Which companies give free phones?
Lifeline providers such as Assurance Wireless, SafeLink, Access Wireless and StandUp Wireless (formerly QLink) give free service (and usually a phone) to eligible households. Carriers like Metro, Cricket, Boost, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile give free phones to anyone on a qualifying plan.
- Check coverage at your address before choosing
- Confirm providers in your area with USAC's Companies Near Me
- One Lifeline benefit per household
Two kinds of free iPhone providers
Free iPhone providers fall into two groups. Lifeline providers give free monthly service to households that qualify through benefits or income, and they usually supply a free Android phone or let you bring your own iPhone. Carriers sell service to anyone and make iPhones free through switch and trade-in promotions.
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Lifeline providers
Carriers with iPhone deals
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Lifeline providers compared
| Provider | Network | Phones | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assurance Wireless | T-Mobile | Usually supplies a free android smartphone and lets you bring a compatible phone | Most states where t-mobile offers lifeline |
| SafeLink Wireless | Verizon (TracFone family) | Offers free or discounted smartphones and a bring-your-own-phone option through its website | Most states |
| Access Wireless | T-Mobile network | Provides free smartphones in many states and accepts compatible devices | Many states |
| Life Wireless | multiple networks | Gives a free phone in many areas and supports bring-your-own devices | Selected states |
| enTouch Wireless | partner networks | Offers free smartphones and bring-your-own-phone service | Selected states |
| Tag Mobile | partner networks | Provides a free phone or sim and supports compatible iphones | Many states |
| StandUp Wireless | partner networks | Offers free smartphones | Many states |
| True Wireless | partner networks | Provides free phones in participating states and sim kits for your own device | Selected states |
| Cintex Wireless | partner networks | Offers free smartphones and bring-your-own-device options | Selected states |
| AirTalk Wireless | partner networks | Offers free phones in some areas and discounted device upgrades in others | Selected states |
| TruConnect | partner networks | Offers free smartphones in many areas and supports bring-your-own-phone sim kits | Many states |
| Combo Wireless | partner networks | Offers free phones in participating states and discounted device bundles | Selected states |
| Budget Mobile | partner networks | Provides free smartphones in participating states | Selected states |
Carriers with free iPhone offers
| Carrier | Network | iPhone offers |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile | Boost's own network plus partner coverage | Runs frequent offers where a new iphone is free or heavily discounted with a qualifying plan |
| Visible | Verizon | Often gives large gift cards or discounts when you switch and buy an iphone |
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T | Regularly offers free or $0-down phones when you switch and port your number |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Is well known for free-phone offers when you switch and bring your number |
| Verizon | Verizon | Runs trade-in and new-line promotions that can make a new iphone free over 36 months |
| AT&T | AT&T | Offers iphones free through trade-in credits on qualifying unlimited plans |
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Gives free iphones through trade-ins and new lines, paid back as monthly credits |
| Straight Talk | Verizon (TracFone family) | Sells iphones and other phones with plan bundles and occasional big discounts |
How do you choose a provider?
- Coverage first: check the network at your home, work and commute
- Phone policy: free phone model, upgrade fees, bring-your-own support
- Data: monthly allowance and what happens after
- Support: reviews, store locations, app quality
- Honesty: clear terms, no pressure to share documents
Eligibility for Lifeline providers
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.
Switching providers later
You can move your Lifeline benefit to another provider. See how to transfer your Lifeline provider. For carriers, check your phone balance and unlock status before switching.
Frequently asked questions
Which provider gives the best free iPhone?
Lifeline providers rarely give iPhones. For a new iPhone, carrier promotions are the route. For free service on an iPhone, bring your own to a Lifeline provider.
Can I have Lifeline from two providers?
No. Only one Lifeline benefit per household.
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.