The government providing people with free smartphones may sound strange but it’s actually a pretty well-established and long-lasting practice. However, while traditionally, the government has only provided people in need with entry-level to mid-range Android phones (through Lifeline), recently, a new government assistance program (ACP) was launched, which enabled providers to start offering more and more advanced smartphones, including Apple iPhones.
Today we’ll dive into whether or not companies offer free government iPhone 14 – how to get the device (from the government or elsewhere), and more about Apple’s latest iPhone models.
Is There a Way to Get a Free Government iPhone 14?
Apple iPhones are known for being very reliable, fast, durable, and packed with the latest and most advanced features. Every new generation of iPhones comes with improved performance and better options. Apple’s iPhone 14 models (14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max) are the latest iPhones. They were launched in September 2022 and they offer 5G support, more storage (128 GB is the base level), an improved main camera, a wider aperture lens, new video shooting options, a selfie camera with night mode, longer battery life, and faster performance. Due to all of these fine features, getting one free of charge may sound amazing.
However, unfortunately, iPhones are also notoriously expensive. In fact, the newer the device, the more expensive it is. As the government launched two government assistance programs (Lifeline and ACP or Affordable Connectivity Program) to help people with low income pay for essential phone, wireless, and internet services and basic devices, these programs obviously cannot cover the prices of the most recent smartphones that come with tons of inessential features and fancy technologies.
As such, the answer is no. Currently, it is not possible to receive a free government iPhone 14. Nevertheless, the two government assistance programs (always in combination) do offer many other iPhone models free of charge. And who knows? As time goes by, in a few years’ time free government iPhone 14 models may also become available.
Moreover, there are some other ways to get a free iPhone 14 (not through the government). We will take a closer look at how to receive another iPhone model from the government and how to receive a non-government iPhone 14 in the following sections.
List of Free iPhones Currently Offered by the Government
As mentioned before, for the longest time (since the 1980s), the government only offered the Lifeline program and through it discounts on phone and wireless services and free basic cell phones. However, during the pandemic, the government first launched a temporary program designed as a response to the pandemic, called the Emergency Broadband Benefit. This program was soon modified and extended. It transformed into the new long-term Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers discounts on internet services and connected devices. Former Lifeline providers also started to offer ACP benefits, which enabled the companies to offer more generous benefits.
When that happened, certain companies began to offer certain a bit older iPhone models. Currently, only three Lifeline and ACP providers offer iPhones in addition to flip phones and Android smartphones. These companies presently offer these iPhone models:
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 8
As these iPhone models are a bit older than the iPhone 14 models, they also come with fewer spectacular features. Nevertheless, these phone models are still very popular, particularly due to their reliability and high quality. If you are considering getting a free government iPhone (even though it’s not 14), learn how to get it in the following sections.
Process of Receiving Another Free iPhone Under Government Program
If you have decided to get a different iPhone instead of hoping for a free government iPhone 14, we can assist you in making that happen. Here is what you will have to do:
- First and foremost, you must confirm that you are eligible for the government assistance program, as only qualifying customers are eligible to apply for and benefit from it. The Lifeline and ACP eligibility criteria can be found below.
- Then, you must provide proof of your eligibility by submitting the required documentation. A list of acceptable documents can be found below.
- Next, you must apply for the Lifeline and ACP programs using the application process outlined below.
- Finally, you must find a Lifeline/ACP provider that offers free government iPhones in your area. Unfortunately, not many providers offer free iPhones, and they do not operate in all states, so residents of certain areas may not be eligible for a free government iPhone.
The following sections will break down these steps in more detail.
How to Qualify for a Free Government iPhone 14
In order to qualify for a free government iPhone, you must be eligible for both government assistance programs – Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
General Government Assistance Program Eligibility
Both assistance programs require you to be:
- At least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- The only applicant in an eligible household.
- And a resident of one of the states where the selected provider operates.
The applicant must also meet both Lifeline-specific and ACP-specific eligibility criteria.
Lifeline Eligibility
To qualify for Lifeline, a household must either:
- Have an annual income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Or participate in a government assistance program, such as:
- SNAP or the Food Stamps Program
- SSI
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
ACP Eligibility
To qualify for ACP, a household must either:
- Have an annual income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Have received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Or participate in a government assistance program, such as:
- Lifeline
- Any of the Lifeline-qualifying programs listed above
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
Documents Required When Applying for a Free Government iPhone 14
Once you have made sure that you qualify for both programs, you will also need to prove it to the providers. During the application process, you will be asked to provide clear copies of valid official documents that prove your income or participation in a qualifying government assistance program (or receiving the Federal Pell Grant in the current award year).
To ensure that the application process is as quick and effortless as possible, prepare copies of some of these documents:
Documents that prove your income:
- Current income statement from your employer or paycheck stubs
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Divorce decree or child support award
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Or a copy of another official document that includes your full name and income
Documents that prove your program participation (or the reception of the Federal Pell Grant):
- Program participation approval letter
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
- Statement of benefits
- School documentation
- Or a copy of another official document that includes your full name, the name of the program, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last year or a future expiration date
In addition to having to prove your Lifeline and ACP-specific eligibility, you may also be asked to prove your:
- Identity (with a valid ID, passport, driver’s license, Green Card, etc.)
- Age (with a valid ID, passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- Physical address (with a valid ID, utility bill, W2, mortgage or lease statement, etc.)
- SSN
- Proof of life
- Proof of emancipation (with a court document or an emancipation certificate)
How to Apply for a Free Government iPhone
To get a free government iPhone, you need to apply through your government assistance provider, which may require you to apply through the National Verifier or the Lifeline/ACP Support Center first. You can apply for Lifeline and ACP through the National Verifier online or via mail.
To apply online, follow these steps:
- Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?awsl=link-from-how-to-apply&ebbp=true&id=nv_flow&ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D. Through this link, you will be able to apply for both Lifeline and ACP.
- You may be required to log in or create a new account.
- Complete the application form by providing the required information and digital copies of your proof documentation.
- At the bottom of each page, press ‘Next’, and submit your application at the end.
To apply via mail, follow these steps:
- Print out application forms. You can find a Lifeline application at lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf and an ACP application at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
- It is advisable to include a Household Worksheet, especially when applying for the ACP, which can be found at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf.
- Fill out the forms and add physical copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Best Provider That Offers Free Government iPhone
As we have established before, free government iPhone 14 models are currently unavailable, but you can get any one of the many other iPhone models if you apply for one of the following companies. Presently, only three Lifeline/ACP companies offer free government iPhones and all of them are owned by HTH Communications, as such their offers as well as application processes are quite similar.
AirTalk Wireless
The Provider’s Lifeline and ACP Offer
AirTalk offers Lifeline and ACP plans to eligible customers. However, only the customers who qualify for the Lifeline and ACP Combo plan will be able to receive a free government iPhone. The plans may vary between states, however, the Lifeline and ACP Combo plan generally offers free monthly texts, free monthly talk minutes, and free monthly data, a free smartphone of your own choice, and a huge ACP discount on a tablet.
The States Where the Provider Operates
AirTalk Wireless currently operates in the states of Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Application Process
Visit airtalkwireless.com and press Apply in the top right corner or Apply Now below. Either way, you will be redirected to airtalkwireless.com/apply. Here, you must enter your ZIP code. If the company’s services are available in that area, you will be redirected to your state’s plan offer. Review the Lifeline and ACP Combo plan and select it by pressing ‘Apply Now’ underneath the offer. Fill out the application form. Make sure to provide all the required information, documentation, and your National Verifier’s application ID. The details must match the details in your National Verifier application. If approved, the company will notify you via email or another provided contact method immediately.
Cintex Wireless
The Provider’s Lifeline and ACP Offer
This company also offers Lifeline-only, ACP-only, and Lifeline and ACP Combo plans. However, only the latter offers a free smartphone of the customer’s own choice (including iPhones). This plan also includes high-speed data, talk, and text, and an ACP discount on a tablet.
The States Where the Provider Operates
Cintex offers its benefits to eligible residents of Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The Application Process
Begin your application process by visiting Cintex’s official website at cintexwireless.com. Press ‘Apply’ and enter your ZIP code when prompted. If the company’s services are available in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s offer. Choose the combo plan and finally, complete and submit the application form.
NewPhone Wireless
The Provider’s Lifeline and ACP Offer
Just like AirTalk and Cintex, NewPhone Wireless is also a Lifeline and ACP company that offers different plans in different areas. The provider’s most valuable Lifeline and ACP Combo plan offers free monthly talk minutes, texts, and high-speed data, a free smartphone of a customer’s own choice, and occasional discounts on ACP tablets.
The States Where the Provider Operates
NewPhone Wireless currently only operates in two states – Louisiana and Wyoming.
The Application Process
Enroll by visiting newphone.com and pressing ‘Apply’. Alternatively, you can go straight to newphone.com/apply. Either way, you will be asked to provide your ZIP code in the search box and press ‘Apply now’. If the company’s services are available in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s offer. Select the Combo plan and fill out the application form. If your application gets approved, you will be notified shortly.
If You Don’t Get a Free iPhone 14 From the Government, Where Can You Get a Free iPhone 14?
Generally, there are many other ways to receive a free smartphone if you are unable to get one from the government. However, since iPhone 14 models are the newest and most expensive phone models currently on the market, your options get a bit more limited.
For example, while there are some charities that offer free smartphones to people in need, they surely do not offer the most advanced devices.
Nevertheless, you can enter an online giveaway, become a reviewer or marketing agent, participate in Amazon Vine or online surveys, or get a promotional deal from a large carrier.
All the Carriers That’ll Give You an iPhone 14 for Free
Many large carrier companies offer the newest and most advanced phone models (including all the iPhone 14 models) free of charge. However, when it comes to these promotional offers, you must know that there is always a catch! Most likely you will have to meet some of the following conditions to be able to get the latest iPhone for free:
- You may be required to switch to the company’s services
- You may be asked to add a line
- You will likely be required to activate a select plan
- You may be required to trade in an old device in good working condition
- You may have to purchase another device at full price to get one for free
Keep in mind that carriers’ promotional deals are only temporary and that they change quickly. As such, by the time you will be reading this article, the deals may have already changed. However, currently, the following carriers offer the following iPhone 14 deals:
Get Free iPhone 14 from Verizon
- iPhone 14 Pro free of charge. This is an online-only offer. It requires a select trade-in and a select 5G Unlimited plan. If you switch to Verizon, you will also get a $200 credit.
- iPhone 14 Plus for $5 a month. This is an online-only offer. It requires a select 5G Unlimited plan. If you switch to Verizon, you will also get a $200 credit.
Get Free iPhone 14 from AT&T
- iPhone 14 free of charge. This offer requires an eligible trade-in, a qualifying installment agreement, and the activation of an eligible plan.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max up to $800 off. This offer requires an eligible trade-in, a qualifying installment agreement, and the activation of an eligible plan.
- iPhone 14 Pro up to $800 off. This offer requires an eligible trade-in, a qualifying installment agreement, and the activation of an eligible plan.
- iPhone 14 Plus up to $800 off. This offer requires an eligible trade-in, a qualifying installment agreement, and the activation of an eligible plan.
Get Free iPhone 14 from T-Mobile
- iPhone 14 Pro free of charge. You can get up to $1000 off via 24 monthly bill credits if you add a line on Magenta Max and trade in an eligible device.
- iPhone 14 free of charge and 4 lines for $25 a line. You can get the discount via 24 monthly bill credits when you add 4 lines and trade in 4 qualifying devices. Moreover, if you switch, you can get 4 lines for only $25/per line.
- iPhone 14 up to $700 off. You can get the discount via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a line on Magenta Max and buy another device at full price. 2+ total lines required.
Get Free iPhone 14 from Others Companies
You can also get a discount on Sprint by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Visible, Xfinity Mobile, and Best Buy (however, Best Buy’s deals are only available through any of the carrier deals mentioned above), but none of these companies offers an iPhone 14 completely free of charge.
Moreover, you can also get a carrier deal from any of the carriers listed above through Apple. Learn more at apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers.
iPhone 14 Pro Key Features
One of the most popular iPhone 14 models is iPhone 14 Pro. It comes packed with high-quality technologies and super-advanced features. The phone has:
- iOS 14 – the most advanced operating system
- A16 Bionic – the best smartphone chip on the market that supports superfast 5G cellular
- Dynamic Island – a new interaction system
- Advanced safety features, such as Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection
- A 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Always-On and ProMotion
- A 48 MP main camera for up to 4-times greater resolution with Cinematic mode now in 4K Dolby Vision up to 30 fps
- All-day battery life and up to 23 hours of video playback
- Supreme durability with Ceramic Shield and water resistance
List of Other Phones Besides the iPhones That the Government Offers for Free
In addition to the iPhone models listed above, Lifeline and ACP providers also offer many other free phones, including Android smartphones and basic flip phones. Most companies don’t disclose which phone the customer will receive in advance. However, those that do currently offer:
- Alcatel Go Flip 4
- A Calypso
- Coolpad Belleza
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 3A XL
- LG G7 thinQ
- LG K51
- LG Stylo 5
- LG V40 ThinQ
- LG V50 ThinQ 5G
- Motorola G Stylus
- Motorola Moto G Pure
- Motorola Moto G7 Power
- OnePlus 6
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus N200 Nord5G
- Samsung Galaxy A20s
- Samsung Galaxy A21
- Samsung Galaxy A32
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
- Samsung Note 8
- Schok Volt
- Wiko Life 3
- And many more.
FAQ
How to Find the Best iPhone Deals?
Check out the list of current iPhone 14 deals above. However, as the deals tend to change often, you should also check the latest offers at apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers.
How Do We Pick the Best iPhone Deals?
When choosing a deal, make sure to carefully read the conditions. Make sure to select the offer that best fits your needs.
Can I Get the iPhone 14 Pro Max for Free?
Currently, no carrier offers an iPhone 14 Pro Max completely free of charge. However, at AT&T, you can get a discount of up to $800 for the device.
Can I Activate an iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro Outside of the United States?
Yes, as long as it’s not locked to any particular carrier, you can activate it worldwide.
Will My New iPhone Be Unlocked?
It depends on where you buy the device. If you buy it from a carrier, it is likely to be locked, however, if you buy it directly from Apple, it will come unlocked.
Are There Differences Between an iPhone for AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon?
AT&T and T-Mobile are GSM carriers, while Verizon and Sprint operate on a CDMA network. However, most of the latest iPhone models support both GSM and CDMA technologies.
How Does the iPhone Upgrade Program Work?
This is Apple’s upgrade program that costs $39.50 a month (or more). It includes AppleCare+ coverage, a new iPhone every year, and it works with your carrier. Learn more at apple.com/shop/iphone/iphone-upgrade-program.
Can I Upgrade My Old iPhone to a New iPhone 14?
Yes, most carriers will allow you to do so, however, you will likely have to pay an upgrade fee.
Can I Return My iPhone 14?
Of course. The warranty depends on each provider, however, most carriers and retailers offer a 14-day full refund on phones and accessories.
