Are you wondering how to transfer my SafeLink service to another phone? If so, you aren’t alone.
Transferring your service or number may be possible if you have decided to get a new phone or want to move to a new carrier.
If you have received a new phone, you may wonder how to transfer your existing service to the new device.
You can transfer your SafeLink service to a new device by removing and replacing the SIM card or by transferring the number to a new carrier (porting your phone). You can contact SafeLink customer service for help with the move.
So, How to Transfer My SafeLink Service to Another Phone
Here you will find a guide that walks you through each step of the process to ensure you get your service switched without stress or hassle.
You can also find the proper method to move your SafeLink phone number to a new carrier.
Method 1: Remove and Replace the SIM Card
The first method to successfully transfer your SafeLink service vis by accessing and moving the SIM card.
It’s important to note that the location of the SIM card varies. Here you can learn how to move it two different ways.
Follow these steps.
Step #1: Remove the Battery in Your Current Phone
The first step in the process is to take the battery out of your current cellphone.
Since SafeLink is a subsidy of TracFone, you can do this with any of the devices.
These phones are made to be easy to use, so removing the battery should be simple and something that anyone can do without assistance.
In most cases, you have to slide the battery cover off and take the battery out.
Step #2: Take Out the SIM Card
After you have removed the battery for older phones, you should see the SIM card in the battery compartment.
Your SIM card is small, rectangular-shaped, and white. It holds all your information.
If you have a newer phone, you will likely remove the SIM card from a slot on the side of the device.
When you switch SafeLink service to a different phone, you will have to have a SIM card removal tool to take it out of the slot on the side of the device.
These are small, metal tools that are provided with most cell phones.
Note: If you don’t have a tool, you can get one from your new or existing carrier.
Step #3: Remove the Battery Cover from Your New Phone
To transfer your SafeLink service from your old phone to a new one, you will also have to remove the battery cover from the new one. This is for older devices.
After the battery and cover are removed, you should be able to see the SIM card in the same location as your old phone.
If you have a newer device, locate the SIM slot on the side of the phone. You will see a small slot with a hole in it.
This is where you insert the tool to remove or replace the SIM card.
Step #4: Add Your Old SIM Card to Your New Phone
Take the battery out of your new phone and put your old SIM card in place.
For a newer phone, use your tool to push it all the way into the slot.
Tip: When replacing the SIM card in a new phone, the gold-colored connections should face down.
Step #5: Put the Battery Back in Place
Replace the battery back of your new phone. Be sure to pay attention to how it should attach.
Once the battery is back in place, you can power your new phone on, and it should work on your existing SafeLink account.
Method 2: Move Your SafeLink Number to a Different Carrier
As mentioned above, SafeLink is a free program provided by the government to low-income families and impoverished citizens.
The more destitute a family is, the more benefits they can receive from the program.
It’s necessary to qualify to receive a cellphone and service from SafeLink. You also have to be a member of the LifeLine program to get a SafeLink cell phone.
People who start making more money will be released from the LifeLine program, which makes them ineligible for SafeLink service.
Some people leave the service when they start earning more. However, it’s possible to port the account and keep your number.
You can also move your SafeLink account to a different carrier. The steps to move your SafeLink number to a new carrier can be found here.
Step #1: Prepare for the Transfer
As a SafeLink user, you should log on to the website and fill out the form to transfer your enrollment. Once complete, submit them.
The forms will be sent to SafeLink and the administrators, and you will receive a notification regarding if a transfer is possible.
You can’t receive calls to the number during the porting process. However, you can make outgoing calls.
Note: Do not deactivate your SafeLink account before you port it. The account must be active in the system to do this.
Step #2: Contact SafeLink Customer Service
The easiest way to transfer your SafeLink account to a different carrier is by contacting customer service at 1-800-378-1684.
You can have SafeLink transfer to a new phone easily and make the process hassle-free.
When you call, be prepared to provide SafeLink customer service with information about the new carrier. This is necessary to process the transfer.
The information you should provide includes the following:
- First and last name
- Address
- Secondary phone number
- Social Security number
Since SafeLink doesn’t bill you, you don’t have to provide information about your last bill to verify your account information or identity.
Step #3: Understand Your Options if the Number Isn’t Transferable
If you request a transfer but are turned down, you may wonder what options you have. Unfortunately, at this point, you have few.
You will likely have to request a new number from your new carrier.
For those who are approved, you don’t have to worry about pressure to stay with the service provider. After all, this is a free service from the government.
Step #4: Confirm Your Account Transfer is Complete
Once the SafeLink agent confirms your account transfer is complete, you can contact your new carrier to complete the process on that end.
Usually, the providers will be in contact, and the transfer process will be in process or complete after just 24 hours (in many cases).
Once two business days have passed, you need to call again if the process isn’t finished.
Since SafeLink is a prepaid service, there’s no reason to worry about any unknown charges, which often happens with post-paid services.
If you have a balance left on your account, you can request to have it moved to a family member who has a SafeLink account.
Note: Be sure to contact SafeLink about a week after the transfer to ensure everything is complete and that your new carrier has all the information needed.
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Final Words
Now that you know the answer to “how to transfer my SafeLink service to another phone,” you can begin the process.
While the process may take some time and effort, it is possible, and you have two viable methods outlined here.
Once your service or phone is transferred, it’s possible to use a new device or carrier immediately.
If you need assistance, contact SafeLink customer service, where you can get more help with the process.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.