Does Assurance Wireless give free iPhones?
Assurance Wireless gives free Lifeline service to eligible households on T-Mobile coverage and usually supplies an Android phone. To use an iPhone, bring an unlocked, compatible one and request a SIM or eSIM.
- Available in most states where T-Mobile offers Lifeline
- Free for households on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI and more
- Confirm availability for your ZIP code before applying
What is Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless is one of the largest Lifeline brands, operated by T-Mobile. It runs on T-Mobile coverage and is available in most states where T-Mobile offers Lifeline. Like every Lifeline provider, it offers free monthly service to eligible households using the federal Lifeline benefit.
Assurance Wireless's offer isn't identical everywhere. Plans are set state by state, so compare what's available at your address.
What you get with Assurance Wireless?
- Monthly cost
- $0 for eligible customers
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Phone
- Free phone or bring your own
- Service
- Talk, text & data
- Availability
- Most states where t-mobile offers lifeline
Assurance Wireless usually supplies a free Android smartphone and lets you bring a compatible phone, including an unlocked iPhone. Plans typically include free monthly data, unlimited talk and text in most states, and Wi-Fi calling.
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Can you get a free iPhone from Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless is best treated as a free-service provider rather than an iPhone supplier. Keep or buy an unlocked iPhone, such as a refurbished iPhone 11 or 12, and put Assurance Wireless's free plan on it. Any iPhone offers from Assurance Wireless vary by state and stock, so confirm the exact model before you apply.
- Check your iPhone is unlocked (Settings → General → About → Carrier Lock)
- Enter your IMEI on Assurance Wireless's compatibility checker
- Ask for an eSIM if you have a US iPhone 14 or newer
- See bring your own phone to Lifeline
Who qualifies for Assurance Wireless?
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 Assurance Wireless?
- Check you qualify Confirm your benefit program or income using the eligibility checker.
- Pick a provider Choose Assurance Wireless. 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.
One Lifeline benefit per household. A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses. Two families sharing an address can each get Lifeline if they keep separate finances, which is confirmed on a household worksheet.
What are the pros and cons of Assurance Wireless?
What's good
- Free service for eligible households
- Runs on T-Mobile coverage
- Bring-your-own-phone support
- Option to port your number
Watch out for
- Data allowances vary by state
- Free phones are usually budget models
- Recertification is required every year
What are the alternatives to Assurance Wireless?
Not the right fit? These Lifeline providers are worth comparing:
Frequently asked questions
Is Assurance Wireless really free?
Yes for eligible households. Assurance Wireless uses the Lifeline benefit to cover the monthly cost. Optional upgrades or extra data cost money.
Does Assurance Wireless give free iPhones?
Assurance Wireless mainly supplies Android phones, but you can bring your own compatible iPhone. Any iPhone offers vary by state.
What network does Assurance Wireless use?
Assurance Wireless runs on T-Mobile coverage.
How do I switch to Assurance Wireless from another Lifeline provider?
Apply with Assurance Wireless and agree to transfer your benefit. Your old provider is notified. See how to transfer.
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.