How Do I Get a Replacement SafeLink Phone – What Should You Do?

SafeLink Wireless is arguably one of the most popular Lifeline phone service providers in the United States, with coverage in more than 35 states.

You are probably reading this because your SafeLink Wireless phone is damaged, lost, or stolen, and you’re wondering, how do I get a replacement SafeLink phone?

This quick guide explains what you need to know about getting a replacement phone from SafeLink, including warranty information, making claims, and important replacement policy information.

Just in case you don’t know how to get a free SafeLink Wireless phone, read our detailed guide to learn how to qualify and get a SafeLink phone replacement.

Does SafeLink Give Replacement Phones?

Generally, SafeLink users whose old phone is stolen, lost, or defective can request a SafeLink phone replacement. Customers can get a refurbished phone for free or pay for a new phone, depending on the case.

If your current phone is defective or damaged in some way, you must meet certain warranty conditions to get the damaged SafeLink cell hone replaced. We’ll cover that in a bit.

While it is possible to have your lost or stolen phone replaced with a free phone, you should keep the following in mind:

• SafeLink gives only one free replacement phone per user when they report a stolen or lost phone.
• Typically, you will receive a refurbished phone when you request a free replacement, not a new phone.
• After the first free replacement, you must pay in full to get subsequent replacement phones. Think of a subsequent replacement phone as purchasing a new phone or device.
• SafeLink does not cover the loss of personal information on your lost or stolen phone.

How Do I Get a Replacement SafeLink Phone if My Phone Is Lost or Stolen?

First, you need to call SafeLink customer service at 1-800-723-3546 from another phone to report the loss or theft. Before contacting customer service, ensure that your SafeLink account information is handy. This will help the customer representative easily identify you as the account holder.

You may be required to provide the following details:

• Your Safelink phone number
• Your home address
• Your birth date
• The last four digits of your Social Security Number

Once you request a replacement for your lost or stolen SafeLink phone, the representative will process the replacement request immediately. A refurbished phone will be mailed to your address free of charge. And while there is no fixed number of days to get your current phone replaced, you can expect to take delivery of your package within ten business days.

How Do I Get a Replacement SafeLink Phone if My Phone Is Damaged?

Like other service providers participating in the Lifeline assistance program, you can claim a warranty if your SafeLink phone is damaged under certain conditions.

If you purchase a new SafeLink phone from the service provider’s website, the device comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty, while refurbished phones have a 60-day warranty. A damaged or defective phone will be replaced with a comparable model or the same cosmetic condition at the provider’s discretion.

Typically, a damaged SafeLink phone may be replaced if the problem is caused by a manufacturing defect. This means only issues with the phone’s workmanship and materials are covered under warranty.

More specifically, the SafeLink warranty covers damages relating to phone software issues, problems with the phone keys, dead pixels, and camera defects.

Damages not covered by the warranty include the following:

• Problem with third-party apps or software compatibility issues
• Diminishing battery life
• Scratches and accidental damages
• Other damages from aging or normal wear and tear

Keep in mind that the warranty is void if you “root” your phone or the device has any physical damage like defaced housing or broken/cracked screen.

Also, the defective phone must be returned with the original device packaging and all accompanying accessories during the purchase, including manuals, cables, chargers, etc. SafeLink will charge a non-refundable missing parts fee if any components are missing.

If your SafeLink phone is defective, you must make a claim within 48 hours of receiving the device or risk losing the warranty.

What Phones Types Can You Get When You Request a Replacement?

SafeLink service customers generally cannot choose their preferred phone models when requesting a replacement phone, especially for lost or stolen devices. Depending on availability, the company decides what refurbished phone models to provide as replacements.

While SafeLink doesn’t list its replacement phone models, you can expect to get a refurbished entry-level Android smartphone device from brands like:

• ZTE
• LG
• Samsung
• Motorola
• Alcatel
• Nokia
• Huawei
• Coolpad

Activating Your SafeLink Phone

Activating your replacement SafeLink cell phone is as easy as inserting the SIM card and battery and turning the phone on. You can also activate your cell phone by selecting “My Service” and “Activate Phone” on the company’s website.

Place a phone call to SafeLink customer service from another phone if you have issues activating the replacement phone or have problems making or receiving calls.

Remember that the replacement phone will not come with the airtime you had before the phone was stolen or lost. According to Section 12 of the SafeLink Terms and Conditions, your phone will be permanently deactivated once you report it lost or stolen. This also means that you will lose any airtime on the phone.

Once your replacement phone arrives, it will come with only 10 minutes of free airtime for the current month. The good news is that your usual free minutes (depending on the SafeLink plan you choose) will be loaded onto the new phone in subsequent months.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I get a replacement SafeLink phone?” now you know what to expect and how to request a replacement for your lost, stolen, or damaged phone.

Keep in mind that the requirement for getting a damaged phone replaced is more stringent than a stolen or lost phone. In any case, you can claim a warranty if you meet SafeLink’s terms and conditions.