How can you get a free Chromebook?
Ask your school district, community college, public library or a local digital-inclusion nonprofit. Chromebooks are the most commonly donated and loaned laptops because they're cheap, secure and easy to manage.
- Check the Auto Update Expiration date first
- 4GB RAM or more is recommended
- Many programs accept SNAP or Medicaid as proof of need
Why Chromebooks are the easiest free laptop?
Chromebooks are cheap, secure and easy to manage, which is why schools and nonprofits hand them out more than any other laptop. They run web apps, Google Docs and Android apps, which covers homework, job applications and telehealth.
Programs that give Chromebooks
| Source | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| School districts | K-12 students | 1:1 device programs |
| Community colleges | Enrolled students | Loaner programs |
| Digital-inclusion nonprofits | Low-income families | Often free with training |
| Libraries | Card holders | Chromebook lending |
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Check the update date
Every Chromebook has an Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date. After it, the device stops getting security updates. Check the AUE before accepting or buying a refurbished Chromebook.
Chromebook vs Windows laptop
What's good
- Cheap and fast on low-end hardware
- Very secure, with automatic updates
- Long battery life
Watch out for
- Can't run some Windows software
- Needs internet for many tasks
- Limited storage
Who qualifies for free device programs?
There are two routes to eligibility: program-based (you already receive certain benefits) or income-based (your household earns no more than 135% of the poverty guidelines).
Qualifying programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
On federally recognized Tribal lands, these also qualify: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
Income limits
| 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.
Want an instant answer? Use the Lifeline eligibility checker. It takes under a minute.
How do you apply for a free Chromebook?
- Ask your school or college first Most have device programs or loaners.
- Check your library Many lend Chromebooks and hotspots together.
- Contact local nonprofits Search “digital inclusion” plus your city.
- Bring proof of need A SNAP, Medicaid or income document usually qualifies you.
Cheap Chromebook buying tips
- Choose one with at least 4GB RAM
- Check the Auto Update Expiration date, ideally several years away
- Prefer Intel Core, Ryzen or recent MediaTek Kompanio chips
- A touchscreen and stylus support help younger students
Refurbished Chromebooks from education fleets are often very cheap, but check the update date first. Older fleet units may be near their end of support.
Setting up a free Chromebook safely
Sign in with your own Google account, not a school account, if the Chromebook is yours to keep. Turn on automatic updates and set a screen lock. If it came from a school program, ask whether it is managed by the school. Managed Chromebooks can restrict which sites and apps you use.
For job seekers, Google Docs, Gmail and LinkedIn all work well in the Chrome browser, and most online applications support Chromebooks.
Frequently asked questions
Can adults get a free Chromebook?
Yes. Many nonprofit and workforce programs serve adults, not just students.
Do Chromebooks work offline?
Partly. Docs, Gmail and some apps work offline if set up in advance.
Can I install Windows apps on a Chromebook?
Not directly. Use web versions or Android equivalents instead.
What happens after the update expiration date?
The Chromebook keeps working but stops getting security updates, so use it with care.
Do I need internet to set up a free Chromebook?
Yes, first-time setup needs Wi-Fi. A library hotspot works.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.