What is the easiest way to get a free iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Use a carrier promotion: trade in an eligible phone or add a line on a qualifying plan, and the iPhone 13 Pro Max's price is credited back over 24–36 months. Government programs don't give out the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
- Released 2021 · A15 Bionic · 6.7-inch OLED 120Hz
- Supports 5G
- Latest software: iOS 26 (still supported)
Can you get a free iPhone 13 Pro Max from the government?
Not from the government. No Lifeline program gives out the iPhone 13 Pro Max. The only realistic way to get it free is a carrier promotion: trade in an eligible phone or add a new line on a qualifying unlimited plan, and the carrier credits the iPhone 13 Pro Max's price back over 24–36 months.
It is a big-screen Pro iPhone with ProMotion that trade-in credits can bring close to free. It has a 120Hz ProMotion display, one of the longest battery lives of any iPhone and a 3x telephoto camera.
Protect yourself: Never pay upfront to “unlock” a free government iPhone. If a site asks for card details before checking eligibility, leave it and see our scam guide.
What are the key facts about iPhone 13 Pro Max?
- Released
- 2021
- Chip
- A15 Bionic
- Display
- 6.7-inch OLED 120Hz
- 5G
- Yes
- Latest iOS
- iOS 26
- Launch price
- $1099
- Typical used price
- $330–$450
- 120Hz ProMotion
- Triple camera, 3x zoom
- Huge battery
- 5G
- Macro photography
Still supported. The iPhone 13 Pro Max runs iOS 26, Apple's current software, so it gets security updates and new features.
Want a iPhone 13 Pro Max?
The Phone Finder matches your benefits and budget with the cheapest real route.
Best ways to get a free iPhone 13 Pro Max, ranked
| # | Route | What you get | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrier trade-in promo | Up to the full $1099 credited | Premium plan needed |
| 2 | New-line / switch offer | Free with number port-in | Check plan cost |
| 3 | Prepaid brand deal | Big discounts, less often free | No long contract |
| 4 | Previous model instead | Get the model before the iPhone 13 Pro Max free | Best budget tip |
If you receive SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, start with Lifeline. It makes your monthly service free, and you can then focus on getting the iPhone 13 Pro Max itself cheaply. If you don't qualify, compare carrier deals by total 24–36 month cost, not by the word “free”.
How do you get the iPhone 13 Pro Max with Lifeline?
The money behind a iPhone 13 Pro Max comes from Lifeline, a federal benefit administered by USAC under FCC rules. Each qualifying household can put a $9.25/month discount on one phone or internet service, or $34.25/month on eligible Tribal lands. Because a basic wireless plan costs providers less than that, most Lifeline plans are free to you.
The government does not buy the handset. Providers decide which phones they give out, which is why models vary so much between companies and states.
Lifeline providers rarely stock the iPhone 13 Pro Max as their free handset, but almost all of them let you use an unlocked, compatible phone. Check that the phone is unlocked and not blacklisted before you buy it.
- Check you qualify Confirm your benefit program or income using the eligibility checker.
- Pick a provider Choose a Lifeline provider that serves your area. Compare phones, data and coverage on our provider comparison.
- Apply through the National Verifier Apply on the provider's site or at checklifeline.org. Many applications are approved automatically by database checks.
- Upload proof if asked If the automatic check can't confirm you, upload a benefit letter or income proof. See documents you need.
- Activate your phone or SIM Your phone or SIM ships in about a week. Activate it and use it at least once every 30 days so the service isn't cancelled for non-usage.
How do carrier “free iPhone 13 Pro Max” deals really work?
Here is how a “free” carrier iPhone works: the iPhone 13 Pro Max is financed over 36 months, and the carrier credits your bill the same amount each month. The phone ends up free, but only if you keep a qualifying plan for the full term.
| Example | |
|---|---|
| Retail price | $1099 |
| Term | 36 months |
| Monthly device charge | $30.53 |
| Monthly promo credit | −$30.53 |
| You pay for the phone | $0 if you stay the full term |
| If you leave after 12 months | about $733 still owed |
Before you sign, work out the full cost: (monthly plan × months) + activation fee + taxes. A “free” iPhone 13 Pro Max on a $90 plan can cost more overall than buying a refurbished one outright and using a cheap prepaid plan.
Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max still worth it in 2026?
What's good
- 120Hz ProMotion
- Triple camera, 3x zoom
- Huge battery
- Used prices around $330–$450
Watch out for
- It is heavy and large. Make sure you want a 6.7-inch phone before you sign a 36-month deal for one.
- Battery health varies on used units. Look for 85%+ or a new battery
- Accessories such as the charger are often not included
How does it compare with nearby models?
Weighing up the alternatives? These pages cover the models either side of this one:
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone 13 Pro Max really free with a government phone program?
No. Government programs fund free service, not new iPhones. The iPhone 13 Pro Max is free only through carrier promotions or charity programs.
Does the iPhone 13 Pro Max support 5G?
Yes. The iPhone 13 Pro Max supports 5G, so it works with free 5G government phone plans where the provider offers 5G.
Can I put my Lifeline SIM in a iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Usually yes, if the iPhone 13 Pro Max is unlocked or locked to the same network your Lifeline provider uses. Ask the provider for a SIM kit or check compatibility on its website using the IMEI.
How much is a used iPhone 13 Pro Max worth in 2026?
Refurbished iPhone 13 Pro Max prices are typically around $330–$450, depending on storage, condition and battery health. Buy from sellers with at least a 90-day warranty.
What is the cheapest way to get a iPhone 13 Pro Max?
Trade in an eligible phone during a carrier promotion, or consider last year’s model, which is often free with far fewer conditions.
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.