Does StandUp Wireless give free iPhones?
StandUp Wireless gives free Lifeline service to eligible households on partner networks coverage and usually supplies an Android phone. To use an iPhone, bring an unlocked, compatible one and request a SIM or eSIM.
- Available in many states
- Free for households on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI and more
- Confirm availability for your ZIP code before applying
What is StandUp Wireless?
StandUp Wireless is a Lifeline brand offering free service and optional phone upgrades. It runs on partner networks coverage and is available in many states. Like every Lifeline provider, it offers free monthly service to eligible households using the federal Lifeline benefit.
Availability, phones and data allowances change by state, so always check StandUp Wireless's plan page for your ZIP code before applying.
QLink Wireless is now StandUp Wireless
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QLink Wireless is now StandUp Wireless. If you had Lifeline service with QLink Wireless, your benefit continues under the StandUp Wireless name, and new customers apply with StandUp Wireless directly. Keep using your phone at least once every 30 days and respond to recertification notices as usual.
Searching for QLink Wireless plans, phones or customer support? Use StandUp Wireless's website and support channels. Beware of look-alike sites still using the old QLink Wireless name to collect personal details.
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What you get with StandUp Wireless?
- Monthly cost
- $0 for eligible customers
- Network
- partner networks
- Phone
- Free phone or bring your own
- Service
- Talk, text & data
- Availability
- Many states
StandUp Wireless offers free smartphones, free SIM kits for your own phone and discounted device upgrades. Plans typically include unlimited talk and text with monthly data.
Can you get a free iPhone from StandUp Wireless?
StandUp 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 StandUp Wireless's free plan on it. Any iPhone offers from StandUp 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 StandUp 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 StandUp Wireless?
You qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways: someone in your household takes part in a qualifying assistance program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal 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 StandUp Wireless?
- Check you qualify Confirm your benefit program or income using the eligibility checker.
- Pick a provider Choose StandUp 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 StandUp Wireless?
What's good
- Free service for eligible households
- Runs on partner networks 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
- Phone upgrades cost extra
What are the alternatives to StandUp Wireless?
Not the right fit? These Lifeline providers are worth comparing:
Frequently asked questions
What happened to QLink Wireless?
QLink Wireless is now StandUp Wireless. Existing Lifeline customers keep their benefit under the StandUp Wireless name, and new customers apply with StandUp Wireless.
Is StandUp Wireless really free?
Yes for eligible households. StandUp Wireless uses the Lifeline benefit to cover the monthly cost. Optional upgrades or extra data cost money.
Does StandUp Wireless give free iPhones?
StandUp Wireless mainly supplies Android phones, but you can bring your own compatible iPhone. Any iPhone offers vary by state.
What network does StandUp Wireless use?
StandUp Wireless runs on partner networks coverage.
How do I switch to StandUp Wireless from another Lifeline provider?
Apply with StandUp 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.