misleading. But thanks to your website I am switching to Access (which ironically is related to assurance). Thanks so much for all you do.
Aug 12, 2016
 LG Tribute
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Did you purchase it from the Assurance site, or the Virgin Mobile site? Did they say why it couldn't be activated on your existing Assurance account?

If, for whatever reason, they will not/cannot activate the phone, you won't be able to add any of the data plans that you're referencing.
Aug 11, 2016
 Data Plans
by: Kat

I recently got stuck with a smart phone. The Assurance website is a tad misleading. My phone broke, so I purchased the cheapest one on THEIR website that I could find, which was the LG Tribute. Really nice phone, but they will not swap my service to it. If I return it, I am stuck paying $10 postage. The phone was $20. I simply can't afford that.

I am curious. They say they offer data packs ranging from $2 to $10 a month.
http://www.assurancewireless.com/public/FAQs.aspx#faq30

I have been mislead by them before :), but does anyone know if I can pay $2 a month to use my new phone? This would be cheaper than flashing.
Aug 09, 2016
 Charging Issue
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

First verify the charger works by charging another device. Then take out the battery, re-insert it, then power the phone back on. If it's still not charging, you've either got a bad battery or a bad connector, and you'll need to call Assurance for assistance.

Let's please try to keep this thread on topic; thank you!
Aug 09, 2016
 Government Phone Charging Issue
by: jim xiong

I was wondering why my phone doesn't want to charge anymore no matter how much I put it on the charger. I'm pretty much clueless about it, so if anything I would love to get some advice to get it up and running. I just recently got added minutes.
Aug 08, 2016
 Getting a Smartphone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

If you live in California you can call and request a smartphone; they're doing a trial currently. If not, you'll need to call Assurance to confirm what Virgin smartphones are currently compatible. The last option is to engage a 3rd party flashing service. Let me now what you end up doing!
Aug 08, 2016
 Exchange
by: Anonymous

Can I change my old Lifeline phone for a new smart phone like my neighbor got?
Aug 03, 2016
 Assurance doesn't have...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

....BYOD. The S5 won't work unless you engage a 3rd party flashing service.
Jul 30, 2016
 Will a Samsung Galaxy S5 Work on Assurance Wireless?
by: Anonymous

Will a Samsung Galaxy S5 Work on Assurence Wireless network? In a BYOD... I bought this phone and would like to know this ...thank you

It is a CDMA PHONE with a Sprint SIM card.
Jul 28, 2016
 Getting a New Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your question. Your best bet is to call Assurance and explain your issues. Given how long you've had your phone, I'd be surprised if they wouldn't give you a new one. Please let me know what they say!
Jul 28, 2016
 New Phone?
by: Joann Inzar

I have had this phone since this program first started. I really appreciate the service. My question is, is there anyway I can get a different phone? The phone that I have is unreliable. Sometimes it freezes and won't work, and the sound is not good. So if I could swap this one out for another one, I would really appreciate it a lot.
Thank you for taking my request into consideration.
Thanks again.
Jul 28, 2016
 Vision Issues
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sorry to hear about your eye. I would think that a smartphone would work as they have enormous buttons even without any special add-on apps. Check out the thread below to discover about flashing services. Unfortunately, there aren't any official Assurance phones that you can specifically request that will address your need.
Jul 28, 2016
 Going Blind In Left Eye
by: Anonymous

I had quite the workup at the Retina Specialist Monday! My left eye is blurry, right isn't the best.....hereditary Macular Degeneration!! Is there an Assurance phone that has bigger numbers & letters for people with bad eyesight....one that's not real expensive???? Thank you!
Jul 28, 2016
 Suggestion
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

If you don't mind losing your contacts, and any other personal settings, I recommend doing a master reset. You should be able to find it under the settings menu. I'm super surprised that customer care couldn't help you. To me it sounds like you took all the correct steps already! Please let me know if that works.
Jul 27, 2016
 Out of Coverage
by: Anonymous

My Samsung M575 Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless phone has worked just fine until last night. After making a 911 call, I did *# to exit emergency mode. Didn't try to use phone again until late this morning. I tried to text and it gave me a pop-up message that said "out of coverage area, message will be sent when coverage returns." Tried to make a call, got message "Call is not completed out of range." Icon for "no service" in upper left-hand corner. Turned phone off and back on; didn't help. Turned phone off, took out battery, put battery back in, turned phone on; no help. E-mailed support. They suggested turning phone off/on to reset connection with tower. Told them I'd done that. Did it again, just in case. Still nothing. What to do next? Have I somehow changed something? Single senior and this is my only phone communication. Can anyone help?
Jul 14, 2016
 Easier texting
by: Anonymous

What phone is able to work with my aw account and have a qwerty keyboard? Plz help! Also where might I find this phone?
Jul 14, 2016
 You're Correct About Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Yes, that's correct. The Assurance Lifeline program was launched by the Virgin Mobile team. Historically, the Virgin payLo phones would all work on Assurance. Now that the payLo program has been discontinued, it's not as clear which phones are compatible. It may or may not be all Virgin Mobile phones.

Even if you switch to a Virgin phone, that doesn't mean that you're going to get the Virgin customer care reps. You should be directed to the Assurance reps. It's highly likely, however, that Assurance and Virgin share a subset of reps.
Jul 13, 2016
 Virgin Mobile Umbrella Company for Assurance
by: Anonymous

I believe Assurance Wireless is smaller part of Virgin Mobile. I have the government lifeline program through Assurance. When I had a problem the Assurance person oversees transferred me to them. I ended up buying a Virgin Mobile phone compatible with Assurance instead of using the government cell phone that came with Lifeline.
I wouldn't keep Assurance Wireless. The people don't ever try to help. At least you get to speak to someone who understands English with Virgin Mobile.
Jul 11, 2016
 I hate when...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...they do that! They make a mistake, then further punish you by not shipping out the correct phone right away. I understand that they need to protect themselves, and ensure you send it back. Normally companies will provide an option where you provide a credit card number. They'll then ship out the replacement phone. If they don't receive the other phone back within 30 days, they'll charge your credit card a predetermined amount. I think that's a fair compromise to get you the right phone quickly, while protecting themselves against loss.

Note that sometimes you have to specifically request this option or they won't offer it. And, of course, you would need access to a credit card.

Anyway, I hope you get it quickly!
Jul 11, 2016
 why not NY
by: Rodzilla

Well I did a little research and don't feel as bad. I understand California is the only state that has the Android handsets. And, like the person just stated on this site, it's in a trial phase! So I don't feel totally ignored with my state! And thank you for your response.

Oh, and yes, they have sent a label, and I would have to wait until they receive the wrong handset for me to get the "flip style" Alcatel one touch!
Jul 11, 2016
 Smartphone in NY
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for sharing your experience. It's really lame that they sent you a phone that isn't able to be activated in your area!

As to why CA only, that's a good question. I don't know why, however, it's considered a trial in CA currently. So while it may not be currently available to you, it may at some point in the future.

Also consider that CA is a very large and relatively diverse market that represents a great trial market. That could be one reason. It could also relate to laws and approvals required in each state. Perhaps the Lifeline laws are different in CA vs. NY, or perhaps they simply haven't completed the certification to offer smartphones in NY or any other state.

It certainly is inevitable that smartphones will ultimately become the norm on Assurance, and all Lifeline providers. Unfortunately it's taking far longer than anyone would have liked!

So did they ask you to send the phone back so they can ship you the correct phone?
Jul 11, 2016
 Why Not NY?
by: Rodzilla

I recently paid $20 for a replacement cell from Assurance. They sent me a ZTE smart phone. I was elated that I no longer have to press multiple buttons to text. I called to activate the phone and they stated that this type of handset doesn't work in my area. I'm like what area does it work in? She states in California. And that in NY the only upgrade is a flip phone Alcatel One Touch!

I was wondering well what makes California any different from NY customers? She basically had no reason as to why! I WOULD love to know why is NY not considered worthy to have smart phones like other states!! NOT FAIR!
Jul 11, 2016
 Changing Your Number
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Please contact Assurance to request that they change your phone number. Note that I've removed your phone number on your post as you don't want to be submitting personal information like that on a public forum.

Also, let's please keep this thread on topic, which is about swapping out your Assurance phone (not phone number). Thank you!
Jul 11, 2016
 New Number
by: Mae Carter Fair

My number is 214-XXX-XXXX. I need a new number because some people keep calling for someone name Michael Rivas for debt. I have told them this is not his number but they keep calling. Please help!
Jul 06, 2016
 Assurance & BYOD
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Assurance Wireless doesn't have a BYOD program currently. That said, if you have an unlocked phone that is compatible with the Sprint network, then it would be technically compatible. The trick is to then flash the phone over for service on Assurance.
Jul 03, 2016
 Can I bring my own BYOD cell phone? Will it work?
by: Ampload

I am interested in doing a BYOD, and I am buying a New Sprint Samsung Galaxy S5 SM-G900P SM-G900PZKASPR.

The phone is unlocked and a clean IMEI. It has CDMA, but if it has a GSM SIM card will it still work on a the Assurance Wireless network?
Jun 24, 2016
 I Need to Swap Phones
by: Anonymous

Having a hell of a time trying to swap my phones out.
Jun 10, 2016
 What do you mean?
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Regarding "allowing different phones"? Assurance already provided feedback that they are offering smartphones in CA. Are you referring to smartphones for other non-official Assurance phones (i.e. BYOD)?
Jun 09, 2016
 Just Spoke With AW
by: Anonymous

And the representative told me that in California they have appealed to the Lifeline program to allow different phones, and will be hearing back on the 24th of June.
Jun 06, 2016
 Are You In California?
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

If you're in CA, you get call them and get an official smartphone. They're doing a trial in CA right now. If not, you can use an old payLo phone from Virgin (that program was recently discontinued), or resort to a more complex process of unofficial phone flashing.
Jun 05, 2016
 Searching For New Phone
by: Anonymous

What phones are compatible with AW, and where can I get one? I've been told there is only one available anywhere on Web or in retail, and it's a flip phone. I would like to get one with good picture quality and qwerty keyboard if at all possible.
Jun 01, 2016
 Assurance Free Smartphone
by: Anonymous

I called; they said the Kyocera phone is poor call quality, and they sent me a free ZTE AWE smartphone and setup a new plan with free data. Sacramento, CA
May 27, 2016
 new phone
by: Mike

I found a Samsung ENTRO flip phone on Virgin Mobile closeout online for,,,7 BUCKS! (I thought it was a mis-print) Assurance Wireless changed my number in one phone call and it works flawlessly.
May 22, 2016
 Confused difficult complaining .
by: Anonymous

My phone got wet toddlers threw it in the potty. I don't have online account don't remember phone number. Am having trouble finding location in my city Huntington park
Why r the free phones 3g. As if the gov bought the left overs off the cell companies. The network is slow I hate it because I sell on an app to make extra money cuz I'm a stay at home mom. The speaker phone was screwed. Bet these phones r either defective or refurbished. I used to sell phones in o1 why r they even giving out flip phones. It's so difficult to contact or search location it's not on the aw website I just want a dam 4g network phone is it too much to ask

May 09, 2016
 I Work for AW
by: AWnonymous

If you want to upgrade your phone, I have been told to buy any Virgin Mobile payLo phone (the best bet is amazon). After you buy it, call customer service @ 888 898 4888. The reset code for a phone is ##72786#.
May 06, 2016
 New Phone
by: James

Have had this phone for 4 yrs and can't hear right. The phone is tiny. Even with the locking feature it still calls 911 in my pocket, and the numbers are too small.
May 01, 2016
 Swapping This Phone To A Smartphone
by: Anonymous

This is not right. We should pick our own smartphones, and be able to swap for a smartphone instead of Kyocera model S1360. I will stay with this service even though I read the reviews.
Apr 25, 2016
 Change number
by: Anonymous

The keep playing on this phone number how can I get another number
Apr 25, 2016
 Changing Phones
by: Naomi Brown

I have a LG flip phone which was given to me. My current Assurance Wireless phone has very bad sound quality. Can I exchange the Sim Card in my Assurance Wireless phone into the LG phone? If not how am I able to exchange phones.
Apr 22, 2016
 change phone
by: William Young

How do I go about to change my phone
Apr 14, 2016
 Google Voice Number Tip
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Good point. A Google Voice number allows you to give out that number, and regardless of the underlying service, you can always keep the same number. While you can usually port out your number, there are limitations, and with Assurance and other Lifeline programs, if something goes wrong with re-registration, you could lose your number if you're not on top of things, or there's a clerical mistake.

The tip is that if you use the Google Voice app on your phone as well, you can call OUT from your Google Voice number. Otherwise, you'll receive incoming calls from that number, however, when you call out, it will be from your Assurance number. That can be confusing to people, as they now have to know about your two numbers.

So, you can use your Google Voice number for incoming and outgoing calls, and only give your Assurance number to certain people who you don't necessarily want to have your main number forever. i.e. You could change your Assurance number, and your friends and family would never need to know, however, places that require you to tell them your number won't be able to harass you forever!

Of course, you could use the Google Voice feature to block calls from unwanted numbers as well!
Apr 09, 2016
 Get a free phone number from Google
by: Anonymous

I got a free phone number from google voice and it transfer the calls to my assurance wireless number and it didn't cost me anything and I can block anyone from call me that I choose.
Apr 09, 2016
 Help
by: terri - 936-776-8316

Received my re-placement Assurance Wireless phone, but apparently I'm not smart enough to figure out how to activate??!!
Mar 23, 2016
 Compatibility with Net10 Android Smartphone
by: Miss Kitty

Are there any people working at assurance wireless phone SERVICE? I am so sick of hearing that man's recording voice on every number I call!!!!!
Mar 22, 2016
 i want my number changed
by: Anonymous

how do I change my wireless phone number
Mar 12, 2016
 What a Scam
by: Anonymous

They did not send me the phone that they advertise
...and sent me a very tiny POS that hardly works.
How do I buy a new phone so I can have one that actually works?

-Star Kepper
Mar 10, 2016
 Where, Oh Where?
by: Mot

According to all the sites I've checked numerous name brand stores are shown selling these payLo phones. Nothing in the many, many I've checked out in person or called have them. How is the average person supposed to find a replacement? Still looking in S.C.
Mar 07, 2016
 Swapping Between Assurance Wireless Accounts
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

While I don't have any AW accounts to test this with, I don't believe it would work. You typically can't swap a phone FROM an active account to another account. You'd need to first disable the host account, or put a different phone on the host account, which would then free up the phone you want for activation on the other account.

I recommend that you call Assurance; it's highly more likely that if it's possible, a live agent would be able to do it for you. It's unlikely that their automated system could do it. Of course, there's no harm in trying; just make sure you have all of the account and password info on both accounts available.
Mar 06, 2016
 Swapping An AW Phone From One Account To another
by: My Moneypit

Can't find comment about this. Can an AW phone be swapped from one AW account to a different AW account by using the online swapping directions?
Mar 01, 2016
 Are You Sure?
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Are you sure that's the correct code they gave you? It doesn't look like any activation sequence I've seen, and an Internet search doesn't yield any meaningful results either. Maybe try calling and asking them again?
Feb 29, 2016
 I Tried To Activate My Phone
by: Vincent Jones

The technicians gave me this code to put in my other phone. I put in ##7286# and dialed it, but nothing happened.
Feb 16, 2016
 Changing My Phone Number
by: apriltriller

I love my free phone.
Feb 11, 2016
 The End Of PayLo
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Now that Virgin has announced that they are discontinuing the payLo brand, the open question is what phones will now be compatible on Assurance? Historically, payLo phones were the only officially supported Virgin phones that could be activated on an Assurance account. The reality, unfortunately, is that the dust hasn't yet settled, and we don't know. It's also likely that Virgin doesn't even yet know! I'll keep my eyes on this to see how things develop.
Feb 07, 2016
 smart phone
by: Anonymous

Did assurance change to smart phones?
Feb 07, 2016
 Poor quality
by: Anonymous

The keys stick, phone made cheap, volume does not always work.
Feb 06, 2016
 Not bad Service just old phone
by: Anonymous

I have been an Assurance Wireless customer for Quit some time now wasn't happy with service like not getting calls, no coverage and which made me think to switch to Safelink well that was an even bigger mistake major disappoint! Now I am switching back to you but My previous phone is so out dated and that's why I thought it was your Service and plan but it wasn't it was the phone all along so please help!
Feb 04, 2016
 PayLo Phone Option Going Away
by: Just Wondering

Now that Sprint/Virgin is officially killing off the PayLo phone brand, what options for new phones will those on Assurance Wireless Lifeline plans have if they need a new phone due to old phone becoming non-functional?
Feb 03, 2016
 phone is missing calls
by: Anonymous

My phone is constantly missing phone calls, and its difficult to retrieve my voice mails. I may get a voice mail tone anywhere from 2 to 3 days after the phone call has been made, by the caller. Can I possibly get another cell phone and keep my same phone no.?
Jan 08, 2016
 Swapping phones on Assurance...
by: Anonymous

Check the website to see if if can be swapped online.
Jan 07, 2016
 Swapping phones on Assurance...
by: Anonymous

Just bought a 4g LTE Alcatel one touch ELEVATE(VirginMobile) phone hoping its swappable with my assurance 250/250 free deal?
Is it?
How to set it up?
Jan 07, 2016
 Phone Number & Phones
by: Anonymous

1-888-321-5880 is the number I use to reach someone; however, with the phones they will tell you that you can only use the phones on their website. You can use other phones if it is unlocked and compatible with the network. If you want a different phone other that what is on their website you can go to Assurance Flashing Services on Facebook. They have a list of phones that they are able to flash to the Assurance Wireless Network. The service is $50 dollars. They also have phones that are available for purchase that are already on the Assurance Wireless Network.
Jan 06, 2016
 So frustrated !!!!!
by: Anonymous

I need a phone # that will go to a "real live person" that I can talk to to re: trading"purchasing" my old assurance phone for one that has photo,video, and internet capabilities. How do I go about doing this ?????
Dec 28, 2015
 Walmart payLo Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Oh man; sorry to hear that! I didn't know they were implementing that restriction. However, I can explain why it's working that way.

Walmart gets special inventory assigned to it. They also get special/different pricing. Thus, carriers can manage activation of these retail specific phones differently.

There's no technical reason why the phone couldn't work for you. It's that when they check the validity of the phone (ex. not reported stolen), they're checking Virgin inventory, and Walmart inventory is not being included in the check.

Whether this is just a detail they haven't implemented (i.e. including Walmart inventory in the check), or a business rule that Walmart wants to only have their inventory activated on their plans, isn't known. I suspect it's probably the latter reason, though I don't know for sure.

Not that this answer makes you happy, but does it make sense now?
Dec 28, 2015
 Walmart Paylo Phone not accepted
by: LISA

I brought a paylo from eBay because I couldn't find one anywhere. When I tried to turn it on they would not let me because it was a Walmart paylo phone. Please explain.
Dec 22, 2015
 Can't see buttons, too small.. Where can I trade?
by: Anonymous

I cannot see letters or numbers on buttons. Where can I trade in or turn in? Who can help me? I would rather have a flip phone or use an old phone, who can help??
Dec 22, 2015
 WHAT TYPE OF PHONE CAN BE USED
by: Anonymous

Hello. looking to upgrade the phone given but not sure which phones I am able to upgrade to?
Dec 20, 2015
 AW PHONE SWITCH
by: WVLADY

I HAVE AW I USE SAMSUNG MONTAGE PHONE
Nov 19, 2015
 Smartphone For Assurance Wireless
by: Richard

If you live in select areas in California:

What services will I receive with my AndroidTM smartphone?

You will receive the same service as our other customers on the California FREEdomSM Plan: Unlimited FREE Voice Minutes and Unlimited FREE Texts each month. In addition, you will receive 250MB of free data each month to use with your Android device. (*An additional 250MB (500MB total) of data is provided for the first month of service only to allow for software updates.

Which type of Android smartphone will Assurance Wireless provide to me?

If you qualify for a free Android smartphone from Assurance Wireless, the device you receive will depend on our current inventory.


Nov 15, 2015
 Assurance Wireless Phone Options
by: Anonymous

A. Wireless customer service is always very vague as to compatible phones and there is not a lot of literature online. I have spent HOURS trying to track down solid answers.

I do know that the LG RUMOR TOUCH is acceptable and it's pretty good quality for an older style phone.
On the Lifeline program no Android phones; that is unless you change plans to get data, which kind of defeats the purpose.

I have also found that payLo phones will work.
I would recommend calling Assurance Wireless and checking if MEID # before purchase. Don't count on them to be very helpful though. Good luck all!
Sep 08, 2015
 Assurance & AT&T
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

To the comment regarding using an AT&T phone on Assurance, that makes no sense to me. Assurance is a Sprint Lifeline program, and does not operate on the AT&T network.

While some newer phones may use the same LTE technology between the two providers, it doesn't makes sense to say that you can purchase an AT&T phone and use it on Assurance. Many Virgin payLo phones will work, and those who are savvy can get unofficial Sprint phones to work on Assurance, however, no one should read this thread thinking that AT&T phones are an option here.
Aug 31, 2015
 Can I use a certain phone with AW?
by: Jim nose

If you have any questions like can I use a certain phone?
Just comtact assurance wireless. They can answer
almost any question.
Aug 27, 2015
 ??
by: Anonymous

Can I use an older smartphone a Motorola droid
Aug 18, 2015
 Coolpad Arise on Assurance
by: Anonymous

I am wondering if I can use a Coolpad Arise with Assurance Wireless. I bought it at a Kroger store and found out they use the Virgin Mobile network (Sprint). I do not need to use data with the phone (I use WiFi for that). I only need the cell network for Voice Calling. Does anyone know if it is possible to do this? Thanks!
Aug 14, 2015
 AT&T & ASSURANCE
by: FREE-BUSINESSES

Reading through this thread I see a lot of answers which are not correct. As to Assurance being on AT&T, yes, I have one, and it has SIM card, but I was first given T-Mobile and I had no coverage, so they sent new SIM card which is AT&T.
Aug 09, 2015
 new phone
by: Anonymous

I need a bigger phone where can I get one that is compatible To my plan . please help !!!
Jul 10, 2015
 runaround
by: Anonymous

I dont understand why I can not get a straight answer about changing the phone. Since this plan is to help low income families be safe, the fact that I have no reception at home makes it useless. I cant afford an expensive phone, but its pointless to have this one. I dont need a smart phone or anything fancy, just one with a better antenna. What phone can I buy, and where, that only requires a call to assurance wireless to switch.
Jun 24, 2015
 Nokia Lumia 635..Windows Phone..??
by: Racquelle..

Nokia Lumia 635 Windows phone..can this be switched to assurance wireless phone ?? Anyone know?
Please let me know..also post your info if you can flash this phone for me..Thanks Racquelle..
Jun 14, 2015
 To Clarify...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...As the previous comment noted, you can flash other phones to Assurance via third party services. However, if you go directly to Assurance, you you can only use their Assurance certified phones, which includes Virgin Mobile payLo phones.

In other words, what Assurance tells you doesn't reflect all of your options.

Also, Assurance phones are CDMA phones, which don't use SIM cards. However, many CDMA phones do have SIM cards, which are used when roaming internationally. So, what they told you is true, however, confusing b/c you actually see a SIM card in your phone!

I hope this helps clarify the confusion!

Jun 13, 2015
 Data With Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

You can use a phone that uses data with Assurance Wireless. They have data plans. If you want a smart phone go to Assurance Flashing Services on Facebook. They have a list of phones that are compatible with the Assurance Wireless Network. All you have to do is buy the phone, send it to them so they can flash it to the network, and then they will send it back. It only cost $50 for the flashing. I'm currently using a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 with my Assurance Wireless plan.
Jun 13, 2015
 Now Even More Confused
by: Anonymous

Just called Assurance and was told that I could not change phones except through them activating it. I asked if I could just switch the SIM card and was told they do not use SIM cards, which is funny because when I take out my battery and lift the label there IS a sim card. He did tell me that any phone that does DATA will not work, guess poor, disabled or old people are not allowed to have data.
May 22, 2015
 Optional Phones
by: Anonymous

The only other way to get a different phone with Assurance Wireless is to get a phone that someone can flash to the Assurance Wireless network. Assurance Flashing Services on Facebook has a list of phones that they are able to switch to the Assurance Wireless network. You buy the phone and send it to them so they can fix it for you.
May 21, 2015
 New Phone
by: Anonymous

Just really not into the regular assurance wireless phone we have. Is there any other phones we can chose from and buy?
May 18, 2015
 UPGRADE ON PHONE
by: Anonymous

Stephanie Gady

Check to make sure your volume is not off.
May 11, 2015
 UPGRADE ON PHONE
by: Stephanie Gady

I, Stephanie G, am having a lot of problems with this phone. I have family and friends telling me that they can't reach me. The phone is ringing, however, I'm not hearing it ringing. It is also not showing a missed call or receiving any calls.

I am also a patient at Princeton house behavior health, and a patient at Henry J Austin health center. I need a new phone, but can't afford another. Could Assurance Wireless send me a upgrade phone a.s.a.p.with the same number. If not, I have no choice but to change to another lifeline. Thank you.
May 03, 2015
 numbers fading
by: Anonymous

Can you get a other assurance wireless phone if the numbers are faded
Apr 24, 2015
 Assurance Wireless Smartphones
by: Anonymous

Assurance Flashing Service is the name of the fb page.
Apr 23, 2015
 Can't find FB page
by: Jonathan

Searched FB but couldn't find the page?
Apr 23, 2015
 Smartphones for Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

Go on Facebook to the page Assurance Wireless Flashing. They have a list of smartphones that they are able to make compatible to the Assurance Wireless network.
Apr 22, 2015
 ReachOut Wireless Offers Smart Phone Upgrade
by: Anonymous

It is not free and it's most probably seller refurbished. They offer the iPhone 4 at $129.99 but with only 8GB. This is a rip off for a used phone. Today's iOS 8 will take half of that storage.

On top of the iPhone 4, they have 5 other selections of smart phones; they all have poor to average user's rating, but they are better than the phones you receive for free. Reachout Wireless will also activate the phone for you before they ship it out to you.

So for all those that are looking for a "list" of phones that will work with a certain carrier, ReachOut Wireless is superior to Assurance/Virgin Mobile in this regard.

I hope this helps many of you who are looking for straight answers. It is very easy to switch carriers. Simply Google, "free government cell phone services" and you will get list of other carriers that may be of better service for your needs.
Apr 21, 2015
 Walmart Phones
by: Anonymous

Don't get one from Walmart; they have their own contract and they don't work for switching over.
Apr 21, 2015
 Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones
by: Anonymous

Has anyone been able to create a list of phones that are compatible with Assurance Wireless ?
Apr 16, 2015
 Comments
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sorry, no, you cannot get Assurance on AT&T. Assurance is a service offered by Virgin Mobile (i.e. Sprint). Maybe you're asking about Lifeline programs in general? AT&T currently doesn't offer any, however, look for Cricket to re-launch its Cricket Lifeline credit or similar program.

Re. the comment about no answers... There are over 43,000 words on this page, which includes a lot of answers to a lot of questions. A lot of people ask questions that are already answered. What was your particular question?
Apr 14, 2015
 crap site
by: Anonymous

no one ever answers these so why post
Mar 29, 2015
 Assurance Compatible Phones
by: Anonymous

These are the phones that I was given to choose from 3 years ago: Samsung Restore (works, I have one), Samsung M575, LG Rumor Touch, and LG Rumor 2. Unfortunately, you can't get these phones anymore.

The Restore doesn't have a SIM card, which ticks me off because I had to write the names and numbers of all of my contacts when I find a more UPDATED list of AW phones. GD-it, why doesn't AW just list the phones on their site or Virgin's site? Duh!
Mar 17, 2015
 Get AT&T Phone With Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

Can I get an AT&T phone with Assurance Wireless?
Feb 16, 2015
 Re: Assurance Phones
by: Timothy

I agree Assurance phones are too small (at least for me). I was told by these Assurance sales reps that are bombarding my neighborhood, that I could upgrade to any Virgin Mobile phone for my Assurance
Lifeline plan.

That is not what the site says, nor does it give you a list of what is compatible. I live in California though, and most of what it says on their site is not relevant to the California Lifeline program. But they do say that you can't use any Android or blackberry based phones. I currently have Telscape which give you 1000 free minutes of voice and 1000 text per month along with a free smartphone, which I have never used all of in the year I have had this service.

It doesn't have a data plan though, so unless you have your own home network, such as xfinity you won't be able to connect to the Internet. I think you can use public WiFi like Starbucks as well.
Feb 06, 2015
 New Phone
by: Anonymous

I would like to comment that these people are very slow! I called about getting a new phone 2 months ago, and was told each time that it takes 7-10 days. Well it is well past that time. I'm unable to call out except for what I have in my contacts. I am unable to use the keys. Does anyone know what I can do? Please help. Thanks!
Jan 25, 2015
 Straight Answer
by: The Old Person

Why can't someone just give a straight answer, or better yet a list of all the phones like touch screen or smart phones that us old people can buy and use on the Assurance Wireless plan?

Some of us are visually impaired, and that little phone they send you, which is very much appreciated, is just too dog gone small to see. I have a hard time just finding the phone sometimes it's so small.

I know they have the Aspire, but I would like to see it in action. I searched YouTube, Google, Virgin Mobile, and can't find a video that shows this phone in action anywhere. Please help.

Thank you.
The Old Person
Jan 24, 2015
 Assurance Flashing
by: Brian

If you want your smartphone on assurance wireless please visit http://Facebook.com/assuranceflashing
Jan 24, 2015
 Smartphone With Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

This is all confusing. I will purchase a smartphone that I can use with my Assurance Wireless account. If someone can tell me what to purchase and where to purchase it.
Jan 22, 2015
 Thank you!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi Kisnomowar - Just a quick note to thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. It's always great to hear positive stories about how the site, and its contributors, are helping people. All the best!
Jan 20, 2015
 Help
by: Anonymous

AW told me today I couldn't swap payLo cellphone LG Aspire for my AW phone that I bought from Walmart. This is a Virgin Mobile phone. AW said payLo phones from Walmart are not compatible with AW. I have to buy a payLo phone from Walgreens or Radio Shack.

So can anybody suggest a FREE or low cost flashing software??
Jan 20, 2015
 Changing AW Basic Phone to LG Touche
by: Kisnomowar

After reading all, or at least most of the comments below, I was able to call AW on the free phone and make the change painlessly and in little time.

This comment is to encourage others to do the same & to express my gratitude for this site & all who contributed. I am not able to repeat how as a 75 year old with little memory, but it was a one shot deal [about 10"] Thank u very much, peace.
Jan 20, 2015
 Software
by: Anonymous

Best FREE flashing cellphone software or low cost flashing software?
Jan 16, 2015
 A Better Phone Than Kyocera
by: Anonymous

Please, what is my best option, if I want a better phone with my assurance wireless plan.
Jan 15, 2015
 Contact Number for Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi Dee - You can call them at 888-321-5880.
Jan 10, 2015
 LG Rumor Touch to a Smartphone
by: COCO

I am currently using an LG Rumor Touch by Virgin Mobile. I've had my phone since 2011. I need something bigger. Can I flash a smartphone to Assurance?
Jan 10, 2015
 Help With changing My Current Number
by: Dee C.

Hello All,

My name is Dee, and I would like to get information about the best way to get a new cell phone number. If anyone is able to help me with this, maybe a website link, or customer service # for Assurance where I can be assisted? I would highly appreciate your help.

Thanks in advance.

Cordially,
Dee C.
Jan 02, 2015
 Boost Mobile Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Although Boost phones are technically compatible on because they operate on the same network, only Virgin Mobile payLo will work on Assurance.
Jan 02, 2015
 Boost Mobile LG Realm
by: Anonymous

Would the Boost Mobile LG Realm work on the Assurance network?
Dec 30, 2014
 Straight Talk ZTE
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Sorry, but you can't use a Straight Talk phone on Assurance.
Dec 28, 2014
 Changing Cell Phones
by: rezrose

I have Assurance Wireless. My husband lost his Jack, and got a replacement back in Feb. He lost it again this year. So my husband got me a Straight Talk ZTE Whirl that I want to use for my Assurance Wireless service. How can I make this work? Thank you.
Dec 21, 2014
 US Gives Free Cell Phones To Cuba
by: Anonymous

For all the haters out there crying about young people getting free cell phones from the U.S. goverment...wake up... 2 million cell phones where given to Cuba years ago, and now they are going to get free wireless Internet on the backs of us tax payers. I say get all you can get. Most people know that by now.
Dec 12, 2014
 Re: What a Joke
by: hihotahoe

In your comment you mentioned a few phones:

"I have had 2 LG Rumor 2s, 2 Samsung Matras, and also a Samsung Montage and a Kyocera Brio"

I am looking for which phones will work best, or at all, on Assurance Wireless' plan.

Were you able to activate each of them on Assurance?

LG Rumor has models for Virgin Mobile, which I understand will work, but will their model for Sprint also work?

You mentioned an LG Rumor 2. There are a few different LG Rumor models. Do you know if they will all successfully activate on Assurance?

If I have made the activation and it doesn't work, will I be able to go back to the phone that Assurance provided?
Dec 12, 2014
 Voice Minutes?!?
by: Melissa Christina

I used the automated key pad to add minutes to my phone. It was after hours so a live representative was not available. I made my payment with my credit card, and when I make a call it charges me ten cents a minute. How to I convert my 5.00 balance into voice minutes??? Please help.
Dec 10, 2014
 What a Joke
by: Anonymous

Assurance wireless is a joke. They charge you $30.00 for more minutes and data, but then you cannot enjoy the data because they won't allow you to spend $30.00 on the Kyocera Event so that you have a phone with a better screen to enjoy Facebook and other Internet things. I have had 2 LG Rumor 2s, 2 Samsung Matras, and also a Samsung Montage and a Kyocera Brio. I have hated them all, but they were better than that god awful Jax they give you. Hope this helps somebody looking for options.
Nov 18, 2014
 Re: Oct 20, 2014 Compatible Phones by: Anonymous
by: hihotahoe

What is your opinion of using the ESN of a phone for sale and validating it on a website such as: http://www.checkesnfree.com/ ?

Even if the ESN comes back clean, is that enough to determine that the phone is safe to buy?
Nov 17, 2014
 Assurance Flashing
by: Brian

I charge $50 for flashing and return shipping. I also sell pre flashed phones ready to go in various conditions on Facebook.

Http://facebook.com/assuranceflashing
Nov 17, 2014
 Re: Anonymous Oct 20, 2014
by: hihotahoe

You sound credible. How much do you charge to get an LG Rumor to replace a basic phone and successfully connect to Assurance Wireless?
Nov 01, 2014
 get your phone flash to assurance!!!
by: Brian

Please disregard that last link in my previous comment the official link is

https://www.facebook.com/assuranceflashing


I am starting a new service to flash smartphones to assurance if you want more info please visit my facebook page.


https://www.facebook.com/assuranceflashing
Oct 31, 2014
 get your phone flash to assurance
by: Brian

Hi im starting a new service to flash smartphones to assurance if you want more info please visit my facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/phonie.flasher
Oct 28, 2014
 No...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...Jitterbug phones cannot be used on Assurance.
Oct 25, 2014
 Jitterbug Cell Phone
by: RJ

Is a Jitterbug Cell phone compatible with Assurance Wireless program?
Oct 20, 2014
 Compatible Phones
by: Anonymous

The only touchscreen phone you can use with Assurance Wireless is the Virgin Mobile LG Rumor Touch. It was discontinued four years ago but can be found on sites like amazon.com new. Probably old stock but they are selling the phone for an outrageous price.

The Virgin Mobile LG Rumor Touch phones advertised on eBay are almost always unusable. The reason is that they were purchased and activated on Virgin Mobile's Beyond Talk Plan and then the owner discontinued making payments. The service was disconnected and can not be reactivated or changed to a new owner without the owner's name and PIN number originally used to set up the account.

The phones for sale on eBay rarely belong to the original owner. I know because I have purchased in excess of 30 Virgin Mobile LG Rumor Touch phones for friends from eBay and had to change the motherboards with the ESN chip so they can be activated. I always keep several as a spare in case I lose one.

The LG Rumor Touch has the most features of any phone allowed on Assurance Wireless. Assurance Wireless to date does not allow Android phones on their network.
Oct 16, 2014
 AT&T Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Absolutely not. AT&T phones function on a completely different technology than the CDMA phones that Assurance (provided by Sprint) works on.
Oct 15, 2014
 AT&T Phones
by: Kimberly

Can you switch your Assurance Wireless phone with an AT&T phone?
Oct 14, 2014
 Event
by: Anonymous

Is an Event phone compatible with Assurance Wireless?
Oct 14, 2014
 smartphone
by: Anonymous

So no smartphone or touchscreen can be use with AW??
Oct 08, 2014
 To The Jerk Off
by: Anonymous

To the person who posted a few months ago bashing people SHUT THE F*** UP nobody cares what ur B**** A** has to say. If you don't like people's comments then keep scrolling. Get a F'n life jerk
Oct 03, 2014
 Safelink vs. Assurance Wireless
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your comment. I can see how this gets confusing. Hopefully this will clear things up.

- Safelink free cell phone service is compatible with TracFone. Call Safelink to verify what TracFone phones can be used.

- Assurance Wireless free cell phone service is compatible with Virgin Mobile. Virgin payLo phones can be used on Assurance. You can find payLo phones on their website.

Let me know if this helps!
Oct 02, 2014
 Switching Phones
by: Amanda Stout

I have read all the old post and seen many phones to choose from, but had a question. My family uses Straight Talk phones, but I can't afford a phone bill every month! They have many old phones that they no longer use and was wondering if I could use one of their old phones with my Assurance Wireless plan/free minute plan? They say they are TracFone phones, but I don't understand what or which prepaid and payLo phones mean? My phone fell in the lake and need service back fast! Please help me. Thanks.
Sep 11, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

I just activated an LG Rumor Touch tonight, and it is working fine. Make sure you log in to your Assurance account and click on swap phone. Then, follow the directions on the Virgin Mobile site.
Sep 11, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch
by: ej

That's crazy that you are not able to swap it out for the Rumor Touch. I have had that phone for a couple years now, and I have the Assurance Wireless plan. I did not call Assurance to swap it originally. I had logged into my account and swapped it myself. I don't understand why you would not be able to use it when several people can. It's not a smartphone or anything high-tech, but it is better made then the phones they send you.
Aug 31, 2014
 Reef & Awe Are NOT Compatible
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

These two phones are not listed on Virgin's list of payLo phones. Only payLo phones are officially supported as alternatives for use on Assurance Wireless.
Aug 30, 2014
 Reef & Awe Compatibility
by: FOO

I recently purchased the V.M. Reef and then the Awe phones. When I went online it said neither was a match for V.M. Is this really true?
Aug 26, 2014
 That's Odd
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

So you called Assurance and they told them that you want to swap out your phone to the LG Rumor Touch, and they don't you it wasn't compatible?

There are a lot of reports in this thread from people who have successfully swapped to that phone, as well as customer support who has confirmed it.

It's possible that they've changed their policies, however, that would be worth confirming.
Aug 22, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

Bought one to switch my Assurance phone to; didn't work. It's not compatible.
Aug 15, 2014
 It Should Work
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

So what did Assurance tell you to do? Switching to the LG Rumor Touch should work seamlessly as it's a payLo phone. Please let me know what they said!
Aug 06, 2014
 HELP
by: Anonymous

So I have tried to swap phones on Assurance Wireless from the little Jax to the LG Rumor touch, but I am having trouble. The serial number I have entered doesn't work. The number above the barcode that starts with 268 doesn't work either. I even tried contacting the Assurance Wireless customer care and what they told me to do doesn't work either. What do I do?
Jun 27, 2014
 Assurance
by: Anonymous

Hey guys,

The best phone to use on assurance wireless is the LG Rumor Touch. They are discontinued but you can still find new and used one. Just look around. I have been using one and have no problems at all. And i just bought a brand new one june 2014.
Jun 26, 2014
 The Kyocera Event...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...is not a payLo phone, and can't be used on Assurance Wireless.
Jun 26, 2014
 Help Eith Kyocera Event
by: Thompson

If not too much trouble, may I please have some instructions on how to activate or switch to the Kyocera Event Android smartphone with Assurance? From what I've read, I believe you use the serial number from the phone they send you and the rest from the phone I want to switch to? Thanks so much for your time.
Jun 22, 2014
 Touch Screens
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Touch screens (smartphones or non-smartphones) virtually all have larger numbers than standard candy bar or flip phones. If you refer to the phones discussed below (ex. LG Rumor Touch), you should be able to find one that suits your needs. Also, if you get a phone with Bluetooth, you can use a wireless headset instead of using the speakerphone if it is not loud enough.
Jun 20, 2014
 Big Numbers
by: Anonymous

Is there a compatible phone with bigger letters & numbers? My eyesight is gradually going & I am having problems seeing the letters & numbers. Also, mine has a speaker phone that isn't very loud at all.....My hearing is very good! Thanks, so, much!
Jun 16, 2014
 LG Rumor
by: Anonymous

Thanks! I'll check it out!
Jun 16, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch Availability
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I did a quick search on Amazon and eBay, and found a number of options; check it out!
Jun 14, 2014
 Pricey
by: Anonymous

I can't afford a pricey phone! I want one that has a much louder speaker phone than the Kyocera s2100. If there are still any LG Rumor Touchs around, they were way too pricey for me at one time.....Should have came way down by now if there are any left.
Jun 14, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

The LG Rumor Touch has been discontinued. Is it still being sold anywhere?...Online or in a store? I couldn't find anything online! Thanks
Jun 14, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

The LG Rumor Touch has been discontinued. Is it, still, being sold anywhere.....online or in a store? I couldn't find anything online! Thanks
Jun 14, 2014
 Assurance Wireless - They Are Great!
by: Jani13

I have Assurance Wireless as my phone plan. I have an LG Rumour Touch phone - the phone works great, takes satisfactory pictures, and the people at Assurance Wireless have ALWAYS been so nice, so helpful, so courteous - I have no complaints with them!
Jun 03, 2014
 I Want A Better Phone For My Assurance Plan
by: Lila

Can somebody tell me with is a better phone that I can use with $30.00 Assurance plan?
May 30, 2014
 How do you get the LG Rumor to work on assurance?
by: Anonymous

How do you get the LG Rumor to work on assurance?
May 03, 2014
 ROTFL...WOW
by: Anonymous

Ok let me say this is my first and last comment here, and I will not be looking to see who has responded. That being said, first off stop posting sh*t about how old you are and your health problems, and your monthly income. No one cares. Get off the pitty train. You sound like a bitter grumpy old bitty with liberal issues and too much time on your hands.

Others have great info. I myself ran across this site looking online for a better phone for my free minutes an text Assurance Wireless plan. I want an iPhone, but from what I hear they offer it, but it doesn’t work. iPhones are junk anyway. I actually have a friend that has found a way to override all this crap. I now have an Android phone hooked to my plan. I have web usage too, and I’m not charged. Now I only have one free plan phone because of my income, but was given the smartphone as a gift. I suggest finding someone who can hack computers or knows a lot about electronics, or buy one of the listed compatible phones and leave it at that.

I have found this whole thread informative and amusing… haha haha… omg. Thank you all for making me and my dogs night….a good one.....Sincerely an Assurance Wireless lover, a government hater disgusted by assailed, and judgmental old people that are just well....dumb and think they know everything. Well maybe they did in their time, but give it up...LMFAO...ROFL… bye!
May 01, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch, Samsung Montana & Kyocera Brio Are Compatible!!
by: Anonymous

I am using the lg rumor touch on assurance wireless and it works great, that's the best phone i've found so far, will keep looking for more compatible phones and keep it posted.
Apr 16, 2014
 Spirited Discussion
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for the spirited discussion. I just wanted to leave a quick note to try to avoid this from getting personal. Bottom line is that you can swap out your Assurance phone for any Virgin Mobile payLo phone as Anonymous summarized at the end of the post. If you're looking for the ESN/MEID, you can also remove the battery and look underneath as an alternative to the short code provided.

On another note, it seems inevitable that Assurance will ultimately allow smartphones on Assurance. Unfortunately, payLo is still stubbornly still restricted to feature phones only (i.e. non-smartphones)! It's only a matter of time...
Apr 16, 2014
 What Are You Talking About "ANNE" - This Isn't ASPCA...
by: Annie

My comments were NOT directed at you Mr./Ms Disrespectful, so, shut your trap! Do you talk like that to your grandma? I bet you do! Time to ban people like you from posting on here. I directed my comments to Charityworker77.....NOT TO YOU & not to anyone else. Afraid to post your name???? I can see why! Next time, keep your comments to yourself when no one was talking to you.....BUTT IN! Did I read it all? No! The beginning of YOUR RANT was enough for me!
Apr 16, 2014
 What Are You Talking About "ANNE" - This Isn't ASPCA...
by: Anonymous

Anne what are you ranting about? Someone asked if you can swap Assurance phones; this isn't f****ing ASPCA. Why are you bitching about animal cruelty on this forum? It doesn't make any sense, and people like you are the worst. You're trying to push your beliefs on people, then you insult them for not seeing things your way.

Good people don't have to brag about the good things they do for others just to get attention and feel good about themselves. If you were a good person you wouldn't brag about your good deeds, looking for acceptance and gratification from people just to make yourself look good. But you just end up looking like a stuck up pretentious douche. I'm being nice cuz I am a gentleman. If you were a guy I'd really lay into you...

Do good things for the sake of others not to make yourself look good Anne. Have a nice day Anne!

Now, You CAN swap phones at ASSURANCEWIRELESS.COM. You can get your ESN and MEID ##6343#.. All you need is your phone number, your PIN number, your new phone's serial number, and your 6-10 digit passcode, or you can call 1-888-321-5880,and they will walk you thru swapping your phone for free.

They helped me swap to the Kyocera Event. Before that I swapped to the Samsung Montage. As long as the phone is a payLo phone, you can swap to your Assurance plan. I hope all that helps. Enjoy ur new phone! The Kyocera event is a great reasonable phone. It's a touchscreen phone with great texting, Web browsing, games, music, camera/video, and long lasting lithium battery. The battery life with mostly texting lasts for almost 7 days. I paid $30.00 for the phone.
Apr 10, 2014
 Thanks
by: Annie

Thank you, Charityworker for coming to my defense.....much appreciated! Since I don't get around very well or have money to donate to every cause, I do email dozens of animal rescue groups for animals in "high-kill" shelters. Many people could care less about what goes on in our country in regards to the mistreatment, torture & killing of animals who give many of us joy & companionship & puts a big smile on a child's face!

We live in a wicked world! I don't bother anyone & live in a neighborhood who could care less about helping each other or the elderly! I don't begrudge anyone who needs some help! It's a very sad world, when those who are living very comfortably, begrudge help for those who are having a very hard time making it.

There are, still 10,000,000 people still out of work. Are they lazy! NO! They look & look & look for work & put in dozens & dozens of apps & resumes....."We'll call you, don't call us"! and they never get a phone call! Sorry for the rant on here Prepaid Wireless & consumers here!
Apr 08, 2014
 Why All The Fussing?
by: Anonymous

What is up people? Be nice. I am glad they are here to help people who can't afford a phone. But it should only go to those who can't afford one.
Apr 07, 2014
 Camera Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi Elizabeth - Your question relates to changing out your phone to a compatible one that has the features you want, which is addressed in the thread below. There are currently no such phones available directly from Assurance.
Apr 07, 2014
 Changing To Camera Phone
by: elizabeth johnson

I just want to know if I can trade in my old phone for an updated phone that can take pictures?
Mar 30, 2014
 Disgusted Arrogant American
by: CharityWorker77

Disgusted American... What kind of person picks on a 71 year old woman? You may say "I didn't know she was 71" or, "I didn't know she had health problems". The fact is that you are an unbelievable slime bag who lives to push your misinformed assumption onto others, leave them with no hope, depressed, and like they're garbage.

Why don't you get off your *ss and try to do something to help the issue if it bothers you so much, instead of hurting the feelings of people like Annie that are in need of assistance. Do you believe she is ordering dominos on her phone and texting her friends all day, not calling in her prescriptions, or calling her ride to pick her up from the doctor?

You are the one who yells at the mother on the plane because the baby is crying too loud. You are the one who can't wait to inherit the money from your parents death (but you will deny it). Just bitch and complain about society, yet has no formula of your own to make everyone happy, just yourself. Try actually helping someone else besides your (plainly) spoiled self. We both know your statement about how you're willing to help others who need it, is total BS.

I have a seizure disorder, yet I volunteer to work with epileptics to get them back into their old routine in society. Senior citizens and the bedridden... For free. The 99% does not want to chip in for s**t, but you're more than happy to receive. Your time is way too precious though, right? I have kids, a job, going for my masters, and I do all of this. I am no better than any of the people I work with.

Even will the gall to say the things you do, I can't imagine what it's like looking through your eyes. I hope you realize at any time, these things can happen to anyone in your life even though I know you're nothing more than a heartless, uninformed right wing d*ck. So just shut up and let it go. If you're upset about your own life because you personally were treated unfairly, don't think others need alternative ways to access what they need to survive.

So laser those hemorrhoids off your *ss, put on your LL Bean shirt, go out and help out instead being the problem you communist' you're no American... You don't believe in what this country actually stands for. Be grateful for whatever you have, no matter how much your precious iPhone costs...
Mar 13, 2014
 LG Rumor Touch
by: ej

The LG Rumor Touch also works with the Assurance Plan! My hubby upgraded his phone, and gave me his, and I figured I would try it. I've been using it for a couple years now with my Assurance Wireless Plan.
Feb 19, 2014
 Lucky
by: Anonymous

Lucky you Michelle!!!!!! You are in the minority here!!!
Feb 18, 2014
 Great Service
by: Michelle

I have always had the same great service with my phone, and the very polite employees. I have been with this company for over a year and not one problem at all.
Jan 25, 2014
 Everybody Pays
by: Anonymous

Everybody pays for these phone. Look it up on your phone bills, and it say universal charge, which used to be around 2 bucks. That charge is what pays for these types of programs.
Jan 25, 2014
 Disgusted American
by: Annie

To Anonymous...Dec 23, 2013. Thank you for the info on our government and that taxpayers do NOT pay for this cell phone service. ARE YOU LISTENING 'DISGUSTED AMERICAN'....sitting in your comfy home, with your highfalutin' friends, sticking your noses in the air & cutting the poor down? YOU, DISGUSTED, feel you are entitled. We'll see come judgement day who's entitled & I'm betting YOU won't be one of them! How can you "have-it-all" begrudge the "have not" a simple little cell phone....a lifeline to the outside world?

NO you do NOT pay for it, but so what if you did! I feel sorry for you! You are hateful, mean spirited, grudgeful & more, and I'd be ashamed to call you my friend!
Jan 25, 2014
 Problems With My Phone
by: Anonymous

Too many times Assurance Wireless eats up my minutes, however, they replaced them. The facility that answers the phone are snappy. At this point I want to switch my phone and they won't. Practically they suck.
Jan 14, 2014
 Assurance Wireless Issues
by: sue p

Got a phone and added the Web for $30.00, and can not access it. How disappointing is that :(
Dec 23, 2013
 To Disgusted American
by: Anonymous

Actually you don't pay for anything. The government doesn't pay for the phones either. The cell companies pay for the phones. Look it up. Just because something is free doesn't mean people should be happy with the BS they have to go through to get it. BS is BS whether something is free or not. I hate it when people throw around the word "entitled". I think most poor people are grateful. I think rich people feel more "entitled" than poor people.
Nov 01, 2013
 Thank you for this very helpful thread
by: Anonymous

I am glad that my search for an easy to use phone to use with Assurance Wireless led me here.
It takes a village :)
Sep 30, 2013
 To Disgusted American Cont'd
by: Annie

I ran out of characters, so here's the end of my comments:

Shall I list my medical conditions, most caused by working in a factory? Lucky you, you're college educated, but it doesn't sound like it! My sons worked their way through college. I couldn't afford to pay their way through! Until you have walked a mile in my shoes, keep your trap shut. You know NOTHING you are talking about! SHAME on you for being jealous of a cheap, free service that provides a lifeline for those of us who TRULY need it! You sound like most younger people. We older ones need to hurry & die off, 'cause we are in the way! That's exactly how I am made to feel!
Sep 30, 2013
 To Disgusted American
by: Annie

I have made similar comments on here. First of all, I live on little more than $600 a month after I pay for Medicare & supplemental insurance. Secondly, I do NOT take any other government handouts other than this free phone! I don't get any food stamps or whatever else might be offered. I don't have any drug coverage. After talking to a SHIP counselor several years ago, he told me it would take half my social security. Luckily some of the drug companies help there. I am on many medications due to my health going downhill! I will be 71 this Wednesday! I've paid taxes for most of my life!

I am thankful for free phone service, but NOT a phone that doesn't work....I had it replaced 3 times & then ended up upgrading to a $15 phone, not a high dollar phone that most on here want or have! I am NOT thankful for the poor service that is given by Assurance Wireless, or the fact that they use foreigners to take care of our problems, when there are so many people still looking for work right here in the USA. One, my college educated 40 something son! I am NOT thankful that our government....YOU taxpayers....are being ripped off by this company! When they are paying for such poor service, they are being ripped off & I'll bet they pay a WHOLE lot more than this service actually costs. A waste of taxpayer's money! We are threatened with big Medicare cuts & they do cut them every year! I got a back brace, which was paid for by Medicare. It cost our government $400, when it actually cost less than half that much online! Yes, our government needs to overhaul Medicare, but NOT by cutting it from those of us who need it, but by taking a hard look at how these companies we get our medical supplies from are billing them & ripping them off!

By the way, Medicare is NOT free to us! I have many, many health problems, so don't begrudge me a phone that I feel SHOULD WORK & not to be so hard to re-certify! When we get a damn automated voice over & over again & can't get through to a human being, I have a God given right to complain! I AM thankful for this phone, but when the government is being ripped off by this company, I will let everyone know about it!

AGAIN, I have paid taxes for over 50 years & have a right to this phone service.....250 minutes & 250 text! I retired not quite 2 years early on DISABILITY from a back breaking factory & have NO pension as you might think we all get!
Sep 30, 2013
 Support Those In need, Not Those With Greed
by: disgusted American

*****************ATTENTION ANNIE******************

Do you realize what you said?? Let me quote you:
"I am so frustrated & tired of the BS we have to go through to get our free phone."

So sorry you are so put out Annie, and mad because of the hassle to get your "free phone". I support people who need a helping hand....less fortunate.....going through a tough time, but people feel so entitled to things. It makes me sick. I, as a college educated, hard working professional, have needed plenty of help many times in my life. I'm so thankful for my supportive family and friends. Grateful for my economic, physical, environmental situation and blessings. Always better off than someone else. I take help when I need it, and offer it when I can provide it. Be thankful that we have a government that provides Medicare, food stamps, free money and benefits....

But you have some nerve saying "I am so frustrated & tired of the BS we have to go through to get our FREE phone". It's free!!! Actually no it isn't. Myself and fellow Americans pay for it. Maybe instead of complaining you should just say thank you....SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!
Sep 20, 2013
 Problems With Assurance Wireless
by: Annie

I went to Virgin Mobile before this was posted....still problems! I tried a few things again & one last shot at 611 & I got re-certified....at least I hope! I got a text saying my address has been updated & if I didn't make this change to contact them! I never updated my address. I've lived here for over 42 years; no need to update!

This company can never run smoothly! There has always been a problem for me! No excuse for one site to accept your login info & then another one of theirs will not! This should be simple online & over the phone, but there is always a problem! Thank you for the info! I'm sure I'll need it next time!
Sep 20, 2013
 Customer Care
by: Anonymous

Hi - It's the same as virgin mobile. *86 will get you to customer service. I hope this helps...let me know!
Sep 19, 2013
 Assurance Wireless Phone Numbers
by: Annie

Before I have a stroke or a heart attack, can someone please give me some phone #s where I can speak to a human being? I am trying to re-certify my eligibility! I tried online & I either get they don't know me or they keep asking for my PIN # & won't accept it. I KNOW my PIN # & I have it written down & on my computer. I called two different #s on the letter I received. I called 611. I called a couple of other numbers that I was told by this damn automated machine. The first 2 numbers & 611 kept repeating the wrong birth month. I kept putting it in over & over. I waited for Tech Support twice & the phone just went blank. I have spent at least 45 min just trying to get certified & have not been able to talk to a human, so I can get re-certified.

One of the #s I was given was for the Tracfone only! I am so frustrated & tired of the BS we have to go through to get our free phone......our lifeline! By the way, I just noticed my PIN # is on this letter. No doubt I am putting in the right #! I even searched AW for other solutions to this problem or different phone #s & NOTHING! Can someone please help? Thank You!
Sep 17, 2013
 Swap Smartphone On Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

Hi, all. Ok, so I've seen the same list... very deceiving...So I called Assurance and VM cust care. What I was told is that Andriod phones (that is what I had, htc wildfire s), are not compatible...So from both the horse's mouth ANDRIOD phones are a definite NO as of 9/17/2013...Sux. I tried to over ride the MSID and MDN to match what my Assurance phone and self swap...no luck so far. I did have a Kyocera from when I first started with VM and that at least is a heck of a lot better than what was mailed to me...I'm going to try a few old non-Andriod phones. I have like 20 old phones around my house, and see I get a swap out and keep you guys posted...
Aug 26, 2013
 Kyocera S2100 On eBay
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You can find this phone on eBay from many sellers. I recommend only buying one that's new in the box. You may pay a little more than $10, however, it's still a good deal if you want this phone. Don't forget to consider the total cost including shipping (if not listed as free), and make sure you read the description carefully to ensure it's not a stolen phone.
Aug 23, 2013
 discontinued
by: Anonymous

I, too, am a senior citizen, Doug, with many, many health problems...will be 71 in less than 6 weeks! I posted another comment on the 16th or 17th & noticed it is no longer here! I stated that I called Radio Shacks official site's number. For $4.99, I was going to buy a couple more Kyocera s2100. The lady was going to take my order & came back saying they were only available in the stores & not online. I was told a store in my area had one available! I had already called this store & was told they didn't have one & he acted like he never heard of it, even though that's where I bought the one I have! I was told to call again & told them to cooperate and I said they had one! He insisted they did not. There's none available in my area, but I was told I could more than likely find one in a rural store! This phone is being discontinued! I had put this info on for the lady who was looking for a cheap phone her daughter could use for texting!
Aug 22, 2013
 s2100 Features
by: Doug

Just to clarify that the s2100 is worth the $9.99 price tag for some customers, here is the info from Radio Shack.com

Virgin Mobile® payLo® Kyocera S2100 No-Contract PhoneModel: S2100 | Catalog #: 17-6196
$4.99
Reg:$19.99
Sale valid until: 08/24/13

Kyocera's S2100 is full-featured without the hassle of a costly contract. Take pictures on the go with the integrated camera, go handsfree with Bluetooth® capability and always get the message with mobile email.
SMS & MMS capabilities
Voice dialing, Voicemail and Caller ID
2.5mm mono headphone jack
Bluetooth® handsfree


Virgin Mobile® Kyocera Brio™ No-Contract PhoneModel: Brio | Catalog #: 17-8540
$19.99
Reg:$29.99
(Features already mentioned)
Aug 22, 2013
 Re: Kyocera Brio
by: Doug

I do not doubt that the Kyocera s2100 is a reliable phone. Kyocera makes some great phones but the keyboards that you have to hit a key many times to get one letter are on their way out.

As a senior citizen and after having a stroke, I would forget what I was texting by the end of the third word.

I do not use facebook, twitter, and other social media sites that the phone connects to but I love the voice activated dialing on my LG Rumor Touch. And by the way, I got the phone from Walmart when they discontinued them for $19.95.

I believe that if you can handle the texting or just want to make voice calls, the Kyocera s2100 is the best buy on the market now.
Aug 16, 2013
 Kyocera s2100
by: Anonymous

Doug......Having had the Jax & replacing it 3X, I can attest to the Kyocera s2100 as NOT being a flip phone version of the Jax! I did my research & checked out the reviews before buying it. I have had this phone for well over a year & have not had one bit of trouble.

This lady asked for a phone her daughter could text on & nothing fancy! This phone takes pictures & there are other features that can be activated. I have no problem texting on it! This is enough for me. It serves the purpose it was intended for! Of course, Virgin Mobile has many phones listed that will work with Assurance!

That's the whole point.....give you a free Jax that doesn't work so you'll upgrade to a more expensive phone, whether you can afford it or not! I called Radio Shack's main office & the lady asked if I wanted to place an order. While checking into it, she found that it is only available in stores, not online & one of my stores had them.

Well, this store insists it does not & the guy acted like he never heard of them. Well, that's where I bought mine, so they did carry them! It also is being discontinued, so you have to check the stores in your area to see if they have any available......more than likely you'll find them in the rural stores!

You can't beat that price & some of us don't need the fancy extras that come with the other phones. If she is interested in the Brio or LG Rumor, by all means go for it!

By the way, the s2100 Kyocera retailed for $29.99 when it first came out. I paid $14.99 for mine & have not been sorry! You can buy the best rated TV put out & still be the one to get one that is flawed, so I am not buying "you get what you pay for".....in this case, anyway!
Aug 16, 2013
 Kyocera Brio
by: Ricky

Hi, just wanted to say thank you to the operators of this blog. I have been having trouble with my Assurance wireless Kyocera Jax, I found the info on here stating that the Kyocera Brio would work with my Assurance account and it does. I went out to Radio Shack and bought it for $20.00. I logged on to my Assurance account, clicked on the swap phones tab, entered the MEID number, clicked enter, and received a message to check my email on how to transfer my number on to new phone. I never got the email, but within 20 minutes the phone programmed itself when I turned it on. It was as simple as that. Thanks again!
Aug 16, 2013
 Worth the Money?
by: Doug

The Kyocera s2100 is indeed on sale online and at most Radio Shack stores for $4.99. Please remember that most of the time you get what you pay for. This phone is no more than a flip version of the Jax. Not to offend anyone but that is just my opinion.

The Kyocera Brio has a a full QWERTY keyboard where you can type without hitting each key one to four times to get a letter. It is also on sale for $19.99. The other features for the budget minded individual include:

Up-gradable Memory - micro SD slot up to 32 GB for music and pictures.
2.2" QVGA screen display.
Built-in 1.3-megapixel camera with digital zoom.
Wirelessly connect an optional headset, share files and more with built-in Bluetooth.

Although I do not own the Brio, it seems like a better choice than the s2100.

If anyone is interested, I have friends with both phones and I could relay some info about them both.
Aug 14, 2013
 Thank You
by: Anonymous

Thank you both so very much for the information! You can't beat $5! I'll check my local store, thank you!! And for what it's worth, I heard back from Assurance via email and they confirmed the longer list is correct, that they just didn't include any of the phones no longer available on-line in their original email. I hope that it helps any one else that may be searching for a switch.

Thank you all!
Aug 14, 2013
 Doug
by: Anonymous

Add to the list of compatible phones the LG Rumor Touch. This phone has been discontinued by Virgin Mobile, and is the only one with features similar but less than a smartphone. I managed to purchase four of them for friends at Best Buy auction sales. Please be aware that those sold on ebay and craigslist usually have bad ESNs and can not be activated.

The LG Rumor Touch has voice activated calling, a touch screen, a slide out keyboard, can take videos, and is the best quality phone I have found for use on Assurance wireless. Some rural retailers still have them in stock new. Get them while you can. Virgin Mobile Navigator is a feature included on the phone but disabled by Assurance Wireless.

I have also managed to purchase motherboards and screens for these phones if I find some used ones with bad ESNs but it is fairly difficult to replace for the novice.

I was one of the lucky ones that found the phone at Walmart when it was being closed out for $19.95 a year ago. The phone can be purchased on Amazon.com now for $90 to $145 which is the price for some new entry level smartphones. I think the price is extremely high when Virgin Mobile has an Android phone for $29.95 online with no contract or hitches. Please note this android phone will NOT work with Assurance Wireless.
Aug 14, 2013
 Kyocera s2100
by: Anonymous

By the way, this phone can be ordered online & shipped to your local store for free! My son has been out of work for a long time & has the lousy Jax! I am going to order it for him! I noticed there are 3 stores in my area & one carries it, so, check around! Radio Shack will let you bring it back.
Aug 14, 2013
 Kyocera s2100
by: Anonymous

To the lady with the hearing impaired daughter.........I bought the Kyocera s2100 over a year ago from Radio Shack! It was on sale for $14.95. I am very satisfied with it. I use the text feature a lot & it works great. I have no complaints. I did some research & it is on sale at Radio Shack for $4.99.....believe it or not. It's on sale 'til 8/17. I checked on their official site & at my local store.....was not available there, but might be at stores in your area or you can buy it online. This phone cost $30 over a year ago. I am satisfied with it.....buttons are bigger then the Jax! It has a camera, also! It's not a fancy Smart phone or IPhone, but it works fine! You can't beat $4.99. I might buy another for that price.
Aug 14, 2013
 I Understand...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...your concern. Here's what I recommend:

1. If it's a friend, I don't think it's a big deal to ask them for their phone that they're no longer using, and let them know that you'd like to try it out. If it doesn't work on Assurance, you'll return it.

2. You can buy a phone at a retailer with an appropriate return policy (ex. Walmart, Target). They'll usually allow a return of a handset within a given period of time (ex. 14-days). They don't refund airtime, however, you won't need to purchase any airtime to determine if it will work on Assurance.

In fact, you won't need to even open the box. When you call Assurance to activate it, you can provide the appropriate numbers that are usually printed on the outside of the box. They'll be able to tell you at that point if the handset is compatible.

That said, even if you do have to open it, a retailer with a known return policy should provide you confidence that you can return it if it doesn't work for you.
Aug 13, 2013
 Conflicting Info
by: Anonymous

I have. There just seems to be so much conflicting information. I was also able to contact Assurance and received two different lists from two different people as to what is allowed.

This is from Assurance Wireless' Facebook page:
Assurance Wireless COMPATIBLE PHONES:

Available online (www.virginmobileusa.com):

Kyocera Kona

Kyocera Brio
PayLo LG 101
PayLo Samsung Montage
PayLo Samsung Entro
PayLo Samsung M575
PayLo S2100
PayLo S2300

Not available online:
Aloha
Arc
Cyclops
Flare
Mantra
Marbl
Oystr
Slash
Shuttle
TNT
Switchback
Super Slice
Rumor 2
Wild Card
X-TC

-Alejandra

Anonymous- Is this a current list, and can you use a refurbished or used device, or do you have to purchase one through Assurance Wireless? My daughter is hearing impaired and our main form of communication is via text which is very difficult with the tiny Jax. I would like to upgrade my phone slightly, but cannot afford a silly price.

Assurance Wireless Yes the list is current. It can be refurbished or used also as long as it is a compatible phone. ^Stacey Y.

And I received this via e-mail today:

Thanks for contacting Assurance Wireless Customer Care.

We are always glad to help you with any concern that you may have. Here is the list of the phones compatible with the Assurance Wireless plan:

- Kyocera Brio
- Kyocera Kona
- PayLo - LG101
- PayLo - Kyocera S2100
- PayLo - Kyocera S2300

Keep in mind that you will have to purchase one of these phone since we can only send you the Kyocera Jax.

If you need additional assistance, feel free to let us know how we can assist further.

Thanks & Best Regards,

Marcel R.
Assurance Wireless At Your Service

Sheeesh, I just don't want to waste money I don't really have to throw around on a device that I can't use or beg one off of a friend and have to give it back to them because it doesn't work.
Aug 13, 2013
 Compatible Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your note. There's a LOT of discussion about compatible phones (payLo) that visitors to the site have spent a lot of energy sharing. So I encourage you to please review the great feedback below. Thank you!
Aug 13, 2013
 hearing impaired
by: Anonymous

Hello, I am looking for some clarification here. My daughter is hearing impaired, so we do most of our conversations via text messege. Is a slightly better phone than the Jax compatible with Assurance or are we forever to be stuck with a very limited device? I have several friends that have offered their older devices for me to switch over to, but I don't believe Assurance will allow it. Does anyone know if they are allowing any phones other that the ridiculously expensive option and the Jax?
Aug 12, 2013
 Not Gonna Happen
by: Anonymous

They need to state this when commenting on these phones. Who would know! As to your last sentence, why would anyone expect the government to pay for smart phones & iPhones in the first place ......not gonna happen!!!! They are being ripped off now, paying for these cheap phones we get free that most don't even work! I don't think they care anyway. It's not coming out of their own pockets. Tax money is paying for it!
Aug 12, 2013
 It's A Matter Of Context
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I understand your comment. It's really more about people who may be given a smartphone as a gift, or as a hand-me-down used phone. On contract you can get an iPhone 4 for $0, so think about a large supply of used ones that people may sell very inexpensively, or be even give away free.

It seems clear that the current standard phones that are provided under Lifeline programs are barely usable. With smartphones becoming the standard (whether low end or higher end), the market for used or gifted smartphones is plentiful, and Assurance customers may be able to take advantage of that.

It's not about people who can't afford phone service being provided with expensive government provided smartphones.
Aug 12, 2013
 iPhones.....Really?
by: Anonymous

Are we talking refurbished or new iPhones & smart phones? I thought the whole purpose of Assurance was to give low income people a lifeline! Granted, the free phones, for the most part, are junk & most people have to upgrade, but really......an iPhone? I know a person who was lucky enough to get a free phone that works! I think this is getting out of hand & those who truly need them are going to end up without one!
Aug 12, 2013
 That Makes Sense
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thanks Doug. That makes a lot more sense. That's why I requested from the person posting that comment to send me a screen shot of what they're seeing. That screen shot should show exactly what you said regarding seeing the ESN placement.

It's odd that they would place images of phones they know aren't compatible, as that simply makes it confusing. Though obviously they expect people to enter iPhone ESNs and that those inquiries will come back as "not compatible".
Aug 12, 2013
 Doug
by: Anonymous

Unless it has changed overnight, the iPhone is not compatible with Assurance Wireless or any smartphone listed in the pictures. Assurance Wireless has stated the variety of phones pictured on the webpage is merely to show where the ESNs are on all the Virgin Mobile phones displayed.

I tried to swap a to a smartphone and was directed to customer service as smartphones were not compatible.
Aug 10, 2013
 Interesting Development
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for the post. This certainly is an interesting and unexpected development! Definitely please let us know when they respond. I will also try contacting them to see if we get consistent responses.

Also, if possible, can you possibly send a screenshot of the instructions you're seeing in your account to contact at prepaid-wireless-guide.com?
Aug 08, 2013
 Looking For Straight Answers
by: Me

I too have been coming back to this thread over and over again in hopes people would have more info on our "dear" Assurance Wireless phones, lol!
I logged into Assurance Wireless today to check on the swapping phone situation, and there was a new banner with red lettering detailing specifically how to swap to an iPhone.

Knowing all the comments posted here that this is not possible to switch to a smart phone, our Assurance Wireless website has thrown a new curve-ball with the detailing of exactly how to switch to the iPhone LMAO! So, I sent them an email explaining that I would like to know whether or not we can actually do this seeing that they are now displaying specific instructions that we can, and not just pictures of smart phones to choose from. I will let you know when they reply lol!
Awaiting answers in Assurance Wireless land :)
Aug 02, 2013
 No
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You cannot use your old Sprint phone. You'll see why if you review the discussion below regarding compatible phones ;-).
Aug 01, 2013
 Switching Phone To Sprint
by: Anonymous

Can I change my Assurance Wireless plan to my old Sprint phone?
Jul 17, 2013
 Motorola Startac CDMA
by: Anonymous

Can a Motorola Startac CDMA work on Assurance Wireless network?
Jul 13, 2013
 Assurance Wireless
by: Doug

The Virgin Mobile LG Rumor and LG Rumor Touch are not listed in the compatible phones for Assurance Wireless but they will work. I have had an LG Rumor Touch on Assurance Wireless for years. The new phone recycling program with Virgin Mobile may allow a Sprint branded phone if it is not listed as a bad ESN for a defaulted contract or listed as a stolen phone.
Jul 12, 2013
 Texting & Voicemail
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Yes, both incoming and outgoing text message count towards your monthly allocation. However, service messages from Assurance won't count. I'm told that within your account settings online, you can disable receiving text altogether, or only from specific people, though I don't have an account with which to verify this.

Yes, calling your voicemail counts towards your free minute allocation. Once you run out of minutes, you'll need to add money in order to make any calls, including calling voicemail.
Jul 12, 2013
 Txt Messages
by: Tangy

I have only had my phone for 2 days & came across this site searching other phone options. I know my question might be a little off topic & self explanatory, but I wanted to ask anyway...

Do I lose a txt every time I receive a message or just for the ones I send out?

Also, once I run out of minutes am I still able to receive voicemail?

Sorry if questions seem silly...thanks for any answers!
Jun 07, 2013
 Please Read!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Please do not post questions about what phones work on Assurance. There is A LOT of information in this thread about what phones are compatible.

If you've had difficulty with a phone that should be compatible, please feel free to discuss. Or if you've been able to get a phone that is not supposed to be compatible to work, please definitely discuss. However, these general questions are not adding value to this discussion. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but I want to ensure that this thread (and site) remain valuable to those who visit, and thousands of people get notifications every time a new comment is posted.

As for the iPhone, not only is that discussed below as inferred by which phones work, but their site has an FAQ that clearly says that the iPhone will not work with Assurance. If you're seeing that listed on their site as a compatible phone, that's an issue worth discussing.

Thank you for your understanding!
Jun 07, 2013
 Sprint LG Rumor
by: Anonymous in San Jose

Will a Sprint LG Rumor work with Assurance or only the VM brand. Thanks in advance for any info.
Jun 06, 2013
 Swapping to iPhone?
by: Anonymous

I clicked on swap phones at Assurance Wireless, and a whole menu popped up of phones to help me choose which phone I would be swapping to in case I didn't know the number to type in. If we aren't allowed to use smart phones with Assurance Wireless, then why do they give the option to swap to an iPhone?
May 28, 2013
 Changing Text Message Amounts
by: Anonymous

I noticed I had about 490 text messages left like Depro! I thought, maybe, it was something new. I asked someone who gets Assurance, too, just yesterday & he got the 250/250. I looked today & it had been adjusted down! I've never seen so many incompetent companies as there are now days.....not just Assurance, but in most businesses.
May 28, 2013
 Some Feedback
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

In response to the previous two posts:

- It's my understanding that it's 250/250 per month; there is no mention of either voice minutes or texts rolling over if unused. What you're experiencing sounds extremely odd, and an issue, but I wouldn't recommend thinking about it as an issue with rolling over.

- While I can't provide you with another reference on the Internet, I can say with certainty that they're going through a systems migration with Virgin and Assurance to the Sprint/Boost platform. I know this from contacts that I have in the industry that are related to these parties. I can't, however, say that all of the issues reported in this thread are due to that migration. The reported issue with using Virgin payLo phones on Assurance that used to work, but haven't recently, sounds suspiciously like (and aligns well with) the system migration. Of course, that's not an excuse for not delivering appropriate service, but it does explain some of the experiences reported here.
May 26, 2013
 Mythical Platform Blending/Change
by: AbeLinc

Will someone please explain or give a reference site for this purported upgrade to put Sprint/Virgin/Assurance phones on the same operating platform? Local NC Sprint Dealer took down Virgin banners since the 1st of year & I can't get a straight answer right here on U.S. turf as to what to heck is going on. I know my unlimited Sprint Service has experienced dropped calls & undeliverable texts, and elderly neighbors using Assurance/Virgin have had no service with vanishing minutes & texts even with strong signal bars on the sender end. I don't need an epistle, just a brief explanation &/or reference site. I know it's not solar flairs or full moons...
May 24, 2013
 Still Have Problems
by: depro

I received my candy bar phone in April; today I found out I had 36 minutes and 490 texts available, in spite of the fact I rarely use this phone. Customer Service (misnamed) decided it was a hardware problem with the handset, not one with the network; and although they created a "ticket," it would take 3-4 days to solve. What?!!! It wasn't enough that not one of the three people I spoke with actually spoke English, but the idea that a Lifeline service could be down for days is ridiculous. I wonder if the state of California knows it's paying for services that aren't being provided. And no one could explain how 250/250 ended up being 36/490 - The texts carried over but the minutes did not? Can anyone here answer that question for me?
May 02, 2013
 Samsung Montage
by: Atlanta

I recently signed up for Assurance Wireless, and received the Jax phone (ugh!). Fortunately, I found this site, and have benefited from the info posted here. Perhaps, I'm one of the fortunate ones, but my initial activation was painless, even called the dreaded 800 number, was answered within a minute, and finished within 5 minutes.

As for swapping phones, I had success there too. I bought a Samsung Montage at a local Best Buy; it was in the Virgin Mobile paylo box. Logged onto my Assurance Wireless account; used the swap phone feature; entered the serial number of the new phone. The system accepted my entry and promised an email would be delivered within an hour to complete the process. Two hours later, having received no email, I turned on the phone, hit "activate" and within a minute, it was call and text ready. Not complicated at all and no phone calls to the far east needed to make the swap.

My thanks to all who participate here!
Apr 27, 2013
 Crazy People
by: Annie

Yes, you are right.....YOU are a crazy person! Thanks Doug! You said it best!
Apr 27, 2013
 Crazy People?
by: Doug

Most of us on this site have paid into the USF fund since its inception in the 1970s. Our payments were in the form of a fee attached to our monthly phone bills as with everyone else who had/has phone service.

As educated people who know how to research topics before making stupid remarks, we know that the USF fund was created to reimburse carriers for services provided to those who qualify.

I wonder how the person that make the "Crazy People" comment would feel if suddenly his Social Security benefits were cut off or disrupted after paying into the fund for years.

The people on this site that depend on it to find out why they are unable to call 911 in case of an emergency do not need to see these kind of comments.
Apr 26, 2013
 Crazy People
by: Anonymous

I can't believe all the whiners posting here. You get a FREE phone and FREE minutes!
Apr 22, 2013
 Account Problems
by: Doug

My minutes and texts dropped to zero also, but two days later they were restored. There seems to be many problems that are happening with the system upgrade.

You will have to call Assurance Wireless and they will correct the problem.

Thank you PrepaidWirelessGuy for having this site. There is more information here about Assurance Wireless than even their own Customer Care representatives are able to answer.
Apr 22, 2013
 Text Plans on Assurance Wireless
by: Doug

For many years Assurance Wireless offered only the 250 Free Minutes as the other plans do now. Several years ago they started advertising 250 free Texts also. Initially you had to ask for the 250 free texts with your plan for them to include it.

The people that started off initially with only the 250 free minutes found that when changes were made to their account, it defaulted back to only minutes and did not include texts.

Many people that even started out with the 250 free minutes, and 250 free texts found their accounts without texts when they called Customer Care and made changes to their account.

For whatever reason that causes your Assurance Wireless account to suddenly drop the 250 free texts offered, you have to call to get them restored. Everyone that I have spoken to said that Assurance Wireless will do this with no problem but you do have to ask.

It is a lot of trouble holding for hours sometimes getting through to someone, but the service is FREE. How many things in life are free without some amount of difficulty?
Apr 22, 2013
 Upgraded My Assurance Phone To payLo
by: Anonymous

Had no problem changing everything over - I can call people, but now my texts don't work - What can I do????
Apr 18, 2013
 Account Gone Haywire
by: Holly

I have had the same problem with Assurance lately. I called them when I learned Assurance was now offering free texts, as I wasn't getting them, so around the first of April they were adding them to my account. About 4 days later my account went to the 250/250 available, and my monthly date changed. Yesterday my account had 163 minutes left; today it has 0! What is up??
Apr 17, 2013
 Check Your Phones
by: Annie

I read Anonymous comments about money being subtracted & minutes at zero & then at 300 & then 597. I decided I had better look at mine. I looked several days ago & had 142 minutes left. I have not used my phone since then. Now it says zero! If they have foreigners working on this update, it's going to be all messed up for EVERYONE! For the most part, all I have talked to are incompetent! Everyone should know, by now, how I feel about using these people in place of Americans, who need jobs! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!

I have 3 days 'til I get new minutes! I don't know if I should just ignore it since it's that close, or try Doug's suggestions! WTH! I just checked again & it says I have 82...then I checked again....81.
Apr 16, 2013
 List Of Compatible Phones From Assurance Wireless
by: Marilyn

I went on Assurance Wireless' Facebook page and asked if there is a list of compatible phones and received the following prompt reply at 9pm:

Assurance Wireless:
Below are a list that are compatible with our services:

Assurance Wireless
payLo - LG101 payLo
payLo - M340
payLo - Kyocera S2100 payLo
payLo - Kyocera S2300
Samsung Restore
Loft
Rumor 2
Aloha
Arc
Cyclops
Flare
Jax
Mantra
Marbl
Oystr
Shuttle
Slash
Super Slice
Switchback
TNT
WildCard
Assurance Jax Assurance
Assurance Kyocera Domino
^Teareney F.

I don't even know what some of these are, but it's a bigger list than the one I see earlier in the thread, so I thought I'd post here.

Best, Marilyn
Apr 16, 2013
 Charge Complaint
by: Anonymous

It's been a little over a week since the "system upgrade" started. In that time, I have had several problems with my phone.

1st: My account has had $1.50 subtracted from it a total of three times. When asked thru FB I was told I was charged this amount because of web usage. I wouldn't know how to access the web if it hit me in my face!!! I did not do this. The last time I was charged, according to a rep from Assurance, was April 14th at 11:20 pm. I can verify that on that date and time I was on the phone with my family during a crisis. The phone time was 12 minutes.

2nd: I have minutes left, yet my phone account says "0" minutes. When I recheck, it will say 300 or 597 minutes left!!!

3rd: I called earlier today to top-up. Used my visa card and gave my card # over the phone. There was NO top-up of $5.00 added to my account.

I am beyond frustrated at this point. I am on a fixed income and cannot afford these charges, especially ones I have never used.
Apr 16, 2013
 System Upgrade Alert
by: Doug

Just received an email back from Assurance Wireless.
If your phone is having problems during the upgrade:

*Sending and receiving texts.

*There is a long delay when you place a call.

*The call drops out suddenly but you have a good signal.

Turn the phone off and back on. This should cure the problem. I was actually embarrassed that I did not think of this first. It totally cured all the problems I was having.
Apr 16, 2013
 Thanks
by: Annie

Thank you, Doug for the valuable information! It is much appreciated!

PrepaidWirelessGuy.......I agree. One of my pet peeves is repeating info over & over again, when all you have to do is scroll back over previous comments & find your answers! I just went through this on another site a couple days ago!
Apr 16, 2013
 NOTICE - Please Stay On Topic
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I've been deleting a good number of posts recently from customers posting personal account information requesting tech support. Please keep in mind that this site is not affiliated with Assurance Wireless, Virgin Mobile, or Sprint. It's a free resource for visitors to get real world experience from others.

Also, I've deleted posts that ask, "can I use a Virgin phone on Assurance?" There are dozens of posts below specifically around this topic. Please respect people's time by at least scanning through the existing posts (or using your search function on your Internet browser to look for key terms you're interested in reviewing).

Thousands of people are subscribed to this site, and get emails every time a comment is posted. To be courteous of their time, please make all efforts to keep posts on topic. There's a LOT of great information below that is unique to the Web in terms of providing information and helping customers with questions about changing their Assurance Wireless phone. I'd like to keep it clean and useful. Thank you for your understanding!
Apr 16, 2013
 System Migration Update
by: Doug

Since all the trouble I had with Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile/Sprint, I have developed some direct contacts for reliable information.

Here is what is going on now:

As Mr. PrepaidWirelessGuy stated, the complete system upgrade with Assurance Wireless is going to be slow and take months. All of the Assurance Wireless accounts (phone numbers) are being transferred from their old system to the new one.

One person even informed me that they are having to manually copy each individual account with the phone number and subscriber information to the new system software.

The newest information is that as the system is being upgraded from area to area, the cell towers are being effected also. I, and many others are unable to send text messages at this time and some calls are not going through. I am advised that this problem should be resolved soon but I would not count on it being done quickly.

Also, to all you that still think you can use a Virgin Mobile Android phone on Assurance Wireless...

A friend purchased a new Virgin Mobile Android phone and we tried to swap it on my account. The message clearly stated that, This phone can not be used on your (Assurance Wireless) account. Then he activated it on his Virgin Mobile account and it worked fine.
Apr 11, 2013
 Problem Finally Resolved - Continued
by: Doug

Whichever method you use, to call or email, have your old phone and the new one ready.

On your old phone, key in the following numbers:

##847446# You will be taken to the programming screen. Press (VIEW)
Write the MDN number on a piece of paper, this should be your telephone number.
Press (OK) You will see a MSID number. Write this number down as it is the local number for your Assurance Wireless account.
Press (OK) then (DONE), your phone will restart. This does not change anything on your old phone.

On your new phone, key in the following numbers:

##847446# You will see the programming screen again. Press (EDIT) and clear the number displayed with the back or back arrow key.
Enter the number you wrote down for MDN This should be your telephone number. Enter the number with no dashes then press (OK).
Clear the MSID number and enter the one you wrote down from your old phone with no dashes. Press (OK) and (DONE).
You may need to press (DONE) again for your phone to restart.

Your new phone is now programmed, and when the (SERIAL) number or (MEID DEC) is added to your Assurance Wireless account, all you will have to do is turn the phone off and back on to activate it. This will save you many steps as the overseas Customer Care people can be very hard to understand.

Please note that you are going to have to program your new phone when you call or email so these steps can save you a lot of time.

Good Luck...
Apr 11, 2013
 Great Info!
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you Doug for following up on the resolution; I'm sure this will help a lot of people. It's amazing that you had the patience to stick with it this long; nice!
Apr 11, 2013
 Problem Finally Resolved
by: Doug

It seems like Virgin Mobile/Sprint finally got the problems resolved. I was able to swap phones today. Service is great now.

I have ordered two LG Rumor Touch phones for backup as these are the only touch screen phones you can use on Assurance Wireless. If I find any more, I will post here so anyone interested can get one.

Here is what you do to get your PayLo and certain Beyond Talk (non-android) phones to activate on Assurance Wireless:

Email-Do Not Call, or you will get the Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile hold and transfer from hell which can last all day.

AWSocialCare@sprint.com

Make the email out to: Aleeah B., Social Media Team

She is the only one who emailed me every day during the last week to check on my problem.

* Provide your Assurance Wireless phone number.
* Your 6 digit pin number.
* The MEID DEC number listed for your new phone
(under the battery cover).
* Your Address-necessary for programming the phone
to your specific location.
* Instructions that you wish to swap phones and
transfer your account from the old to the new
system.
* An alternate phone number and a time she can
call you back to transfer your service.

If you decide to call and can put up with the hold and transfer game they play you might get someone overseas that can help you. The newest excuse they will give you is that a tower is down in your area. Politely insist that they try and that you know the problem has been fixed.
Apr 01, 2013
 To Annie
by: Doug

As PrepaidWirelessGuy stated, it could be months before Sprint decides to correct this problem, if they ever intend to, instead of trying to push subscribers to their payLo or Beyond Talk plans.

I sincerely hope we get our problem resolved with the many others who really need this service.
Mar 31, 2013
 Free Cellphone
by: Doug

The major complaint about the free cellphone program is that there are thousands of people that shouldn't have them.

Videos about women pulling three free cellphones out of their purses and bragging about it have angered many people.

Due to the fact that there was no database to check for duplicate participation in these programs, millions of dollars were wasted. This should come to an end as States and the Federal government is mandating that the providers verify this before sending out a phone.

There are no payphones that I have seen recently in the city where I live. Cell phones are just as inexpensive as land line phones to purchase. From what I have read, wireless service is cheaper to provide than land line service.

Sprint has given excuse after excuse for not transferring my service from the broken phone to the new phone they suggested I purchase. They encourage me to subscribe to their other plans every time I call. If this is not fraud and abuse of the USF funds they get from the federal government, I have no idea what to call it. Possibly it is normal business practice for Sprint.
Mar 31, 2013
 A Lifeline
by: Annie

To Maj. Gen, T.T...I am a 70 year old with many health problems! I DO NEED this free service. I'm living on $600 a month AND I do NOT get food stamps, etc! If you had your way, those like me would all die off 'cause we don't need the free service! I say free service 'cause it's obvious these phones are useless! Most of us have had to buy a better phone. Mine was $15 & it works.....for doctor appointments, 911, which I had to call 4 months ago, & much more! AND yes, to be able to keep in touch with my family! I do NOT need a high dollar phone, but I do need this service if they ever get their act together!

Times HAVE changed. I don't like it either, but I am NOT going to begrudge anyone who truly needs this service. Yes, Mr. & Mrs. Have-it-All driving around in their fancy, expensive cars with their high dollar cell phones attached to their ears & not watching what they are doing, creating a danger to others....gripes me, too! And the teenagers who would die if they couldn't text their best friend who is sitting right next to them, & parents who feel their 4 & 5 year old need a cell! I could go on & on! If people used them for what they were intended for, that would be great!!!!!! BUT don't belittle people who truly need to stay connected, a lifeline!

AND why shouldn't we complain when the service these companies are getting paid for is a piece of crap. What good is it & ripping off the tax payers & not caring about those in need! I have a whole lot more I could say, but I'll save it for another day! Go back to bed, grump!
Mar 31, 2013
 Reluctant
by: Anonymous

I've had problems for the past month or so. I can't call anyone, lost calls, lost signals. I'm about ready to give up!! But as of last week everything seems to be back to normal. I hope, and cross my fingers on both hands lol. The phone seems to be working like it was before I started having problems. When I say problems, I couldn't even use it. I call someone, and if I did got more than two ringtones (very rare), I would lose signal. Or they would answer and couldn't hear me. But like I said, it's working like it has since I've had it (4-5 years), so be a little more patient. I was about ready to give up to. I was about ready to chuck it against a brick wall. That's how frustrated I got with it. So be a little more patient.
Mar 30, 2013
 Confused
by: Anonymous

Anyone know what's going on with the Assurance Wireless network? Every time I check my account it will say it's updating the system. What's going on here?
Mar 30, 2013
 Response To Mag.T T
by: Anonymous

I couldn't agree more. These phones are crazy. Everyone has one. I don't understand why we need them. They're nothing but trouble. Don't get me wrong, they're convenient. Just not worth the hassle. No sir. Only a damn headache.
Mar 30, 2013
 Throw The Phones Away
by: Maj Gen T.T.

I would like to know what people did before cell phones. I can tell you, they had good families that communicated in person and lived just fine. Do you think the guys out in the field in the war says, wait a min I have to answer my cell phone. All anybody needs a phone for is to call 911. Other than that, perhaps check on some relative. But, most idiots want to talk and text on the phone while driving, eating and scatching their themselves. So, do not think I have any feelings for people having cell phones. I wish they had NEVER been invented.
Mar 21, 2013
 Thank You Doug...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...for sharing your experience and thoughts. I can understand why you would be at your whits end. It's truly unfortunate that so many people are likely in the same situation. Hopefully Assurance will fix their issues in the near future, and/or customers will find that one of the other Lifeline programs can satisfy their needs. I wish you all the best, and thank you again for sharing!
Mar 21, 2013
 My Personal Conclusion
by: Doug

To put an end to my countless hours of complaints and research, I have decided to just give up.

I would rather spend the money on food for my dog, who is the only reason I get up in the morning after having suffered a stroke, than spend it on another plan.

During the last stroke I could not even talk, so I assume the phone would be useless anyway. I can always try to make it to a neighbor's house if there is an emergency, so I really can do without the phone at this time.

After all, why fight a battle you just can't seem to win?
Mar 20, 2013
 Thinking About Switching?
by: Doug

I was with Sprint for years. My $69.99/mo. contract plan actually cost me just under $100.00/mo. with fees and taxes. Extra charges such as Sprint TV and others, which I did not subscribe to started appearing on my bill. It was a constant process of calling every month to have these charges removed.

When I discontinued automatic payment by credit card to review my bill and pay online, I was charged an additional "service fee" of approximately $20.00/mo., which brought the total monthly bill for my $69.99 plan to over $100.00/mo.

Hearing similar complaints from friends with AT&T phones, it appears this is common practice in the industry. Due to the time and effort it takes to correct a bill, many people just elect to pay it.

Everyone of the wireless carriers make it easy to pay your undisputed bill with a credit or debit card. The service is available by automated phone prompts or online. If you choose to speak to a live agent, they are always able to take your full payment. Most will inform you of an additional service fee of approximately $10.00 to deter use of using an actual person.

If you have an incorrect bill you will be transferred to another person or department, and the hold time and difficulty resolving the issue will be lengthy.

If you threaten to cancel your service with Sprint and go to another carrier, they will transfer you to their "cancellation department". This department is actually called Customer Retention, and its primary function is to keep you with Sprint. Your issue may be resolved at that level.

Every Lifeline service provider to date has similar complaints by subscribers.

The estimated disbursement was approximately $2.4 billion in Lifeline support by the Federal Government.

I have paid into the USF "Lifeline Fund" since 1997 as with everyone in the form of the USF fee added to monthly telephone bills. Providing Lifeline service is profitable or none or the major carriers would be offering this service.

Why should I switch when every Lifeline service provider seems to be using these tactics? It is only when the Federal or State Governments decide to fine or sue the providers will this stop.

The FCC Complaint Form available online seems to be the easiest way to start this process at:
http://www.fcc.gov/complaints
Mar 20, 2013
 Another Joke from Assurance Wireless
by: Doug

You are given 250 free Minutes, and 250 free Texts with Assurance Wireless. In other Lifeline plans, I have not seen the 250 free Texts offered.

What a nice convenience. When my prescriptions are ready at Walgreens, I receive a text message. When my appointments are scheduled, I also receive a text message. My family also sends text messages, and I rarely see them actually talking on their phones. In fact, with Virgin Mobile offering prepaid plans with limited minutes and unlimited data/text, people are encouraged to text instead of talk.

Now try to text back with the phone they sent you.

1-4 pushes on the key for the correct letter to appear. 1-4 more pushes on the same or another key and you get the second letter. If you are not fast enough, a space will appear causing you to backspace and retry. You now have 2 letters and with some effort you may actually spell a word.

With some difficulty you may be able to send the infamous "LOL" which should in case be reserved for Assurance Wireless.

You then spend $19.95 for a PayLo phone with a full size keyboard that lets you compose and send text messages without difficulty. This was suggested by Customer Care or you read it on their website listing compatible phones with Assurance Wireless.

You call to have the phone swapped or try to swap it with the tools provided on their website and you get nowhere. As many people were able to swap phones without difficulty until this month, you wonder why Assurance Wireless is pushing you to switch to their PayLo or Beyond talk plans.

Does this sound familiar to anyone? This is extremely frustrating to people who have phones that were lost, damaged, or the phone malfunctions.
Mar 20, 2013
 Day One Problems
by: Annie

First of all, thank you PrepaidWirelessGuy for the info!

I was one of the unfortunate ones to get a malfunctioning phone from "Day One"! And then, I received, yet, another phone that malfunctioned! So I feel I was forced to buy one of their payLo phones! You were one of the lucky ones Doug!

There are many on here who received a bad phone, as well as bad service! Now, I am seeing more & more having problems! Yesterday, I had a problem with my payLo. Now, if it keeps happening, I'll have to deal with Sprint! Well, I am going to look into a different service!
Mar 20, 2013
 Assurance Wireless
by: Doug

I have not had a problem until now with Assurance Wireless in the two years I have been with them.

I was able to swap with a PayLo phone that I purchased a year ago when the one they sent me malfunctioned.

It is only now that Sprint Nextel with their massive expansion into almost every state that Customer Care service has degraded.

It also appears for the first time that Sprint Nextel is using Assurance Wireless as a platform to push customers who experience problems to their Virgin Mobile PayLo and Beyond Talk plans.

Due to fraud and abuse, specifically people having several phones under the Lifeline plan, it is currently difficult to switch carriers.

You may be content with your service through Assurance Wireless now as I have been for two years, but just wait until your phone is lost or malfunctions.
Mar 20, 2013
 Other Free Cell Phone Service Options
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Annie - Here's a list of some of the large Lifeline free wireless phone services currently available:

Free Wireless Phone Service
Mar 19, 2013
 More Services
by: Annie

Thanks Ken! I am going to look into these other providers! Outsourcing is one of my biggest complaints. Cheap labor instead of letting those out of work here in the USA have a job! In fact, it makes my blood boil. Every time I call any business & get someone I can barely understand, knowing they are from another country & giving me different, conflicting, info! This, just, isn't right!!!
Mar 19, 2013
 Footing The Bill
by: Ken

The American public is footing the bill for this type of service. If you look on your phone bill, whether landline or cell, you will see what they call a Universal Charge or something to that effect. That money is what funds this type of thing.

I have had nothing but good service from Assurance, including swapping out phones for a different one. The problem with customer service is it is outsourced, so it's no wonder people keep getting different answers.

If you are unhappy with the service try one of the other companies that provide this service; there are 4 or 5 companies that offer it.
Mar 19, 2013
 FCC
by: Annie

I have some urgent personal matters to attend to! Then I am contacting the FCC & finding out what they know about this & who is forking out the money for this rotten service! When I find out, I will let you know & would hope if it's the government, you would all write letters, send emails or call & explain your situation to whomever is getting ripped off while paying for this crap, & make this damn company responsible & do right by us!
Mar 18, 2013
 Assurance Wireless Targets San Francisco
by: Anonymous

Earlier this month Assurance Wireless was approved to operate in California. This will be the 39th state in which Sprint has been approved to offer the Assurance Wireless brought to you by Virgin Mobile plan. Sprint owns Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile USA, and Assurance Wireless.

In the City of San Francisco, Assurance Wireless is promoting its plan to homeless shelters, subsidized housing projects, the unemployed, and the 27% living below the Federal poverty line. Assurance Wireless states there are over 170,000 individuals in the San Francisco metro area alone in this group. According to the US Census Bureau the population of San Francisco is estimated at 812,826.

The State of California has also streamlined the application process and Assurance Wireless states that "Once that form has been submitted with the necessary paperwork and approved, applicants will receive a free Assurance Wireless phone [usually within 7-10 days]."

I do a lot of volunteer work in my community and this is what I am hearing.....

I lost my job, my unemployment benefits have run out, and I had to move into a shelter. I applied for Assurance Wireless so I would have a telephone number for employers to call as I am actively looking for a job. My phone was stolen when I was asleep as people steal and damage the property of others in the shelter. I tried to call Assurance Wireless and I am unable to get through or wait on the phone for hours. The phones I have access to are limited to 5 minutes as there are many people waiting to use them if they are even available that day. The few times I spoke to a real person they put me on hold and disconnected me.

Now to save space for the people who have made it this far.

Insert.. I am disabled, on a fixed income, and have less than $20.00 after Social Security to pay for transportation and items such as toilet paper and soap. My Assurance Wireless phone does not work and I am unable to contact them to replace my phone.
Mar 18, 2013
 Assurance Wireless Targets San Francisco (Continued)
by: Anonymous

According to the previous information regarding Assurance Wireless:

If 170,000 people qualified in the City of San Francisco alone, and the Federal Government reimbursed Sprint at $10.00 per subscriber, the total reimbursement would be $1,700,000.

If approximately half of the people had one of the following incidents:

The phone was defective
The phone was lost or stolen
The phone was accidentally dropped and damaged
The phone malfunctioned due to normal use

And...in the current situation with Assurance Wireless and their Customer Care department, which has no intention of resolving problems.

The government payout to Sprint would be $850,000 for the City of San Francisco alone.

Multiply this by the other 38 states Assurance Wireless operates in.

As the subscriber is unable to use their Assurance Wireless phone and Sprint is being reimbursed for the service, guess who makes out every minute/hour/day/month the service is unavailable?

Sprint has the potential to make millions of dollars limiting the amount of low profit Assurance Wireless customers on their network after soliciting their business. They get paid and you are unable to use the service or have no choice but to switch to their other plans.

If you do not agree, perhaps you should search the internet regarding other tactics like:

Sprint Nextel Accused of Dodging $100 Million in Taxes.

The decision not to collect and pay these taxes arose out of a nationwide effort by Sprint to obtain an advantage over its competitors -- not by cutting its prices or offering better service -- but by failing to collect and pay sales taxes its competitors properly collected and paid. Right before deciding to underpay its taxes, Sprint concluded that this practice would position its calling plans as cheaper than competitors’ plans by $4.6 million per month, collectively, because of sales taxes not collected and paid.
Mar 18, 2013
 Bait and Switch
by: AbeLinc

Doug has hit the nail on the the head even as Sprint has bashed him upside the head along with how many other frustrated users. Sprint has used their gov franchise to capture a fresh and vunerable user base and then say "Hey we're just chumming for sharks" If you can't or don't want to sacrifice your limited resources to Pay To Play you are just shark bait!!!
Mar 17, 2013
 Sprint Or Whomever
by: Annie

Something needs to be done about this! I wonder if we bombard the FCC, if they can help! Doug, dial 211 & ask what can be done about your situation! They have info on everything....ran by United Way! I've called for different things! The people I talked to were very informative & polite! This damn company needs a class action lawsuit brought against them! It needs to be brought to the government or someone's attention, on what is going on & that people with health problems depend on this service!
Mar 17, 2013
 Attention Assurance Wireless
by: Ricky Moore

I'm concerned about Doug's problem in getting his service transferred to his new phone. It's a matter of life since he has had a stroke and needs his phone so he can be in contact with his Dr. I hope this gets taken care of quickly please help the man!
Mar 17, 2013
 Broken Phone Update
by: Doug

Just to inform all of you that my service has NOT been transferred from the broken phone to the new one within the 24-72 hours they stated it would be.

I sent several emails to AWSocialCare@sprint.com, which have not been answered to date.

I had a stroke and need to keep in touch with my physician for appointments. I also need use of a phone should there be an emergency.

Assurance Wireless is obviously not concerned about any of its customers. Replacing a lost or damaged phone and having the service transferred is not an option now.

I have no idea why Customer Care would tell people to purchase a Virgin Mobile phone and call back to have the service transferred. The only reason I can think of is that they want you to switch to the Virgin Mobile PayLo or Beyond Talk plans which generate far more revenue than they receive with the Lifeline service. They have made this suggestion many times when I have called. One Customer Care agent even started the process of switching me to the other plan without my consent. Only when she asked for a credit card number did I catch on. Then if you do not agree, they will transfer you, put you on hold for hours, and eventually disconnect you.

My neighbor purchased a Tracfone yesterday for me to use until I can resolve this problem with Assurance Wireless. I can only imagine the difficulty some people might face if they are not blessed with such nice neighbors, friends, or family members. When she called Tracfone, they advised her of their SafeLink Lifeline program which I am seriously considering due to my experience with Assurance Wireless.
Mar 17, 2013
 Re: AWSocialCare
by: AbeLinc

I trust that Doug's issue on phone swap has been resolved; I appreciate his resolve in his issue. He should be a Happy Camper by now as his stay of execution has expired.

The AW He said/She said response to numerous issues has been less than underwhelming. We have all spent numerous hours with Customer Service & can't learn if it's He/She or even what tribe they belong to. Sprint...Virgin Mobile... Assurance or who the heck in cyber space.

Does anybody really know what time it is or what's going on????

Happy St Patties Day Everyone! Sprint is thinking pure Green, but they deserve a large load of Cow Patties...
Mar 17, 2013
 Mad
by: Annie

This is pure BS! Reading through these comments I am getting madder by the minute! I am a 70 yr old great grandmother & I need this service! I live on $600 a month! After being sent a total of 2 Jax that did NOT work, I bought a VM payLo phone! Now, I'm reading, if I am understanding correctly, I won't be able to buy & use another payLo if this one stops working!

Once & for all, is the Federal government funding this program? I hear it is, then I hear VM is doing this on their own! Come on now, I don't believe that at all! It's really sad that those of us who really need this service have to put up with crap! AND by crap, I mean very poor service & having to deal with foreigners who don't know what the "H" they are talking about and keep you on the phone for hours.....that is, if you are lucky enough to get a human on the line after putting up with that automated BS!

With millions still out of work, this damn company shouldn't be allowed to use cheap foreign workers! There should be a law making them hire American....all of the phone companies & others using this foreign crap! It's not right! It's time to make it right for we Americans! Yes, I am fed up & really, really mad!
Mar 16, 2013
 Broken Phone Update
by: Doug

I am advised that my request to transfer my Assurance Wireless phone number and account from my broken phone to a new one is being investigated. The broken phone was replaced with the exact model.

From: AWSocialCare [mailto:AWSocialCare@sprint.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 1:00 PM
To: Doug
Subject: Request for Resolution

Hello Doug,

It is a system issue why we cannot add the ESN on your account. I have escalated your investigation and we are treating it as a high priority. Please allow 24-72 hours for your issue to be resolved. You can check back with me before then if you like.

Thank you

Aleeah B.
Social Media Team

This comes after three weeks of constant calls and emails to Customer Care and the Assurance Wireless Social Media Team.

Week-1
I accidentally dropped my phone and cracked the case and screen. Customer Care told me to purchase another payLo model phone. After purchasing the phone I called back and requested my service be transferred to the new phone.

I was put on hold for hours, transferred constantly, and hung up on every day.

Week-2
I finally reached someone who was able to "open a ticket" requesting my service be transferred to the new phone.

I was again put on hold for hours, transferred constantly, and hung up on every day until I reached this person.

Week-3
I finally reached someone who was able to "open an investigation" to have the ESN of the new phone added to my Assurance Wireless account. This was after constant calls to Customer Care and emails to Virgin Mobile and the Assurance Wireless Social Media Team.

After getting no results from the "investigation", I emailed the Assurance Wireless Social Media Team and received the current reply posted.

Apparently my request to transfer service from my broken phone to the new one is getting some more fuel as it has been escalated on its way to the Assurance Wireless God who alone has the power and authority to make this happen. With additional High Priority treatment I pray my request be granted.
Mar 16, 2013
 Kyocera Loft
by: Anonymous

I wish they would tell people and just be honest instead of giving the run around. They even have it posted as of the past 2 weeks that you can swap for any payLo phone. They need to tell people you cannot swap phones. My sister offered to give me her Kyocera. She isn't using it now since mine is not in the best shape. I wonder if they will let me swap for that one.
Mar 16, 2013
 I Give Up
by: Anonymous

Thank you for sharing this info. I even thought about switching, but I just can't afford it right now. I am going to take back the Brio. The person below is right that they do go on sale from time to time.
Mar 15, 2013
 Assurance Wireless Update
by: Anonymous

Currently, you cannot purchase a Virgin Mobile - PayLo or Beyond Talk (android) or (non-android) phone from a retailer and activate or “swap” it on your Assurance Wireless account either online or by calling Customer Care. The only phone they are upgrading to is Kyocera s2300 listed on their website and purchased online.

Previously you were able to purchase certain Virgin Mobile PayLo and non-android phones which could be activated on your Assurance Wireless account. Due to a system update in progress, you no longer have this option.

Current articles and press releases by Sprint/Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile state that:

Assurance Wireless customers wishing to upgrade their phones and services are encouraged to switch to one of their value plans. aka...PayLo

After a month of reading almost every article regarding Assurance Wireless and calling or emailing the contacts listed for information, I have received the following information:

Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline Assistance program supported by the Federal Universal Service Fund program. Virgin Mobile USA, L.P. provides the Assurance Wireless mobile telecommunications services exclusively with Assurance Wireless phones provided free of charge.

The Federal Lifeline Assistance program paid out over 1.6 billion dollars last year in which Sprint/Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless collected over 274 million.

Even though reimbursement is approximately $10.00 per subscriber and far less than traditional plans, providing Lifeline service is profitable and helps expand the customer base.

Acquiring and supporting one or two simple phones reduce call center costs and Assurance Wireless customers are currently being “encouraged” to switch to payLo plans.
Mar 15, 2013
 Re: Kyocera Brio
by: Anonymous

Return the phone. Virgin Mobile PayLo phones are on sale monthly at different retailers. If you do not, you may be stuck with a $20.00 paperweight.

If the issue is resolved regarding swapping phones, you can purchase another one.
Mar 15, 2013
 Kyocera Brio
by: Anonymous

I spoke to people at Assurance who didn't even know what was happening. One guy told me to return the phone, one told me it would work in 15 days, a woman told me to try to swap once a week until it goes through, one person told me I must have a different phone ad it isn't the Brio, as I am sitting there with the word Brio right on the box...lol.

No one knows what is happening, even the employees that work there. I don't know if I should return the Brio or wait and hope I can use it at a later date. I have a month to take it back.
Mar 15, 2013
 Kyocera Loft/s2300
by: Doug

If you want the Kyocera Loft/s2300 phone for use with Assurance Wireless here is what you have to do:

Sign onto your Assurance Wireless account.

Click on the: "I Want To...Upgrade to a full keyboard phone" located at the right side of the screen.

You will see the Kyocera s2300 with an Assurance Wireless logo on the phone screen. The cost of the phone is listed at $68.99 for Assurance Wireless customers. Before you purchase the phone:

Move your mouse to the SHOP for phones at the top of the page. Click on the PayLo Phone box at the top right. Move to the bottom of the page and you will see the same phone without the Assurance Wireless logo on the screen for $19.99 SURPRISE

Even though the phone is "Temporarily Out Of Stock" as listed, it was and still is sold to Virgin Mobile PayLo plan customers for $19.99

Please call Assurance Wireless and tell them it is unfair to sell the same phone for 3x as much to their customers. Assurance Wireless and Virgin Mobile are both owned by Sprint and the Assurance Wireless Website says Virgin Mobile at the top.

You can also email the Assurance Wireless - Social Media Team at awsocialcare@sprint.com

If no one complains, nothing will change. I believe that Assurance Wireless should be happy that we are willing to pay for our phones and not try to force us into their other plans. What do you think?
Mar 15, 2013
 Virgin Mobile System Upgrade
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

The timing of these complaints actually makes sense. I have been told that Virgin is in the process of converting from its legacy platform (prior to Sprint's purchase of Virgin; the name of the company eludes me at the moment) to the Amdocs platform, which is what both Sprint and Boost Mobile use. i.e. They're consolidating Virgin onto the Boost platform, including Assurance Wireless.

I also understand that unlike most migrations where customers are migrated in a matter of weeks, they're doing it very slowly, and taking many months to do it.

That's not to say that once the migration is complete that payLo phones will once again work on Assurance. It really depends on what requirements they built to, and while it would make sense for them to allow select phones (like payLo phones), that doesn't mean that's what they're building to for Phase 1, or any phase for that matter.

I'll try to find out, though I expect a specific answer to that question would need to come from the Product Manager for Assurance, which isn't going to be easy to track down.

So, all-in-all, payLo phones used to work. With this known migration (which is actually not a hoax, but very real), that capability has been lost. Whether it's temporary or permanent is still to be determined.
Mar 14, 2013
 Bogus
by: Anonymous

That really stinks, I love my Kyocera Loft but the buttons have broke and some do not work now but I cant find this phone anywhere. I figured the Brio was almost just like it. I don't know what to do now, Maybe I will have to switch plans.
Mar 14, 2013
 Welcome to the Assurance Wireless Nightmare
by: Anonymous

Assurance Wireless will tell you that any Paylo phone and some of the non android Virgin Mobile phones will work on your Assurance Wireless plan. Just try to purchase one of these phones not on the Assurance Wireless website and you are in for a surprise. Changes have been made to their system recently and this is what is posted on the Assurance Wireless website:

Can I use a Virgin Mobile PayLo phone with an Assurance Wireless account?

Selected Virgin Mobile phones other than the primary handset, the Assurance Wireless Jax by Kyocera, may be used with an Assurance Wireless account. However, for the best customer experience, we encourage you to use the handset sent to you by Assurance Wireless. From time to time, a different model phone may be provided to new Assurance Wireless customers due to availability.

This actually means that current Assurance Wireless customers are unable to upgrade their phones as of this month even if you already are using a Virgin Mobile Paylo phone with your account. This also applies to swapping a Paylo phone with the exact same model if yours is lost or damaged.

Assurance Wireless and Virgin Mobile are owned by Sprint. Sprint is NOT in business to loose money. Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk and Paylo phones are now only activated with those plans. I have tried for friends within the last couple weeks to swap Paylo phones with Assurance Wireless but unless it is the Kyocera Jax they absolutely refuse to do it.

Please note that refusal in this case means putting you on hold for hours, transferring you to different departments, and eventually disconnecting you if you do not hang up first. It also means giving you "investigation numbers" stating that a case has been opened which is never followed up. If you do have the patience to call back for days and spend hours (approximately 2-6) each time you will be informed of the infamous "System Upgrade" excuse which if fairly new and given to customers if all else fails to satisfy them.

If your phone is lost or damaged and you want to upgrade your current phone or replace it with the exact same model other than the Kyocera Jax, you are not going to succeed. Current customers with Paylo and non android phones that were activated previously should have no problems unless you try to swap or replace the phone.
Mar 14, 2013
 Kyocera Brio
by: Anonymous

I am so upset. I called assurance last week to ask them if the Kyocera Brio was ok to use. They said yes, so I went to Target where it was on sale for only $19.99 and got it. I tried to activate it today and it wouldnt work, I called 5 different times and spoke with 5 different people. One guy told me to exchange it, so I went and exchanged it only to have the same problem. They said they can not activate it until they update their system, because it is not compatible right now, and dont know when that will be. I wonder how many people have got this phone only to realize it doesnt matter that its a paylo it will not work.
Mar 09, 2013
 Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

Virgin Mobile and Assurance wireless are now owned by Sprint. Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless are on the Sprint network and in no way associated with Verizon Wireless.
Mar 08, 2013
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

I just activated an LG Rumor Touch on Assurance Wireless today. You will have to call and tell them it is not a Virgin Mobile Android phone and deal with being put on hold for several hours.

There is no flashing or difficult procedures required. You will have to wait 4-24 hours for your Assurance Wireless account and number to be transferred to the new phone.

I just located several new LG Rumor Touch phones for friends and to have as a backup if damaged or lost.

Most of these phones for sale on the Onternet are store returns or stolen which cannot be activated. The LG Rumor Touch had been discontinued.
Mar 08, 2013
 Motorola Rival A455
by: sharonda73

I looked up Assurance Wireless phones and it said that the Motorola Rival was one of them. I'm just wondering if that's true. Last year I tried to switch it to a V.M. LG Rumor Touch and they said they couldn't switch it to a touch phone. The Rival is not a touch phone but apparently they're only Verizon. Doesn't V.M. use Verizon's network? I'm confused....please help!
Mar 03, 2013
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

The best phone you can use on Assurance Wireless is the LG Rumor Touch. It has a touch screen and a slide out keyboard. It supports micro SD cards up to 16GB so there is plenty of room for photos, video, and music. You can surf the web and check your email also. Although it is not an android phone, it is the closest allowed on Assurance Wireless.

Unfortunately, this phone was discontinued seven months ago and Virgin Mobile, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Radio Shack have none in stock. I have called all the retailers and could not locate a new one for friends. eBay and craigslist sell new (clearance or Returns) and used ones but all that I located had serial numbers that Virgin Mobile/Assurance would not activate. If you decide to buy one of these phones, ask for the ESN number before you buy it and go to the activation portal of the VM site.

Type in the serial number and it will tell you if the phone can be activated before you attempt to swap phones on your Assurance plan. The voice dialing feature makes this phone the easiest one for me to use after having a stroke.
Mar 01, 2013
 Assurance Wireless Service
by: Anonymous

After 3 days of contacting Assurance Wireless and researching on the Internet, I have found that the Virgin Mobile LG Rumor Touch - VM510 is the best phone usable with Assurance Wireless. Any other attempts to unlock or flash a "smart phone" will result in problems. Unfortunately this phone has been discontinued and is very hard to find new.

All Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile USA calls are routed to the Philippines, and the people there will put you on hold for hours, transfer you to "other departments" which are actually the person next to them in an office. They will ask you for your detailed information every time you are transferred and hope you just get frustrated and hang up as most people do. If you go with the game they play and actually stay on the line for hours, they will eventually hang up on you. This is the treatment I had to endure for 3 days of trying to get help from Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile. I was very polite and the customer service was the worst I have experienced in my life.

As for the question posted about copying your serial/MEID to the smartphone you intend to buy and use on Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile. There is a program called DFS Evolution http://www.cdmatool.com/ which costs $699.00 and is illegal to use to copy serial/MEID numbers.

As Sprint/Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless has just updated their software, the smartphones that were unlocked/flashed/or reprogrammed with (##virgin#) edit from the keypad will no longer function. Look in the Top Right Corner of the Screen when you sign onto your Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile account and there will be your Cell Phone Model listed there. Just a matter of time until you are dropped.

The videos on YouTube and flash/unlock/root software claimed to work on smartphones with Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless rarely work and can completely render your phone useless. The process involves downloading files to your computer and transferring them over to your phone completly rewriting your phone's software. Over-the-air updates from Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless to your phone by the carrier when their system and software is updated will also detect flashed/unlocked/rooted phones and render them useless.

Many people have flashed/unlocked/rooted phones that work on the regular Sprint network, but Virgin Mobile/Assurance Wireless service is managed by Sprint differently even though it is on the same network.

All PayLo Virgin Mobile prepaid phones will work on Assurance Wireless. Just go to Walmart/Target/Walgreens and buy one on sale. These retailers offer the phones cheaper than on the Assurance Wireless/Virgin Mobile website. You do not have to be stuck with the cheap free phone that they send you.
Mar 01, 2013
 Brian's Service
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for your post Brian. Although Prepaid-Wireless-Guide.com does not endorse his service, it sounds promising and reasonably priced in terms of the standard dealer flashing cost.

If any visitors to this site decide to try his service, please report back on your experience so that others can determine whether or not to use it; thank you!
Feb 28, 2013
 Assurance Phone To Smartphone
by: brian

I'm able to flash my Assurance Wireless plan to Verizon or Sprint Samsung S3, Note 2, Evo LTE, Evo 4G, and more, with 3G data working except for receiving picture mail; sending picture mail works fine. Email for any questions phoneflasher.pf at gmail dot com. I charge $50. If you need a donor add $20. I do not do remote flashes. I'm located in the Tri-State mass RI area. I can show you my own personal phone on assurance to show proof that everything works.
Feb 28, 2013
 Changing Phones
by: flasher101

Yes, I have made that video on youtube flashing my Assurance wireless to my Samsung from Sprint, and it did work. It's simple to do, but I deleted my account so my youtube video is not on there anymore.
Jan 23, 2013
 Getting A Smartphone On Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Just a quick note that I published another thread for those seeking to specifically discuss using a donor phone to get a smartphone on Assurance:

How To Use A Smartphone On Assurance Wireless
Jan 20, 2013
 Phones That Are Compatible With Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

* Kyocera S2300.
* Samsung M340.
* LG 200.
* Kyocera S2100.
* LG 101.
* PayLo Samsung Restore M575
* LG Rumor 2
* Samsung Entro
* Samsung Montage
Jan 20, 2013
 Change Assurance Wireless Phone For Kyocera Rise
by: Anonymous

Hello everyone...I just want to know if I can use the Kyocera rise phone instead of the Assurance Wireless phone that they gave me?
Jan 20, 2013
 HELP
by: JAKE123456789

Ok, i have an assurance wireless Kyocera and I need to know if I can take my number and phone service and put it on an iPhone.
Jan 16, 2013
 paylo
by: Anonymous

I did; it really works.
Dec 31, 2012
 PayLo
by: Annie

Yes you most certainly can!
Dec 31, 2012
 Reply To Wigtail
by: Anonymous

You can use any Virgin Mobile phone including paylo as long as it is not Android or blackberry.
Dec 31, 2012
 Camera
by: Annie

It also has a camera that takes good pictures......Kyocera s2100.
Dec 31, 2012
 s2100
by: Anonymous

Hey KJB....I have had it for quite awhile [almost a year] & it works great. It might be the same brand as the Jax but it works. I had 2 Jax that didn't.....echoed horribly! For those of us who can't afford the high dollar phones...it works out fine! Soooooooooooooo, enough said. I wouldn't steer anyone wrong! OKKKKKKKKKKKK???????
Dec 30, 2012
 Hey, Annie
by: KJB

I really don't want to sound like a jerk, but there's almost NO reason to switch from the JAX to that S2100. It's like a JAX with a flip screen. Why spend any money on that? Obviously, if it works for you and you like it, use it. But that wouldn't work for me at all.
Dec 30, 2012
 Hopeful
by: Krausker

I came across this the other day and and it made me hopeful (someone changing to a different phone). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoAl901oQ4I

Anyone found info on how to do this yet?
Dec 29, 2012
 Wigtail
by: Annie

I'm also living on just over $600 a month. I bought the Kyocera s2100 at Radio Shack last summer, on sale for $20. I looked it up online just now & regular price is $20 now everywhere. I checked Radio Shack & you can get it for $10, but today is the last day! I like this phone....works fine! It's a Virgin Mobile PayLo & works with Assurance!
Dec 29, 2012
 I Hear Ya...Again
by: akaKJB

Wigtail - I sure know what you're talking about on the monthly budget.
The free / Lifeline Assurance program should work on any of the Virgin Mobil PayLo phones that aren't the Android phones. I've also found a couple of old Sprint Samsung RUMOR phones that weren't too bad. They weren't smartphones but they had real keyboards on them that should make texting a little easier. Nice thing about those is that you should be able to find them for as close to free as anything is likely to get at the moment. I'll try to let the group know about what happens with that phone and the Samsung Galaxy project as soon as I can.
Dec 28, 2012
 Exactly Which Virgin Mobile Phones Will Work With The FREE Service?
by: Wigtail

I've been reading all the post here but still can't figure out if any of the other Virgin Mobile phones will work with the FREE Assurance Wireless phone service. If there are any other phones that will work besides the JUNK JAX, would someone please list them here and specify that they will work with the FREE service. I'm not concerned with which phones will work on a pay plan as I can't afford a plan. Try feeding your family with an income of under $700 a month and you'll understand why.
Dec 22, 2012
 Creey
by: Anonymous

Customer service people are hard to understand, but there's nothing we can do about that. Smartphones are not a necessity, but in high demand. The service is good for me. I'm glad that I can have a phone for little to no cost. I might get an LG Rumor Touch for xmas, but I'm not sure. My friend had one, and they said the screen broke in their pocket. Basically, it's a good service. No one should complain. Happy holidays!!
Dec 20, 2012
 Top Phone Is Still LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

Upgrade to a LG Rumor Touch. Great phone. 3 inch touch screen, camera, mp3 player and full keyboard and more. You can find one on eBay used starting around $20. Make sure it's a Virgin Mobile phone.
Dec 13, 2012
 Kyocera 32000
by: Anonymous

Someone asked if you could use this phone. YES you can, because I use it for Assurance and any PayLo as well.
Dec 13, 2012
 I hear ya...
by: KJB

Annie, I hear ya. I'm not there yet, but it's coming my way at warp speed. The ones who keep claiming that they're only trying to balance the budget by making Medicare/Medicaid cuts are either ignorant or liars as those programs aren't financed out of the general fund. This disaster of a healthcare plan (the 'Obamacare' that's really 'Romneycare') is another example of 'take it or leave it' programs designed by people who have no concept what it's like to live on less than $10k/month, let alone per year.

Even the experts in the field who are against public programs in general agree that the best thing to do would be to open up enrollment in Medicare. But that's a different discussion for a different forum.

The fact is that we now live in a world where access to data at all times is very important, even if you're poor. In fact, it's probably MORE important if you're poor. Just because you can also play "Angry Birds" on it doesn't make a data-capable or "smart" phone any less important. There are lower income broadband Internet services so obviously Internet access is already seen as something necessary in modern society.

Nobody's asking the government to hand them free HTC 1-Xs or Galaxy SIIIs, but smartphones have been around long enough that there are tons of them that have been traded in, ready for use by people who can't afford $300 to $500 every year or so for the latest phone. The HTC-EVO 4G is worthless as far as HTC & Sprint are concerned and hundreds have been traded in. Those EVOs are perfect for use by school kids and lower income households. That's just one model - there are dozens out there that would work just as well. Why not offer them to lower income families?
Dec 11, 2012
 Samsung Montage works
by: Anonymous

I was able to "Swap Phones" online to a brand new Samsung Montage just now. It gave me an error on Firefox but it worked on IE. Very easy.
Dec 11, 2012
 Lower Than That
by: Annie

Like it or Dump it...Some of us would love to live on $15K or less! I live on under $10K. It's rough!
Dec 11, 2012
 Golden Years
by: Annie

Just wait 'til you reach the so-called "Golden Years".....NOT!!!!!! You think you have it bad, now! We older people are treated worse then dirt! I can't park by my back door to unload groceries....got a $50 fine. So I broke my arm carrying them back & forth from my driveway.....bruised up my entire leg.....then due to being off-balance, I fell 10 days later & cracked some ribs!

The Republicans want to cut Medicare. There's not much help from it as it is. I can't get any in-home care for a couple days a week unless I am receiving in-home therapy or some other in-home medical care......our government's waste of money! Having to qualify for all that is wasting tax payers money! My laundry room is in the basement....very steep stairs.....so I need to try & go to the laundromat, when the roads clear up from the ice & snow! That ought to be fun!!!

I got someone to roll my trash cans out to the street 9 days ago & the cans are still sitting there. I tried to move them myself & can't....will get another fine for that! And then the government comes through for us poor people & gives us a free phone which doesn't work! Oh, yes, I am, so, grateful! How many of you out there would be willing to take a job in customer service for Assurance? I sure would. These incompetent Asians; Middle Easterners are taking jobs away from Americans & we are getting crappy service! I'll bet there are many Americans who are without money & jobs that would take on this job just to have a little money coming in.

I, for one, am sick of our jobs being outsourced to foreign countries, when our own people are starving! These idiots at Assurance will give you a different answer each time you call! AND all the cell phone companies as well as many others, are using these foreigners......taking much needed jobs away from us! Yes, I'm finding out what the Golden Years are all about & it's NOT fun!

The next time you see an older person struggling in the grocery store or wherever, offer them a helping hand! If you make it that long, you'll be in the same situation & feel no one really gives a damn.......might as well roll over & die!
Dec 10, 2012
 Like It Or Dump It
by: Anonymous

Catgirl, thanks for your post. Over 20 years ago my wife & I both had jobs and two toddlers. It was nearly impossible to survive on the money we were making just for the essential utilities, forget diapers, formula, etc. My (now ex-)wife had lived her entire life in the area of town that's perceived to be higher income. I say 'perceived to be' because there are a lot of families living in that county who are below the poverty line.

My ex-wife's perception was just like the one I've seen posted in this thread. Anybody asking for any kind of assistance are shiftless, lazy, weak, dishonest drunkards / addicts and she was afraid of being seen that way. It's an admission of defeat, the first step to becoming complete losers. She felt better about intentionally writing bad checks to local grocery stores and the like, her logic being that the $15 service charge assessed by the stores were cheaper than interest. Of course, you also need to keep on top of that sort of thing or you get a huge surprise the next time you're the subject of a traffic stop.

Which she did. Hello, misdemeanor bad check conviction and 6 months probation. Of course, some of the people who have posted here probably figure that we should just re-open debtor's prisons and throw inside anyone making under $15k/year.

I've been down the past few days (stupid pre-flu or something) & haven't tried to reprogram the Galaxy III to Assurance yet, but I'll post the results to the thread listed below and a note here.
Dec 10, 2012
 Swapping Phones
by: catgirl

Let me start by saying how ridiculous it is for people to comment on this blog that people in need should settle for a phone that doesn't even work properly. Well, I guess we can take half eaten boxes of cereal, open cans of soda, and some leftover chicken down to local food pantry and donate it b/c hey, they should be grateful right?

While we're at it, let's donate broken toys to Toys for Tots. Those kids should be happy for anything since they're poor anyway right? Oooo and how about taking dirty, ripped clothes and pairs of shoes with 100,000 miles on them and drop them off to the Salvation Army. Those poor lowlifes should be happy with the handout.

My point is, even places or companies that provide for people in need HAVE STANDARDS. If a person doesn't feel the Jax phone provided works for them, they should be free to upgrade to another phone they purchased or bought years ago and had lying around the house. No harm in that.
I just wanted to share, one of the live reps may say that ur phone has to be a PayLo, but it doesn't. I was able to switch my service over to an old Virgin Mobile phone I had a few years ago.
Dec 10, 2012
 kyocera s3200
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know if you can use the kyocera s3200 with the program? It is on sale for $15.00.
Dec 10, 2012
 government
by: Annie

I feel the government should be made aware of the crap [Jax] they are paying for, & to most of us, has been proven useless! I for one am going to contact them & hope others will follow!
Dec 10, 2012
 Regarding Your Elderly Mother
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

There's a lot of information in this thread about different phones that work on Assurance. If you need help in a store, you're better off going to a Virgin store as Assurance is run by them. That said, they'll probably just have you call the Assurance 800 number.

There's no doubt that the Jax that is currently provided is deficient in so many ways!
Dec 09, 2012
 I Switched Over To The Samsung Montage
by: Ricky Moore

I'm using the Samsung Montage after reading that you could use any PayLo phone with Assurance Wireless except the Samsung Montage or the Samsung Entro. That's hogwash. I switched over to the Montage. I just can't stand the little phone; too hard to text with it.
Dec 09, 2012
 Free Assurance Phone Too Small For My 83 Year Old Mother
by: Anonymous

I have contacted Assurance company about my mother's phone two months ago. I talked to Eric and received no help. I contacted Assurance by computer and still received no help. Can anyone help me?! As I said, my mother is 83 years old and can not use the tiny phone she received from the company she cannot see numbers on the phone and does not know how to use the contact list.

All my mother needs is a phone with large numbers and hearing help. She does not know how to text. All she wants is a phone she knows how to answer and dial a number, how to answer, and how to hang up. Pretty simple, but can get no help. I took her phone to AT&T and they said I could not buy a phone and use with her plan because it does not have a card I can just change out for her. she cannot afford to buy a plan every month.

Any ideas on how to help her. She cries all the time because she can't talk to her children and grandchildren. She must ask someone to help her. Wake up govt! Most of the folks on Assurance are old, and they can't use their phone.
Dec 07, 2012
 Upgrade Your Phones Please Assurance Wireless
by: befree

I agree with akakjb. I have the Assurance Wireless plan and switched my Jax phone to the LG Rumor Touch (yes I paid $199 for with Virgin model 2 years ago, because I needed a better phone for just texting). I had no problem swapping the phone. I did it on the Assurance Wireless site. I just clicked on the picture.

The phone was great but it was never good to use for FB or any web use because 3G moves very slowly. I want the Galaxy S3, so instead of giving Assurance $30 a month for data that sucks, I will buy the phone I want and give Virgin Mobile the 30 bucks directly, plus I will get 300 minutes and unlimited text. I will let my 10 yr old use my old cell.

I think Assurance Wireless is great for helping those in need, but the Jax and the other phones with a $30 data plan is like giving dds to play a record player. The two just wont work together!!
Dec 05, 2012
 LG BANTER TOUCH and Assurance account
by: Anonymous

Can I use a LG BANTER TOUCH with an assurance account?
Dec 05, 2012
 Instructions For Getting A Smartphone On Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi akaKJB - Thank you very much for your detailed posts. If you have time, I think it would help a lot of people to get into the details of reprogramming a JAX phone to a smartphone they own. If you submit a post on the following page, I'll link this thread back to it so people can find it:

https://www.prepaid-wireless-guide.com/prepaid-wireless-questions.html

Thank you for your time!
Dec 04, 2012
 Smartphones on Assurance
by: akaKJB

After no small amount of research in the various online forums where people share their knowledge & experiences in trying to program phones, I've found a lot of information on the subject and it should be possible to reprogram something like an Android phone with information harvested from a 'donor' phone like the Kyocera JAX (in fact, I found an entire thread where somebody was using the information & settings from a JAX to program an HTC EVO 4G to use on Virgin Mobile / Assurance).

While it's not rocket science, it probably does qualify as low-level brain surgery & I wouldn't recommend anyone who isn't at least a little familiar with configuring software and the like tackling the job alone. It also requires the use of a couple of programs that aren't freeware (fortunately I have them because I use them for something else). The information I've found suggests that you should be able to get an independent wireless store that offers phone flashing to do it for you & it shouldn't cost too much.

If anyone needs some help & can't find a local shop, I'd be happy to help as much as I can. I'm going to start another topic covering that as the site moderator here suggested when I mentioned the possibility a few days ago.
Dec 04, 2012
 Fixed Income 2
by: mp

I'm on a fixed income, and I also use Assurance, but I'm like the rest of you who want to use an iPhone or other smartphones on this service. I strongly believe it is possible to have smartphones on Assurance but need to find someone who can help with this.
Dec 04, 2012
 Smartphones on Assurance
by: akaKJB

I'm sure it has something to do with the stereotype in the minds of the people who run the Assurance program that anybody who is so poor that they need assistance wouldn't be smart enough to even know what to do with a smartphone, just like the bigoted folks who posted that very point of view below. See, their point of view is that anyone who needs some assistance with a phone bill or food or electric or Medicaid should know their place and not be so uppity.

Read those posts about how we're all being 'ungrateful' because some of us would like to use decent phones that we already own and that should work on the network. But no, being poor means that you don't deserve to have anything nice, apparently and we're expected to just take what's offered and STFU about it. Restricting any class of people to a service that's deliberately blocking access to parts of the service that are available to everyone else just because of their financial state is discrimination. There's no excuse for restricting the kinds of phones that can be used as part of any program like this. And nobody's asking for free Galaxy SIII's or free unlimited texting & data.

Assurance is able to offer Virgin's unlimited talk, text & internet at a discounted rate that some of us are willing to pay because access to data is now every bit as important as having the voice service. We need to use GPS, Google Maps, etc. just like everyone else but there's no point in taking advantage of that discount because poor people apparently don't deserve the same level of service or basic human respect as customers who can afford to pay hundreds of dollars every month for wireless service.

I'm definitely experimenting with transferring the ESN and other necessary codes from an Assurance phone to an Android to see if it will work on the system. If it does, I'm happy to toss in the $30/mo for the Virgin unlimited plan and will not only encourage but assist anyone else who wants to do the same thing. Nobody here is asking for a handout but we can and should demand the same respect as any other customer. Part of that is being allowed access the same service everybody else gets to use.
Dec 04, 2012
 To Assurance Tech Support
by: mp

Hey Assurance rep, why can't you use a smartphone, because the two plans use Virgin towers and the same network. Smartphones can be used on the Assurance plan; Virgin is just not allowing it. You save the smartphones for people on Virgin that pays more money. Tell me that's not why Assurance rep!
Dec 02, 2012
 Need Help
by: Anonymous

Can anyone find out if the Samsung Montage works with Assurance Wireless? I'm stuck with it, and will have to go through the trouble of sending it back, and I'm hearing impaired, and it's a pain to get in touch with Virgin to find out anything.
Dec 02, 2012
 Changing To The New 250 Minutes And 250 Text Plan
by: assurance rep

Most of the customers that call us everyday are not familiar with how this works, so here are the tips for you to be able to change your plans.

- Make sure that you are already APPROVED for your annual certification before you call to change your plan. If not, you can still call for assistance on how to do your annual certification. Having your annual certification "FINISHED" or "DONE" is different from being "APPROVED". Many customers are calling in saying that they already finished their annual certification but when we checked the status, it is "in review" which means that they need to wait 10 to 14 business days in order for them to be approved.

- Assuming that you are already approved for your annual certification, it is usually BEST to call during your Minute Renewal date to change your plan. Example, you will receive your minutes today, 2nd of Dec, so you can call in during this same day to change your plan. Our system will not be able to change plans if our customers called in during the middle of their monthly service to change their plans. Plus to that point, we are not allowed to change plans if it's in the middle of the month. Even supervisors will not be able to help you.
Dec 02, 2012
 Phones That Will Work Under Assurance Wireless
by: assurance rep

Virgin Mobile PayLo phones:
Lg Rumor touch and LG Rumor 2

Phones that will NOT work:
- Virgin mobile Android smartphones, iPhones, and phones from other carriers
Dec 02, 2012
 In Response To Virgin Mobile Upgrade
by: Anonymous

No, you cannot use a Virgin Mobile smartphone for your assurance Wireless account. It is in the terms and conditions of your service.
Dec 02, 2012
 Using Virgin As An Upgrade
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know if Assurance Wireless uses the same towers and frequency as Virgin Mobile. If so, then they use smartphones on Virgin Mobile, and it should be possible to use them on Assurance, maybe Virgin is using the smartphones as a bribe to use Virgin instead of Assurance?
Dec 01, 2012
 Changing MEID
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That's an interesting comment. Do you know of any services offhand that do that? Of course, I can research myself, but if you happen to know of any, I can start there.

I'd like to do some research and post some more detailed information on another page on this site, and open it up for further discussion. It's a very interesting concept/debate that you raised!
Nov 30, 2012
 Smartphones On Assurance
by: Anonymous

There's an ongoing debate within the cell phone user/modifiers circle on the legality of this, but you could try finding one of the programs on the net that will allow you to change the ESN & MEID numbers on your phone (replacing them with the numbers found in your free phone or one of the Virgin PayLo phones they claim to support).

Myself, I think that you can do anything you want with a phone you legitimately own and are just trying to use how it was intended. If you're not trying to re-program a stolen phone or hijack somebody's account, I don't see a problem with it. I'm considering trying it on a Galaxy SIII I was given to test and allowed to keep (but I have to get my own service).
Nov 30, 2012
 Samsung Montage Work With Assurance Wireless ?
by: Anonymous

I have tried and tried to switch it over but the serial number never works; I'm so mad at myself.
Nov 27, 2012
 Assurance/Smartphone
by: Anonymous

Why would they have a place to put the MEID # and instructions on how to find it on an iPhone 4 if they do not allow you to switch to that? Why would they offer $30 unlimited talk/text/web if you cannot switch to a smartphone? It doesn’t make sense, and I don't want to hear that people on the program shouldn’t have a smartphone. Sometimes things are given to people as gifts, new or used. A friend has an old one, upgraded and gave it to someone. Why can’t they have the $30 unlimited plan that Assurance offers? I just don't get it.
Nov 27, 2012
 Assurance & Unlimited Data Plan
by: Anonymous

Assurance has an unlimited talk/text/internet package. Why offer that if you don't accept any of the phones that would want to it? I've got a 32GB Galaxy S3 on its way here from a friend as a gift (no, it's not stolen or anything, just a nice gift from a good friend) and would love to find a way to put it on my Assurance account. I've seen threads all over the place about flashing a Sprint S3 to Virgin with few, if any, real snags in the process. If Assurance accepts Virgin Mobile equipment, is it possible to use Virgin as a stepping stone to get the handset on Assurance?
Nov 26, 2012
 Government Paid Program
by: Annie

Yes, it IS a government paid program! Someone recently said it is a Virgin Mobile service! The government PAYS Virgin Mobile to provide this service to those who can't afford a phone. Virgin Mobile does NOT provide it out of the kindness of their heart! Nowadays a phone is a necessity, not a luxury, especially for the elderly who may not get help in an emergency if they don't have a phone. If you don't like the answers that you get when calling Assurance, keep calling 'til you find someone intelligent to answer your questions or call Virgin Mobile directly. There are many working for Assurance who do NOT know what they are talking about!

You'll get a different answer from most, but keep trying. You can tell if they know what they are talking about; those have better English, also! We are getting something for free, so, I guess we shouldn't expect good customer service. Many who haven't fallen on hard times just think we are moochers, after all! Their day will come!
Nov 26, 2012
 Losers, YES
by: Anonymous

If you read all the comments here you will see why I used the word LOSERS. I know it is a GOVERNMENT PROGRAM and they also give you a PHONE.
Nov 26, 2012
 LG Rumor
by: Anonymous

I've been using an LG Rumor for about 2 years. If the customer service rep says you can't use it, they don't know what they're talking about. It is my understanding that the reason why you can't use smartphones is you have to use a Virgin Mobile phone since they are the company providing the service. I don't know if Virgin Mobile has contracts with smartphone manufacturers to allow them to be used on the Assurance Wireless network.
Nov 25, 2012
 Losers, NOT
by: Anonymous

Many of us have phones that are unlocked from when our fortunes were more fortunate. I am not to blame for my company going bankrupt and landing myself and family on the food stamps and unemployment rolls. If you have an assurance phone, then you qualify for the program which is funded by everyone who has cell phone service (not the government). Please get your facts in order before you start generalizing and calling people losers.
Nov 25, 2012
 Losers
by: Anonymous

If you people want Android phones or expensive phones why do you want to be in this program? Why don't you people go to other companies? There's a lot of companies offering Android and unlimited everything. This program is for people that need it like me.
Nov 24, 2012
 Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

Hi all. Thanks for all the tips on getting the Rumor Touch to work with Assurance. After an hour (had to wait for a more stress free day for this!) waiting and talking with 2 "Live Advisers," I finally did what you suggested and ask for a supervisor I was able to switch over to the RT. Both of the Live Advisers told me that I could not switch it to the RT. Both told me that it was not compatable with Assurance. BOTH! As soon as the supervisor came on she said," Sure you can do that, Mame (I think she must have said that 20 times!) Anyway, it works but now I am sorry to say that I am not sure I like how the phone works. Sad but true. I am still going to play with it, but I just wanted to let you all know what happened. Thanks again, I love this board.
Nov 23, 2012
 Androids
by: Anonymous

I can't understand why so many people are wanting the expensive phones....Androids, etc. Granted, the free phone is junk. I had two that didn't work right & know of others with the same experience & were forced to buy a better phone; mine was $20. There are those of us who really need this service & seems like a lot of you don't! I hope you don't cause those of us who truly need this to lose this program!
Nov 23, 2012
 Kyocera Rise
by: David C

I was not able to get the Kyocera Rise to work with Assurance so my daughter is using it as a media device. We set it up with GroveIP and Google voice so she can use it like a phone when she has wireless access. It actually makes a great mini tablet. They were on sale today at Target for 29.95 (black friday). We are not using the virgin mobile service. The phone is not activated. Everything works beautifully as a voip phone. We could not be happier with the phone. It is a shame that assurance and virgin pay lo will not allow any android phones on the service.
Nov 19, 2012
 Rumor Touch
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That's very odd. There are a number of people in this thread who have reported that the LG Rumor Touch works just fine. Why the agent would tell you that if it worked they would charge you $10 is even more odd. I would recommend trying to escalate to a manager to discuss.
Nov 18, 2012
 Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

I just got a Rumor Touch from ebay and when I went to change it over the "Live Advisor" said it would not work and if it did he would have to charge me $10. He also said I must use a PayLo phone if I wanted to change. Any info anyone?
Nov 13, 2012
 Kyocera Rise
by: Anonymous

David C did you get the Kyocera Rise to work with the Assurance Wireless service ? I am wanting to upgrade my phone and want to make sure the Kyocera Rise will work. I read where some went with the LG Rumor Touch and they said it worked fine with the Assurance Wireless plans. Does anyone know if the Kyocera Rise or the LG Rumor Touch works with the Assurance Wireless plans ???
Nov 07, 2012
 phone confusion
by: David C

No, not yet. I will give it a try tomorrow. I am disappointed with the website, not the service.
Nov 07, 2012
 Website Confusion
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Wow, that is confusing! Perhaps that link is not meant to be on the Assurance site (as you inferred), or maybe their intention is to allow those phones to be compatible, however, they haven't close the loop on that development yet (i.e. it's a defect).

Unfortunately, I don't have an Assurance account that I can login to to see what you're seeing. Did you call Assurance and ask them what's going on?
Nov 07, 2012
 Kyocera Rise
by: David C

On the website when you click on the link to switch to your new phone, you get a nice popup of virgin mobile phones. I purchased the Rise, as it was shown and on sale, but after entering the serial number a new popup said that it could not be used as it was a virgin mobile phone. Well of course it is, it was listed on the assurance website as a phone that could be used. I am more than a little upset at the moment only because the assurance website is very misleading. The assurance service has been great, but their website seems to be linked to the virgin mobile website which makes things very unclear.
Nov 07, 2012
 Sorry, No...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

A Palm Pre is most certainly a smartphone, and is not currently compatible with Assurance. The discussion below describes that only PayLo phones are compatible.
Nov 07, 2012
 Old Palm Pre & Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

My Jax has always worked badly, and Assurance wants me to pay them for a new one, which I can't do. My boyfriend has an old Palm Pre 2 laying around he says I can have, but I can't find anywhere if this can be switched out onto my account. Technically, it's not Android, iPhone, or really, a smartphone. It kind of fell between the cracks of all those things I think... does anyone know the policy on this one?
Oct 26, 2012
 Well Said
by: Anonymous

Well said, April! I won't go through my experience again, 'cause I don't want to get into trouble here. And to Sunnydae.......I am glad you have been with Assurance for 3 years & have had no problems. I have been with them for 2 1/2 years & have had all kinds of problems, as so many have on here! For what it's worth, I haven't had to contact them for about a month. Assurance does NOT care what we think & will continue to hire incompetents from the Middle East, 'cause they get them dirt cheap & Assurance is being paid well by the Federal government, who doesn't have time to deal with Assurance!
Oct 26, 2012
 Android phone
by: April

I was shocked to see that I could not use this Android phone (Rise) that I just bought from the Virgin site. It was on sale, and was cheaper than the ugly Loft that Assurance is pushing. Yes, I receive some government assistance, but I am not a bum as someone recently mentioned in Sept referring to people complaining. (Why are they on this site anyway?) I am in grad school for social work. Yeah, I am a bum, right. My line of credit purchased this phone. Everyone has the right to good service and Assurance does need to step up theirs. They have a contract with the govt. which means that they do a service and are being paid well for it. The consumers are not at fault for anything and have a right to advocate for themselves if they have been wronged with crappy service or inferior products.

The rep that helped me said why they don't accept Android phones is because that she figured that because we are on a govt program we shouldn't be able to afford a smartphone. That is discrimination and an unacceptable answer. This phone has wifi which I would use to download things if need be. All I wanted to know is why a smart phone is not allowed. All they are doing is connecting the line.

If there is no data package, then no data can be received without wifi, correct. She said that she would transfer me to her floor supervisor, but after ten minutes I hung up. She said that there were no other numbers I could call to answer my question. Oh, yeah, the auto line hung up on me the first couple times I called after waiting for a number of minutes eah time. Thanks Assurance, awesome customer service!
Oct 26, 2012
 How To Get Your Password
by: Anonymous

Customer service can text you your password to your Assurance Wireless phone!

I never got the opportunity to choose a password, or even knew I had one for that matter!! Had to re-verify my info and couldn't because I never knew I even needed a password!! So they texted it to my phone. If your phone doesn't work anymore to retrieve the password, then have them send you a letter; it will have it on there! If you don't know your password it's usually your month (if it's September it would be 09) & day & year of birth, then the last 4 of your SSN.

Hope this helps! :)
Oct 24, 2012
 phone & service
by: Sonnydae

I am a three year customer! I have never had any problems with my phone and customer service has always been very helpful. I lost my phone, they replaced it free in 3 days! So I'm very Blessed and Greatful for this program!
Oct 18, 2012
 New Plan: From Anne
by: Skjh03@aol.com

I've been reading everyones remarks, but your story is just like mine. I get SSI and I only get $566 per month. I plugged my phone in to charge; at the end of charging it I went to unplug the phone and burned my hand due to the charge being super hot. I contacted Assurance and they gave me the run-around. I did away with Assurance and went back to a 2 year contract with T-mobile. I now have the perfect phone unlimited everything...Samsung Galaxy S 4g.
Oct 16, 2012
 LG Rumor Touch for Assurance
by: Girl

I've seen posts on here where people are saying that you can swap your Assurance Wireless phone for the LG Rumor Touch; however, when I called the AW customer service center, he told me that it is not compatible with AW, with their reputation of not being that knowledgeable, I kind of don't believe him. Can someone confirm that their LG Rumor Touch does in fact work with Assurance Wireless and does it matter about the state or area you live in?

It'll be appreciated before I make this purchase.
Oct 16, 2012
 Please Be Courteous
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Just a quick note (following this last comment) to please read through the thread before posting your questions. I know it's long, however, there is a LOT of great information regarding the phones that can be used from people who have done it, as well as feedback from Assurance directly. People took their time to share their experience, so please respect their investment in responding before asking the same questions. Note that I've deleted a number of similar posts (including the question about Verizon) over the past week. I'll continue to delete duplicate questions to try to keep the thread as valuable as possible.

If you've read through it and still don't have an answer, please post your question. Thank you for your understanding.

[There's a number of responses regarding only Virgin Mobile PayLo phones currently working.]
Oct 16, 2012
 Type of phone
by: Anonymous

Can I use a Verizon phone with Assurant?
Oct 16, 2012
 Androids
by: Anonymous

I did speak with one of the reps yesterday, and he advised me that assurance will start accepting android phones in the near future. Though he could not give me an exact date.
Oct 12, 2012
 No answer from Assurance
by: Colin

I just got my notice to renew and spent two days trying to call these people and get signed up again. Nobody answered the phone and the voice robot kept passing me around in circles because I didn't have my pin number. Where is it? So now I guess I am out of service...
Oct 12, 2012
 Swapping Phones on Assurance Wireless
by: Mandie

you can use any virgin mobile phone as long as it is not an android, smart phone or blackberry. the assurance wireless website shows all the phones that are compatible. you click swap phones from the website, click on the phone you purchased, enter the serial number and within 5 minutes your old phone will be deactivated and your new phone will be ready. I purchased the LG Rumor Touch from Amazon because it was sold out on VirginMobileUSA.com Hope this alleviates some of your concerns about swapping phones.
Oct 09, 2012
 new plan
by: Annie

The same thing happened to me. I called about the 250 minutes with 250 free text after seeing it advertised on TV many times. I guess I was thinking those of us who are already on the plan would get this automatically! I called & they signed me up & told me when it would go into effect AND it DIDN'T! I called & they said they would fix it, BUT in the meantime they took money out of my account & I NEVER got it back. I can't & will NOT stick up for a company who makes mistakes & robs people time after time. It's time they & ALL companies in America go back to hiring Americans to do what these Asians are messing up over & over again! I am so tired of every company I call, I have to deal with these people, especially, when we have so many people out of work...people living in the greatest country in the world & many starving just as in 3rd world countries. Every time I have had to call, I get a different answer out of someone who doesn't understand me & I sure can't understand them.

Many do not know what the heck they are doing! Enough is enough. To anonymous who wants to call his/her local broadcaster, go ahead. I'm sure thousands will back you. I sure will! Our Government [we the people] are being ripped off! Some people think this is such a wonderful program! Well, it could be if it was ran right! I have had more than my share of problems with them. It's a shame that people have to buy a different phone, since most of these Jax don't work! I am glad that some of you have gotten a working Jax. All the people I know & people on here have gotten a bad phone. I had one replaced & neither one worked, so, I was forced to buy another.

I live on $627 a month with no assistance. No one should have to go out & buy a phone that works when the government is paying for one that should work for EVERYONE!
Oct 09, 2012
 Have you...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...contacted Assurance Wireless to let them know that the conversion to the new plan hasn't yet occurred? Sometimes system issues cause delays or problems. Or perhaps the rep told you the wrong effective date? Letting them know your problem will certainly help them to reach a resolution for you. Please let us know what they say!
Oct 09, 2012
 Assurance wireless changeover service scam
by: Anonymous

I recently changed my service from 250 free minutes and no free texts to 250 free minutes and text which was to begin 10/08/12. This did not happen. I made that change on 09/18/12 and they sent a free text stating that I would have 250 minutes and 250 texts on 10/08/12. They lied. They continue to collect the money from our government under fraudulent pretext. I haven't been given the service they agreed to, yet they are still reaping the benefits. I'll be contacting my local broadcaster as they know how to expose fraud or at least get the message out to millions.
Oct 07, 2012
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

I just bought the LG Rumor Touch and it works fine with Assurance Wireless.
Oct 06, 2012
 The Feedback Should Help
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi Jason - The feedback here from both visitors and from someone claiming to be an Assurance rep, is clear that any Virgin Mobile PayLo phone will work, and you'll be able to maintain your Assurance service.

If you're still nervous, perhaps you should buy a PayLo phone in a Virgin store, and call Assurance while in the store to activate the new phone on your account. If you have trouble, demand a refund while in the store. And of course report back here!
Oct 05, 2012
 pay lo
by: jason

Hi - I live in Cleveland, and I wanted to upgrade my crappy assurance phone to a Samsung M575 (virgin mobile pay lo), and I was wondering if anyone has done this? I called and the rep told me I can buy any virgin mobile pay lo phone, but I'd like people to tell me if can. I'm reading all of this, and I'd really like to know for certain if I'll be able to transfer all my service to the new phone (Samsung M575 pay lo). Will I still get all of my mins? Any help?
Oct 01, 2012
 Sure You Can
by: VMassist

I work for Assurance Wireless, and I can tell you that you CAN USE any Virgin Mobile phone as long as it's not a Smartphone (Blackberry, Android, or iPphone)

You can always go online and see them for yourself at www.virginmobileusa.com.
Sep 28, 2012
 Changing Phones
by: Rachel

The answers you seek are available under the "faq's" page on the assurance wireless website. They don't list which phones are available, however they do say that select virgin mobile plan and PayLo phones will work excepting certain series and models which they do list. They also clearly state that no blackberries or androids are compatible. I am surprised to find how many people complain about the limits of "free". They probably assume that if you can afford a smartphone you don't need assistance. There are however quite a few affordable qwerty phones which are compatible and make it much more efficient to text. Some people with limited small motor mobility would find num pad texting difficult to impossible.
Sep 28, 2012
 Thread Details
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Hi DeeStarr - You can find some very detailed information below regarding what phones will work, and recommendations if you have any doubts or questions. We know for certain that non-Assurance phones can be used so the rep you spoke with is wrong!
Sep 28, 2012
 Rumor Touch
by: DeeStarr

Has anybody in Massachusetts tried switching their Assurance wireless account from Kyocera Loft to the LG Rumor Touch? Virgin Mobile Rep told me that you can only use the free government phones.
Sep 21, 2012
 Jax
by: Annie

Maybe it depends on the area you live in whether the Jax works for you or not. I was thrilled to get the phone, BUT it rarely worked, so, I sent it back & they sent me another one. When everyone I talked to complained they couldn't understand me, including my doctors office, I gave up & bought a Kyocera s2100 for $20......nothing fancy, but it works! That's all that matters. Those wanting the expensive phones must be young. I know many younger people who would go without eating or medical care to have their fancy, expensive phones! They shouldn't be allowed to be on the free program!
Sep 21, 2012
 Change my phone to unlimited minutes
by: Aaron Williams

Minutes on the Assurance Wireless plan that I have now is ok, but it is time for a change. I have family that live out of state, and children.
Sep 19, 2012
 All Works Fine Here...
by: SueP

I've been using my Jax for the past year, and it's worked fine. If it weren't for this program, I wouldn't be able to afford to get a phone at all. It doesn't get tons of use, and is mainly for peace of mind, but it's proven to be very helpful. Who wouldn't love a neat phone to play with...I would... but this does the job!

Just did my annual certification, and not including the difficulty finding the link to click on, it was a snap. (There was no link; had to take a detour through Support and click on the certification link there.)

Sep 16, 2012
 Minutes
by: customer

If you read your booklet that came with the phone you would find out if you don't use your phone for two months they shut it off. If you don't use it why should the Gov. pay for it. The minutes are valid for 1 month at a time. It's like any other cell phone. You will have to renew your papers once a year; that is when you get your new plan with the text minutes. Why do you knock a good deal? This phone helps the poor and I apprecate it very much. There are a lot of people who don't have jobs with no way for them to have a phone to look for one. Do you know what that feels like?
Sep 15, 2012
 3yrs-No Problem!
by: Anonymous

I think the problem amounts to finding a phone without a locked SIM card. LG200 and other less expensive phones do not have a SIM card.
Sep 10, 2012
 Touch screens
by: TK

Does anyone know which touch screen phones you can use with your assurance plan or is the Rumors phone the only touch screen phone you can use with the plan?
Sep 07, 2012
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

I just purchased the LG Rumor Touch to use for Assurance Wireless since it is not an Android phone and it works. You can always ask a representative with Virgin Mobile which phones you can use. I spoke to a female representative who told me I could get the LG Rumor Touch and it is compatible with Assurance Wireless.
Sep 07, 2012
 junk
by: Annie

We are forced to get a better phone due to the one they give you not working. I have, yet, to hear of anyone who has received one that works. What good is the one they give you if you can't, even, use it? I got a better phone, but it is NOT fancy & has NO frills! I agree, that those who want to buy an expensive one, really, aren't that needy! Since our government is paying for this junk, we all should let them know that Assurance is ripping them off!
Sep 07, 2012
 This is why help programs go under.
by: pappy

You bunch o bums!! If you got the monies to get a fancy phone, you should not be getting a help phone line.. morons.
Sep 01, 2012
 different stories
by: Annie

We all get a different story when it comes to which phones we can use & which ones will work, that are not on the list! I have read where this person was able to use the Rumor & that person was unable to do so. This program is not being ran right. We need to contact the FCC or whomever can get this taken care of. I got a letter in the mail telling me the government needs me to re-certify, even though I did this a few months ago. It states that this year it is supposed to be completed by October 15. It is easy, so, they say! I tried over & over online, but my pin# was invalid. Funny, I can log in with it, isn't it? So, then I tried the 2 phone #s listed & got that damn automated machine as always & there are NOT enough options. Then the phone started ringing & another automated machine said I was not due yet & I couldn't re-certify at this time & would get a letter in the mail when I was. Then I called the other #, got the automated machine AGAIN & when I, finally, got through to it what I wanted, I got a busy signal. I called later & was put on hold. the machine kept butting in & gave another # to call, so, I finally hung up & called this new #. Guess what......the automated machine again & when I finally got through another machine told me it wasn't time to re-certify & I would get a letter when it was. I am sick to death of this company. I filled out a complaint form on Virgin Mobile & then pressed send & got an "ERROR"...."This URL is invalid"! Now what......the FCC or whomever is in charge in the government. I was told awhile back that I would get 250 talk minutes & 250 free text. I had been paying for them. Then I was told I would get them when my new month started. Guess what, I didn't get them & they deducted money from my account. I complained & got what I was supposed to, but never got my money credited. Enough is enough. The Federal government is paying for a service that gives phones that don't work & is cheating me & how many others every time I turn around!
Aug 20, 2012
 LG RUMOR TOUCH
by: Anonymous

Yes you can. I have an LG RUMOR TOUCH on my plan and it works just fine.
Aug 20, 2012
 Only payLo Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Nope, you can currently only substitute the phone Assurance sent you with a Virgin Mobile payLo phone. I have no doubt that will change at some point in the future, but for now you're out of luck. Sorry.
Aug 20, 2012
 No problems with my free phone- It's a LG200
by: Susan

I currently have the LG200 phone that they sent me when I first signed up for service. The phone works great and I have no problem with it. It is good for texting and getting online. I am glad they are offering the $5.00, $20.00 or $30.00 a month plans for those of us that need more minutes than the 250 free ones. If you can find a LG200 phone it can perform like some of the more expensive phones. Good luck all and maybe sometime down the line we will be able to add Iphones and Androids.
Aug 18, 2012
 Sprint Phone
by: Anonymous

Can I use a Sprint phone that isn't a Smart phone or iPhone? I have one from a about 2 years ago when I had a plan through Sprint. Now I have Assurance Wireless and I don't like the phone they sent me but, can't afford to get another one.
Aug 17, 2012
 LG Rumor
by: Anonymous

How do you activate a Lg Rumor 510 for assurance
Aug 16, 2012
 What phones work
by: Anonymous

Will my AT&T LG GT365 Go Phone work with assurance wireless service?
Aug 11, 2012
 LG Rumor Touch
by: Anonymous

The LG Rumor Touch works just fine, and is a really nice phone compared to the Jax phone that they send out.
Aug 04, 2012
 Only payLo Phones On Assurance
by: Anonymous

When I heard that they had the $30 unlimited everything deal I thought I scored. Bought a Optimus V Virgin Mobile compatible phone. When I went to swap phones they informed me that smart phones (android etc..) won't work; only payLo phones. The choices for payLo phones stink. I suspect they eventually will have to allow them, just not as of Aug 3, 2012.

Sincerely
Stuck with an Optimus phone I can't use, and back to the crappy paper like Assurance Wireless phone.
Jul 30, 2012
 You Cannot Used Unlocked Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

No, the iPhone won't work on Assurance Wireless. It's not about a phone being locked or unlocked, but rather about what Sprint will allow to be activated. They have a list of MEIDs (a phone's serial number) that are allowed on the program. Maybe the future will operate differently, but for now, you're out of luck; sorry!
Jul 30, 2012
 Assurance with iphone
by: Shakira

Can assurance wireless with the $30 unlimited text talk data plan be used in an unlocked iphone.
Jul 16, 2012
 No - Not All Virgin Phones Are Compatible
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Tammy is saying that Virgin PayLo phones are compatible with Assurance. Navigate to their PayLo plans and see the phones they offer for them.
Jul 15, 2012
 Hey Tammy
by: Anonymous

So you're saying all phones will work with assurance wireless?
Jul 11, 2012
 swapping-out for a better phone
by: Anonymous

Go to Amazon.com,click on Virgin Mobile Prepaid phones, look for the (LG Rumor),nice phone, not an android, but you will find it's a very good camera phone and it's a slider, very good for texters.
Jul 11, 2012
 Phones
by: Anonymous

What is the best phone that I can buy and use for assurance anyone and everyone please reply with your thoughts.
Jul 09, 2012
 Compatible Phones
by: Tammy

All of the Virgin Mobile Paylo phones will work with Assurance Wireless. :o)
Jul 06, 2012
 Injured by Kyocera Jax
by: NotPimpin

My Kyocera Jax phone with assurance wireless blew up in my ear today when I answered a call. It sounded like a high pitched smoke alarm. I still can't hear out of it. Has anyone had this problem? This is my second Jax phone cuz the first broke.
Jul 03, 2012
 Switched 6 Months Ago
by: Anonymous

I have been using the LG Rumor Touch for AW since I've had AW. They told me no smartphones. Didn't have any problems with it. It has web access and an excellent camera and video camera. It's about the best phone right now until they let us use smartphones. Good luck all. I'm satisfied right now.
Jun 30, 2012
 No smartphones
by: Just me

We can not use smartphones on AW. If you want to use one, file a complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). The complaint will go Sprint headquarters. I have already done so, and waiting to hear back. The more complaints they receive, the more likely to get it changed.
Jun 30, 2012
 I switched my assurance wireless phone
by: Anonymous

Before Assurance Wireless came out, I had been a Virgin Mobile customer. Left them for Cricket, and now qualify for an Assurance Wireless account. I lost my phone (the free one to start off with) and needed another one. So instead of having Assurance Wireless mail me another one I asked if my old Samsung Virgin Mobile phone could be transfered over with my same number. The representative said "Why not?" I was so happy to hear that. So my phone works. I have to find out if I can upgrade and get a smartphone to work with Assurance Wireless.

Now that they have the $30 unlimited talk, text, and web plan, you need a phone that you can access the web from. So, keep trying, it shouldn't be so difficult for some people. Very easy transaction for me. Hope that helps.
Jun 30, 2012
 New Phone
by: Anonymous

I just bought a Sprint LG Optimus phone to use with my Assurance Wireless. Now they are telling me it is not going to work. Isn't Virgin Mobile under Sprint's umbrella? I am confused.
Jun 27, 2012
 new phone
by: mu

am I able to change to an updated phone
Jun 25, 2012
 Get Your Assurance Wireless Questions Answered on Virgin Mobile Website
by: juicy

Well guys, if you have any questions about your phone, how it works, or how much minutes you have left, or you want to buy more minutes, or buy some text, and you are an Assurance Wireless customer ...simple, just go to virginmobile.com and press account sign in, put your phone number and pin, and all your account info comes up. Look to the right of that page if you want to swap your phone to another, and other stuff. Do it all yourself cause those guys are hard to reach and understand. lol :)
Jun 22, 2012
 swap phone
by: terry allen

trying to switch assurance phones had trouble with screen on other one please how do i do thois
Jun 16, 2012
 Complain to BBB
by: Just Me

File a complaint with the BBB, I looked at the other free phone companies they give out a camera phone and don't limit the phones you can use as much. One even says you can use any CDMA phone. The others also allow smartphones and Androids. The complaint will go straight to Sprint Headquarters.
Jun 13, 2012
 Does not work
by: Anonymous

I received my wireless phone. For the past two months I have a hard time calling. It says it is calling but no ringing. They sent me a replacement and I'm having a hard time to activate it. It is not worth it. Will be getting my own cell phone and plan. This phone is no good in an emergency. They had me on the phone for about an hour and kept telling me to put the battery back in and out and still nothing. They said it may take another ten days to find out what the problem is.
Jun 12, 2012
 Does anyone know a compatible camera & web browsing phone to use with Assurance Wireless?
by: Andrea

I just purchased a LG Optimus V Virgin Mobile phone (Android) and it's not compatible with AW. Can you please tell me the model number and best phone to use for camera use and web browsing use. I really want to use picture text messaging. Can anyone help?
Jun 11, 2012
 iphone with assurance wireless
by: Bird

Hi, I got Jax with AW. I have been looking to upgrade to a better phone but upgrading is too expensive for me right now. Even samsung restore is like $60.Others look like waste of money from reviews. I have a verizon iphone4 from good times a few months back. Thank God somebody took over my contract and I was saved but still have the iphone. I use it for wifi internet use and making wifi calls. is it possible to somehow use this phone with AW....as VM is offering iphone from june end. if I could, that would b awesome. Why do we have to spend money (jax just doesnt work). We should be able to use the phones if we already have them ......
Jun 10, 2012
 Kyocera s2100
by: Annie

I bought the Kyocera s2100 for $20. It's better then the Jax, but could be even better! It's too bad we have to buy Virgin Mobile phones! To get one to work the way it should, our only option is a high dollar phone, which we can't afford! Wonder if they even work well. Would be nice if we could buy any brand we wanted!
Jun 08, 2012
 Androids don't work
by: Anonymous again

I just tried to swap to the Optimus V but it would not work. Looks like they have been reading this and other sites about just swapping. I swapped to Rumor Touch last month but the the dang colors were off on the ebay phone I bought. Will let you know if it still would work when and if I find another motherboard for it. Don't waste money on the Loft as it is a piece of crap.
Jun 06, 2012
 agree
by: Annie

Yes, Debbie, I agree with you! I had a Tracfone. Although it wasn't free, they didn't try to rip me off! I can't afford to keep buying minutes or I would still be with them!
Jun 06, 2012
 Knowing the Details
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I find that sometimes people are confused about the expiration rules. After a defined period of time (ex. 30 days, 90 days, etc.) for a pay as you go plan, your money will expire.


Virgin currently only offers its monthly payLo plans and unlimited plans. On the payLo plan you lose your minutes at the end of the month. If minutes are disappearing before then, perhaps he checking voicemail? If actual dollars (not minutes) are disappearing, it could be from text messages sent or received, or data usage.


I haven't had a chance to test their PayPal program, but it sounds like a monthly program such that you would be charged each month for the defined amount regardless of your usage. Other carriers (ex. Boost) offer low balance automatic payments such that if you don't use your phone, and your cash balance runs low (or funds expire), your card will be charged. In other words, with the former program you get charged no matter what, while with the latter program, you only get charged when you need it.


Of course, I'm not saying that you're not experience issues, nor that they're a great provider, however, carriers must follow strict legal guidelines regarding when funds are taken, and they're really careful about that. And that's not to say that their rules aren't confusing to customers either, because they often are!


Note that I don't work for Virgin Mobile.
Jun 06, 2012
 sick of virgin mobile
by: debbie

first off I have had trouble with virgin mobiles service..not the free service but the paid,my son has paid in the past and either his minutes would disappear fast even when not using his phone or they would dip in and take his money during the month,and if you do ever give them permission to bill your paypal..BIG MISTAKE,they will charge you even if phone is not being used..and to all those receiving free service yes they have a reason to complain,a free service is offered and the phone should at least work and if indeed the government is being ripped off again yes it should be reported..and another thing sorry to say but i'm going to point it out do you notice "Anyone Ungrateful" how they are defending assurance wireless and virginmobile,hmmm think about it they probably work for virgin mobile
Jun 06, 2012
 Optimus
by: Annie

I am sure you can use the Optimus, but call AW. They can tell you all the phones you can use......611 for customer service on your Jax. Yes, I have a Jax here that is useless. No one could understand me either & some idiots on here think we are ungrateful for getting a free phone, even, though we cannot use it. When I had to make an important phone call to my doctor & her nurse said she could not understand me, that did it. I found out I could get a different phone & I did. I think they are giving us this junk, just, so we buy a more expensive phone from Virgin Mobile even if we can't really afford it. I have a lot of serious things going on right now, but I am reporting them to the FCC! They are ripping off the government with this junk & they need to be turned in. They are taking advantage of those of us who really need a phone!
Jun 03, 2012
 New cell phones?
by: Nancy07

Hi, I got AW jax phone. I found out that now AW offers monthly plan for unlimited talk/ text and web. So are any new phones compatible for better web browsing. You cannot do much on jax, not even talk, as the person on the other side cannot understand you.

Are there any wifi phones, or any new compatible phones like Optimus etc with the new web offer?
May 29, 2012
 Changing Plans
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I don't work for Assurance, however, my understanding is that if you're still on an older plan, you can simply call and request to be put on the new plan. Let us know if you have problems doing that!
May 27, 2012
 Question free 250 text
by: Anonymous

I'm enrolled with assurance wireless for about 9 months now. Will I receive the new offer 250 free text minutes. Please reply ASAP.
May 24, 2012
 Someone
by: Annie

OH AND to Someone: Why are afraid to put your name on here?
May 23, 2012
 Assurance Wireless says
by: The Chosen One

I just asked on their FB page about which phones are compatible w/ them and they said this, and I quote:

>>>The ones that are not compatible are the Blackberry, smartphones or the androids phone.<<<

I love how they offer Unlimited talk, text and web now.

Do you all remember how horrible "mobile web" was on anything BUT a smartphone? LOL.
May 14, 2012
 To: Annie
by: Someone

YES THIS ROCKS I LOVE THEM THANKS :D AND YES U SHOULD BE GRATEFUL!! LOL UR TAKIN IT TOO FAR ANNIE U UNGRATEFUL PERSON
May 10, 2012
 notify government
by: Annie

Sandy! I will try to find out who to complain to & post it, but might not be 'til next week!
May 08, 2012
 Just got the phone...
by: Sandy

So I just received my assurance wireless phone. It's a Kyocera Jax, which for someone like myself with rheumatoid arthritis, can be quite a challenge to use. Also, why is it that Assurance keeps texting me & it's using my minutes?? I don't understand this. I was going to opt in for the $20/month plan but now I'm not so sure.

ALSO, how do we let the government know that this cell/company is taking advantage of them??? Do we write letters??? And to who? I think if enough people complain then maybe something can be changed.

Just because it's a free phone does not mean in any way at all that we deserve less OR do not have the right to speak our minds about how we feel about the phone or program. That's just not a very nice thing to say.

I for one, wish that I could afford my own cell phone and not use this program, but obviously I have absolutely no choice at the moment.

Be a little more sympathetic people. We wouldn't be getting this government cell if we weren't flat broke or could afford our own.
May 04, 2012
 to "Anyone Ungrateful"
by: Annie

This is to "Anyone Ungrateful"!
Isn't this wonderful that you have had NO problems with Assurance or the phone or the app or anything else. Most people on here are not ungrateful, they would just like a phone that works, a human being on the other end of the phone to talk to & who knows what they are talking about!

They are supposed to be grateful for a phone they cannot use??????????? You are ignorant...VERY IGNORANT! A lot of us have not been able to use our phones due to them not working, or never hearing back if their app has been approved, not being able to get through to a human being or when we do, are unable to understand them Or everyone we talk to has a different answer for us! ASSURANCE WIRELESS does not pay for this service, just implements the program. The Federal Government pays for it & should be informed of all these problems! Many have had to upgrade their Virgin Mobile phone [Assurance Wireless parent company] in order to be able to take advantage of this program due to all the above I have stated & more......and upgrade to a much costlier phone! Hmmmmmmmmmm....wonder why this is?

So tell me IGNORANT, what good is a phone that does NOT work & we should be grateful just because it's free anyway? I for one AM grateful to the Federal Govt for paying for this service, BUT they are getting ripped off by the above mentioned problems!

GOOD FOR YOU THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT FINE FOR YOU & YOU HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS, but many people have! By the way, I am not afraid to put my name on my correspondence! AND SHUT UP when you obviously don't know what you are talking about!
May 04, 2012
 My Story.Bad Start. Great ending!
by: Anonymous

OK...we sent in an application about 2 years ago. We kept waiting for the new phone to come. Called and checked status many times . Nothing . They told me send another. Maybe "I" had addressed the letter wrong (although I was using the envelope they had supplied me...go figure). This happen another 38 times. I was giving up. I ran across a Facebook page for them. I decided to vent my anger there at whoever was running their "page". Well next time I visited FBook, I had a message. Took a little more work and 2, yes 2 more applications. But now we finally do have an "Ass U aRound" phone. My suggestion to everyone is to go there first! https://www.facebook.com/AssuranceWireless
May 04, 2012
 to anyone ungrateful............
by: Anonymous

Should be HAPPY they are there to HELP. No matter the deal. I mean you are not even paying for it~ and if you are, what 20.00 at the most..........get over yourself and be happy they are there to help. All you gotta do is get an application..........shouldn't be THAT hard.
May 01, 2012
 Thank you all
by: Anonymous

I was considering getting this Assurance wireless phone after reading these comments I will not. sound like a very bad deal. And it does not work at all.
May 01, 2012
 code
by: Anonymous

Last four numbers of the phone number unless you change it
Apr 30, 2012
 How to change lock code
by: Anonymous

How in the world do you get into your stupid jax phone if you dont know the lock code
Apr 25, 2012
 Customer Service
by: Annie

It's a pain in the you-know-what trying to call Assurance! There isn't an option to talk to customer service. I found if yelling over & over that I want "Customer Service" this idiot automated machine will finally say "I'll get you someone who can help" BUT make sure it's during business hours! I have complained about this BS over & over AND I resent having to talk to someone from another country when I finally get a human being....they all give a different story & most are hard to understand! I think we need to complain to the government. They are paying for this poor service!
Apr 24, 2012
 Missing Minutes
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You should try calling them. Here's what their website says regarding minutes not showing up:

What should I do if I do not receive my minutes in a particular month?
Please call 1-888-321-5880 and an advisor will be happy to assist you.

Also, note that minutes don't rollover from month to month, so you should expect 250 minutes per month. If you don't use it, next month you'll receive another 250 minutes; you won't have 500 minutes.

Give them a call and let us know what happens!
Apr 24, 2012
 How do I actually reach a customer service PERSON
by: Robin

I have no minutes, I don't know where they went because I didn't use them so I dialed the 611 and the only option I was not given was to speak to a live person. WTF I might as well throw this thing in the burn pit if I don't even get the 250 mins/month I was promised and can't reach them to find out why!!!
Apr 24, 2012
 Where are my minutes???
by: Robin

I only use my cell phone in emergencies and yet the last 2 times I have tried to use it, once in early February and again today April 24th I have gotten a recording saying I do not have any minutes. I would like to know what this service is supposed to do for me if I can't use it once every couple of months. 250 minutes a month that I have not used X 3 months is 750 minutes that as far as I can tell I never even received.
Apr 17, 2012
 Top-up
by: Anonymous

I read where there was some miscommunication about topping up, or Assurance sending texts and using up a lot of the texts that they had paid extra for. But you can get a top-up card for $20.00, call to have it topped up or online and get UNLIMITED TEXT for 30 days. This is what I do so I have unlimited texting plus the FREE 250 talk minutes that I already get, and this seems to work out great for me. Wishing everyone luck with assurance. Thought this may help someone...:)
Apr 14, 2012
 Must buy Virgin Mobile
by: Anonymous

You have to buy a phone that is a Virgin Mobile & is on their list.....Scroll down a ways & there are some listed! Then you call them to activate it or I think you can do it online! Yes you will still get your 250 free minutes & can buy more, etc.
Apr 14, 2012
 MLB
by: Anonymous

I have an Assurrance cell phone. Is it possible for me to keep my same service where I get 250 free per month and swap my phone at no cost to me?
Apr 03, 2012
 You Don't Need to Call...
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

...in theory. If you know the phone will work, you can just purchase it and then activate it. However, if you're uncertain as to whether or not the phone will work, you can call and ask. That said, it appears as though you may get a different answer depending on the knowledge of the representative. This is why people commenting here that they have actually successfully added a given non-Assurance phone of a specific model is really helpful.
Apr 03, 2012
 would like to up grade to better phone
by: teresa barkster

I would like to know if I need to call in, or can I go out and buy a virgin mobile LG2 Rumor 2100, or 100 LG Optimus, or LG Flare, or Samsung M340?
Apr 01, 2012
 taking advantage
by: Anonymous

In my opinion, Assurance/Virgin Mobile is taking advantage of us....people who can't afford a high dollar cell phone plan....people who need a phone! the free phone is a piece of crap! It echos so bad, people complain when you try to talk to them. What good is something free, when you can't even use it? So, I had to buy a better phone & learned how to text. Assurance cheated me out of texts I paid for! You get a different person every time you call & they all tell you something different....misinformation! If we are being cheated, & the government is paying for this, we should complain & maybe they would go through a different company!
Apr 01, 2012
 LG Optimus
by: Anonymous

Yes I would also please like an update on the LG Optimus! When was the last time someone successfully switched to one with Assurance and was it done online or through customer service?
Apr 01, 2012
 Need WiFi Phone That Works
by: Anonymous j

Any wifi phone that works? Please answer me fast, because I only have a few days to return my Rumor Touch, which is working fine, but doesn't have wifi and I can't afford to pay for the 3G.
Mar 23, 2012
 Defective Phone
by: Anonymous

My Assurance Wireless phone is a POS. After about 15 minutes it drops calls.
Mar 21, 2012
 LG Optimus
by: Anonymous

How did you get the Optimus to work, just do a swap online or how?
Mar 20, 2012
 I'M UNHAPPY
by: Anonymous

I'm so dissapointed in Assurance Wireless. Yes, I know that it is a free government provided phone, but when you top up with $20.00 for the purpose of texting, and they use the money up with sending 3 of the same text and of course charging you for them and then they take the money at the end of each month I tell you I'm not a happy user.
Mar 20, 2012
 Samsung Restore
by: Anonymous

I was going to ask the same question about the Samsung Restore. I bought one today (the M570 for the "Beyond Talk" plan) but I don't want to open it until I'm sure it will work. I am pretty sure the Samsung Restore M575 for the payLo plans will work. Does anyone know if the M570 will work too? Both "payLo" and "Beyond Talk" are pre-paid Virgin plans, so...??
Mar 19, 2012
 Virgin Mobile Samsung Restore
by: Anonymous

One of the phones that work with Assurance program, the Samsung Restore, was on the list below but there are two models of the Samsung Restore. One is the m570 and the other one is m575. Will both models work on the Assurance Wireless program?
Mar 19, 2012
 Restore
by: Anonymous

Rephrase your question. It's hard to understand what you are talking about!
Mar 18, 2012
 Restore
by: Anonymous

They have two model for the restore phone of that phone does anyone no what one will work? m570 and m575?
Mar 02, 2012
 nothing new
by: Anonymous

When did you send it? Sometimes they'll get back with you in 24 hours & some times longer. Wait a couple days & send another. I bought an LG101 at Kmart on sale for $10, but am taking it back unopened. I really, wanted a flip phone.....not so easy to accidently bump against something & turn something on! I bought a Kyocera s2100 from Radio Shack for $20. It is $30 everywhere else & Assurance accepts both of these. I not only emailed them a few times, but called them more then once to make sure 'cause you DO get different answers from these Middle Easterners or whomever they are using!
Mar 02, 2012
 still waiting
by: Anonymous

I sent a email to assurance customer service. I wanted to find out about affordable phone upgrades. I received a messgae saying I would have a response within 24 hours. I STILL HAVE YET TO HEAR ANY RESPONSE BACK!
Feb 22, 2012
 message count
by: Annie

I found the message count on my Kyocera 2100s. I have the Jax...not activated....but can still turn it on & check....thought maybe if I did what he told me too it would come up......no it did not. Too, much wrong info & I do believe it is due to using people in other countries to do what Americans can do! BS in my opinion!
Feb 22, 2012
 Top Up
by: Annie

I called Assurance twice today about my recertification & texting with a top up card. I got a different answer from each person just like I have in the past. Any top up money rolls over for 3 months only & I had to purchase a separate card for texting. He said it costs $2 for 50 texts, $5 for 200 texts, & $10 for 1000. I asked if I could check how many I used on my phone. He said....go to menu.....then click on the #2 twice. Well, that is wrong, 'cause it just brings you to where you can send a text. I've looked all over my phone which is a Kyocera s2100 & the user guide says to go to the "Message Count Screen". Guess what......I cannot find this screen anywhere. BTW I am new to texting!
Feb 21, 2012
 Thank You
by: Anonymous

Thank you PrePaidWirelessGuy!
Feb 21, 2012
 Extra Money Will Stay On Your Account
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

So long as you don't buy their $5 or $20 add-on, you can add cash to your account for extra minutes, or to use other services. If you don't consume all of your funds in a given month, so long as your service remains active, that money will rollover to the next month. Currently, the rate for each extra minute or each text message is $0.10, and the minimum topup is $10.
Feb 21, 2012
 Android Phones Aren't Officially Compatible
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

The Assurance Wireless FAQs on their website clearly state that while certain PayLo and Virgin Mobile phones will work with Assurance, smartphones do not work with the program.


That's not to say that there aren't loop holes that exist that allow certain Android phones to work, however, if you go and buy one specifically to use it with Assurance, and it doesn't work, or suddenly stops working, you shouldn't be shocked. It's possible that the loophole is now closed, but for those that already have the phone on their account, you're left alone. Or the loophole may still be open. i.e. Proceed at your own risk until someone officially declares that they will work indefinitely!
Feb 21, 2012
 top up
by: Anonymous

Since, I can't seem to get hold of anyone at Assurance, does anyone know if I top up, will the money rollover if I don't use it all during the month? And as long as I have money in my account, I can text without buying into their extra $20 plan, right?
Feb 21, 2012
 You Can Use Smartphones on Assurance
by: Anonymous

Whoever said you can't use Android phones with Assurance doesn't know what they're talking about. I'm currently using the LG Optimus V smartphone.
Feb 01, 2012
 new cell
by: Annie

I contacted Virgin Mobile & they sent me a short list of the paylo that would work. I had already looked up their website & the LG 101 was listed, but not on the list they sent me or the ones people listed on here. I called Assurance & they said it is acceptable & called Virgin back & they said "Yes". This is the cheapest priced phone they sell outside of this worthless Jax. I checked it out & it has a 3 to 3.6 rating! It was on sale last week at Kmart for $9.99, but I didn't realize it 'til Saturday. Had to get a rain check. In the mean time I checked Radio Shack & they have the Kyocera S2100 for $19.99 & checking at other sites, it has a 4 star rating. I didn't want to go with another Kyocera, but might take a chance since it is rated this good everywhere. It is listed at other places for $29.99! I would never recommend anyone go with the JAX. It echoed so bad, I had people complaining & I could not make out half what they were saying! What good is a free phone if you can't even use it? This was my second Jax....first one echoed, too, but not as bad! I have health issues & am living on $600 a month & alone & need a good phone!
Jan 31, 2012
 LG200 Confirmed
by: JC

I had my jax for about a year, and it was a constant struggle with crappy call quality and dropped calls. I considered swapping phones, but I figured hey, this works, why bother spending money I can use elsewhere. So I left it at that until I lost it. A week later after I looked around for a possible upgrade (checked this site), I went and purchased an LG200, and did the transfer completely online. No hassle with customer service. It took me less than 10 minutes, and calls sound much clearer and louder.
Jan 27, 2012
 Virgin mobile
by: Annie

I called the # that anonymous suggested.....1-888-322-1122! That is Virgin Mobile & I was told to call Assurance @ 1-888-321-5880.....which I have called before. I was told, once, again, only Virgin Mobile Paylo phones can be used. They are available at Best Buy, Radio Shack, Walmart & any other Virgin Mobile store! Well, they aren't carried at any local Walmart within 50 miles of me. We have one of the biggest shopping areas in the country, so, that is BS....we should have them!!!
Jan 25, 2012
 worthless
by: Annie

I'm not quite sure I trust Assurance! I can't afford to be buying another phone & if they won't accept it even if it is a Virgin Paylo! I, only, saw 4 listed under Virgin Paylo.........a SAMSUNG M575 for $69.99 rated 4 stars...a KYOCERA S2300 for $49.99 rated 4 stars...a KYOCERA S2100 for $29.99 rated 2.5 stars...& a LG 101 for $14.99 rated 3 stars. NOT a very big choice & if I bought one, I could only afford the LG. After this experience, I would not trust a Kyocera! How are you people finding all these other phones & if you haven't tried, how do you know Assurance will accept them?

Every call I make with this second phone echoes & I cannot understand the person on the other end & they can't understand me! It is far worse then the first phone I had! Am I to understand, the government is paying for all this? If so, we should be complaining to them about Assurance & these worthless phones!
Jan 25, 2012
 phones
by: Anonymous

FWD:
Phones surely compatible for the switch:
- Rumor 2
- Arc
- Flare
- Jax
- Mantra
- Shuttle
- Slash
- TNT
- WildCard
- LG200
- Loft
- LG101
- Kyocera S2100
- Kyocera S2300
- Restore
- Rumor Touch
- X-TC

Make sure the phone you get is an LG Virgin mobile phone. One of the Kyoceras is a lot like the wide blackberry. The rumor touch is a touchscreen with a slide out keyboard.
The Restore is a samsung with a slide out keyboard but no touch screen. The X-TC, has a slide keyboard as well. Most of the phones are basic flip phones and such, but the ones I described were my choices for the upgrade option.
Jan 24, 2012
 echo in phone
by: Annie

I have the Kyocera Jax free phone. This is my second one. I had an echo in the first one & they would not do anything about it! Something else went wrong with the phone & I talked to a nice lady [FOR A CHANGE]. She said they would replace the phone & I was to send mine back to them. Well, I received the phone a few weeks ago. Guess what....it echoes too! I was on a very important call to my doctor & the nurse could not understand me. She said I was echoing. Sometimes I hear it & other times the other person hears it. These phones are junk. So the the lady who doesn't understand why people are buying other phones, this is one of the reasons why. It is useless & I have health problems too & live on $600 a month with no help! I need a phone & one that WORKS!
Jan 23, 2012
 Rumor touch
by: Anonymous

Okay so I don't want anyone to make the same mistake I did. When you buy an LG phone, make sure its brand is virgin mobile. Customer service first told me I can get any LG phone. And one of the comments below said the Rumor Touch is compatible. However make sure its Rumor Touch LG Virgin mobile. NOT Rumor Touch LG Sprint.
Jan 15, 2012
 Need New Fancy Cell Phone
by: Mandinga Mustafa

Hello all. I just came from Morocco and got a free cellphone but they did not give me a touch screen!!! If Obama has a beautiful phone, I want one too because I am of his blood! All these politicians have great phones because of the tax payers, and the peasant workers that have a monthly bill and work a 9 to 5 job can't get one! I also work a factory job like a animal in this country, and barely make $25 K.


All you peasants that are talking crap are the ones that are paying for the president's brand new limo, cell phone and silverware. I am only asking for a cell phone, so quit complaining, because you are only feeding those money hungry politicians, and the working class stays the same way - working!


Forget all you haters. Today I am going to get the $100 tax I paid to the failing system of social security, federal, local and horrible taxes, and I am going to apply to welfare and then I need insurance too!!!
Jan 07, 2012
 CONFUSED
by: Anonymous

IM CONFUSED WHICH PHONES DO WORK?
Dec 20, 2011
 Extremely Unahppy
by: dick c

I would like to think that the goverment was trying to help people on social security... lol not - they send crappy phones knowing - betting that you will either want to or need to upgrade to another phone they offer, but do not tell you about them until after you're approved and cheapest phone is sent to you. Oh, you wanted that one??? Well jump through hoops. Too bad, so sad, what do you want for free? lol My butt knows how to unlock key the guard and call China? Not- it's them - The only way a company is going to make money. Ask, demand them for itemized calls you made. Then tell them to delete all butt calls, etc. If you got a cheap phone send it back and demand a phone that they can't minipulate you with lists of numbers you didn't call. No recourse. Stand and fight crappy companies like Assurance Wireless.
Dec 15, 2011
 Assurance phone
by: Anonymous

My feelings about getting free cell phone service: The phones are cheap and if a person can buy a better phone for him or herself, then they should. Buying a better phone is a one time deal, and is not like paying a bill for wireless service each and every month. Last christmas our church gave out 200 S2300 models to people that have cheap assurance phones.
Dec 06, 2011
 camera phone
by: Anonymous

does anybody know what phone assurance is offering that has the camera on it for 29.99??
Nov 24, 2011
 Paylo Phones
by: Ken

Yes you can use Paylo phones for a swap, I used the Kyocera S2100, bought it a Target on sale for 20 bucks, most of the minute phones by Paylo are usable.
Nov 23, 2011
 paylo phones as far as i know
by: Anonymous

I called Assurance wireless and asked the same question and was told any paylo phone can be used with an assurance wireless account but you might want to call to double check or call V.M. Customer service is good at assurance wireless but it is very difficult to get a clear answer on certain things.
Nov 23, 2011
 Lousy phone and I'd like to buy another, but where and what kind?
by: Anonymous

I'm having a very difficult time getting anyone to answer this question: What Virgin Mobile phones can be used when you are using Assurance Wireless. The phone they give you when you are approved is the cheapest piece of plastic. The back keeps coming off, the buttons are so touchy that I end up pressing buttons that shouldn't be pressed when answering a call. When it rings, it sounds like tin. The tone or ring isn't loud at all, as high as you can turn it up. Noone can give me a straight answer. I've been over one hour on the web looking for compatible phones for the Assurance Wireless Service I am receiving.
Can anyone offer some advice or help?
Thanks
Nov 22, 2011
 Switching phones
by: Anonymous

Just wanted to say after reading this blog, I am going to switch to the S2100. Thank you all for your info and experiences.
But I am upset.

The Jax they send works great BUT.....
I NEED a flip phone.
I see a lot of negativity on here about if you can afford to buy a phone, you shouldn't be on a free plan.
I just want to put my 2 cents in.
I have Arthritis in my hands, Bad.
I can't hold onto the flat phones, that is my I NEED a flip.
There are actual people out there that have valid medical reasons.
Please don't be a hater!
Happy holidays All!
Nov 21, 2011
 It works
by: Anonymous

In certain states at customer's cost people are receiving the Loft instead of the Jax as their initial phone and works just fine. You just need to make sure that the handset is correctly programed and also is important to check if the switch has been performed on ther data base.
Nov 19, 2011
 Kyocera Loft on Assurance Wireless
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

According to the note on Sept 8th below, the Loft should work!
Nov 18, 2011
 Loft compatible with asurance wireless
by: Anonymous

I was wondering if anyone knows anything about the kyocera loft and is it compatible with an assurance wireless account reason being I am unable to check my balance directly from my phone. I called the VM technical support and was told that because it is a prepaid phone it does not work with assurance wireless.

Before purchasing the phone, I called assurance wireless and asked if the Kyocera loft can be use with an assurance wireless account and was told yes. I was told that an investigation had to be created 2X. Once today the first time was 4 days ago. The VM tech support guy I spoke to today seemed as though my issue may be resolved and said it might be an issue with the network since I am also unable to receive phone calls. Anyone else having these issues?
Oct 26, 2011
 phone number switch
by: Anonymous

I have had a prepaid VM account for a number of years. one of the reasons is b/c I can't always afford to have it turned on, but they let me keep my number which is good. when I first applied for AW they assured me that I could keep my VM phone number and use my current phone (lg optimus). Yet, once I got my paperwork w/ my AW acct number, I called to switch my stuff and neither was true. but I still had an older VM phone that would work, so I can't really complain. it's free minutes, and now friends and family won't know my financial status every month.
Oct 26, 2011
 Phone Problem Solved
by: Puzzled Swapper

After three weeks, Assurance Wireless changed the Kyocera Loft for me, free of charge, with one of their phones. I had to mail my old (new)phone via prepaid envelope in exchange. In the end, problem solved and I can check my minutes and connect to the network!
Oct 12, 2011
 In response to complaints
by: Anonymous

While yes, it is a free phone, it is difficult to use for those who are hard of hearing or cannot see well. Those people may need a different phone that they can actually use.
Sep 27, 2011
 why complain
by: Anonymous

Why are people complaining about the phones issued from assurance? It's basicly free and free stuff is rare. If you can spend $80 on a rumor touch then why are you in this program anyway? Give people a chance to get the plan with just a basic phone!
Sep 21, 2011
 Swapped Assurance Wireless Phone
by: Puzzled Swapper

Decided to swap the Jax for the Loft after reading all the posts. The Jax was hard to hear and the reception wasn't great. The Loft works better but not 100%. It makes and receives calls way better than the Jax, but it doesn't show how many minutes that were used like the Jax would. I've tried to get the network connect via customer services but they're as much in the dark as I am. Guess the only way to find out is by calling or going on the website. Does anyone out there have any comments on this?
Sep 08, 2011
 Can switch phones, but no Android models
by: Jesusish

Ok, been with Assurance Wireless awhile. Have the initial phone I was given. The Jax is a great phone, but is a phone without a camera. I called and asked what phones were compatible for the service. I was told any virgin mobile phones but the following:

(Not) the android phones: triumph, intercept, etc.
I was also notified that the Blackberrys can't be used with my service also.

Now I've dealt with their customer service department on a few occasions, and have gotten wrong answers before from them. Like are minutes rounded up, and ppl said No initially. Also asked if checking voicemail from your phone would effect your minute usage, I was told no, answer was a yes.

Phones surely compatible for the switch:
- Rumor 2
- Arc
- Flare
- Jax
- Mantra
- Shuttle
- Slash
- TNT
- WildCard
- LG200
- Loft
- LG101
- Kyocera S2100
- Kyocera S2300
- Restore
- Rumor Touch
- X-TC

One of the Kyoceras is a lot like the wide blackberry. The rumor touch is a sprint touchscreen with a slide out keyboard.
The Restore is a samsung with a slide out keyboard but no touch screen. The X-TC, has a slide keyboard as well. Most of the phones are basic flip phones and such, but the ones I described were my choices for the upgrade option.

If you want to see any of these phones, you can go to google images and type in the phone name as well as virgin mobile, and you should see pics.

Be careful with the Assurance Wireless Customer service, they can be misinforming. Often are people with accents I can hardly understand anyways... :(
Sep 07, 2011
 New Info
by: Ken

There is some new info on Assurance Wireless website about changing phone, info also about using the Loft phone with qwety keboard, info also about what Paylo phones that will work and which ones wont with Assurance Wireless. My swapped phone is still working and getting my 250 minutes..
Aug 26, 2011
 Restore
by: AJ

Restore does work. I just got mine activated..The ringtone sucks..I am somewhat hard of hearing (in noisy places, especially) and I can barely hear it in my home with no noise..Other than that it does work with Assurance and is a fairly decent phone. I cannot get any other ringtone for it, though. I tried thru the Assurance website.
Aug 15, 2011
 wildcard
by: Anonymous

Has anyone tried the wildcard phone yet? I want to know before I buy. I have a chance to get one but I can't return it if it doesn't work.
Aug 15, 2011
 Restore phone
by: Anonymous

So the Restore phone will not work with the assurance wireless. It was sent to the tech service dept and they tried but no dice. So, scratch that one off the list.
Aug 10, 2011
 LG RUMOR 2
by: Anonymous

I have been using this phone for ~3 months, and it is working quite well for me..Assurance allows you to upgrade to 1000 mins and 1000 texts for $20 and I love it. It really helps with being out of work and all..really needed the text option to keep up with my teenage daughter..I do not know what other phones work, but I know the Rumor 2 does...and it was very easy to upgrade to this phone...if you have any trouble, just give them a call..
Aug 10, 2011
 VM Restore phone
by: Anonymous

I have been in contact several times with assurance wireless about a phone change. Finally decided (after being told which phones I could use by assurance) to set up the Restore phone. Went thru swap phones on VM site. No dice. Does not accept phone. Yet, I am still told I could hook it up. If I go thru assurance for help on this, they say I can't use it even tho I have an email saying I can. I wish someone would get their act together and quit giving the runaround. I have concluded that the Restore and many other so called listed phones (including the Loft they have on their website) is not allowed. Yes, assurance told me that the Loft is not allowed even tho it is on their site. Go figure...
Aug 08, 2011
 Sprint Rant on Assurance Wireless
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

At this point I think we can conclude that if a phone isn't on one of the phones listed below, you can email Assurance and ask them and hope for some specific feedback.
Aug 08, 2011
 Sprint Customer switching to Assurance
by: Anonymous

My contract with Sprint is over (Hallelujah!) and I'm switching to Assurance Wireless. Is it possible that my Sprint Rant is compatible? The phone is 2 years old but still in near new condition. Anyone know?
Aug 04, 2011
 universal fee
by: Anonymous

Yes actually we do pay that fee, but we were paying that long before the low income cell phones. Not exactly clear for what reason on that, possibly because they were offering discounts on home phone service. But think of it this way. You get a $13 discount on you phone service and you go buy a phone of your choice, so why put people down that gets a different cell phone. A lot of them are getting them gave to them or saving up for them. Then there are those who needs the free phone and have no other option and that is why they are offered. I think intead of people making a fuss over the type of phone others use, lets worry about the idiots who talk and text while driving. I hate to count the times some idiot almost run head into me with my small child in the car with me. If one ever does, they will have the phone put somewhere where it may be hard to re-charge it.
Aug 04, 2011
 Universal Service Fund
by: Ken

Yes everyone pays the fee it is usually around 2 dollars, it can be listed under something else, look for a fee on your cell phone bill or your home phone bill, it is around 2 dollars, I have Vonage and it is on there, these programs have been around for a long time, most people dont even know they pay it, below explains it

Universal Connectivity Fee (Universal Service Fund), Federal:

Because telephones provide a vital link to emergency services, to government services and to surrounding communities, it has been our nation’s policy to promote telephone service to all households since this service began in the 1930s. The USF helps to make phone service affordable and available to all Americans, including consumers with low incomes, those living in areas where the costs of providing telephone service is high, schools and libraries and rural health care providers. Congress has mandated that all telephone companies providing interstate service must contribute to the USF. Although not required to do so by the government, many carriers choose to pass their contribution costs on to their customers in the form of a line item, often called the “Federal Universal Service Fee” or “Universal Connectivity Fee”.



Aug 04, 2011
 No safelink has 250 minutes or you can choose your own plan
by: Anonymous

For the person who said safelink only gives you 60 minutes that is not correct. They give you 250 or you can choose a different plan you get to choose, plus you do your application right on line and get your phone in a few days. I know lots of people who have both. The funny thing is I have Verizon and a home phone and I don't pay for anyone to have these phones and don't think I am better than these people either. Snobs listen up, there could be a time when you or a loved one needs one, then what? If you can get a better phone given to ya or buy one then why not? It is a one time purchase unlike having to pay the ongoing minutes. People needs to quit thinking they are better than others over a stupid phone stuck to the side of their head.
Aug 03, 2011
 My Right
by: Ken

Everybody has paid into this fund sometime or another, if I want to buy a cheap 20 dollar phone to replace the one I got, that is my right, I am on SSD and earned the right.
Aug 03, 2011
 Do you need a free cell phone?
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That's a very fair comment. If people can afford to buy a better cell phone, should they be getting a free cell phone and service offer in the first place? It's really for people who can't afford a phone of any kind, and these programs allow people to keep in touch with their families, search for jobs, stay safe, etc.


The good news is that wireless providers don't pass on the cost of these programs to other paying customers. Free cell phone services are subsidized by the government, and carriers get paid each month for the service, as well as for a certain amount for a phone (I believe it's about $80 for the phone + $10-$18/month for service; I can't remember exactly how much). These services are actually profitable for carriers, and don't require that they try to cover costs in another way.


The bad news is that it comes from tax dollars via the government. So hopefully only people that really need the service are getting it.


You're also welcome to share your opinion on free cell phone service in general at:

Is having a cell phone a basic human right?
Aug 03, 2011
 Phones
by: Anonymous

If you have enough money to go out and buy a new freaking phone because your free one is so "cheap," how about you pay for your own cell phone service, too? I pay for that cheap phone when I pay my cell phone bill, since wireless carriers charge paying customers like me for all the money they lose giving free service and phones to you.

You're welcome.
Aug 01, 2011
 compatible phones with Assurance Wireless
by: Anonymous

Below is an email from Assurance Wireless about phones that can be used instead of the one issued:
******************
Thanks for contacting Assurance Wireless Customer Care. First let me extend my apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.

Regarding your concern, you will be able to use the Following Virgin Mobile phones with your Assurance Wireless plan.

-Rumor 2
-Arc
-Flare
-Jax
-Mantra
-Shuttle
-Slash
-TNT
-WildCard
-X-tc
-LG200
-Loft
-LG101
-Kyocera S2100
-Kyocera S2300
-Restore
-Rumor Touch
-X-TC

You can do the swap yourself at no charge by accessing “My Account” via the Virgin Mobile website (www.virginmobileusa.com) or through our IVR Advisor - Alex.

-Web site: Log into your account> Go to account overview> swap phones.


-Alex:

-Call back on 1-888-322-1122
-Select 4 - Change Service
-Select 2 - Swap phone
-Then follow prompts from Alex.
-He will ask you for your phone number, Account PIN and the serial number of the new phone.
-Alex will help you program your phone.
-You'll be all set!

If you would like assistance in completing this, you may call our Care Centers or reply back to this email with the ESN/MEID of your new phone. The ESN/MEID is located on the back of you phone under the battery and is normally an alpha numeric code starting with a ‘0’ or ‘D’. Once we have that, we will be happy to take care of it. Please be aware if you request either the Care team or the Email Team to complete this there will be a $ 10 charge applied to your account.

Either way - it just takes a minute or two! We just switch the phone model on your account and send you the programming instructions. You just need to program you new phone with your pertinent information to get you back on the network.

Hey, look forward to hearing from you….it’s really that simple!

You can refer to www.virginmobileusa.com > from there you will be able to see and purchase the phones that we currently have available at the moment or you can refer to http://stores.virginmobileusa.com/cgi-bin/search.pl >from there you will be able to find a retailer store near to your area.

For further assistance please call at 1 888-321-5880, from Monday through Sunday, 4:00 am - 9:00 pm PST

Hope this helps

Roger
Assurance Wireless
**********************
Jul 29, 2011
 Assurance Wireless Defective Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

If you hadn't had other Virgin Mobile phones that worked fine in your house, I would have said from your description that it's 100% a network coverage issue and not an issue with your phone.


Given what you said, though, I recommend calling Assurance and seeing if they have a different phone that they can send you to try.
Jul 29, 2011
 signal
by: Ashley

Yeah, the phone works better basically everywhere else but my house. Even right up the road at my neighbor's house. Unfortunately my house is where I spend 99% of my time. I really might as well get a landline. Only thing is we have no money whatsoever for a phone, so getting a discount on a landline won't do anything for us if we still have to pay even a dollar for it. I still think it's the crappily built handset that is at least partially the problem. I've had other virgin mobile phones before that didn't have such s**t for signal. I just don't have the money to take that risk.
Jul 28, 2011
 Verizon Phone on Assurance Wireless
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Unfortunately, no, you won't be able to use it. While Verizon and Sprint (Assurance is part of Sprint) have the same network technology, Sprint does not allow Verizon phones on its network. In fact, there's been a lot of discussion about what Virgin Mobile phones will work on Assurance, and they're both part of the same company! Sorry.
Jul 28, 2011
 Assurance To Verizon
by: Anonymous

I was given a samsung phone that was once on a contract with verizon but is now inactive. I am haveing trouble seeing the numbers and keys one th assurance phone that was sent to me and cant afford ANY new phone at all. The samsung phones screen has large numbers and letters and would be perfect for me. Can I switch my assurance service to it?
Jul 27, 2011
 Assurance Wireless Signal
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

It's more likely that the problem is with your home/area than the phone itself. While some phones will get better reception than others based on their design, it's not usually a dramatic difference that will make the difference between extremely poor (virtually unusable) reception vs. good/acceptable reception.


Have you tried to use it down the street, or in a mall, or at a park nearby to see how the phone performs? If you find it's poor everywhere, your phone may be defective, and you can ask for a replacement. I suspect, however, that you'll find it works fine it most places except for your home or around your street.


You can also call Assurance and they can log a ticket (within the Sprint system) to note a poor cell site area, and eventually they may fix it, though I wouldn't hold my breath too long for that to happen.
Jul 27, 2011
 sucky signal
by: Ashley

I have AW and the phone they sent me gets crap for signal. i have to stand on a certain spot on my front porch to even get one bar. Is it the phone itself or is it the actual service? Cuz i don't want to pay money for a replacement phone that may not even be compatable only for it to get crap signal too.
Jul 27, 2011
 Free Cell Phone Service Options
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You can check out the various options, including links to the provider websites at:

Free Cell Phone Service
Jul 26, 2011
 Safelink Website
by: Ken

Click on the link and apply

http://www.assurancewireless.com/Public/Welcome.aspx
Jul 26, 2011
 help
by: Anonymous

where do you go to get a free phone
Jul 26, 2011
 Changing Your Assurance Wireless Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Once you have the new phone, you'll call Assurance and they will ask you for the ESN/MEID (which is located on the box or underneath the battery), and switch it over in their systems.
Jul 26, 2011
 help
by: Anonymous

how to changing phone
Jul 25, 2011
 Ahh
by: Anonymous

I read most of the comments on here and checked out a few more sites on google. I'm taking the risk and getting the Lg Rumor Touch. I have my free 250 assurance minutes as well,I'm just crossing my fingerrs that it is compatible.... I'd say i've seen 50% yes and 50% no.... Anybody know for sure?? Thank you!! (If no one replies I will post on here if it works or not) I still however have up to 5 days till it'll be here.
Jul 20, 2011
 Thats Correct
by: Ken

Minutes on Assurance Wireless do not roll over, you get your new allotment of 250 minutes on the same day that you activated your phone, mine is on the 7th every month
Jul 20, 2011
 Assurance Wireless Minutes
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

It's not my understanding that minutes rollover. It's a monthly allocation only. Does someone have a different experience with this?
Jul 20, 2011
 Great phones
by: Anonymous

This time assurance allows one to use the minutes ..therefore rollover....keep them coming...
Jul 14, 2011
 Compatible phones
by: Mister S

Also the LG rumor touch
Jul 14, 2011
 compatible phones
by: SallyW

Got an email from Assurance
Here are the phones that they said are compatible
- Kyocera Jax
- Kyocera TNT
- Kyocera Xtc
- LG Flare
- LG Rumor 2
- Samsung Mantra
- UT Starcom ARC
- UT Starcom Shuttle

Thank you
Sally
Jul 14, 2011
 safe link
by: Anonymous

I looked at both plans, safelink will only give you 60 minutes a month or a discount on home phone service (does not work with vonage). You can also use the govt sponsored program through other cell phone carriers. I think it was Sprint or Verizon that offered me a $9 or $13 discount per month. I selected the Assurance because I got a free phone, and I got 250 minutes per month and I cannot afford a different phone or service. I did up my plan to include $5 for text. Which is decent. If you want to get a brand new camera phone with all the upgrades, by all means, buy it, and find a different carrier. If you can afford all that why are you getting an assurance phone?
Jul 14, 2011
 ...
by: sallyw

Yes that would be nice if there was a good list for future reference.
I do know, from a previous email from Assurance the Kyocera XTC I believe is one of them.
And if that phone is compatible, you would think the wild card phone would also.
If anyone knows for sure, can you please post the information?
Thanks
Sally
Jul 14, 2011
 Which Virgin Mobile Phones Work On Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

From my conversations with Assurance over email, they inferred that any PayLo phone "should" work. That said, they were unwilling to specifically acknowledge or confirm that all PayLo phones now or in the future would definitively work. I know, it's kind of annoying, and it would be nice if they would either specifically confirm that to be the case, or maintain a list of compatible phones, but they won't (at least not at this point).


If you buy the phone from somewhere where you can easily return it if it doesn't work, that's probably your best bet. In the meantime, if people continue to post what phones they've tried, and note what works and what doesn't work, that would be tremendously helpful!
Jul 14, 2011
 wildcard phone
by: SallyW

Can the Kyocera wildcard be activated to work with the assurance wireless account?
Thank you
Sally
Jul 12, 2011
 regarding flip phone
by: Anonymous

is it possible to obtain a flip phone with the same service?call 786-487-2804
Jul 11, 2011
 Transfering Contacts to a New Phone
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That makes a lot of sense; you should be able to use a PayLo Virgin Phone. If you have a lot of contacts, you should be able to go to a Sprint store and have them transfer your contacts for you.


On a another note, MJ's note below seems to be mixing up Virgin and TracFone....
Jul 10, 2011
 Swappin Phones Update
by: Ken

I just swapped the Jax phone they send out to a
Kyocera S2100, bought it at Target for $20.00, tried to do it on line but I had to call a Live Advisor @188-321-5880 to do it, told him I was swapping phones because of my arthris and he told me it was no problem, my plan wouldnt change, I will get my 250 minutes every month and he was more them polite to help me, so the phone must be a minute phone from Virgin Mobile PayLo series so I hope this answer any questions out there, now I have to put contacts in again.
Jul 10, 2011
 Am Going To Try It
by: Ken

I just got e-mail from Assurance Wirelees about swaping out phone, below is there reply

Hello Kenneth,

Thanks for contacting Virgin Mobile Customer Care.

We are glad to hear that you want to purchase a new Virgin Mobile handset. The LG 2100 is compatible with the Assurance Wireless offer. You can purchase it online or visit a retailer store like Radio Shack.

Remember that you certainly can transfer your phone number and balance to your new phone! You just have one choice to make - do it yourself or send us the details!

You can do the swap yourself at no charge by accessing “My Account” via the Virgin Mobile website (www.virginmobileusa.com) or through our IVR Advisor – Alex.

If you need additional assistance, feel free to let us know how we can assist further or contact us at 1-888-322-1122 (or *VM from your handset). You can reach us Monday through Sunday from 4am-9pm PST.

Thanks,

Alejandra
Virgin Mobile At Your Service
www.virginmobileusa.com

Now this is the second time I was told you could swap phones, 1st time I called them, this time a e-mail, it makes no sense for them not to let you do it cause if you buy phone from them they are still making money
Jul 09, 2011
 Not allowed to switch phones
by: mj

Ok so just got off the phone with assurance at the 1888 321-5880... and the customer service rep says that changing mobile is not allowed any longer. she said that u can change it using only virgin mobile phones but as off 2 months ago is not recommended. Apparently they run the system every month and is it reads your phone is not the tracfone they sent you then your service will be canceled and will no longer qualify for the program. the only way they sent out a phone with a qwerty keyboard is when the kyocera tracfone is not available. otherwise is not even purchasable. If anyone else knows something different please post it.
thanks :)
Jul 08, 2011
 Trying To Change Phone
by: Anonymous

I to am Assurance Wireless customer, I am trying to upgrade from that cheap phone they send out, was told by customer rep at Assurance that most fliphones from Virgin Mobile webite would work, I e-mailed them to see what answer they give me, will report back when I hear something, she did say that the below would work

Samsung M340
Lg Flare
Kyocera S2100

I will get back on her once I know someting for sure, I know there has to be a list somewhere.
Jul 02, 2011
 Phone says restricted
by: Anonymous

Cannot use phone #347-425-5408 because it says restricted. What can you do to assist?
Jun 14, 2011
 Reactivating Assurance Wireless Service
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

You should be able to reapply, and if you're still eligible, you should be able to get a new account. If you only recently deactivated your service, they may be able to reactivate you without reapplying. You'll want to call them to inquire.


People learn a lot from reading other people's questions and answers, so please continue the dialog here. Taking it offline is not fair to other visitors who are also interested in the same question. If you subscribe to this post, you'll get notifications when people respond so you don't have to worry about monitoring the page for answers. Thank you for your understanding.
Jun 14, 2011
 Switch!!!
by: Brandon

I canceled/suspened my assurance wireless acct bout 3 minths ago is there a way for me to reactivate. Email me responses ONLY EMAIL NO SPAM!!!!! EMAIL ONLY NO POSTS

EMAIL: hockeyfan4real@yahoo.com
Subject:phone

Use the subject above!!!!!!7


Jun 13, 2011
 Assurance Wireless Phone Number
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

What happens when you call their main line?

888-321-5880
Jun 13, 2011
 human being
by: Anonymous

how do I contact a human being and not a computer?
I've looked everywhere and can't find someone to talk to.
Jun 09, 2011
 Replacement phone
by: Anonymous

If reported lost, account suspended they will replace the normal Assurance Wireless phone- the Kyocera Jax- for $3.99 +tax, free fedex shipping.
May 29, 2011
 Virgin Mobile Compatibility, with Assurance Wireless plan.
by: Nighthawk357@yahoo

Was told Virgin Mobile phones will work, but it has to be a Paylo plan phone! Also, my first replacement phone was free, but now they want $10, for a replacement. I hate that cheap lookin' Kyocera Jax, and really want to upgrade to a nice Flip Phone, without the Text Messaging keyboard. How 'bout like in a nice Red color? Probably not. Cause the big Carriers, got a Monopoly on, all the pretty phones. Hoping other Virgin Mobile phones, beside the Paylo's, may work. Some of this feedback and info, is really helpful. Thanks!! Any other Models that definitely will work? Please let us know, Thanks!!
signed,
Nighthawk
May 25, 2011
 I am strugling to find a phone
by: Diana

My cell pone is broke. I have a month trying to find a phone that is compatible with assurance wireless. I can't find it. i called the ccompany they are out of kyocera jax. the representative told me do not tou buy a prepaid phone but seems like virgin mobile sells prepaid phones only.Iam so frustraded
May 24, 2011
 it worked
by: aquarius

well i went ahaed and purchased the Rumor 2, and sure enuff it works. better phone and i went ahead and upgrade my plan too. thats the main reason i needed a better phone.
May 19, 2011
 Replacing a Lost or Damaged Assurance Phone & Using a Virgin Mobile Phone on Assurance
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Here's what Assurance Wireless responded to me with:

"Thanks for contacting Assurance Wireless.

All our customer could receive a replacement phone for $3.99 with free shipping once they report the handset as "Lost/Stolen" and they can only get a replacement once per year.

There are many Virgin Mobile phones that can be used with the Assurance Wireless service, such as:

- Kyocera JAX
- Kyocera TNT
- LG Flare
- UT Starcom Arc

If you need additional assistance, feel free to let us know how we can assist further or contact us at 1-888-898-4888 (or *VM from your handset). You can reach us Monday through Sunday from 4am-9pm PST."


This infers that other Virgin Mobile phones will work, and as new handsets come out, the compatible list will change. I suspect that most of their PAYGo phones will work (as opposed to their more advanced monthly plan phones and smartphones. I recommend calling before you buy one, and ideally buy it from somewhere where you can return it if it doesn't work.


For people successfully (or unsuccessfully) using Virgin Phones on Assurance Wireless, definitely please post your phone model here to help others!
May 19, 2011
 I've Contacted the Assurance Team
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I sent them an email this morning to address these questions. They say they will respond within 24 hours. Last time they did, so hopefully they will again. If I hear back I will post the response here!
May 19, 2011
 Different phones
by: Toni

How do I get a better phone than the one I already have.
May 19, 2011
 Screen Cracked
by: Anonymous

My screen cracked on my assurance wireless phone and I called radio shack they have no idea which phone is compatiable with assurance wireless because they don't deal directly with them...I read comments and seen only one with a successful switch and that was with the virgin mobile lg101 phone...It cost 14.99..I will try that and post the results...
May 19, 2011
 Lost Assurance Wireless Phones
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I've been getting this question a LOT recently. I suppose the Assurance Wireless program is growing well, and Sprint's financial reports also indicate that that's the case.


If you've lost your phone, you can call Assurance and ask them for a new one. I'm not sure about their policy on replacing phones. If someone knows what it is, definitely please do let us know!


As noted in one of the earlier comments below, when I reached out to Assurance last time, they said that any Virgin Mobile phone can be used on Assurance. So if they won't replace your lost phone, you can buy a cheap Virgin phone and give that a try. If I were you, I would buy it somewhere that allows you to return it just in case it doesn't work. Yes, I have trust issues with what customer care reps tell me ;-).


I hope this helps!
May 19, 2011
 lost my phone
by: Anonymous

my phone is lost what i do to get another one
May 10, 2011
 assurance phones
by: tonya

I want to buy a different phone to use with my assurance account. Which virgin mobile can I buy?
May 10, 2011
 SWITHING PHONES
by: Anonymous

TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH I HAVE SAFELINK AND I WAS ABLE TO SWITCH PHONE SAFE LINK IS BETTER BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE TO PAY FOR DATA AND TEXT IF VIRGIN IS GIVING POEPLE A PROBLEMS SWITCHING PHONES THEN GO WITH SAFE LINK YES THEY WILL TRY THE SAME THING AND DELAY DELAY DELAY BUT YOU HAVE TO STAY ON TOP OF THEM WHY SHOULD VIRGIN MOBLIE CARE WHAT PHONE YOUR GETTING ITS IN THERE BEST INTEREST TO SELL YOU THE PHONE BECAUSE THE TALK IS FREE BUT THEN YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR DATA AND TEXT WAKE UP VIRGIN MOBLIE
May 05, 2011
 that crazy
by: Anonymous

i pay for a virgin phone last night and i want ed to change it my old phone number to my new phone they my was no good for the free min each mouth.
Apr 25, 2011
 Just checking it out.
by: Anonymous

I have read all of your comments and found them all to be very helpful. I am deciding whether or not I want to give this a try.

Just a note to those asking where they can find phones. If you know what kind of phones work you could most likely find those for a cheaper price on ebay. Seriously! I have gotten great deals on there. Just be wary about ordering from overseas because you could end up waiting a month or two to get it.

Just my two cents. I'll check back with my experience. :)
Apr 19, 2011
 SWITCH PHONE - WASTED MY TIME
by: Anonymous

I called Assurance to switch the phone as I am disabled and can hardly read or hear the phone they sent me.I called them to switch the phone. They took the sim number and said I have to wait for 3 hours. I waited and found that this does not work. Each time I called I got a different person on the phone that told me the same thing. Finally, I got someone in the end that said you cannot switch phone only the Aloha, Marble and aonther phone (i cannot remember the name). zIt is difficult to find these phones in the stores. Can any one help or advice please?
Nez.
Apr 07, 2011
 replacing Assurance Wireless phone
by: Diane

I lost my Assurance Wireles phone & caled to report it & suspend service. Rather than receiving the same "Jax" I had, I want to upgrade to a pohone that I can hear better on. The tech support guy told me that only "Kyocera X-tc" is compatible with Assurance, not any other Virgin Mobile phone. When I caled back today to buy it, a lady tech said that isn't in stock, and there are other $10 phones that work. I need a better phone due to hearing problems and no hearing aids (can't afford them) She said I need to go to Radio Shack, find a Sprint phone, then have the sales rep call Assurance to see if it is compatible. Doesn't anyone know anything at tech support? Surely they should have a list of compatible phones if there are only a few of them.
Feb 10, 2011
 Sprint Phones on Assurance Wireless
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

That's great! Thank you for coming back to share that. If it worked for you, it's highly likely/probable that their systems are not filtering out for Assurance Wireless-only phones. There's really no reason for them to not want this to work. If you have a phone already (not in contract), it's cheaper for them to have you use that, then to send you a new phone. Also, if you're using a phone you like, you're more likely to stick around, which means more money for them in the long run.


That said, I've seen scenarios like this (where it's better for the company) not work out that way due to poor executive decision making. However, in this case, it seems safe to conclude that you can use non-Assurance Wireless Sprint phones on your Assurance account.


Note that if you call to switch out your phone, they may have a business rule to not allow it, however, they may not be systematically checking the ESN/MEID of the handset to prevent it from being added. i.e. Avoid talking about the phone type you have, and just give them the numbers required from the handset.
Feb 10, 2011
 switch worked!!!!!!!1
by: kim

o.k. was successful in switching to lg101 phone not sure of others that will work but this one does and that's what i'll stick with.
Feb 09, 2011
 Conflicting Assurance Wireless Customer Care Feedback
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Thank you for sharing this feedback. Interestingly, it's the exact opposite of what I was told when I contacted them! Gotta love that. I'd love to hear from someone who has actually tried this. Until then, I deem this to be inconclusive!
Feb 09, 2011
 Assurance Wireless Phones
by: Anonymous

This is the comment I got about the Assurance Phones:
Hello Wendy,

Thanks for contacting Virgin Mobile Customer Care. First let me extend my apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.

In regards to your e-mail, if you purchase the LG Rumor 2, you will not be able to activate it on your Assurance Wireless account, because is not a compatible phone. The only compatible phones are the Assurance Kyocera Jax and the Assurance Kyocera Domino.

If you need additional assistance, feel free to respond to this email or contact us at 1-888-322-1122 (or *VM from your handset). You can reach us Monday through Sunday from 4am-9pm PST.


Thanks,

Roger
Virgin Mobile At Your Service
www.virginmobileusa.com
Jan 26, 2011
 Virgin Phone with Assurance Wireless
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I didn't actually try to switch phones; I don't actually actually have an Assurance phone/account to test this with. Hopefully someone who has this experience will respond!
Jan 21, 2011
 did this work
by: kimboohr@yahoo.com

Did this work? Were you able to switch your assurance service to a new phone with no hassle?
Feb 20, 2010
 Assurance Wireless Phone Usage
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

I received a response from Virgin Mobile:

"Thanks for contacting Virgin Mobile Customer Care.

Regarding your previous email, let me inform you that Assurance customers can use any Virgin Mobile phone, it does not have to be the assurance issued phone.

They cannot use any Sprint phone or any other brand that is not Virgin Mobile. They won't be able to connect any phone. They will be able to connect only VIRGIN Mobile phones. They can use the phone from a previous Assurance wireless customer. As long as it is a Virgin Mobile phone they will be able to connect it. The ESN/MEID does not have to necessarily be the one assigned to the VIRGIN MOBILE account; they can use just any Virgin Mobile phone."
Feb 18, 2010
 Assurance Wireless Handsets
by: PrepaidWirelessGuy

Just wanted to let you know that I'm currently researching this, and will post a thorough response once I've finished investigating. I've actually reached out to the Assurance team to ask them about their handset policies, and I will let you know what they say!

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