Google Pixel phones are known for their exceptional performance, cutting-edge features, and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. Owning a Google Pixel device is like having a technological powerhouse in the palm of your hand. From stunning cameras that capture every moment with breathtaking clarity to advanced software that keeps you connected and organized, Google Pixel phones offer an unmatched user experience. Now, imagine having the opportunity to get a Google Pixel phone for free through a government program. It’s a dream come true for tech enthusiasts and individuals in need of reliable communication. In this article, we will explore the list of free Google Pixel government phones, how to get one for yourself, and more.
List of Free Google Pixel Government Phone Models
In the 1980s the need for communication services has become too apparent to ignore. As such, the government decided to launch the Lifeline Assistance Program, which provides discounts on monthly phone and wireless services, as well as free phones. Recently, another program was launched – the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers discounts on monthly internet plans and connected devices. The ACP program often complements the Lifeline program and companies that offer both benefits have now sufficient funds to offer eligible customers better monthly plans and more high-quality devices, including free Google Pixel government phones. While most Lifeline and ACP companies don’t reveal which phone models they offer in advance as the offer depends on various factors (the plan, the state, availability, etc.), there are some that offer a variety of different phone models in all operating areas and enable qualifying customers to choose which device they wish to receive. These Lifeline and ACP providers currently offer the following list of free Google Pixel government phones:
- Google Pixel 4 XL: This smartphone from Google is one of the manufacturer’s most popular models. Like all Google Pixel models, it is Android-powered and packed with advanced features. It comes with a 12MP camera, ample storage room (64 to 128GB), 6GB of RAM, a vibrant 6.3-inch 1440×3040 pixel display, and a powerful 3700mAh Li-Po battery that can last many hours on a single charge. It also has an HD selfie camera and modern features, such s face ID, RADAR sensor for hand gestures, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, and a telephoto camera.
- Google Pixel 4: This is another popular and timeless phone model from Google. It has been launched in 2019 and has a smaller but equally immersive HD 5.7-inch display, a 12MP camera, 64 to 128GB of ROM, 6GB of RAM, a 2800mAh Li-Po battery, a unique RADAR sensor for hand gestures, a telephoto camera, and secure face unlock. Additional features include a top-end processor, wireless charging, water resistance, stereo speakers, and NFC.
- Google Pixel 4A: This Android smartphone from Google that was released in 2020 features an impressive 12MP camera, an amazing 5.81-inch display that provides the most immersive watching and gaming experience, 128GB of ROM, 6GB of RAM, a 3140mAh battery that can last up to 76 hours on a single charge, a high-end Snapdragon 730 processor, and a durable all-screen design. It also includes 18W fast charging, a headset jack, a rear-mounted fingerprint, and other great features.
- Google Pixel 3 XL: This is another high-quality device on the list of free Google Pixel government phones. As an XL model, it features a larger display. It features a notch, wireless charging, a unique matte design, a 12MP camera that will help you capture the most precious moments, sufficient storage room (64 to 128GB) that will help you store those memories, 4GB of RAM for smooth performance, an amazing 6.3-inch P-OLED display, a durable 3430mAh non-removable Li-Po battery with 18W wired and wireless charging, and much more.
- Google Pixel 3A XL: This is the more low-cost version of the Pixel 3 XL model, however, it keeps all the main advantages, including the high-quality 12MP camera, a durable battery with fast charging and an endurance rating of 98 hours, NFC, stereo speakers, a fingerprint reader, and a Google Assistant shortcut. Moreover, it has a great 6-inch OLED display with a 1080×2016 pixels resolution, 64GB of ROM, 4GB of RAM, and more.
- Google Pixel 3A: Another high-quality and reliable Google phone model is the Pixel 3A. It features a sufficiently large and immersive 5.6-inch OLED display with 1980×2220 pixels, a durable 3000mAh Li-Po battery with both wired and wireless charging, 64GB of internal storage, 4GB of RAM, a 12MP main camera, an 8MP front camera, and a unique design with a matte glass back. It was released in 2019 but it is still one of the most popular Pixel models ever.
- Google Pixel 3: Qualifying Lifeline and ACP customers can also currently receive Google’s Pixel 3 phone model completely free of charge. This device was released in 2018 and it has a 5.5-inch display, 64 to 128GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, a 12MP camera, a dual 8MP selfie camera, a decent 2915mAh battery with wireless charging and an endurance rating of 69 hours, a fingerprint reader, and a sleek yet sturdy design.
- Google Pixel 2 XL: This may not be Google’s most recent or most advanced phone model, however, it is still popular among users, perhaps because it has had some major updates since its previous model, including water resistance, stereo speakers, a faster processor, faster data speeds, and a better 8MP camera. The HD photos and videos can easily be stored in the 64 to 128GB internal storage, while the 4GB RAM makes sure the device doesn’t experience much lagging. The phone also features a 6-inch 1440×2880 pixel display, a reliable 3520mAh Li-Ion battery, and more.
- Google Pixel 2: Finally, this is one of the older Google Pixel phone models offered by Lifeline and ACP companies, however, it is a durable and reliable device that is unlikely to ever let you down. It has a vibrant 5-inch display with 1080×1920 pixels, a 12MP camera, an 8MP front camera, up to 128GB of storage, 4GB of RAM, a non-removable 2700mAh Li-Ion battery, water resistance, stereo speakers, a fast processor, and more.
List of Free Google Pixel Government Phone Providers
As mentioned before, most Lifeline and ACP companies won’t tell their customers which devices are available, as such, it’s difficult to create a full list of free Google Pixel government phone providers. Nevertheless, we can tell you which companies surely offer free Google Pixel government phones and which ones potentially offer such devices.
The only providers that have so far confirmed to offer free Google Pixel government phones are:
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
The companies that have only confirmed to offer free Android government phones (some of which may also be from Google) include:
- Access Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Infiniti Mobile
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobike
- TruConnect
- True Wireless
Check if any of those companies operate in your area at https://cnm.universalservice.org/. Then, visit the company’s website or contact its support team to check if you can receive a free Google Pixel phone and apply.
Process of Getting a Free Google Pixel Government Phone
The process of getting a free Google Pixel government phone depends on the first step – if you qualify, you will easily be able to complete the next steps. However, if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria, you won’t be able to enroll and can instead try to find other ways to get a free Google Pixel phone, such as from a non-profit organization, a carrier/retailer promo deal, or online.
The process of getting a free Google Pixel phone is as follows:
- You must qualify for the program.
- You must be able to prove your eligibility.
- You must apply. See how to complete these steps in the following sections.
How to Qualify for the Lifeline and ACP Program for Getting a Free Google Pixel Government Phone
To qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP, you must meet some general requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- You must be the only applicant in your household (exceptions apply).
- You must enroll through a provider that operates in your area.
Moreover, you must either meet the income-based requirement or the program participation-based requirement:
- You meet the income-based eligibility if your household’s annual income is at or below 135% for Lifeline and 200% for ACP of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You meet the program participation-based eligibility if you or another household member participates in one of the following assistance programs:
- SNAP (Lifeline and ACP)
- Medicaid (Lifeline and ACP)
- SSI (Lifeline and ACP)
- FPHA (Lifeline and ACP)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit (Lifeline and ACP)
- Tribal programs (Lifeline and ACP)
- WIC (ACP only)
- Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program (ACP only)
- Or if your household received the Federal Pell Grant in the current award year (ACP only)
- Moreover, if you qualify for Lifeline, you automatically qualify for ACP as well
Documents Required to Apply for a Free Google Pixel Government Phone
During the application process, you will be required to provide copies of certain documents in order to prove your Lifeline/ACP eligibility. Make sure to prepare those copies with a copy machine, scanner, camera, or smartphone in advance to make the process as smooth as possible, and make sure to never send out originals for safety reasons.
You can prove your income-based eligibility with a copy of:
- Paycheck stubs
- A prior year’s tax return
- A current employer’s income statement
- Divorce decree or child support award
- Or another official document that includes your name and income
You can prove your program participation-based eligibility with a copy of:
- Approval letter
- Benefits verification letter
- Benefit award letter
- Statement of benefits
- Or another official document that includes your name, the name of the program, the name of the issuing institution, and a valid date
You can prove your identity and age with a copy of:
- A valid ID
- Passport
- Birth certificate
You can prove your address with a copy of:
- A valid ID
- Driver’s license
- Utility bill
You may also be required to provide your Social Security Number, proof of life, and proof of emancipation.
Application Process for Getting a Free Google Pixel Government Phone
To apply for Lifeline and ACP and then potentially receive a free Google Pixel government phone, you must complete these two steps:
Apply through the National Verifier
The simplest and fastest way to do so is online. Visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home for Lifeline and https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply for ACP. Log in or create a new account if prompted and fill out the online application form by providing all the required information and documentation copies. Submit the application and expect to receive quick approval.
Alternatively, you can apply via mail but we can’t recommend it, as it’s less secure and a lot slower.
Apply through the selected provider
Once the National Verifier approved your application, you can find a suitable company that offers free Google Pixel government phones in your area at https://cnm.universalservice.org/. Visit the company’s website or contact its support team to see which phones are available, and then apply for the company’s benefits (free phone and monthly plan) through its online application form.
Free Google Pixel Government Phone Rules and Limitations
To receive and keep the free device, you must follow the Lifeline and ACP rules and limitations:
- You can only get benefits from one provider at a time.
- You must use the benefits once every 30 days to keep receiving them.
- You must reapply once a year.
- You must inform the provider if you no longer qualify within 30 days.
- You must follow the company’s terms and conditions.
How to Activate a Free Google Pixel Government Phone
The activation process depends on the provider. However, you must receive the phone and free SIM card (usually via mail) and locate the activation instructions in the box. You must then insert the SIM card into the phone’s SIM slot and turn it on. Then, follow the included activation instructions, search for the instructions for your company online (e.g. “AirTalk free phone activation”), or contact your provider’s customer support service and ask the agent to guide you through the process.
