Q Link Wireless is a free phone service available exclusively to low-income individuals and families on a government assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, and the Department of Veterans Affairs through its Lifeline program. The company offers customers nationwide coverage on both 5G and 4G LTE networks.

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The Good

Free Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data
No Annual Contract
Keep Your Phone and Number
Nationwide Coverage

Free Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data

Q Link Wireless customers receive a number of benefits when they enroll for the company's Lifeline assistance program:

Unlimited Texting
Unlimited Talk
Free Phone Activation and SIM Card
No Credit Check
Voicemail and 3-Way Calling
Access to 10 Million Wifi Hotspots

Q Link Wireless estimates customers can save up up to $599 per year in monthly fees when they sign up for the Lifeline plan.

No Annual Contract

Q LInk Wireless is also one of the few cell phone plan providers to not require its customers to sign up for lengthy, multi-year contracts. Qualifying customers can sign up for or cancel Q Link's free cell phone service at any time.

Keep Your Phone and Number

Q Link Wireless customers can also keep their existing phone and phone number when they enroll in the Lifeline program, regardless of whether they own a flip phone, iPhone, Blackberry, or Samsung Galaxy. Customers in need of a smartphone can receive a free Q Link phone.

Nationwide Coverage

Q Link Wireless is actively working to expand its national network. The carrier’s network coverage depends on the area, weather, signal strength, and traffic volumes, but over 97 percent of the geographic United States is covered.

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The Bad

Only Available to Qualifying Customers

Only Available to Qualifying Customers

Q Link Wireless's Lifeline assistance program is only available to qualifying Americans who are currently on a low income or government assistance program:

SNAP (food stamps)
Medicaid
Department of Veterans Affairs
Social Security Income Assistance

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The Bottom Line

Customers living under the Federal Poverty Line may find a reliable cell phone provider in Q Link Wireless. The company offer free cell phone services to more than 2 million qualifying customers across roughly 97 of the country. Customers on government financial aid programs are encouraged to enroll in the Lifeline program.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.0

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4,167 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

20%

4 grade

66%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

Sentiment Criteria

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Quality

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Jenn Albuquerque, NM

For a free service, I really am happy. I got to bring an unlocked phone that I already owned. I think it is great how bring your own device is an option, because that saved me a lot of money. After being approved, I received the SIM card in 2 days, I was surprised because it arrived very quickly! Once I inserted the SIM into my phone, within about 5-10 seconds I had service and was able to make calls/ use my phone normally. The overall process from the beginning ( application) to the end (inserting SIM and getting service going) was extremely quick and easy! I live in a really rural area, and I have tried a couple other free services before using Q Link and I'd say Q Link is hands down the best one (service wise) that I have tried. As I said, I live in a rural area, which means there are some spots where the service gets a little choppy. However, I feel like the previous services I tried were worse. I recommend family and friends to Q Link! I am SO happy I made the switch myself. If anyone is thinking about making the switch to Q Link, I'd say do it, you will not be sorry!! The ONLY downside I have found is Q Link does not offer "Hot Spot" which was kind of a bummer at first, because I had to get use to not being able to use my phone as a portable hot spot device. But once I got use to it, I have absolutely no complaints at all.

3 days ago

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Jonathan Eskine Slidell, LA

It is amazing to have phone service not just for a low cost but literally for FREE! This saves me $100+ a month vs. choosing a major phone carrier. It was easy to sign up, get approved, and enrolled. Before I knew it my SIM card kit arrived in the mail, I put the SIM card in my phone and I immediately had service. I’ve travel a decent amount in my state and I have had no issue with not having any service. Sometimes the internet service can get a little slow which is why I left 4 stars instead of 5, but regardless, switching to Q Link Wireless was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I recommend it to everyone out there and I’m so thankful for this!!

3 days ago

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Peter Moimoi Tucson, AZ

No complaints,, whenever I had an issue they were there until I was satisfied with the results. If it was after business hours, I'd simply described the issue and they're quick in responding with a suggestion to my email they would do a follow-up to make sure I had resolve my issue. I would've given them 5- stars but haven't received my tablet yet. Lol

3 days ago

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Alex Todd Louisville, KY

I love everything fr... fr... its been good, fast reliable, only thing is it didn't come with a free phone I mean I know I know it cost wether it's a cheap knock off or crap one. But it was hard getting a network unlocked phone and now it took a dump on me I can't seem to get another with no income to low based . Hopeful soon I'll ha e a good phone and I'll be back

3 days ago

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Barry T Sullivan GA

Thank you Q Link you've been a great help to me to make sure that I always have service any issues that I've ever had have always been corrected fast and efficiently your representatives have been outstanding thank you for your service

3 days ago Edited June 5, 2023

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Dee Memphis, TN

Overall Q Link Wireless has given me an awesome opportunity to stay in contact with my family, friends. I gave it a 3 out of 5 star rating because aside from the free service, the phone is extremely slow and it's above all very frustrating to navigate. There is sooooo many update that needed to be done to the device + to the Tablet (I also purchased with the device), that both devices are more of a headache than anything else. The service is great and appreciative but the technology given alone isn't really worth it in my opinion. You should consider upgraded your devices to a current generation device and I could definitely see some better results.

3 days ago

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Kevin Gallagher Framingham, MA

very nice people great value thank both Jesus and... the other guy (???) Ummmm, Juan! THAT'S the other gardener who told me all about this wondrous planet-wide revolution. Arrriba Arrrriba! kevg Ps. All kidding aside... Love you guys! Great lifesaving service. helping people = GOOD

4 days ago

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Will Cruz Augusta, GA

The service has been good. I have only lost connection twice within the last year. Other than that a little trouble with usage while driving down the road. Therefore, my rating is above average and quality. Thank you. Are you or have you ever been being?

1 day ago

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Scott Hoover Cathedral City, CA

I have had no issues at all.with Qlink and to be honest I was skeptical coming from the big name providers...but no hassles, service is always there when I need it and yeah, It's great!

1 day ago

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KmMarilyn Mcleod-Biddle Seattle, WA

Everything is great with qlink my only complaint would be when internet speeds slow down toward the end of the month. Other than that it's great I have recommended several people to qlink and most have made the switch with no complaints. Great service Thank you

1 day ago

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Anna Schmitz Mesa, AZ

I enjoy being able to be reached. The sole purpose of a phone, to be honest. I just wish it performed better for other tasks. My phone is very laggy and doesn't always deliver text messages in a timely manner. Since it is free, I am not complaining, merely answering the question posed...😊

2 days ago

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Bill Glime

The one thing I didn't like was once u used up the minutes you couldn't do anything with it untill it was reloaded! So every month for about a week u couldn't use your phone ! What I do like is it going to unlimited then there's no shuttling down

2 days ago

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J P Jensen Tucson, AZ

It's too soon to completely review and give back five star being that I have not had to deal with the customer service yet that will be the determining Factor. What I like is it was very easy to transfer service and so far no issues. I was once a hello Mobile customer and I like to tell them about quite a bit so I'm expecting the same with Q Link

3 days ago

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Renee Hart Jacksonville, FL

I like the phone very much, but, there are still some corks. I had to factory reset my phone because, out of a phenomenal event, an error message occurred and I could not get into my phone and lost some apps, such as, GMAIL, some games, and other apps. Then I can seem to add them to my home screen. But, through it all, it's a good phone.

3 days ago

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Mark Vandyke Chicago, IL

I don't like the fact that when I started with qlink my phone sounded like a pinball machine with everyone trying to sell me something. I still get more spam calls in a single day than I'm accustomed to receiving in an entire month. That's not cool. The service itself is fine though.

4 days ago

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Kayla Hall Philadelphia, PA

Been (w/) Q Linķ Wıreļess for a coůple to a few years now {&} seems to be a pretty good an decent cell phone company provider to be (w/) ,plus have cell service in a area that usually most providers don't pick up in this location <ÔŘ> nøt as far up in that area ((but)) can say Q Lınķ reaches more more futher in the area!¡¡¡!¡¡¡!¡¡¡!

3 weeks ago

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Jeannie Johnson Tucson, AZ

I love my phone thanks for sending it to me . I find it slow to download anything or open apps. but it’s still worth it because now at least I have a phone I don’t have to pay for.

3 days ago

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Angela Breeden GA

It's ok but don't understand why I have to turn my phone on an off every first of the month an don't understand why I have to reset my sims card once a month but any how thanks for your service

3 days ago

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Cristina Ramos Dumas, TX

Only issue I’ve had is phone’s I’ve had to purchase act up to quickly.Usually I feel I should get a freezer phone as long as I’ve been with Qlink and a purchasing customer.

3 days ago

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Hennessy HERSHEYBAR (Man of Valor) Baltimore, MD

I only give three stars is because I don't get the full amount of Gig that I suppose to receive each month and went I connect to my internet to try to do my school work my gig still are used and even when I turn off my mobile data

4 days ago

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Robert Deweese Chicago, IL

I have been enjoying your service since 2016 I can't complain much you've been keeping me going all this time without any problems thank you very much for the service that I have been receiving

4 days ago

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dana tomlin

Only thing I would change is an upgrade on phones , I have I phone 7 and it’s dieing. And maybe offer home internet. Other then that keep up the good work

4 days ago

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Crizzycazz Columbus, IN

Appreciate the on time and complete benefit added each month. I have lifeline thru qlink. BUT when I first started the program I had lifeline and the ACP benefits both with qlink. They had promised a tablet with the ACP benefit but when I asked they co.said I had to wait because they were waiting on the tablets and when received it would then be sent to me. Well after a yr of waiting and no tablet. I decided to transfer ACP benefit to another carrier (which by the way , are never on time and repeatedly do not fufill complete benefit). So...I have have never received a tablet from anyone and thought qlink should have fufilled their promise as they received both ny lifeline and ACP benefit for almost a year or more.

1 month ago

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Shiela Scott Columbia City, IN

April 14 when I joined Qlink I had the BEST ever customer service! His name was Freddy and he took service to a new level which haven't seen in years! I was having (and still am) changing my account from Straight talk as soon as Straight talk saw I was changing carriers they locked me out of my account. Freddy called Straight talk while I was on phone and accomplished getting account to Q Link!!! He was amazing!!!!

1 month ago

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Terri Errickson Millville, NJ

The service is outstanding. This is the first service that I have found that I can pick up in my house. No matter where I'm at I get outstanding service. I just want to thank you for the awesome service and products. I want to upgrade to a new phone because some of the apps say that it's not compatible with my phone I have the pepper phone I want to upgrade to the to the updated Androids that allows me to get different apps that are compatible with my phone. Thank you again for your awesome service. When I got on your service I went through your store and that's where I got my phone I paid $35 for it. What do you recommend would be the next upgrade I know the price will be a little more.

2 months ago

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Ruth Hammons Austin, TX

The service is so nice and I appreciate it so very much! It is the phone I don't like and find hard to work, but that is how it is.

2 days ago

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Pamella Urza Seattle, WA

I love that I am to get online and to make calls but I need to get a better phone and tablet so I don't get so frustrated learning how to use it 🙃

3 days ago

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Abbygale Neely (lilmouse25) Leo-Cedarville, IN

Really like how fast is was sent an how easy it was to set up to use . A bit hard to find out how to get the free phone but still happy with the all around experience.

3 days ago

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Colene Vargas Portland, OR

Great service when in town. Outer skirts of towns tho, drops calls or can't find service. Overall tho I'd have to say I truly would be lost without it.!

3 days ago

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Pete Landreth Houston, TX

It was very difficult to get approved. After over a year of attempting to get service I finally spoke w an agent who gave me the correct info to finally reach approval.

3 days ago

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Marla C St Louis, MO

I like the quality of phone service with Q Link Wireless compared to other free wireless plans. I've tried others but I've returned to Q Link Wireless!

3 days ago

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Judith Pressman Narberth, PA

I like Q-Link because it serves my telephone and texting needs. I am very appreciative for this service and the Smart phone I am using.

4 days ago

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Crysta Metz Chicago, IL

I like that I have a phone at all and this program gives me a free phone. I don't like that my Data gets slow at the end of the month and I can't do much on my phone. Wish it was really unlimited.

4 days ago

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Grace Adeyemo

Qlink reliability in prompt recharging of data. But sometimes l am unable make or receive calls. All efforts to get help may fail. The problem will sort itself out.

4 days ago

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Kel Lemieux Denver, CO

As a lower income citizen, I don't have the money for a phone service, so this monthly free program brings phones to those of us who lost out in the digital divide. I make calls, I send texts, and I pick up my groceries with this mobile company's product.

3 weeks ago

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Karen Joseph Oklahoma City, OK

My comments and general experience are all positive. My phone and tablet arrived within less than 24 hours. The features on the phone are outstanding . There were some apps that were downloaded, I had to research. Generally, it has been a great experience thus far.

4 weeks ago

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Carol Bland

When I first tried to turn on my q Link service I did a transfer for my telephone number from straight talk and somewhere between q Link receiving the number and straight talk sending the number it was lost and I never got to have my number transferred over and no one from either side could tell me what was happening. Also I didn't get the option of a new phone or Amazon gift card

4 weeks ago

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Joseph Stombaugh Costa Mesa, CA

I really like the quick and helpful responses that I have been getting. One problem I ordered a new phone and tablet and can't get confirmation. It has been 3weeks since I ordered l want to reorder if it's necessary. Help desk hasn't helped.

1 month ago

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Christopher Lally Denham Springs, LA

QLink Wireless has been really great. The only 2 issue that I see is that(1) the high speed data cap is much lower than other companies offering free service and so it makes using your phones data internet so slow that you can actually use it. And (2) QLink Wireless doesn't offer free phones to customers choosing to use their service. Other than these 2 issues the service is great every where I go and no phone call connections or texting issues at all. Although I do live in Baton Rouge, La which is a pretty big city.

1 month ago

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Janet Hale Sacramento, CA

You never gave me a phone and my phone is very old and now have trouble charging this phone of 8yrs old now and can not afford one! Your phone prices suck!!! Not affordable for us poor people!!! And you dont offer any hotspot use either which would help me out! Other companies have hotspot use but you giys dont. Between my broken phone and no help getting one a an affordable price for the poorest of our population. Otherwise your service has always been a good signal without much interruption or poor signal. Always has worked everytime I needed it.

1 month ago

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Steven Rudnik Eastpointe, MI

I love that Q Link makes every aspect of using their services so easy for the elderly especially!! It's truly only a few steps from getting your new sim card as I did, ("Bring your Phone"), to the activation process. I'd have to say it took me 10 minutes to put my sim card into my own device to calling my family and friends!! Thank you for the service QLink!!

1 month ago

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David Adkins Amsterdam, NH

Customer services great But I seriously need a new phone I'm sorry I knew free phone The one I have I'm only getting 1 bar And yes I already did all the trouble shooting steps I reset my network I feel like I'm having a fun out with the full factory reset that did not help Change the other settings that do not help But I'm pretty sure I have to do with it Because I do not have money to buy a phone

1 month ago

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Chris Livengood Winston-Salem, NC

Thank you so much Q Link, man, you have awesome service, and service plans, better yet, don't forget about all the new phones you carry, I want to thank all of y'all, for being such a good team, and assisting each customer, with the best instructions and manners, from each and every one of you guys.. thank you too late you make my world go round..

1 month ago

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Kelli Reed Pensacola, FL

It, Q-Link still has a few hiccups to hammer out .I mean Q-Link is a cool thing so far , sorta. What kept me from posting a 5 Star rating at this time is just that there's alot, A LOT of weird things . I'm not the techno Champ however; some apps and emails are doing there own thing and acting outta pocket. Putting words in without me finishing typing. My phone is definately not a team player lol. I probably need to get a new phone but I thought the powers that be might want to know My phone is acting up. Thanks ,Kelli Reed

2 months ago

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Sally Garcia San Antonio, TX

I have great communication never a drop call goodsound and my income is low this helps me one less payment.Thank you

2 days ago

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Misty Peoples Independence, MO

Love it so much and service is free and has a big coverage area and unlimited everything even hotspot

2 days ago

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Heather Baker Hot Springs, AR

Everything has gone smoothly for over a year now. I buy my own unlocked phones and use them on my qlink when one breaks. Love it

3 days ago

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Tammie Green Dallas, TX

I haven't had any problems with talk are text the service is good just need a better quality phone upgrade.

3 days ago

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Mindy Logan Circleville, OH

I think the service is good..I know that it does go in and out alot not sure if it is because of the towers they use or not.

4 days ago

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Dian Hawkins

I really liked the customer relationship, the constant reminders to keep you abreast of things event when you fell weary

4 days ago

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