To switch phones with Assurance Wireless, log into your My Account online, navigate to Your Phone and select Swap/Update Phone, then enter your new phone's IMEI and follow the SIM prompt. This is the fastest way to switch phones with Assurance Wireless using the self-service method available in your account.
How to switch phones with Assurance Wireless online
The documented self-service method for switching phones is completed entirely through your Assurance Wireless My Account portal. Log in using your Assurance Wireless phone number and account PIN. Once logged in, open the Your Phone section and select Swap/Update Phone. Enter the new phone's IMEI number exactly as it appears on the device. At the SIM prompt, select the option labeled "SIM that came with my new phone" and click SUBMIT. When the new SIM information auto-fills on the next screen, click SUBMIT again. Assurance Wireless says you can then begin using the new phone immediately.
Before you switch: compatibility and backup
Before starting the swap, confirm your new phone is unlocked and compatible with the Assurance Wireless network. Use the IMEI compatibility checker on the Assurance Wireless website to verify this. If you purchased the phone directly from the Assurance Wireless online store, those phones are automatically compatible with its network and require no additional compatibility check. Eligibility criteria may vary slightly by state, as the Lifeline program is administered at the state level. Only one Lifeline account is allowed per household. For new customers, you may be given the choice to Bring Your Own Phone or purchase a new phone during the application process. The crucial step before any switch is backing up your old phone's data. Assurance Wireless recommends restoring contacts, photos, and other data to the new phone before you initiate the swap, as the process transfers service, not content. You can donate your old phone to a charitable organization, recycle it through authorized facilities, or trade it in.
What you'll need to complete the switch
Gather these items before you begin the online swap:
- Your Assurance Wireless phone number and account PIN (used to log into My Account)
- The new phone's IMEI number (typically found in the phone's settings or on the original box)
- The new SIM card if one was provided with the phone (or confirmation that you will use the existing SIM, as prompted during the swap)
Get help from customer care
If you cannot complete the swap online, call Customer Care at 1-888-321-5880 from a different phone. Customer Care hours are Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time. Have your new phone's IMEI and SIM card number ready before you call. This is the fallback option for Activating Phones and SIM Cards on Any Carrier when the self-service method is not working for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my phone number when I switch phones?
Assurance Wireless's switch page says Customer Care can help with activation, but the official documentation does not separately document number-porting steps for a phone swap. Contact Customer Care if you need to confirm your number will transfer.
Do I need a new SIM card to switch phones?
The SIM prompt appears during the online switch process. For Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios, Assurance Wireless may send a SIM card or eSIM depending on the application path. The prompt will guide you on whether to use a new SIM or keep your existing one.
What if my phone is not compatible with Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless states the phone must be unlocked and compatible. If the IMEI checker shows incompatibility, you will need to find a different unlocked phone that passes the check or purchase one from the Assurance Wireless online store.
Can I switch phones more than once?
The official Assurance Wireless pages do not specify device-swap limits or a maximum number of switches. As long as each new phone is unlocked and compatible, you can repeat the online swap process through My Account.
Is there a separate process for iPhone versus Android?
No. The same My Account steps apply regardless of the phone's operating system. There is also no app-based swap process documented for either platform.
