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How to get an Assurance Wireless eSIM in the USA

Learn how to get an Assurance Wireless eSIM, who can apply for it, and what plans they offer. Plus, discover other eSIM alternatives for travelers.

To get an Assurance Wireless eSIM, you must meet state-specific eligibility criteria, mainly concerning your financial situation

This guide explains how to get an Assurance Wireless eSIM, the different plans available, and how to activate your eSIM if you’re eligible.

We also discuss other alternatives that are easier to get if you’re looking for unlimited data in the USA, such as the Holafly travel eSIM.

In this article

Who qualifies to use Assurance Wireless services?

The main criteria is to qualify as a low-income citizen, meaning this service isn’t available for travelers or digital nomads. This is a government-subsidized mobile service that uses the T-Mobile network and works with the Lifeline Assistance Program.

Currently, this service is available in 49 states, and you are automatically eligible if you are a part of any of the following programs.

Medicaid/Medi-Cal
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)/CalFresh
Supplemental Security Income
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Tribal Head Start
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit

This service is also available for unemployed people, but they need to show proof of their Unemployment Benefit Letter.

However, you can check the Assurance Wireless site to check if you qualify based on the state you live in.

Does Assurance Wireless do eSIM?

Yes, Assurance Wireless supports eSIMs, but you’ll need to check your device’s compatibility.

You can check this using the “Bring your own phone” site before or after being approved by Lifeline.

Assurance Wireless eSIM plans for locals

Assurance Wireless has two types of plans for eligible users: free plans or low-cost plans.

Let’s check the details about each one and what they include.

Free plans

Assurance Wireless offers three free plans. Here’s what they include:

Lifeline Free: Includes unlimited texts and calls, plus 10 GB of high-speed data.
California LifeLine Free: Includes unlimited texts and calls, plus 12 GB of high-speed data.
Tribal Lands Lifeline Free: Includes unlimited texts and calls, plus 12 GB of high-speed data.

Aside from the basic benefits, when you apply for a California LifeLine Free plan, you can get a free, basic phone.

Tribal and Lifeline plans have the option to buy a low-cost phone, if needed.

Low-cost plans

Assurance Wireless offers two low-cost plans, and the only way to opt for them is to call customer care.

Here’s what they include:

Data Peace of Mind: For $1/month or $10/year, you get unlimited text, calls, and 15 GB of high-speed data.
Tribal Lands Data Peace of Mind: For $1/month or $10/year, you get unlimited text, calls, and 18 GB of high-speed data.

Both plans allow users to buy a low-cost phone if needed. Also, the $10/year offer is only available with upfront payments.

Assurance Wireless eSIM-compatible phones

Assurance Wireless works with most eSIM phones, including iPhone, Samsung, Honor, Xiaomi, Motorola, and similar models.

However, if you have doubts, you can double-check this on the “Bring your own phone” site or directly call 1-888-321-5880.

How to get an Assurance Wireless eSIM

To get an eSIM from Assurance Wireless, keep in mind that you must be enrolled in the Lifeline Assistance Program.

If you’re not part of this program, you can’t get an eSIM or access any of their services.

That said, you can buy any of their available plans online; there’s no option to purchase these in-store.

How to activate an Assurance Wireless eSIM

Here’s how to complete the Assurance Wireless eSIM activation on iPhone and Samsung devices.

eSIM activation on iPhone: Open “Settings,” and go to “Cellular.” Tap “Add eSIM” and scan the Metro eSIM QR code.
eSIM activation on Samsung: Open “Settings,” go to “Connections,” and tap on “SIM Manager.” Tap “Add eSIM” and scan the Metro eSIM QR code.

Other Android devices, such as Pixel, Xiaomi, Honor, Motorola, or any eSIM-compatible phone, follow a similar activation process, with names that differ slightly.

How to transfer an Assurance Wireless eSIM

Because of federal regulations, people aren’t allowed to transfer an eSIM to another device or person.

Companies also offering eSIM in the USA

Assurance Wireless is a good alternative for a select group of people, but you’ll need to consider other options for mobile internet in the USA when traveling.

Here are some mobile operators worth checking:

Holafly Plans

Assurance Wireless is an overall good service, but as a traveler, you won’t be eligible for any of their plans.

That means you have to think about other options, and Holafly Plans is a great alternative as it offers unlimited data, and there’s no application process to get it.

Plans range from $49.90 to $64.90 per month, and both of these include unlimited data, coverage in over 170 destinations, and 24/7 customer support.

If you choose the $64.90 plan, you’ll also get unlimited hotspot data and a local phone number, making it easier to stay connected when visiting the USA or any other country, or even for remote working.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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