How do you upgrade a government phone to an iPhone?
Buy or bring an unlocked, compatible iPhone and move your Lifeline service to it with a SIM or eSIM from your provider, or pay the provider's upgrade fee if it sells iPhones. Your benefit and number stay the same.
- An iPhone 11–13 refurbished is the best value
- iPhone 14+ (US) needs eSIM support
- Never pay upgrade fees to unverified callers
Ways to upgrade your government phone to an iPhone
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provider upgrade offer | One-time fee | Some providers sell iPhones to Lifeline customers |
| Buy a refurbished iPhone | $120–$320 for iPhone 11–13 | Then move your Lifeline SIM/eSIM |
| Carrier deal + keep Lifeline elsewhere | Plan cost | Only one Lifeline benefit per household |
| Upgrade from a charity | Free | Limited availability |
Step by step: move your free service to an iPhone
- Get an unlocked iPhone See refurbished deals.
- Check compatibility Enter the iPhone's IMEI on your provider's site.
- Request a SIM or eSIM iPhone 14 and newer US models need eSIM.
- Activate on the iPhone Your number and service move over.
- Transfer your data Use Google or iCloud to move contacts and photos.
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Which iPhone to upgrade to?
For most people, the iPhone 11, iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 gives the best mix of price and years of updates. See every model compared.
Upgrade fees and fine print
- Ask if the upgrade phone is new or refurbished
- Ask about warranty and returns
- Check the phone isn't locked for a long period
- Never pay an upgrade fee to an unverified caller
Be careful: Ads promising a brand-new free iPhone 17 with no conditions are almost always scams or data harvesting. Real offers come from known carriers or approved Lifeline providers.
Stay eligible after upgrading
Upgrading your phone doesn't change your Lifeline eligibility. Keep using the service every 30 days and recertify each year.
Upgrade costs compared
| Route | One-time cost | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the free Android | $0 | $0 |
| Refurbished iPhone 11 + Lifeline SIM | ~$120–$190 | $0 |
| Refurbished iPhone 13 + Lifeline SIM | ~$230–$320 | $0 |
| Provider iPhone upgrade | Fee varies | $0 |
| Carrier switch deal (no Lifeline) | $0 phone | $25–$90 plan |
Moving your data to your new iPhone
- From Android Use Apple's Move to iOS app during iPhone setup.
- From an old iPhone Use Quick Start or restore an iCloud backup.
- Contacts only Sync with your Google account in Settings → Mail → Accounts.
Upgrading without losing eligibility
Eligibility is simple on paper. Either you are enrolled in a qualifying benefit program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade my Obama phone to an iPhone?
Yes. Buy or bring a compatible iPhone and move your Lifeline service to it, or ask your provider about iPhone upgrade offers.
Does upgrading cost money?
Moving service to your own phone is free. Provider upgrade phones usually cost a one-time fee.
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.