All major mobile carriers often offer special deals on mobile devices. They offer customers advanced smartphones with huge discounts and they even offer high-quality smartphones completely free of charge. However, these special deals tend to come with certain strings attached – for example, you would have to trade in an older phone, switch from a competing carrier and service provider, or sign up for a specific unlimited data plan.
In the past, these carriers used to tie the customers with contracts they had to sign in order to receive a discounted or free phone. Nowadays, they tie clients to their services by giving them a bill credit with 24 to 30 monthly instalments. This option benefits most customers, as most of us don’t have the budget to pay for an expensive device in advance, however, it also keeps us tied to the service for two years or more and if we wish to change carriers sooner, we are required to pay off the remaining balance at once.
In this article, you can learn more about the best free phone deals currently available and the conditions required to receive the free device.
Why Do Certain Providers Offer Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Service?
Certain major mobile service providers and carriers offer free phone deals as a way to attract new customers or to encourage old ones to continue using their services. Virtually all free phone deals out there come with certain requirements and conditions. For example, for potential new customers, it is required to switch from a competing carrier to their services. Old customers, on the other hand, can get the free device if they continue using the provider’s services. In addition, both existing and new customers may also be required to trade in an old phone for the new one.
In addition to these commercial carriers, there are also Lifeline providers and they give out free phones for entirely different reasons. Lifeline is an FCC’s program designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income citizens. It is a government-funded program, which ensures that low-income individuals and families receive free mobile devices and services, both of which are essential for staying in touch with loved ones, work, emergency and health services, etc. As such, the government pays certain mobile service providers (Lifeline providers) to offer free phones and mobile services to eligible low-income customers.
Ways To Get A Free Phone With New Service
When it comes to commercial mobile providers, which give out free phones in exchange for getting you to buy their services, there are certain ways to get a free phone with new service – by switching carriers, adding a new line, trading in an old phone, buying a device and getting another one for free, or by signing up for a specific plan.
However, commercial carriers aren’t the only option when it comes to getting a free phone. Lifeline-eligible people can also get a new phone from a Lifeline provider.
Get A Free Phone When You Switch Or Add A New Line
Most carriers offer free phones for potential new customers under the condition that they switch from another carrier to their services. This is a great way to attract new customers, as such, it is a common practice. Even though each new customer may get a free mobile device, they will still have to pay a monthly plan, therefore, the carrier will still benefit from the deal.
While switching carriers is not an option for existing customers, most carriers also offer appealing deals for their current clients and thus ensure their old clients don’t switch to another carrier (which probably also offers a free device for new customers). One of the common ways for existing consumers to get a free phone is by adding a new line.
Trade-in An Old Phone
Both new and existing customers may be required to trade in an old phone to receive a new one. Most of us have some old mobile phones lying around the house, which may easily get us a new phone. However, it is usually not that simple, as many carriers and mobile providers generally only consider certain mobile devices eligible for the trade-in. They may require you to trade in a phone from a certain brand, model, or working condition.
Buy One Get One Free Phone
Another way to get a free phone is to take a ‘Buy One Get One Free’ option. In case another family member or a friend also needs a phone, this is a great offer. However, you and your family member or friend have to determine whether you each wish to pay 50% of the price of the phone that doesn’t come for free or if one of you was planning to buy a phone either way and can easily afford to do so, while the other one is currently unable to purchase a mobile device. Make sure to make a fair deal!
Sign Up For A Specific Plan
Many carriers offer free phones to customers who sign up for a specific plan. The plan you will be required to sign up for is usually one of their priciest plans (an unlimited plan, for example), however, it also tends to offer great services, including unlimited monthly minutes, text messages, and unlimited data, along with some other appealing perks.
Free Phone Service From Government Lifeline Support
Lastly, there are Lifeline assistance providers. Some of them offer free mobile services, others offer free entry-level to mid-range smartphones, and the select few offer both. However, only one person per household can receive Lifeline support and the service or phone cannot be traded with others. In addition, to receive either free services you must be Lifeline-eligible. See the exact eligibility requirements in the section ‘Free Phone And New Service From Government Lifeline Support’.
What Carrier Offers A Free Phone With New Service When You Switch Or Add A New Line
Many carriers offer a free phone for new customers when they switch to their services and for existing customers who wish to add a new line. In this chapter, you will find out which carriers offer a free phone with a new service or line, the requirements and the process.
Free Phone With New Service – T-Mobile
At T-Mobile, you can receive a free phone by activating a new voice line on a qualifying rate plan (all postpaid voice rate plans are eligible), purchase the device through their 24-month EIP on your newly activated line, pay any required down payment and taxes on the pre-credit device price of the time of purchase, and remain active and in good standing on the plan. Once you purchase an eligible phone, you will receive the value of the device up to $216 via 24 monthly bill credits. In case you decide to cancel your wireless service, credits may stop, and the remaining balance may be due.
This offer is available for both new customers switching to T-Mobile and existing customers who are adding a new line.
At T-Mobile, you may currently receive one of the following free devices:
- Samsung Galaxy A11
- Samsung Galaxy A12
- T-Mobile REVVL 4
- T-Mobile REVVL 4+
- OnePlus Nord N200 5G
- Motorola moto g play
- LG Aristo 5 free
- T-Mobile REVVL 5G
- LG Stylo 6
Check out their current free phone deals at t-mobile.com/offers/free-cell-phone-with-plan,and you can check for lifeline discount phone T-Mobile Lifeline Government Discounts
Free Phone With New Service – Verizon
At Verizon, you can get a free phone when you switch or add a new line and no trade-in is required. However, there may be certain other requirements, which depend on the device.
At Verizon, you can currently get the following free phones:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. This deal is only available online and it requires you to get a new line and a select Unlimited plan.
- Apple iPhone 11. This deal is only available online and it requires you to get a new line and a select Unlimited plan.
- Apple iPhone SE (2020). This deal requires you to get a new line and a select Unlimited plan.
- Samsung Galaxy A12. This deal requires you to get a new line.
- Samsung Galaxy A02s. This deal requires you to get a new line and a select Unlimited plan.
- Orbic Myra 5G UW. This deal requires you to get a new line and a select Unlimited plan.
Check out their current free phone deals at verizon.com/deals/free-phones,and you can check for Lifeline Discount Phone Verizon Wireless Lifeline Discount Phone
Free Phone With New Service – AT&T
At AT&T, they offer many great discounts on phones, however, currently, they only offer one model completely free of charge:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
You can get the device with an eligible trade-in. It requires a compatible 5G plan. This is a limited-time offer. To get the device, you have to purchase the eligible smartphone on a qualifying instalment agreement, including taxes on the full retail price and a $30 activation/upgrade fee. You are also required to activate or keep postpaid unlimited wireless service and trade in an eligible smartphone in good working condition within 30 days of activation. When you do so, you will receive up to $1000 in bill credits with a smartphone trade-in value of $95 or higher or up to $350 in bill credits with a smartphone trade-in value of $35 to $94.
Check out their current free phone deals at att.com/deals/cell-phone-deals,and you can check for government free phones AT&T Wireless Offer Free Government Phones
Free Phone With New Service – Metro By T-Mobile
At Metro By T-Mobile, you can get a free 5G phone from a reputable brand by switching carriers. You may be required to pay sales tax and an activation fee. The offer is available in-store only and keep in mind that the exact selection and availability may vary by location. Some offers may require port from an eligible carrier, activation on certain plans, as well as ID validation. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
At Metro By T-Mobile, you can currently get one of the following phones completely free of charge:
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. You can get it when you switch and trade in an eligible device.
- Motorola moto one 5G ace
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G
- iPhone 12 mini with 5G. You can get it when you switch with a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device.
Check out their current free phone deals at metrobyt-mobile.com/topbrandsgreatphones,and you can check for free phone Metro Pcs by T-Mobile Free Phones With Plan
Free Phone With New Service – Boost Mobile
At Boost Mobile, you can get a free phone when you activate new service. You can do so only in-store. Currently, Boost Mobile offers two free smartphone models and each comes with its own set of requirements and conditions.
At Boost Mobile, you can currently get one of the two phones listed below for free:
- Samsung Galaxy A12: This offer is available while supplies last. It excludes taxes and is only available for new customers when they switch to Boost Mobile. It requires an eligible port (Spring-related ports are excluded) and activation on an eligible plan. Only available in-store (Boost Mobile website and national retailers excluded). There are no substitutions available, cashback, credit, or rain checks. The offer may not be combined with other device offers.
- LG K51: This offer is available while supplies last. It excludes taxes and requires activation on eligible plans and in select markets or retailers (Boost Mobile website and national retailers excluded). It requires an eligible port-in (Spring-related ports are excluded). There are no substitutions available, cashback, credit, or rain checks. The offer may not be combined with other device offers.
Check out their current free phone deals at boostmobile.com/stores/offers.html#samsunggalaxya12,and you can check for lifeline discount phone Does Boost Mobile Offer Government Lifeline Program.
Buy One Get One Free Phone Service
Some carriers and mobile service providers offer ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals.
T-Mobile ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Learn more at t-mobile.com/offers/deals-hub#apple.
Verizon ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals
Currently, Verizon doesn’t offer any ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals. However, that may change in the future, therefore check their special deals page at verizon.com/deals often.
AT&T ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals
Currently, AT&T doesn’t offer any ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals. However, that may change in the future, therefore check their special deals page at att.com/deals/cell-phone-deals often.
Metro By T-Mobile ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals
Currently, Metro By T-Mobile doesn’t offer any ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals. However, that may change in the future, therefore check their special deals page at metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/deals.
Boost Mobile ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals
Currently, Boost Mobile doesn’t offer any ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals. However, that may change in the future, therefore check their special deals page at boostmobile.com/deals?intnav=TopMobileNav:QuickLinks:Deals.
Free Phone And New Service From Government Lifeline Support
Lifeline is an FCC’s program designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income citizens. The government-funded program ensures that low-income individuals and families receive free mobile devices and services, both of which are essential for staying in touch with loved ones, work, emergency and health services, etc. As such, the government supports certain mobile service providers (Lifeline providers) to offer free phones, free mobile services, or even both to eligible low-income customers.
In order to qualify for a Lifeline program and government free phone, you must meet certain criteria:
- You must be located in the U.S. Lifeline program is available in all states, commonwealth territory, and on Tribal lands.
- You must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline or participate in one of the following federal assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs
You can only get one Lifeline benefit per household and it cannot be transferred to other people. You can, however, transfer your benefits between providers.
Which Providers Offer Discounts On Phones With New Service
Most carriers and mobile service providers offer huge discounts on phones when a customer adds a new service.
T-Mobile Discounts On Phones With New Service
Currently, T-Mobile offers discounts on phones with a new service for the following models:
- iPhone 12 family, iPhone 11 family, iPhone XR, or iPhone XS for up to $830 off via 24 monthly bill credits when activating a new line
- iPhone 11 for up to $600 off via 24 monthly bill credits when activating a line and trading in an eligible device
- iPhone SE for half off via 24 monthly bill credits when activating a new line
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for up to $1000 off via 36 monthly bill credits when trading in an eligible device and activating a new line on an eligible plan
- OnePlus 9 for up to half off via 24 monthly bill credits when adding a new line
- Razr for up to half off via 24 monthly bill credits when you activate a new line
- REVVL 5G for $216 off via 24 monthly bill credits when adding a new line
Learn more at t-mobile.com/offers/deals-hub#apple.
Verizon Discounts On Phones With New Service
Currently, Verizon offers discounts on phones with a new service for the following models:
- Samsung Galaxy A42 5G for $279.99 off with a select trade-in and select Unlimited plans
- Samsung Galaxy Z series for up to $1000 off with select trade-in and select Unlimited plans
- Other select 5G Samsung smartphones for up to $700 off
Learn more at verizon.com/deals.
AT&T Discounts On Phones With New Service
Currently, AT&T offers discounts on phones with a new service for the following models:
- iPhone 12 Pro Max for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G for up to $1000 off with eligible trade-in
- iPhone 12 for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in
Learn more at att.com/deals/cell-phone-deals.
Metro By T-Mobile Discounts On Phones With New Service
Currently, Metro By T-Mobile only offers a new Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite for 50% off when adding a tablet line.
Learn more at metrobyt-mobile.com/shop/deals.
Boost Mobile Discounts On Phones With New Service
Currently, Boost Mobile offers discounts on phones with a new service for the following models:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for $300 off
- Apple iPhone 8 renewed for $100 off
- Motorola moto g power for $70 off
- Samsung Galaxy A12 for $80 off
- Apple iPhone SE for up to $150 off
- Motorola moto g stylus for $30 off
- Samsung Galaxy A51 for $200 off
- LG K51 for $70 off
- Wiko Ride 2 for $55 off
- Apple iPhone 7 renewed for $70 off
- Motorola moto g stylus 5G for $50 off
- Samsung Galaxy A10e for $90 off
- LG Stylo 6 for $70 off
- Samsung Galaxy A21 for $120 off
- Apple iPhone XR for up to $150 off
- Samsung Galaxy S10 renewed for $200 off
- Apple iPhone for $100 off
Learn more at boostmobile.com/deals?intnav=TopMobileNav:QuickLinks:Deals.
Other Places That Offer Free Cell Phone
In case you cannot get a free phone from a Lifeline provider and you don’t want to commit to a commercial carrier, you can still get a free cellular phone at several other places.
- Craigslist: Check out your local Craigslist (an online marketplace) to see if anybody is organizing a yard sale or simply wanting to give out an old phone. Often, sellers want you to pay for a device, however, you can ask them if they are willing to give it to you for free.
- OfferUp: OfferUp is an online marketplace, similar to Craigslist. Most phone offers are very inexpensive but not free. However, some people also offer old phones completely free of charge. Note: free phones may be in poor working condition.
- NextDoor: NextDoor is a social network connecting people from the same neighbourhood so that they can exchange information and goods. There, many people post things they wish to sell or give away. Oftentimes, you can find a cheap or free phone on the platform.
- Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace is a selling and trading platform on Facebook. There, you can see posts from your friends and other people who live in or near your area and wish to sell or give away certain used items, including cell phones.
- Buy Nothing Groups: A Buy Nothing group is a local community that enables users to share skills and things they have with their neighbours. On this platform, instead of trading or bartering, you can get most things completely free of charge. It’s worth checking it out.
Free Phone With New Service Others Thing You Should Know
Are Free Phones Really Free?
It depends. Some Lifeline providers and commercial carriers may offer the device completely free of charge, but usually, there are some strings attached. For example, some Lifeline providers require you to pay a small fee and commercial carriers usually tend to hook you to their rather expensive services for a long time. They may also require you to trade in an old phone, add a line, upgrade your plan, or buy a device to get another one for free.
How Does Getting A Free Phone Work?
Again, it depends – on both the provider and the device, as different providers and devices may have different requirements to get a free phone. Some may require you to switch carriers, add lines, trade-in old phones, buy a phone to get another one free or sign up for a plan for two years or more. You can see the exact requirements and find out how getting a free phone works in the section ‘What Carrier Offers A Free Phone And New Service When You Switch Or Add A New Line’.
Are The Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Service Plans Any Good?
Yes. Many carriers offer advanced high-quality free smartphones from the most reputable providers. Their services also tend to be excellent – they offer nationwide coverage, reliable customer services, and great adjustable plans.
The free phones you may receive from online marketplaces, on the other hand, may be in poor working condition or may at least have a broken screen or another flaw.
Can I Get Free Cell Phone Service For Life With Unlimited Everything?
Lifeline providers offer free cell phone service. However, to get it, you must be Lifeline-eligible. In addition, you can only get a Lifeline benefit for one year at a time. After a year, you will be required to renew your application. Note that many Lifeline providers may offer unlimited free minutes and texts, however, getting unlimited free data is from a Lifeline provider is a long shot.
Is It Possible To Get Free Touch Screen Government Phones?
Yes, most Lifeline providers offer free entry-level or mid-range smartphones with touch screens.
Can I Get a Free Cell Phone Without Deposit And Activation Fee?
It depends on the carrier or mobile service provider and it may also depend on the device itself. Some providers (either Lifeline or commercial) may offer free cell phones without deposit and activation fee, while others may require you to pay certain expenses.
Can I Get Free iPhone 12 When Switch Carrier?
At Metro By T-Mobile, you can currently get an iPhone 12 mini with 5G. You can get it when you switch with a qualifying plan and trade in an eligible device. At T-Mobile, you can currently get an iPhone 12 family for up to $830 off via 24 monthly bill credits when activating a new line. At AT&T, you can currently get an iPhone 12 Pro Max for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in and iPhone 12 for up to $700 off with eligible trade-in.
Which Provider Offers The Best Free Phone And New Service?
It depends on your preferences, as different providers have different requirements. If you have an eligible old phone that you wish to get rid of and can trade in, that may be a great option for you. If you wish to switch carriers or add a new line, that option may suit you best. However, it mostly depends on the provider’s services and plan rates, as that will determine how affordable or expensive the entire deal really is.
