Free iPhone Online: Free & Discounted Phones
Use our free iPhone finder tool to match your state and benefits with government programs, Lifeline providers and phone deals.
Phone Finder
Can you get a free iPhone from the government?
Not directly. The federal Lifeline program pays for free monthly phone service, and providers choose the phones. Most hand out Android phones, but you can bring your own iPhone to a free plan, some providers sell older iPhones for a small fee, and new iPhones are free only through carrier switch or trade-in deals.
Every way to get a free iPhone, in one place
A “free iPhone” can mean very different things. Here is what each route really gives you, so you can choose with confidence.
Free Government iPhone
How Lifeline providers offer iPhones, which models are realistic, and how to bring your own iPhone to a free government plan with $0 monthly service.
Read the guideFree iPhone with Service
Carrier and prepaid plans that include an iPhone at $0.
Compare offersFree Phone When You Switch
Port your number and get a new phone credited back.
See switch dealsTrade-In Deals
Turn an old phone into up to the full price of a new iPhone.
Trade-in guideRefurbished iPhones
No contract. Pair a cheap refurb with free Lifeline service.
Trusted sellersFree iPhone government phones start with Lifeline
Lifeline is the federal program behind free iPhone government phones and free government smartphones. Managed by the FCC and USAC, it gives each eligible household a discount on phone or internet service. Most Lifeline wireless providers use that discount to offer unlimited talk and text plus monthly data for $0.
The program pays for service, not handsets. Providers include a phone to earn your sign-up, usually an Android smartphone. Some offer iPhones for a small fee, and nearly all let you use an unlocked iPhone you already own.
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
You can get a free government phone if anyone in your household receives one of these benefits. One program, for one household member, is enough:
No benefits? You also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Income limits at a glance
Maximum yearly household income to qualify.
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Popular free iPhones, and how to get each one
Green means realistic with Lifeline or a refurb. Blue means switch deals. Violet means carrier promotions only.
Free iPhone 11
Free iPhone 12
Free iPhone 13
Free iPhone SE
Free iPhone XR
Free iPhone 14 Pro Max
Free iPhone 15 Pro Max
Free iPhone 17
Free 5G phones, government smartphones & tablets
Free 5G Phone
Lifeline providers increasingly ship 5G handsets, and 5G iPhones from the iPhone 12 onward are common in switch deals.
Free Government Smartphone
Every Lifeline provider now supplies a smartphone rather than a flip phone. Compare Android, Samsung and senior-friendly models.
Free Government Phone and Tablet Combo
What changed after the ACP ended, and where to find a free tablet today.
Samsung Galaxy phones & tablets
Free Galaxy A16
Free Galaxy S25
Free Galaxy S24
Free Galaxy Z Flip
Free Galaxy Z Fold
Free iPad
Phone & Tablet Combo
All Samsung Phones
Galaxy A to Z Fold, compared.
Learn moreFree iPad
Programs and legit iPad deals.
Learn moreFree Laptop
Nonprofits and school programs.
Learn moreFree Hotspot
Library and Lifeline hotspots.
Learn moreGoogle Pixel
Pixel deals and Lifeline use.
Learn moreApple Watch Deals
The real cost of a free watch.
Learn moreLow-Income Phones
Every route for low-income families.
Learn moreUnlock Your Phone
Take your phone to any carrier.
Learn moreThree steps to your free phone
No sign-up and no personal data. Just clear answers.
Tell us your situation
Your state, benefits and the kind of phone you want. It takes about a minute in the Phone Finder.
Compare real options
See matching programs, providers and deals, with the true cost of each and the conditions spelled out.
Apply with the official source
We send you to the provider or the National Verifier. We never take your application or payment.
Lifeline providers & carriers compared
Lifeline brands give free service to eligible households. Carriers give free phones to anyone on a qualifying plan.
Free government phones in your state
Local benefit names, Tribal lands, state programs like California LifeLine, and coverage tips for all 50 states.
Large Tribal lands, where enhanced Tribal Lifeline of up to $34.25/month may apply
Free iPhone questions, answered
More answers in our full FAQ. Worried about fake offers? Read how to spot free iPhone scams.
Is a free iPhone from the government real?
Partly. The government's Lifeline program pays for free monthly phone service. Lifeline providers choose which phones to give out, usually Android, but some offer older iPhones or let you bring your own iPhone. Newer iPhones are free only through carrier deals.
Who qualifies for a free government phone?
Households that receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or a Veterans Pension, or that earn at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Tribal residents have extra qualifying programs.
Can I get a free 5G phone?
Yes. Many Lifeline providers now supply 5G-capable Android phones, and 5G iPhones from the iPhone 12 onward are commonly free in carrier switch deals.
Is there a free government phone and tablet combo?
Since the ACP ended in 2024, few providers bundle both. Some Lifeline providers still offer discounted tablets, and libraries and nonprofits can fill the gap.
How much does Free iPhone Online cost?
Nothing. We are an independent guide. We don't sell phones or collect applications. We explain your options and link you to official sources and providers.
Find the free iPhone you actually qualify for
Filter programs, providers and deals by your state and benefits. No sign-up needed.