Free Phone When You Switch
Looking to save money and get a new device? You may qualify for a free phone when you switch. Many Americans save money by switching mobile carriers for new customer promotions or government programs. Both federal assistance and carrier deals can reward switchers with free or heavily discounted phones. For example, Lifeline is a federal program that provides eligible low-income households a free smartphone and free wireless service (including data, minutes, and texts). Likewise, companies like T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and others often run promotions where new customers get a “free” phone when activating a new line. This article explains how government programs (Lifeline and ACP) and carrier deals work, who qualifies, and how to compare these options.
Lifeline and ACP: Free Phone When You Switch
The FCC’s Lifeline program makes phone/internet service affordable for low-income consumers. Qualifying households get up to a $9.25 monthly discount on phone service. In practice, many Lifeline providers (like Assurance Wireless, Safelink, Q Link, etc.) give eligible subscribers a free or heavily discounted smartphone plus free or low-cost voice, text, and data. For example, New Jersey’s Lifeline program explicitly offers “a free smartphone and free wireless phone service” to eligible low-income residents.
Who qualifies?
You generally qualify by income or by participation in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Federal Public Housing. A household is eligible if someone participates in programs (Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, veterans benefits, etc.) or has income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. State rules vary slightly, but all require documentation of income or program enrollment. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
How to apply:
Applicants use the FCC’s National Verifier system (at getinternet.gov) or enroll through a participating carrier. During application, you provide identity and eligibility documents. Once approved, you choose a participating service provider. The provider will ship a free government phone (if offered) and activate your account. Lifeline providers usually ship the phone at no cost, and there are no activation fees. Keep in mind you must recertify eligibility annually to maintain benefits.
ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program):
ACP provided a $30/month broadband credit and a one-time up to $100 device discount. Some wireless providers offered free phones or tablets under the ACP’s device benefit. However, the ACP ran out of funding and ended June 1, 2024. No new ACP applications are accepted, so Lifeline remains the main federal program for free phone service.
Carrier Promotions: Free Phones with No-Contract Plans
Besides government assistance, several U.S. carriers offer promotional deals where you can get a free phone when you switch to their service. These are often limited-time offers but can help you save hundreds of dollars.
- T-Mobile / Metro by T-Mobile: T-Mobile’s promotions let new customers get popular phones via monthly bill credits. For instance, T-Mobile advertises “free phones” to new lines and family plans, meaning the phone cost is refunded over 24 months on an eligible plan. Its prepaid brand Metro by T-Mobile often runs simple deals: for example, Metro’s website currently shows Samsung and Motorola Free 5G phones (Galaxy A16, A15, Moto G series) when you join a Metro Flex Unlimited plan and port in your number. In these offers the phone is “FREE via discount”, though you must pay the first month’s service and taxes. Metro limits these deals to a certain number of lines (e.g. up to 4 lines can each get a free phone).
- Boost Mobile: Boost is a prepaid carrier with no contracts, and it frequently runs switching promotions. In recent offers, new Boost customers who port their number can choose a free phone (often a midrange smartphone) with no deposit or activation fee. (Higher-end devices may require a plan purchase.) These are typically limited-time deals; check Boost’s site or stores for current specials.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket (owned by AT&T) also features offers for new customers. For example, Cricket’s site lists a “Free Android” deal: if you port in your number and activate a new line on the $60/mo plan, you can get a free Android phone. Cricket’s promotions vary, but often include free entry-level to midrange phones when starting service and porting a number (usually on their unlimited plans).
- Other prepaid providers: Several other carriers or MVNOs have similar deals. For instance, Total Wireless (a Verizon prepaid brand) offers “up to 4 free Galaxy A36 5G phones” when you switch to a Total Unlimited plan. Similarly, AT&T Prepaid and other brands occasionally give free phones to new switchers. Even cable-company MVNOs like Xfinity Mobile and Spectrum Mobile run promotions giving free phones for port-ins if you bundle wireless with their internet service. Always read each promotion’s terms, as higher-end handsets often require a trade-in or signing up for a pricier plan.
Transfer You Number Now to Free Government Phone iPhone.
Comparing Government vs Carrier Options
When deciding between a government phone program or a carrier deal, consider these factors:
- Cost:
- Government (Lifeline): Generally free monthly service or $5 plan (after the $9.25 Lifeline discount), plus a free phone. There are no monthly bills beyond the minimal copay (if any), and typically no sales tax on Lifeline service.
- Carriers: You must subscribe to the carrier’s plan. Free phone deals usually require enrolling in a qualifying unlimited plan (often $30–$60+ per month) and may require 24-month service to fully pay off the phone via credits. You often pay the first month’s fee and taxes upfront. No-contract carriers (Metro, Boost) often waive annual commitments, but some phone deals still require installment payments over time.
- Coverage:
- Government: Lifeline providers use major networks (e.g. T-Mobile, Verizon) under MVNO agreements. Coverage depends on the specific provider. For example, Assurance Wireless uses T-Mobile’s network in most areas.
- Carriers: Deals from T-Mobile, Metro, and Boost use T-Mobile’s network; Cricket/AT&T uses AT&T’s network; Total Wireless uses Verizon’s network. Consider which network has the best coverage in your area when choosing.
- Phone models:
- Government: Lifeline phones are usually basic or older smartphone models. Common devices include entry-level Androids (e.g. Alcatel, ZTE, Samsung A-series) or refurbished handsets. They cover essential functions (calls, text, some data) but lack high-end features.
- Carriers: Deal phones can range from budget to premium models. Prepaid promotions often include midrange Androids (Samsung A-series, Moto G-series). Sometimes, major carriers offer flagships (iPhone SE, Google Pixel, etc.) for free with trade-ins. You can often choose from a selection of current models in the deal.
- Eligibility and requirements:
- Government: Strictly for income-qualified households. Must meet program criteria (proof of income or benefits). Only one Lifeline phone is allowed per household by law. You stay enrolled without long-term contracts, but must recertify yearly.
- Carriers: Open to most new customers who pass any credit check (prepaid typically no credit check needed). No income eligibility needed. You usually must port an existing number or start a new line. Deals often require activating service on a specific plan and may require autopay or long-term installment plans. Carrier promotions can cover multiple lines; e.g. Metro lets 4 lines each get a free phone, whereas Lifeline strictly limits one phone per household.
| Factor | Lifeline (Gov’t) | Carrier Deals (No-Contract/Prepaid) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~$0–$5 (after Lifeline discount) | $30–$60+ per line (unlimited plans) |
| Phone Cost | Free phone (no cost for device) | Often free phone when you switch |
| Eligibility | Income/benefit-based (low-income households) | No income rules; new customers switching or upgrading |
| Plan Requirements | Must use Lifeline-approved plan (no contracts) | Qualifying prepaid/unlimited plan; often autopay or trade-in |
| Coverage | Depends on chosen provider (T-Mobile/Verizon networks) | Major networks (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) depending on carrier |
| Phones Available | Basic smartphones or feature phones | Modern Androids, sometimes high-end phones (with trade-in) |
| Lines per House | 1 line max (strict one-per-house rule) | Multiple lines (e.g. Metro offer up to 4 free phones) |
Benefits, Limitations, and Tips
Benefits:
- Lifeline: Provides a truly free basic phone service to those who need it most. No credit check, and phone and service are heavily subsidized or free. Keeps households connected to jobs, health care, and family with no contract.
- Carrier Deals: Grants access to newer phones and bigger data plans. Flexible no-contract plans (prepaid or month-to-month) let you leave if needed. You can get more data/minutes than typical Lifeline plans. Promotions may cover the cost of a phone that you otherwise couldn’t afford.
Limitations:
- Lifeline: Only for qualifying low-income households. You can’t get these benefits otherwise. Phone options are limited. Data and minutes are capped (often around 1000–2000 minutes and some gigabytes of data). Only one benefit per household.
- Carrier Deals: You must pay for service plans (often unlimited voice/data) which can be tens of dollars per month. Many “free phone” deals require a 2-year device financing or a qualifying rate plan, meaning the phone is only free if you stay long enough. There may be activation fees, taxes, or required trade-ins. If you cancel service early, you may owe the phone’s remaining balance. Fine print is important.
Tips for Choosing:
- Check Coverage First: Make sure the carrier’s network works well in your area. A free phone is worthless if calls drop.
- Budget Planning: For carrier deals, calculate the total cost (monthly plan × months) and any upfront fees. Compare that to Lifeline’s $0–$5 cost.
- Examine Plan Details: Lifeline plans from different providers vary in talk/text/data allowances. Carrier plans differ in speed caps or hotspot limits. Choose what fits your needs.
- Read Promotion Rules: On carrier sites, note requirements like autopay, number porting, trade-in models, and line limits. A deal might require porting from another carrier or activate multiple lines.
- One Switch at a Time: Remember one Lifeline per household. If you switch Lifeline providers, follow proper procedure to transfer benefits without gap. For carriers, typically you can only use one new-customer promotion at a time.
- Plan Ahead Post-Promo: Many free-phone deals are limited-time or have tiered billing. After the promotion, consider downgrading your plan if you want to save money.
Conclusion
In summary, both government programs and carrier promotions offer ways to get a free or low-cost phone when you switch. Lifeline/ACP are targeted to eligible low-income users and provide simple phones and service at almost no cost. Carrier deals give access to newer models and more data, but require paying for service plans and meeting deal conditions. Evaluate your eligibility, local coverage, and monthly budget to pick the best option.
