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Easy Wireless is yet another of the many lifeline providers you can get free cell phone service without paying anything. But is the program worth it? If Yes, what phones are compatible with Easy Wireless that I can use with my service without issues?
First, Easy Wireless is not what we’d consider a famous Lifeline service. However, this has a lot to do with the fact the service used to be only available in a third of the Central U.S.: Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It was not until the ACP came the provider expanded to other states.
Like others, Easy Wireless offers the best allowances with the ACP + Lifeline combo. But for now, my main focus is on the kind of phone that works with the BYOP (bring your own phone) activation.
Verdict: The 7 Best Phones Compatible with Easy Wireless
- Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy
- Unlocked Apple iPhone SE
- Unlocked Google Pixel 3a
- Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12
- Unlocked Easyfone
- Unlocked Motorola Moto
- Fully Unlocked Samsung
13 Things to Know When Looking for Phones Compatible with Easy Wireless
Basically, the Lifeline providers with free government phones are just like the prepaid options. (They actually do have a paid service if interested, including our Easy Wireless).
Below are a few things to keep in mind when looking for phones compatible with Easy Wireless:
- Free to Join: similar to any other lifeline service, Easy Wireless offers free cell phone service with no strings attached. You only need to be eligible, which requires proof of low income or participation in a federal assistance program.
- Nationwide Coverage: Easy Wireless used to run off Sprint and T-Mobile cell towers. But after the merger of these two companies, the MVNO now just relies on T-Mobile. It has decent coverage in most parts of the country, except rural areas, where it’s a bit spotty.
- Limited Lifeline Availability: unlike most, Easy Wireless has limited its lifeline program to Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It’s only with the ACP-only or Lifeline + ACP combo the service is available in all 47 States.
- No roaming feature: unfortunately, the lifeline provider doesn’t support domestic roaming at the moment.
- No WiFi calling: sadly, yes, you can’t use WiFi calling with Easy Wireless at the moment
- Bring your own phone: if you want to join, replace, or upgrade your current device, Easy Wireless does support the BYOP program. You just need to confirm the IMEI will be compatible with the network.
- Discounted phone pricing: Easy Wireless stocks discounted phones and tablets if interested. However, the MVNO has no online catalog, which means you can only shop from the designated physical stores.
- 30+ physical stores: unlike many MVNOs, Easy Wireless has physical retail stores at various locations across the country. You can visit the stores to sign up for the service or purchase a device.
- Data Throttling: while the MVNO promises Unlimited Data with its plans, it does have a high-speed cap. The data cap is even less than SafeLink or Qlink as you only get 7.5GB on high speed and 2G afterward.
- Data Deprioritization: as with most MVNOs, Easy Wireless usually get deprioritized data from T-Mobile. And for this reason, you’ll notice a significant drop in your data speed during network congestion.
- Support Mobile hotspot: even though the monthly data allowance is less, you still have the choice to tether/ hotspot your other devices.
- Free calls to customer care: in case of issues with your service, Easy Wireless allows you to call customer service on 611 free of charge. The calls to directory service (411) and 911 emergency are also free.
- Crappy Phones: similar to many Lifeline providers, Easy Wireless hands out entry-level phones when you join. At the time of writing, the company was handing out BLU C5L (sometimes C6L) or Sky Devices Elite F55.
If you check the specs of this kind of phones Easy Wireless give you, they are lousy- sorry to say. For instance, 1GB RAM and 1.4GHz processor means you can never handle heavy tasks without your device overheating or crashing.
The good thing is Easy Wireless allows you to bring your phone as long it’s compatible with the service. And this now brings me to my topic of the day:
What Phones are Compatible with Easy Wireless
In truth, any of the phones compatible with QLink Wireless can efficiently work with an Easy Wireless SIM card too. Both lifeline services are MVNOs of the T-Mobile network, which means they run off the same cell towers.
To tap into the T-Mobile towers, your device must have frequency bands 2, 4*, 5, 12*, 66, & 71* on LTE. Then bands n41, n71, n258, n260, & n261 on 5g.
“*” marks the primary LTE frequency bands for extensive signal range. Your device must have at least one for the best experience.
Long story short, we can summarize the phones compatible with Easy Wireless into three categories:
- Factory-unlocked phones: these are fully unlocked cell phones directly from the manufacturer. It’s the kind of phone you get with Easy Wireless and the best option with BYOP for a trouble-free experience.
- Carrier-unlocked phones: as the name, these are the unlocked devices from any of the carriers compatible with Easy Wireless (or T-Mobile).
- T-Mobile-locked phones: As with any other MVNO, some of the branded T-Mobile phones can work with an Easy Wireless SIM card before unlocking.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you’ll get signal bars on Easy Wireless even with either of these types of phones. You must go to the Bring Your Own Phone page and enter the IMEI in the online checker box to confirm compatibility.
I did a test on both iPhone and a backup Nokia phone (international version), and both were compatible. But the Nokia showed to support only data services- “Voice calls will not work”.
A Summary of the Best Phones Compatible with Easy Wireless Lifeline Service
| Phones Compatible with Access Wireless | Network Connectivity | ROM vs RAM |
| Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A13 5G 64GB | 5G & 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Unlocked Apple iPhone SE | 4G LTE | 64GB, 3GB |
| Unlocked Google Pixel 3a | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Fully Unlocked Google Pixel 4A | 5G & 4G LTE | 128GB, 6GB |
| Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ | 4G LTE | 256GB, 12GB |
| Unlocked Easyfone T200 Big- | 4G LTE | N/A |
| T-Mobile Alcatel Go Flip 4G LTE | 4G LTE | 4GB, 0.5GB |
| Unlocked Motorola Moto G | 4G LTE | 128GB, 4GB |
| Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 Mini | 5G & LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone | 4G LTE | 64GB, 3GB |
| Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9+ Waterproof Snapdragon | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
| Unlocked Apple iPhone 11 4G | 4G LTE | 64GB, 4GB |
Factory Unlocked Samsung Galaxy A13 5G 64GB Android
Key Features:
- It has a wide 6.5-inch, 90Hz HD+ display
- Supports up to WiFi 5 (802.11.ac) protocol
- Has a Fingerprint reader for quick unlocking
- Captures sharp & vivid pictures (in 50MP)
- Has a built-in MicroSD slot to expand storage
- Connects with up to Sub6 5G networks (C-Band)
- Includes NFC for contactless payments & content sharing
Unlocked Apple iPhone SE (2020 Release) A13 LTE
Key Features:
- It has a rugged, IP67- dust/ water-resistant build
- Utilizes a high-performance A13 Bionic processor
- Compatible with the 7.5-Watt Qi wireless charger
- Can capture videos in 4K quality & Slo-Mo mode
- Has a built-in NFC sensor for contactless payments
- Supports up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) & Bluetooth v5.0 protocol
Unlocked Google Pixel 3a FHD+ Android Smartphone
Key Features:
- It has a clear, Full HD+ OLED display
- Has a decent Snapdragon 670 processor
- Includes a rear-mounted Fingerprint sensor
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v5.0
- Captures clear videos in 4K & slow-motion mode
- Has a built-in NFC for digital payments & content sharing
Fully Unlocked Google Pixel 4A with 5G Connectivity
Key Features:
- It has a wide 6.2-inch, Full HD+ OLED display
- Compatible with up to 5G mmWave networks
- Has a high-performance Snapdragon 765G chip
- Captures clear videos in 4K & Slow-Motion mode
- Supports up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v5.0
- Has a built-in NFC sensor for contactless payments
Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 256GB Stylus
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.8-inch, QHD display
- Has a rugged, IP68-rated aluminum build
- Runs on a fast Snapdragon 855 processor
- Captures sharp videos in 4K & Super-Slow-Motion
- Supports both Qi/ PMA & reverse wireless charging
- Includes Samsung DeX for easier mirroring on desktop
- Comes with a Stylus pen to sketch, jolt notes, or remotely control apps
T-Mobile Alcatel Go Flip 4G LTE Flip Phone for Seniors
Key Features:
- It runs on Snapdragon 215 processor
- Has a 1.44” external & 2.8” internal display
- Supports high-capacity & extended-range LTE
- Includes Mobile Hotspot functionality (up to 8 devices)
- Supports WiFi 4 (802.11n) & Bluetooth v4.2 protocols
- Includes a built-in MicroSD slot to expand storage space
- Compatible with up to M4 & T4-rated Hearing aid devices
Unlocked Motorola Moto G Stylus (2021) LTE 128GB Android
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.7-inch Full HD+ display
- Runs on a decent Snapdragon 678 processor
- Captures sharp & clear videos in 4K resolution
- Has a dedicated MicroSD slot to expand storage
- Includes a fingerprint reader for quick unlocking
- Supports up to WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v5.0
Fully Unlocked Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Key Features:
- It has a rugged, IP68-rated aluminum build
- Supports up to 5G mmWave connectivity
- Can record videos in 4K & Slo-Mo mode
- Supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax) & Bluetooth v5.0
- Compatible with Qi & MagSafe wireless chargers
- Runs on a powerful Apple A14 Bionic (5nm) processor
- Includes NFC for contactless payment & content sharing
Fully-Unlocked Apple iPhone XR 6.1-inch Retina Phone
Key Features:
- It has a wide 6.1-inch, HD+ display
- Utilizes a fast, Apple A12 Bionic processor
- Has a rugged, IP67 dust/ water-resistant build
- Includes NFC chip for contactless payments
- Compatible with a Qi wireless charger
- Can capture videos in 4K quality & Slo-Mo mode
- Support WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v5.0 protocols
Fully Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9+ Waterproof Snapdragon
Key Features:
- It has a wide, 6.2-inch QHD display
- Has a rugged, IP68-rated aluminum build
- Utilizes a super-fast Snapdragon 845 processor
- Includes NFC for digital payments & content sharing
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v5.0 protocols
- Captures clear videos in 4K & Super-Slow-Motion quality
- Has an Iris scanner & fingerprint reader for quick unlocking
LG Stylo 5 6” FHD+ LTE Android Smartphone
Key Features:
- It has a wide 6.2-inch, Full HD display
- Runs on a decent Snapdragon 450 processor
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v4.2
- Includes a built-in MicroSD slot to expand storage
- Compatible with high-capacity & extended-range LTE
- Has a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner for fast unlocking
Unlocked Apple iPhone 11 4G LTE A13 Water-Resistant
Key Features:
- It has a rugged, IP68-rated aluminum build
- Runs on a high-performance A13 Bionic chip
- Compatible with wired & Qi Wireless chargers
- Has a built-in NFC chip for contactless payments
- Records sharp videos in 4K & Slow-Motion mode
- Utilizes WiFi 6 (802.11ax) & Bluetooth v5.0 protocols
Unlocked Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G & LTE 256GB Android
Key Features:
- It has an extra-wide 6.8-inch, Full HD+ display
- Utilizes a decent Snapdragon 480 (8nm) processor
- Compatible with up to Sub6 5G networks (C-Band)
- Has a built-in MicroSD slot to expand storage space
- Comes with a Stylus pen to sketch & jolt down notes
- Supports WiFi 5 (802.11ac) & Bluetooth v5.0 protocols
What towers does easy Wireless use?
In the contemporary world, mobile telecommunications have become an integral part of our daily lives, and companies like Easy Wireless are stepping up to ensure we stay connected. A regional provider making a significant impact, Easy Wireless offers comprehensive and quality mobile services across a broad geographic area.
A key feature of Easy Wireless’s operational strategy is their usage of the Nationwide Sprint Network. This strategic choice empowers the company to deliver reliable mobile services to its customers across extensive geographical areas. By utilizing the Sprint Network’s footprint, Easy Wireless capitalizes on the robust infrastructure already in place, thereby enabling the company to focus on offering customer-centric, affordable, and flexible mobile plans.
How do I qualify for Easy Wireless Lifeline?
To qualify for the Easy Wireless Lifeline service, applicants need to either participate in certain government assistance programs or meet specific income requirements.
The applicable government assistance programs include:
- Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing (Section 8)
- Veteran’s Administration Pension, or Veteran’s Survivor’s Benefits
- Tribal Lifeline Program
In addition, if you participate in any of these Tribal Programs, you may qualify for the Tribal Lifeline:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribally Administered TANF
- Head Start (this applies only to those who qualify by income and are residents of Tribal Lands)
Alternatively, individuals may qualify for Lifeline assistance if their total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
However, it’s crucial to remember that the applicant themselves (not just a member of their household) must meet the eligibility criteria for these programs. Also, only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, which means federal law prohibits more than one person in each household from subscribing to separate Lifeline service providers.
With these guidelines in place, Easy Wireless is ensuring that those who need assistance the most have access to crucial mobile telecommunications services.
Common Related Questions:
What network does easy wireless use
At the moment, T-Mobile is the network Easy Wireless use to offer its lifeline & prepaid phone service. It does work well in most parts of the country, except in rural areas where you’re likely to meet weak or no signal.
How’s the Easy wireless application?
The Easy Wireless application is available online or through its retail stores across the country. In the online option, go to the Easy Wireless sign-up page. Then enter your email and Zip code in the appropriate box, and hit the bold “Enroll Now” button.
What are the Easy wireless APN settings?
If your phone has an issue with signal or data, chances are you need to reconfigure its network settings. In our case here, you can use the Easy Wireless APN settings below to do the reconfiguration:
Name: Easy Wireless
APN: Reseller
Proxy: (leave blank)
Port: (leave blank)
Username: (leave blank)
Password: (leave blank)
Server: (leave blank)
MMSC: http://mmsc.mobile.att.net
MMS Proxy: proxy.mobile.att.net
MMS Port: 80
MCC: 310
MNC: 410
For Authentication Type: (leave blank)
For the APN Type: default, supl, mms, fota
APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
APN roaming Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
Bearer: (Unspecified)
Mobile virtual network operator: (none)
FYI: you’ll find the window to APN settings for most phones under Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet).
How do I get a replacement phone from my easy Wireless?
You can get a replacement phone from Easy Wireless for free if it was an upgrade device and still under the 45-day warranty policy. If the defective phone was from the Free stock (with ACP), a replacement device will cost you $25. You can get the replacement phone from the Easy Wireless retail store or contact customer care at 611 or +1 (877) 476-3451 for assistance.
Does easy Wireless give free phones?
Like other lifeline carriers, Easy Wireless does give free phones when joining. However, you now need to be on the ACP-only or ACP + Lifeline combo plan to get this (the free phone). If you choose the “Base” Lifeline-only plan, the carrier charges $25 on the phone.
Emphasis on US-Version Phones
Whether you want to join or replace your lost/ stolen/ damaged/ outdated device, this is everything you should know about phones compatible with Easy Wireless. It’s self-explanatory, as the most significant points to keep in mind are cellular and network technology.
However, I’m still going to push on getting US-version of the phones instead of the international version. Yes, T-Mobile is a little bit more relaxed on these rules than its rivals AT&T and Verizon. But the problem is that even when supported, these devices (international variants) tend to lack some features- like my Nokia without voice services.
Another thing, you might want to consider a 5G phone for your Easy Wireless to make sure your service works well during network congestion. The device doesn’t need to be the flagship, luxury brand that cost an arm and leg. The likes of Samsung Galaxy A13 5G and Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G cost around $200 could do.
