Approved Lifeline provider in California, New York, Texas & Florida · Tribal lands supported

support@combowireless.com

Help center

Support & Activation

Step-by-step help for activating your line, setting up your devices and keeping your Lifeline benefit active. Can't find an answer? Email our support team.

Updated September 2026 · Reviewed by the Combo Wireless editorial team

Activating your line

With a physical SIM card

Used by the iPhone 7, iPhone 13 (which also supports eSIM) and Samsung Galaxy phones that use a SIM card.

  1. Power off the phone.
  2. Use the SIM tool to open the SIM tray and insert your Combo Wireless SIM.
  3. Power on and connect to Wi-Fi if prompted.
  4. Follow the activation instructions included with your order or emailed to you.
  5. Make a test call and send a test text.

With an eSIM

Required for the U.S. iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, and supported by many other phones.

  1. Connect the phone to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open the eSIM activation instructions we send you (usually a QR code or an activation prompt).
  3. On iPhone: Settings › Cellular › Add eSIM. On Samsung: Settings › Connections › SIM manager › Add eSIM.
  4. Follow the on-screen steps, then restart the phone.

Keep your eSIM QR code private and don't delete your eSIM unless our support team asks you to.

Setting up your second device

  • Galaxy Tab A9: sign in with the same Google and Samsung accounts as your phone, then connect to Wi-Fi.
  • iPad: sign in with your Apple Account. With an iPhone, use Quick Start by holding the two devices near each other.
  • Laptop: connect to Wi-Fi, run system updates, then set up Phone Link (Windows), Phone Hub (Chromebook) or iCloud (Mac).
  • Hotspot: turn on Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Mobile Hotspot (Android) to share your phone's data. It counts toward your data allowance.

Troubleshooting

ProblemTry this
No service / "SIM not supported"Restart; reseat the SIM; check you're using the Combo Wireless SIM or eSIM; confirm the phone is unlocked
Calls work but no dataToggle Airplane Mode; restart; check that Cellular/Mobile data is on
Can't send picture messagesTurn mobile data on; restart; check that MMS messaging is enabled
Weak signal indoorsMove near a window; see coverage tips
Number transfer not finishedKeep your old account active; double-check the account number and PIN (guide)

Device problems and warranty

All devices include the standard manufacturer or provider warranty where applicable. If a device arrives damaged or stops working, email support@combowireless.com with your name, the device and a description (photos help). Don't send a device back without instructions from our team.

Keeping your Lifeline benefit

  • Use your line at least once every 30 days (call, text or data).
  • Complete your annual recertification.
  • Report address changes or loss of eligibility within 30 days.
Lifeline non-usage timeline
  1. 1
    30 days with no usage

    Using your line at least once in 30 days (a call, text or data session) keeps it active.

  2. 2
    15-day notice

    Your provider must notify you and give you 15 days to use the service.

  3. 3
    Use it or lose it

    If the line is still unused after the notice period, the Lifeline benefit is removed.

Source: FCC – Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications

Contact support

Email support@combowireless.com. Include your name, phone number and a short description. Never send full Social Security numbers, passwords or your eSIM QR code by email.

Check if you qualify today

Apply online in about 10 minutes. We review every application and email you the next steps.