If you want a new smartphone with the latest technology, but you don’t have the money to buy it, you can engage in one of the available options that many companies offer for people with low income.
In fact, there are many anies in the US that provide great free phone deals all over the country when you choose to transfer service to their network.
These deals are always available from the leading mobile carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and many other mobile network operators and there is the chance that you get a decent smartphone for free or at a very affordable cost.
The problem is that and it can be a bit complicated to clearly identify the best offers.
For that reason, here you have the only guide you’ll need to follow if you want to know what phone companies give free phones when you switch, so that you can do a thorough research before making any decision.
How Do You Get The Free Phones When You Switch 2023?
Nowadays, there are many mobile carriers offering interesting deals on free cell phones all over the country. Usually, this process requires that you trade in an older phone, sign up for a specified data plan or switch from your current service to receive the benefit.
In the case of switching to another company, you’ll have to sign a contract with them. You won’t get the newest and most advanced models, but they’ll be enough to satisfy most of your communication and entertainment needs.
The best part is that usually, you don’t need to pay any upfront costs, so that many times you can get a new phone for $0, which you’ll have to pay off in easy installments over several months – this might vary by company.
On the other hand, you can also take advantage of many interesting deals in wireless device technology an plans as part of these free cell phone deals.
It will also depend on the company, but there is the possibility of getting brand-new phones from some of the best manufacturers, including Samsung Galaxy A11, Samsung, Motorola, LG and others.
Sometimes, you must pay off a fraction of the cost via monthly bill credits and activate a new voice line on a qualifying rate plan to use with your device, being the most part of these, unlimited voice, text, and data plans.
Note that you’ll have to remain active in order to keep your benefits and in the case you want to cancel the wireless service, credits may stop and you’ll have to pay the remaining balance.
You can check the list below to see if any these cell phone carriers is a viable option for you.
What Phone Companies Give Free Phones When You Switch 2023
Although the main mobile carriers in the US are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile (remember that Sprint recently joined with T-Mobile), there are also other smaller companies that offer the possibility of purchasing a smartphone when you switch service.
Naturally, some companies will have a greater variety and quality of offerings than others, so you should do your homework and do your research to see which one is the best for you. Here is the best selection.
1. Free Phones When You Switch toT-Mobile
You can get a totally free phone with T-Mobile if you buy a new line with the company. The equipment is billed on a 24-month contract.
In addition to this, you can also purchase some of the basic plans that come with unlimited voice, text, and data, among other benefits.
However, if you cancel the contract before 24 months, you will still have to pay the remaining balance.
The best part is that there is no trade-in required and the monthly fees are quite low compared to other companies.
The devices available at this time are:
- Google Pixel 6a
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 Pro 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- OnePlus Nord N300 5G
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 5G
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G 2022
- TCL Stylus 5G
- Motorola moto g 5G
- OnePlus Nord N20 5G
- TCL 30 XE 5G
- Motorola moto g pure
The requirements differ. Some deals require you to switch to T-Mobile or add a new line, others require you to buy another device at full price, and some require an eligible trade-in. See the company’s current free phone deals at https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/deals/free-cell-phones.
In case you also need information on T-Mobile EBB Tablet and T-Mobile Compatible Phone
2. Free Phones When You Switch to Verizon
The Verizon deal is somewhat similar to that of T-Mobile, but with some additional details.
You can get a free phone when you switch or add a new line. No trade-in is required.
Acquiring the phone is free, but you will have to pay a one-time activation fee of $35 when purchasing a new line with one of the unlimited plans available. After this, you’ll have to pay the full cost of your bill for 36 months.
The devices available at this time are:
- Apple iPhone 13 mini
- Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Apple iPhone 12
- Google Pixel 6a
- Motorola moto g pure
- Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Motorola edge 5G UW
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
- Apple iPhone XS Max (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone XR (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone XS (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 12 (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 12 mini (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 11 (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone SE 2020 (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 13 mini (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 8 Plus (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 8 (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone 13 (Certified Pre-Owned)
- Apple iPhone X (Certified Pre-Owned)
See the list of current Verizon free phones at https://www.verizon.com/shop/online/free-cell-phones/.
Read one of our past articles How to Switch From T-Mobile to Verizon and What Phones are Compatible With Verizon
3. Free Phones When You Switch to AT&T
You can get a phone with AT&T at no cost or at a significant discount when you switch service.
You basically have two options:
3.1.- Provide your old phone
And activate a new line. You will then receive $250 in bill credits on a monthly basis.
3.2.- Get a new phone
At no cost or with up to a 50% discount if you adhere to any of their special plans. You’ll have to pay a monthly fee on your bill to pay for the phone for 36 continuous months.
Here are some of the phones available:
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max – up to $1000 off with a qualifying plan and an eligible trade-in
- Apple iPhone 14 – free with a qualifying plan and an eligible trade-in
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro – free with a qualifying plan and an eligible trade-in
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus – free with a qualifying plan and an eligible trade-in
- Samsung Galaxy S22 – free with an unlimited plan and an eligible trade-in
- Google Pixel 7 Pro – up to $800 off with a qualifying plan and an eligible trade-in
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra – up to $800 off with a qualifying plan and an eligible trade-in
- Apple iPhone 13 – for just $5 a month with a qualifying plan (no trade-in required)
Shop AT&T’s phones and see its deals at https://www.att.com/buy/phones/.
4. Free Phones When You Switch to Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile always has some good options for small budgets. They have a great deal when you switch as a new customer. You can get a Boost free or discounted phone, but you’ll need a $50 plan or superior to get the offer,
and you can only get one free phone/line.
Sometimes, they also have special deals where you can buy a specific phone and get at least three phones for free – perfect for your family.
The devices available right now are:
- iPhone SE – free when you switch and activate a select plan (a limited-time in-store-only offer)
- Motorola moto g 5G – free when you switch and activate a select plan (a limited-time in-store-only offer)
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G – free when you switch and activate a select plan (a limited-time in-store-only offer)
See the current Boost Mobile offers at https://www.boostmobile.com/stores/offers.html.
5. Free Phones When You Switch to Cricket Wireless
Cricket has one of the most extensive offerings regarding free cell phones and a good variety of great deals, especially for family members.
You can get a selected free or discounted phone when you bring your own number and activate a new line with a $60/mo plan. No annual contract and no credit check are required.
You can also get 2 lines of unlimited data for $80/mo with 2 free smartphones, or take advantage of 4 unlimited data lines for $100 with a free phone for each line. Another good one for family members.
They also have other similar offers that continually come and go, so it’s advisable to frequently check their website for new promotions.
These are only some of the best smartphones available right now because their list is really extensive:
- Cricket Icon 4 – free when you bring your number and activate a $60/mo plan
- TCL 30 Z – free when you bring your number and activate a $30/mo plan
- Apple iPhone SE 128 GB Black – free when you bring your number and activate a $30/mo plan
- Cricket Dream 5G – free when you bring your number and activate a $60/mo plan
- Motorola moto g pure – from $19.99
- Samsung Galaxy A03s – from $29.99
- Samsung Galaxy A13 5G – from $39.99
- Motorola moto g 5G (2022) – from $39.99
- Cricket Innovate E 5G – from $39.99
- Apple iPhone 11 64 GB – from $99.99
- Apple iPhone 11 128 GB – from $99.99
See Cricket’s list of free and discounted devices (Android, 5G, Apple) at https://www.cricketwireless.com/current-phone-and-plan-deals/5G.
6. Free Phones When You Switch to Metro by T-Mobile
Metro offers a large selection of free 5G phones in prepaid when you switch to Metro. These are all limited-time offers, in-store only. The selection and availability varies by location. All of these deals are only available with a qualifying plan and some offers require an eligible port and ID identification + tax.
Note that you’ll have to pay $20 for line activation.
The free 5G devices available from this company right now are:
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 5G
- T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G
- TCL 30 XE 5G
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 Pro 5G
- Motorola moto g 5G (2022)
- OnePlus Nord N300 5G
- OnePlus Nord N200 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Nokia G400 5G
- OnePlus Nord N10 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- TCL Stylus 5G
- OnePlus Nord N20 5G
- Motorola moto g stylus 5g (2022)
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
See the company’s list of free 5G devices at https://www.metrobyt-mobile.com/topbrandsgreatphones to stay up to date.
7. Free Phones When You Switch to Straight Talk
Straight Talk is a good option as one of the leading no-contract providers. You can get a free phone without adhering to an 18-30 month contract.
The company continually has welcoming promotions where you can get a free phone with the purchase of one of their unlimited plans. These plans can start as low as $35/mo and include unlimited talk, text, and data, with no contracts, credit checks or activation fees.
The best part is that you can do the whole process without leaving the comfort of your home, as you can apply via text message or online form.
The other part of the story is that the most of the time, they offer refurbished, older or simple specs phones. If you don’t have a problem with that, then you’ll be fine.
You can read one of our past How To Switch Phones On Straight Talk and How To Unlock Straight Talk Phones
8. Free Phones When You Switch to US Cellular
US Cellular also has some interesting options for users who want to transfer service to their network.
You’ll have to open a new consumer account, paperless billing and credit approval, but there is a $30 device activation fee that you must pay – except for online purchases.
You can choose the phone that you want – subject to availability – and the purchase is made via 30 month Retail Installment Contract (RIC). You can also choose a postpaid service plan.
If you want to make the purchase directly through their website, port-in will be required, and you’ll have to pay via monthly bill credits on a 30-mo RIC – this varies on the device you choose.
They offer an Unlimited Basic plan that you pay via monthly bill credits over 13 months, and you can order up to 4 lines.
Be aware that there may be some additional costs like taxes or fees. The good news are that you can skip the lines and activation fees if you do the purchase online – up to $30.
To get a free phone there are certain requirements: activate the Unlimited Everyday or Even Better plan, a qualifying device trade-in, and paperless billing.
Some of the available devices at this time are:
- Apple iPhone 14
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Samsung Galaxy T Fold4
- Samsung Galaxy S22
- Samsung Galaxy S22+
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Apple iPhone 13
- Apple iPhone 13 mini
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Motorola edge
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Motorola moto g 5G
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G 2022
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy XCover 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6a
- Motorola moto g power 2022
- Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
- Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
- Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Samsung Galaxy A13
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- Motorola moto g pure
- TCL ION Z
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Apple iPhone 12
- Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Cat S62
- Motorola moto g stylus 2020
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Motorola moto g play 2021
- Samsung Galaxy A12
- Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro
- TCL A30
- Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Apple iPhone SE
See the list of free devices at https://www.uscellular.com/devicelist?flow=device&catId=11476998_11477168.
9. Free Phones When You Switch to Other MVNOs
There are some other MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that offer certain attractive discounts and deals when you switch to their services. However, none of them currently offers free phones when switching. As this may change in the future, you can also check out the deals of the following wireless companies:
- Google Fi
- Visible
- Mint Mobile
- US Mobile
- Good2Go Mobile
- Twigby
10.- Lifeline and ACP Providers
In addition to the carriers and MVNOs listed above, free phones are also offered by Lifeline and ACP-participating wireless companies. However, as Lifeline and ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) are government assistance programs that offer discounts on monthly phone and internet services and mobile devices for low-income households that are unable to afford them themselves, you must meet the program’s eligibility criteria in order to enroll and receive a free phone and free monthly services. You can see the eligibility criteria below. Lifeline and ACP companies that offer free phones to qualifying customers include:
- Access Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Infinity Mobile
- Life Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- TruConnect
- True Wireless
How Do You Switch Carriers?
In general, the process to switch mobile carriers is similar in most cases, although naturally with some slight variations in the process depending on the policies of the new service provider to which you switch. Let’s see how the process is step by step.
1.- Determine which provider offers you the best deal
As you already know, there are a good variety of mobile phone companies that offer the possibility of acquiring a free phone when switching providers, each with its pros and cons.
You will have to determine very well what your specific needs are, and see which of the available companies can satisfy them to the greatest possible extent. This will help you in saving some time and headaches.
Remember that you can consult the list of providers that we present here.
2.- Request the change of service
Once you are clear about the company that is best for you, go to an authorized agent to process the change of service. Remember that in some cases it is possible – and mandatory – to perform the procedure from the company’s website.
Take into account that you won’t be able to cancel the service with your old provider until you have completed the switching with your new service provider. Once this has been completed, you can request the transfer of your old number to the new provider.
3.- Fill in the details
When making the request to switch your service and transfer your old number, you should have all the necessary requirements at hand, since the porting process is completed relatively quickly and they may request additional personal information at any time.
Once the process is complete, the line will be activated and you will be able to enjoy your new service plan.
However, before this entire process is complete, your new mobile service company will put the available options on the table:
- Keep your old phone
- Exchange it for a new one
- Receive a brand-new phone
If you decide on the first option, your new provider will give you a SIM card toolkit to activate the line on your old phone.
If you opt for the second option, you’ll need to tell your new provider and bring the phone so they can examine it and determine if you can make the change.
And in case you decide on a new phone, read the payment conditions carefully, remember that some cases will give you the phone for free, but you will receive monthly bill credits, while in other cases you will have to pay some upfront cost.
In the end, you will most likely have to pay it in monthly installments.
Is There Any Other Way To Get Free Phones?
Because smartphones can be so expensive, many people don’t enjoy spending too much money to acquire one of these devices, just want to save money, or simply don’t have enough money to afford the purchase.
Well, no problem. Fortunately, there are actually some alternative ways for you to get a smartphone for free. There are some great programs and organizations out there for people who have this necessity but can’t afford to buy a new phone.
Here you have some tips you can try to get a new phone for free.
1.- Government social programs
Lifeline is a social program implemented by the government to help reduce the cost of cell phones for people with low income. Those who qualify will receive a subsidy of $9.25 each month toward the cell phone bill and a free Android smartphone.
To qualify for this program, you must meet some requirements and provide some documents to prove your condition.
1.1.- Participate in other social programs
If you receive the benefit of one or more government assistance programs, you can participate in Lifeline.
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
For individuals living in Tribal lands:
- Head start
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance (TANF)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
1.2.- You have low income
If your income per household is below 135% of the poverty level established by the federal government, you can also join the Lifeline program.
1.3.- You are physically disabled
In the case that you have some type of physical disability, you can also qualify for Lifeline.
Please note that only one person per household can receive the subsidy, and in the case you have a phone plan that is less than $9.25/mo, the subsidy will cover the full cost.
The plan than comes by default gives you unlimited talk and text, as well as 2GB of data each month, free of charge. If you need additional data, you can sign up for another plan or pay for the data as you need.
Most mobile phone providers participate in the Lifeline program, but there are also other providers that work specifically to provide this social service, such as Assurance Wireless and SafeLink Wireless.
2.- Go for charity organizations
As many people upgrade to new phones even though their current phones are in good shape, many also consider donating it to charitable organizations that provide these phones as a form of assistance to people who need them
Many of these organizations refurbish and reprogram these devices to provide them to individuals and public agencies with low income that need this technology.
You can go to several of these organizations and ask if they’re giving donated cell phones. Here you have a list with a few examples of these groups – there are many:
This organization donates used cell phones to provide support and assistance to law enforcement entities and other organizations that provide services to victims across the US.
Recycling for Charities
They recycle old phones and give them to other nonprofit orgs that support people in need of communication devices.
They support social programs that provide communication technology for doctors and healthcare workers that need it to work more efficiently.
A Kentucky-based company that places recycling bins at several zoos around the country.
A non-profit organization that takes old cell phones and makes new ones for people who need them for emergency calls.
The 1Million Project Foundation
They provide cell phones to high school children of low-income families to help in their education process.
This org helps active duty military, veterans, and their families by giving them several services and benefits for free.
3.- Ask someone to exchange their old phone
This is so simple as asking your friends or family members for their old phone when they buy a newer one.
If that person no longer needs their phone, then you can make a deal and trade it for another object that person needs, for example. Or if you are lucky enough, they can end giving it to you as a gift.
Of course, this is just in case that you don’t need the latest phone model.
4.- Look out for giveaways
There are many places that constantly give phones away. It could be a cell phone brand like Motorola or a store that sells cell phones.
So, the recommendation here is that you search the Internet for these great opportunities. Look for places like email lists, official websites, and social media channels.
Many brands and stores post details about their giveaways on these places so that their subscribers and followers can stay up to date with these giveaways.
5.- Ask your employer
There are many companies that give free smartphones or tablets to their employees to help them work better.
If course, this depends on the line of work, but if yours justifies it, ask your employer if the company can give you a phone.
Just remember to be polite and explain that in your case, you need the device to improve on your daily tasks.
What Do I Need To Know About These Free Smartphone Promos?
Most likely, you will have to pay something in some way for the exchange of products and services. The general rule of thumb is that you will be able to get a new phone without paying any upfront costs – that’s where the title “free phone” comes from.
As a counterpart, you must enter into a contract for the services received, and the more expensive the phone you purchased, the longer the contract will last.
Sometimes there can also be some hidden additional costs, so it is important to be careful when signing the contract – read well and ask all the necessary questions.
Also, note that these types of promotions are always available and change all the time, so it’s also advisable that you frequently visit the website of the company of your choice to keep up with these changes.
On the other hand, there is also the option of paying a small amount for a new phone, but one or two years old, when manufacturers run promotions to renew their stock with more modern devices.
Why Do Phone Companies Offer Free Phones When You Switch Service?
When cellular carriers offer free or discounted phones, there is always a catch. Usually, it means making a contract with them. This usually involves some costs that you have to afford in terms of service. So in one way or the other, you will end paying for that phone anyway.
Of course, the other benefit these companies get is that they increase their clients base each time a new client switch services.
However, many people really benefit when they have purchased their phone and have the flexibility to switch between providers when they want a more modern device.
Free Phones When You Switch Others Things You Should Know
Are free phones really free?
No at all. When mobile phone carriers provide a free or discounted phone, the most of the time you have to pay for it in one or the other way.
In many cases, the basic principle is that you’ll get this free offer without paying any upfront costs, but you will have to engage in a contract and receive bill credits with a variable duration.
Can I get free phones when switching?
Yes. This is one of the easiest ways to get a new free or discounted phone. You can look out for offers and deals from many mobile carriers throughout the country. Many of them offer free cellphone with unlimited voice, text, and data plans.
Can I get a free phone from government?
Yes. Lifeline Support is a government social program to help in reducing the cost of mobile phones for people who need them.
People that qualify will receive a subsidy of at least $9.25 each month toward their cell phone bill and a free smartphone to use.
Can I get a free phone online?
Yes. Many of the mobile phone providers allow you to acquire these phones for free through an online process and in many cases, this is only possible through this method.
Can I get free phones without contract?
Usually, pre-paid carriers offer no-contract phone deals for people with low-income giving the incentive of several discounts and device installment plans. They also offer several alternatives to the offers from the big carriers.
These deals allow you to save some money in upfront costs, while their prepaid plans allow you to save even more money over time.
Can I get a free phone under the EBB program?
No. The Emergency Broadband Benefit or EBB is a government social program started to help people stay connected during the covid-19 pandemic, so they can carry out their daily activities like work, education, and communication in an online format. The program offers the possibility of getting a free Android tablet for people who qualify.
Do I get a free phone if I switch to Boost Mobile?
Usually, Boost Mobile has several free-phone deals for users who want to switch to Boost on limited time and stock offers. You can check their website or your local dealer to see if they have available offers and verify the eligibility terms for these deals.
