Q Link Wireless Logo

Q Link Wireless

star star star star star_border

7.0

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 29th, 2023

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.

Top Ranked Companies

AT&T Logo
#4 AT&T chevron_right
5.5 Overall Score
3.7
star star star star_half star_border
(1,493)
thumb_up

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.

thumb_down

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
gavel

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.

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

4.0

star star star star star_border

3,647 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

20%

4 grade

66%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

1%

1 grade

4%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_border

Quality

star star star star_half star_border

Service

star star star star_half star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star_half star_border
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
star star star star_border star_border

Lonnie Swenson Salt Lake City, UT

I have Been a Q-link Customer for 3 Years, in those 3 years, I have lost broken at least 3 phones, first I would call Q-links customer service to get a new phone and sim card. The sim card seams to get shipped out right away because thats one of the first things needed to start your service with your new phone, this is where I had a problem because I have a job where I need my phone daily and did not receive my phone for 3 weeks it made my job very complicated needless to say this would be my only complaint thanks q-link. Lonnie Swenson

3 weeks ago

star star star star_border star_border

Debbie Cannon Opelika, AL

I think I was treated wrong because my phone messed up wouldn't work right but yet I had to pay almost $40 for another tablet didn't last three weeks nobody will call me back I got a bad deal on the phone and tablet but they have great service and rewards I'm on disability I want to stay with Q Linl Wireless

3 weeks ago Edited March 6, 2023

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Tim Kniep Chicago, IL

You say unlimited data. I have found that to not be true. I have reached the limit a couple of times and had to go the rest of the month without internet. Make it unlimited or let us know the limits so we know how to budget our use.

4 weeks ago

star star star star_border star_border

ILLYA DMITRIEFF Jordanville, NY

The only complaint I have is that Q Link, for the past couple of months or so, strangely near the end of the month has sent me an email warning that I need to use the service every 30 days to keep it, when their own records in an email earlier each of those months indicated that I used such-and-such an amount of data, etc. thus far that month already (and my own records would agree). Please fix your system, guys! Thanks!

1 month ago Edited February 8, 2023

star star star star_border star_border

Nicole Stevick

The phones are cheaply made and are very slow . When you call customer service nobody speaks English and it's so hard to understand them. They had promised stuff in the past and I never saw what they promised. Instructions to your promotions are so hard to understand. So I am confused know with the upgrade promotion on top of this page. I thought I already was getting unlimited data, talk and text. Can you please explain to me if I need to do anything Thank you Nicole Stevick

1 month ago

star star star star_border star_border

Ron R Austin, MN

Hi this is Ron what I do like they all football but then when you look back I don't have no phone haven't heard the phone but you almost 2 months and I've been telling me to keep sending me SIM cards but what can I do with SIM card without a phone I'm trying to get a tablet but I was told by wireless call wireless they say you going to get one either the phone or the tablet I told him I can't take the tablet and make calls on it the tablet is made for the internet and movies it states that so somebody I don't know it's just everything is messed up screwed up this place is I can't get no help a little more I try to backwards I go so I don't know what's going on new employees and not following the guidelines it's crazy

2 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Tishura Schlecht

Haven't received all my promised services that were suppose to come when i switched to qlink services.havent got 2 months free amazon prime or the 25 dollar amazon gift card.

4 weeks ago

star star star star_border star_border

cancer women Charlotte, NC

Its my 3rd time having yall service and every time yall disconnect my service for whatever reason...take away my number. I will appreciate it if they email me or send a text to let me know. Because I cant never get it back. Very disappointing I have to change my phone eveytime. Other then that I appreciate yall service.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Charles Ensminger Seattle, WA

Good so far, would like to use service longer before im asked to rate it though. Thats with all the companys out there. It seems like everyone wants a rating right away. well ive used the phone service with my own phone but was under the impression that i was going to get a tablet and a phone sent out to me but never received them. If i had, my rating would have been higher. I would still like the phone and tablet and port my phone number over and get the amazon gift card. but ive never got anything like that from any company off of the internet,

2 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Aina Dini New Castle, DE

I've only had the phone service for 3 days but they sent my Sim card in 4 days so that was Awesome. They also sent me a tracking number so I could see how long it would take until I received it. What I don't like is that they don't let you keep your old number like the Ads say. And they got my name wrong and won't change it. Otherwise the service seems okay...

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Ericka Chicago, IL

Wasn't happy with a few things at first but overall ok with this service since it'll be temporary. I received the $25 Amazon gift card as promised so that made me happy. Pretty decent service with 5g and 5g+ in a majority of the areas I go to. However a lot of little lies here and there... one of them, being told I have unlimited high speed data but this is not true, as my speeds were throttled down to 2mbps after using 5gb of data. False advertising, whether it's free for me right now or not, Q-Link gets reimbursed by the government for these false claims of unlimited high speed data, which is why it's not ok to make these false claims

3 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Frank Rivers Charlotte, NC

Ever since I was put on qlinkwireless ,my phone has been running slow, or not even loading the application that I'm trying to get to. It says that the wifi is not connected. I will figure out what the real problem is. So standby for more information. Spectrum is the wifi provider, with the 5-G speed. I will return for the update.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

PATMAN Lake City, MN

Unable to use all features of my phone or my service. I can't use my Hotspot nothing will connect to it. My text do not register on my statement. I'm unsure from where you get your data on customer usage but I feel that it needs to be calibrated.

2 months ago Edited January 2, 2023

star star star star_border star_border

Mudd E Jewelry Arlington, TX

They were great at one time but now the signal sucks and service is unreliable. They don't replace your phone if it breaks and their phones are extra expensive and outrageous. But the service is free because the government pays them.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Cynthia Greene Shelby, OH

Good service for the most part, only thing I dislike is I can't access my voicemail and everytime I leave a wifi spot my data won't work until I power cycle my phone, and I know it's not the phone bc when I had this phone on Verizon the voicemail worked and I never had wifi to data problems.

1 month ago

star star star star_border star_border

Karen Rose Houston, TX

OK to start with y'all scrude me I order a phone for 179 $ and I received the the first phone 79$ I believe it was any phone was never received I call your customers services they said it shows that it was delivered and they finally sent after I $179 it never was I got stuck with a piece of crap phone finally after talking to your rude as hell CS so being that I paid 179 $ already I spent $79 and got the cheaper one customers services was not going to give my money back I have both phones now wtf am I supposed to do with 2 phones they said no money back when it was delivered I called bs still want to send phone back and they told me now I still believe you owe me money

4 months ago Edited November 2, 2022

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Curtis Knight Bellingham, WA

Your telephone service is great - Your customer service is not - you sent me a new phone (Thank you very much for that) but I can barely use it and there is no one on your side of the equation to help me understand how to use it - i've had it for about a year and still cannot access my voicemail - additionally, i would have bought a better phone, one more suited to my needs, if you gave me a way to do that - but you don't - i'm legally blind - i can still navigate my way around the world and manage, with work, all three categories of communication devices (tablet, laptop & "some" phones) when educated on their operation (I'm sending this to you from my laptop with no assistance required) - But I need some help with the last phone you sent me or the ability to purchase a phone that meets my needs - you won't provide either of those services - i would think your specific clientele needs access those phones and services - hope this wasn't a waste of everyone's time

5 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Phillip D. Craig J.r. Los Angeles, CA

So far so good was easy to get my number transferred and keeping my old number I love that plus I got good service thank you Q Link

4 weeks ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Richard Pifher Portland, OR

I can not make calls or recieve calls it goes to voice mail which I can't access either . Making calls it just hangs up on me .. rest of service great

1 month ago

star star star star_border star_border

Lela High Sainte Genevieve, MO

I like the service but I'm supposed to get a free phone and tablet but it's so difficult trying to figure out how to pay to receive it and no details any where

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

John Hause Seattle, WA

The service is ok. However i continue to get messages saying i have not used any of my talk of text minutes or data. Im told i have unlimited but if i use too mush data i am cut off completely.

2 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Jay Nicholas Mohave Valley, AZ

Should offer a phone with service not just a sim card. I had card mailed to me bit could not find a compatible phone to use for over 3 weeks. Customer service was helpful but could not solve my issue.

2 months ago Edited January 17, 2023

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Allyx Hilterbran Blanchard, OK

The data and service is slow in rural areas. Also, it has been used since I got the service and activated it but it still emails and says I will lose my benefit if I don’t use it.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Jennifer Franklin Louisville, KY

It was ok for free service but I never got the unlimited data so it needs a large review. I also do not know if it keeps records of phone calls and messaging for court records

2 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Amanda Wilburn Minneapolis, MN

My phone plan is sim card alone that was supposed to be all unlimited. However I receive ebb wifi through post mobile and due to this my qlink data has been dropped to 4.5 gigs. This seems unfair. It is two different services for two different things.none the less. The phone I use for my qlink is outdated and will need to be replaced which I CAN do for around $300 through qlink. Or I can do payments. But I have no credit and if I had 300$ for a phone I would not have qlink. Or boost ebb wifi. I fee this service SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY include unlimited data, poor people should have access to at least enough data to do online applications and learning activities for their children. Which would then include WIFI/HOTSPOT to allow kids EDUCATIONAL telivision.

6 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Violet Mason Saint Paul, MN

The phone I just purchased doesn't work. Outgoing calls are barred, incoming sent to voicemail. Nothing's blocked.

4 weeks ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Robin Carter Texarkana, TX

I have no real service if I didn't have wifi in the house I live in I would never get a call or text as I have no towers with our wifi.

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

[email protected] Elvisp68 Houston, TX

I would like a phone sent to me from Qlink. My phone is not allowing me to make calls and that was the whole point in having a phone.

1 month ago

star star star star_border star_border

Oscar Merino Las Vegas, NV

I am unable to recieve the tablet and phone offer I paid$10.00 for but was not Recieved and I had no idea it was sent nor did I recieve tracking info.

2 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Kj Harry Negaunee, MI

So Service is very horrible in the town that I live in a Nichols out quite a bit. Can’t send video messages or pictures. Internet goes out a lot no hotspot.

2 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

RENEE DELUCAS Marion, NY

Because I don't have wifi, my data runs out last few days even though I have unlimited data. However, I could not afford to have a cell phone if not for QLink.

2 months ago Edited January 2, 2023

star star star star_border star_border

Noelani Vida Kea‘au, HI

I like that it's free. And not a bill. And my dislike is the reception. I'm having a hard time getting service. My calls are being dropped, and it will not let me call out. Very frustrating

3 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Cynthia Avondale, AZ

This service has come in handy. But i can honestly say the phone that i was given was extremely outdated & stopped working properly & could really afford to buy a new one. I don't think it's fair that they wouldn't replace the old phone with something more updated or at least that would work with all the updated networks running 4 &5g.

4 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Gwen Robison East Hardwick, VT

The service zis amazing I don't get service with quick in most areas in where I live which makes it difficult . But when I go to another town occasionally I'm able to have access in keeping connected with my children better. Would love to have better service range options

4 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Great service Milwaukee, WI

The phones that Q-Link send you are garbage. It takes forever to turn on so you can make a call, the battery only last about an hour then you have to charge it for about 2 hours. When I was using my own phone I didn’t have any problems, the service was great. When you call customer and the person don’t understand what you’re talking about they put you on hold and never come back to the phone. I started with this company when they started up Q-Link and I loved it, I referred about 10 people and some still have Q-Link.

6 months ago Edited October 18, 2022

star star star star_border star_border

Robin Sperling Lake Havasu City, AZ

My experience has been okay. The only exception being that I was told that I would be receiving a tablet along with the service and I never received it. That is why I rated your service medium. Can someone tell me if I am going to receive the tablet as stated or not? Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter. Robin Sperling

6 months ago Edited September 6, 2022

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Joe Zuerlein Greenwood Village, CO

Well I live in a rural area in Colorado so my cell service is spotty in some area here ,so I have to move from my apartment about 3 blocks I'm not happy about that ,and it blocks in town as well in certain spots I know what service I get from you is a good program but I would like it to work better in case of an emergency or health issues come up ,but overall you do a good job and I appreciate having you with me because of my ss income is low I cannot afford others so I'm glad to have your service so for now it's ok but it's just a bit of inconvenience for thxs for you service it does help

7 months ago Edited March 1, 2023

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Nicole Mercadel Mandeville, LA

Phone is very very sluggish, it loads slowly, it's a hassle to want to use unfortunately.

4 weeks ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Patrick Kilduff Huntington Beach, CA

Was told they couldn't understand what I said. Went high to low to high again and again

4 weeks ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

kevin bowling Pikeville, KY

Took to long to reset my monthly minutes they went dead an took 2 mths to get back on

4 weeks ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Fernando Sarralha New York, NY

Yeah I just started using the company through a government program it’s OK im constantly losing the signal and it goes into 4G which nothing works on 4G anymore but in overall it’s OK but customer service when you call they either don’t know what they’re talking about lack of knowledge or they’re just not doing their job because you keep getting the same answers and at times I’ve had to call back three or four times to finally get to someone that understood the problem and fixed it I have an issue currently with them and they still haven’t fixed it in doesn’t matter how many times I’ve called or how many emails I’ve sent nothing gets done

9 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Dorinda Hill Duluth, MN

I like the service but the phone I got from you doesn't keep a charge very long and it gets hot when using it and the table I can't use on line even with it hooked up to Wi-Fi it says that I can't go on line cause the tablet doesn't have the right program in it and it don't even have the bars on top to see if you got any type or reception at all, I have tried since I got and just gave up on the tablet can't get on line with it it's not worth any thing at all and the phone has to be on the charger 24-7 just to use the phone, I tried to contact the company about the phone talked to some gentleman and he told me to send it back to them but didn't give me a address to mail it to free of charge but the post office wants me to pay to send it any where to get fixed. Well that's my experience with your company.

10 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Kerri R Marshall Washington Court House, OH

Can not get anyone to answer the phone, I have been trying since August 2022 to get my account activated

1 month ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

tonya pratt Detroit, MI

I tried to get this service that provides a new phone but I got a sim card kit not sure why couldn't get a new phone as offered unless I misunderstood the services but other then that I'm satisfied thank you

3 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Steven K Pharr, TX

The Hotspot doesn't really work but Bluetooth does. The phone is much smaller than expected and very slow with glitches. My basic needs are met. But I can't retrieve A pass code from email and return to the website. It closes and I can't get into allot of things.

6 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Vivian Greco Orlando, FL

The phone puts out so much radiation I feel it in my face and jaw. If you read the information about the Sorreno hot pepper it is ranked 1st for radiation. I use it for data and texting. The texting app is awful. The Q link service is ok I guess. I only used customer service one time to help with inserting the sim card

6 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Brian Atascadero, CA

Other than pretty slow. For being free and unlimited how could I complain. Thank you so much. This truly is a life saver. When I did my application I was approved for the phone, the sim card package and the pad. The phone and sim package came on 7/22/22. I have yet to receive the pad. Now it states that it's pending

7 months ago

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

Mark Windhorst TN

Its a descent service. Call and text work good. Its the data that gets it messed up. Sometimes you will have 4G speeds, other times its slower than slow. Can't say what does it, I'm in the same place and get different speeds. The text works until you add a picture to it, then it takes 10 minutes to send.

7 months ago

star star star star_border star_border

Crystal Johnson Philadelphia, PA

I like my service with Qlink, but the number given to me still shows up as someone else's name. I called twice two hey the problem fixed. Spoke to two different reps that assisted me and told me the problem fixed. The problem still exists.

7 months ago Edited August 2, 2022

check_circle

Review Source

star star star star_border star_border

thom walz Round Rock, TX

Tech Support was a terrible experience. "Farming out" to India or where ever, their command of the English Language is very every every poor. NOT ONLY AM I DEALING WITH MY PHONE ISSUE, I'M FRUSTRATED ALL TO HELL THAT I CANNOT COMMUNICATE WITH AN OBVIOUS IDIOT. THE "refill" process seems done well.

8 months ago