You can use your Assurance Wireless SIM card in another phone by ensuring your new phone is unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile’s network (since Assurance Wireless operates on T-Mobile infrastructure). Simply power off both phones, remove the SIM card from your Assurance Wireless device using a SIM ejection tool, and insert it into your new phone’s SIM tray.
After powering on your new phone, you should have service automatically, though you might need to configure the APN settings (go to network settings and enter “wholesale” as the APN) if your data doesn’t work right away. Most modern unlocked GSM phones manufactured after 2018 will work with Assurance Wireless SIM cards.
Key Takeaways
- Assurance Wireless SIM cards can be used in most unlocked GSM and some CDMA phones as long as they’re compatible with T-Mobile’s network
- Before switching, confirm your new phone is unlocked, compatible with Assurance Wireless frequencies, and supports the correct SIM size
- The transfer process is straightforward: power off both phones, remove the SIM, insert it in the new phone, and power on
- If you encounter issues, most can be resolved through proper APN settings configuration or by contacting Assurance Wireless customer service
What Is Assurance Wireless and How Does Their SIM Card Work?
Assurance Wireless is a provider under the federal Lifeline Assistance Program, offering free or heavily discounted wireless service to qualifying low-income households. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and has been helping Americans stay connected since 1985, with significant expansions to wireless service in the 2010s.
In 2025, Assurance Wireless operates as a subsidiary of T-Mobile (following T-Mobile’s acquisition of Sprint, which previously owned Assurance Wireless). This connection is important because it determines which phones will be compatible with Assurance Wireless SIM cards. The SIM cards use T-Mobile’s network infrastructure, primarily operating on GSM technology with 4G LTE and 5G capabilities.
A SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card contains your subscriber information and connects your phone to the Assurance Wireless network. It stores your phone number, carrier information, and some contact data. When you insert this SIM card into another compatible phone, it allows that device to connect to the network using your Assurance Wireless account credentials.
Benefits of Using Your Own Phone with Assurance Wireless
There are several advantages to using your own phone with the Assurance Wireless SIM card:
Better features and performance are typically available on mainstream smartphones compared to the basic models provided by Assurance Wireless. The free phones offered through the program often have limited storage, slower processors, and basic cameras.
Personal preference matters when it comes to the device you use daily. You may prefer a specific brand, operating system, or form factor that better suits your needs than the standard-issue phone.
Value retention is another factor, as using your existing phone allows you to maintain the value of a device you may have already purchased rather than letting it sit unused.
Checking Phone Compatibility with Assurance Wireless
Before attempting to use your Assurance Wireless SIM card in another phone, you need to ensure the phone is compatible. Not all phones will work with the Assurance Wireless network due to technical limitations.
Network Compatibility Requirements
As of 2025, Assurance Wireless operates on T-Mobile’s network, which uses the following frequencies:
| Network Type | Frequency Bands |
| 4G LTE | Bands 2, 4, 5, 12, 66, 71 |
| 5G | Bands n41, n71, n258, n260, n261 |
| 3G (Being phased out) | 1700/2100 MHz |
| 2G GSM (Being phased out) | 1900 MHz |
Your phone needs to support at least some of these bands to work properly with Assurance Wireless. Most unlocked phones manufactured after 2018 support these common bands, but it’s always best to check your specific model’s specifications.
Phone Unlocking Requirements
For your phone to accept the Assurance Wireless SIM card, it must be unlocked. Phone locking is a practice where carriers restrict devices to work only with their own network. According to the FCC’s 2025 updated guidelines, carriers must provide unlocking services upon request if certain conditions are met, such as the device being fully paid off and the account being in good standing.
If your phone was purchased directly from a carrier (like Verizon, AT&T, etc.), you’ll need to ensure it’s unlocked before attempting to use it with Assurance Wireless. You can typically check if your phone is unlocked by:
- Contacting your original carrier’s customer service
- Trying another carrier’s SIM card to see if it works
- Looking in your phone’s settings (the location varies by device)
Most phones purchased directly from manufacturers or as “unlocked” from retailers are already unlocked and ready to use with any compatible carrier.
SIM Card Size Considerations
Assurance Wireless SIM cards come in a tri-cut format that can be adjusted to fit any of the three standard SIM sizes:
- Standard SIM (15mm × 25mm) – used in older phones
- Micro SIM (12mm × 15mm) – common in phones from 2010-2014
- Nano SIM (8.8mm × 12.3mm) – used in most modern smartphones
Before proceeding, identify which SIM size your phone requires. Most phones manufactured since 2014 use the Nano SIM size. If you’re unsure, check your phone’s manual or look up the specifications online.
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Your Assurance Wireless SIM Card
Transferring your Assurance Wireless service to another phone is relatively straightforward once you’ve confirmed compatibility. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition:
Step 1: Prepare Both Phones
Before beginning the transfer process:
- Make sure both phones are powered off completely
- Have a SIM ejection tool or small paperclip ready
- If possible, back up any important data from your original Assurance Wireless phone
- Ensure your new phone is charged to at least 50% battery
Step 2: Remove the SIM Card from Your Assurance Wireless Phone
To remove the SIM card from your current Assurance Wireless phone:
- Locate the SIM tray on your phone (usually on the side of the device)
- Insert the SIM ejection tool or paperclip into the small hole next to the tray
- Gently push until the tray pops out
- Remove the tray completely and carefully take out the SIM card
- If your phone doesn’t have a tray, you may need to remove the back cover and battery to access the SIM card
Handle the SIM card carefully, avoiding touching the gold contacts, as these are sensitive electronic components.
Step 3: Insert the SIM Card into Your New Phone
To install the SIM card in your new phone:
- Locate the SIM tray on your new device
- Use the SIM ejection tool to open the tray
- Place the Assurance Wireless SIM card into the tray, making sure it fits properly and is oriented correctly (the notched corner should align with the tray)
- If your SIM card is a different size than what your new phone requires, you may need to carefully adjust it from the tri-cut format
- Gently push the tray back into the phone until it clicks into place
Step 4: Power On and Configure Your New Phone
After inserting the SIM card:
- Power on your new phone
- Wait for the device to detect the network (this may take several minutes)
- If prompted, enter your PIN code (if you never changed it, the default is typically 1234)
- Check for signal bars and network connectivity
- Test basic functions like calling, texting, and data usage
In most cases, your service should transfer automatically without additional steps. However, if you’re having connectivity issues, you may need to configure your APN settings.
Configuring APN Settings for Assurance Wireless
APN (Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to the carrier’s data network. If your data isn’t working after inserting your Assurance Wireless SIM card, you may need to manually configure these settings.
Finding and Accessing APN Settings
The exact path to APN settings varies by device, but typically:
For Android phones:
- Go to Settings
- Select “Network & Internet” or “Connections”
- Tap “Mobile Network” or “Cellular Network”
- Select “Access Point Names” or “APNs”
For iPhones:
- Go to Settings
- Select “Cellular” or “Mobile Data”
- Tap “Cellular Data Network” or “Mobile Data Network”
Correct APN Settings for Assurance Wireless in 2025
Enter the following APN settings for Assurance Wireless (updated for 2025):
- Name: Assurance
- APN: wholesale
- Proxy: (leave blank)
- Port: (leave blank)
- Username: (leave blank)
- Password: (leave blank)
- Server: (leave blank)
- MMSC: http://wholesale.mmsmvno.com/mms/wapenc
- MMS Proxy: (leave blank)
- MMS Port: (leave blank)
- MCC: 310
- MNC: 240
- Authentication Type: None
- APN Type: default,mms,supl
- APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- APN Roaming Protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- Bearer: Unspecified
After entering these settings, save them and restart your phone. Your data connection should now work properly with Assurance Wireless.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some problems when using your Assurance Wireless SIM in another phone. Here are solutions to common issues:
No Service or Signal
If your phone shows “No Service” or has no signal bars:
- Verify compatibility: Double-check that your phone supports T-Mobile’s network bands
- Check SIM placement: Ensure the SIM card is properly seated in the tray
- Restart the phone: Sometimes a simple restart resolves connection issues
- Try airplane mode: Toggle airplane mode on and off to force the phone to reconnect to the network
- Manual network selection: Go to your network settings and try manually selecting the network
Data Connectivity Problems
If calls and texts work but data doesn’t:
- Verify APN settings: Double-check that you’ve entered the correct APN information
- Check data settings: Ensure mobile data is turned on and not restricted
- Reset network settings: On most phones, you can reset all network settings (note that this will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords)
Account Verification Issues
In some cases, Assurance Wireless may require verification when detecting a new device:
- Call customer service: Contact Assurance Wireless at 1-888-321-5880 to verify your account
- Update IMEI: You may need to provide the IMEI number of your new phone (dial *#06# to find it)
According to a 2025 study by the American Mobile Consumer Report, approximately 62% of Lifeline program participants use their own devices rather than carrier-provided phones, showing that this practice has become increasingly common and accepted.
Legal and Policy Considerations
When using your Assurance Wireless SIM card in another device, there are some important legal and policy considerations to keep in mind.
Assurance Wireless Terms of Service
As of 2025, Assurance Wireless officially allows customers to use their SIM cards in compatible unlocked phones. However, they still maintain certain restrictions:
- The service is intended for the approved beneficiary only
- Reselling or transferring Lifeline benefits to others is strictly prohibited
- Using the service primarily for data tethering may violate the terms of service
Violating these terms could potentially result in service termination. Always review the most current terms of service on the Assurance Wireless website.
Lifeline Program Compliance
The federal Lifeline program has specific requirements that all participants must follow, including:
- Only one Lifeline benefit per household
- Annual recertification of eligibility
- Using the service regularly to maintain benefits
According to the FCC’s 2025 Lifeline program updates, failure to use your Lifeline service for 30 consecutive days may result in a 15-day notice before service termination. Regular use of your service, regardless of which phone you’re using, is important to maintain your benefits.
Conclusion
Using your Assurance Wireless SIM card in another phone is a practical way to improve your mobile experience while still benefiting from the Lifeline Assistance Program. By following the compatibility guidelines and step-by-step instructions in this guide, you can successfully transfer your service to a device that better meets your needs.
Remember that the most important factors for success are ensuring your new phone is unlocked, compatible with T-Mobile’s network, and configured with the correct APN settings. If you encounter any issues during the process, most can be resolved through the troubleshooting steps provided or by contacting Assurance Wireless customer service.
As mobile technology continues to evolve, the flexibility to use preferred devices becomes increasingly important for all consumers, including those participating in assistance programs. The 2025 policies from both the FCC and Assurance Wireless reflect this understanding by making the process more accessible and user-friendly.
Have you successfully transferred your Assurance Wireless service to another phone? What improvements have you noticed in your mobile experience? Consider sharing your experience to help others in similar situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any unlocked phone with my Assurance Wireless SIM card?
No, not every unlocked phone will work. Your phone must be compatible with T-Mobile’s network bands, which Assurance Wireless uses. Most GSM phones manufactured after 2018 will work, but some CDMA-only phones from carriers like older Verizon models may not be compatible.
Will I lose my free minutes and data when switching phones?
No, your service plan and benefits remain the same regardless of which phone you use. Your minutes, texts, and data allocation are tied to your account and SIM card, not the physical device.
Do I need to notify Assurance Wireless before switching phones?
As of 2025, you do not need to notify Assurance Wireless before switching devices. However, if you experience service issues after the switch, you may need to contact customer service to update the IMEI number associated with your account.
What happens if my new phone needs a different SIM card size?
Assurance Wireless typically provides a tri-cut SIM card that can be adjusted to fit any of the three standard sizes (standard, micro, or nano). If you need a different size than what you currently have, you can request a replacement SIM card from Assurance Wireless customer service.
Can I switch back to my original Assurance Wireless phone if needed?
Yes, you can move your SIM card back to your original Assurance Wireless phone at any time. The service follows the SIM card, so you can switch between compatible devices as needed without affecting your account or benefits.