How to get a free iPhone from the government is one of the more common questions we receive from our readers. We hate to disappoint, but the quickest answer is it is next to impossible since iPhones aren’t particularly cheap. A Lifeline Program offer that involves the coveted phone sometimes pops up, but it’s rare, and it usually runs out fast.
We’ve written about the Lifeline Program to help inform you on how to get a free government cell phone and where to look. This initiative and its partner companies offer smartphones to our needy brothers and sisters who are qualified. They regularly give out devices with internet capability, but the offers usually only include entry-level phones or whatever is available.
The government cannot sustain the Lifeline Program if it offers premium devices like the Apple iPhone. That means only a limited few will be able to avail of the service, so others who need the same assistance will not get it. It may seem sketchy, but this program costs taxpayers billions of dollars so that those who need help can easily access it.
Update 2024: Some companies are now offering newer iPhone models with their plans. Check them out.
How Do I Qualify for a Free Government Phone
The basic qualification you can use for getting a free government phone is if you already have other benefits or services such as:
If you already qualify for the services above and anything similar to them, then you will qualify for a free government phone. You simply need to verify your eligibility and apply to a service provider of choice. You can follow our guide here.
How Can I Get a Free iPhone from the Government?
(Updated April 2024)
As mentioned, it’s close to impossible to get a free iPhone from the government since it is a premium item. However, there are ways to get one, although not all of them will be cost-free. We’ve heard numerous complaints about low-end phones, so you might want to check out the ways we found if you want to avoid it and get an Apple iPhone.
The first option you can use to get a free iPhone from the government is to sign up with Cintex Wireless. You can get the Apple iPhone 6s, 6S Plus, iPhone 7, XR, and XS Max for free. You can also opt to buy the iPhone 11 for $99.99, the 12 for $199.99, or wait for a deal like the free iPhone 11 Pro Max that’s on offer right now (April 2024).
Note that availability will vary, so the only way to guarantee that you will get the phone model you want is to apply directly to Cintex Wireless. The process is easy, and it will let you select between what’s available somewhere in between. Its also important to remember that many of these phones are refurbished, so actual device conditions may vary.
More options have also popped up this year, but all of them are still asking for a reduced cash out or upfront fee if you want an Apple iPhone. One example is TAG Mobile, who offers the Apple Iphone 8 for $69.99-1$129.99. Access Wireless offers the iPhone 13 which is fairly new, but it was out of stuck at the time of this update. They also have the iPhone 11, but it costs way more at $299.
SafeLink also offers iPhones from the 2nd generation SE all the way up to the iPhone 12 mini. Their site doesn’t offer installment options, so you will pay a bigger chunk like $299 for the iPhone 11. That’s steep for a refurbished phone that’s a few generations behind, but there are more out there.
QLink Wireless, which is one of the bigger Lifeline names out there, also offers iPhone models which you can pay off upfront, or do 4 interest-free payments. They offer several iPhone models from the 7 all the way to the 13 Pro Max. Each monthly installment for the different models range between $16 to as much as $86 for the highest model.
Smaller companies like AirTalk Wireless also offer iPhones from the 7 All the way to the 13 Pro. However, Apple’s phones are behind the “Upgrade Phone” option, meaning that you will pay an upfront price or go with installments via loan companies like Affirm. The prices are indeed reduced, but the newer models are not far off from what a brandnew or open box option will require at the counter from reputable sellers like Amazon or Best Buy.
Other companies might also offer various iPhone models and fees for them, but again, the only way to know is to ask or start an application process. They often do not list which model will be provided because many ship random models that are dependent on what’s available. Its a program that’s subsidized by limited funding, so they have to work with what the federal government provides to cover more Americans in need.
Alternatives to Getting a Free iPhone from the Government
Cell Phone Carriers
The easiest way to get a subsidized iPhone from the government is by going with regular carriers and their promotional deals. Top brands like AT&T or Verizon almost always have iPhones in different price categories with the usual lock-in period and monthly fees. However, you can still apply for a discount with the Lifeline Program if you fulfill the requirements.
Again, it won’t be completely free, but at least the device will be cheaper than simply getting them from the Apple Store. You may also need to pay an activation fee, plus the phone will be network-locked so you can’t simply switch to another sim card. However, this is the most flexible and guaranteed choice that will get you an iPhone, so it’s up to you to decide how much you want to pay and which model you want to receive.
Buy Refurbished/Second Hand
Buying refurbished or recertified iPhones is a cheaper way to own the premium device, although most if not all are already used. These old phones usually come from trade-ins, but many of them have been repaired or checked by techs before being resold. You can also hunt for bargains on the second-hand market since many sellers often just want to get rid of their old devices in exchange for a bit of cash.
Its important to make sure that the iPhone you’re buying has its activation lock removed and its not listed any more under the previous owner’s Apple ID. It will be unusable for another user if the correct process to prep it for a new owner is not followed.
Job Offers
Many job offers, especially those in the tech or sales category often offer sponsored phones and plans you can use. Mobile phones are invaluable now and they are crucial for getting some jobs done, so employers often offer them to help you achieve the job’s goals. Note that the device won’t be completely yours and personal usage may be limited, but that varies between every company.
Working with the government, military, or first responders can also help you get an iPhone. Apple offers discounted devices for government employees and other companies can even offer them for free. The challenge here is getting jobs with these agencies, but that could be a life-changing goal that you might want to consider.
Survey Offers
It may seem sketchy, but some online surveys give you points for answering questionnaires online. These points or credit can be put towards an iPhone purchase without spending cash from your wallet. However, this will take a lot of time online every day, and it could take a month or more to get enough credits to buy a phone.
However, it is free if you already have internet access and a laptop or PC, so it’s very doable if you are at home most of the time. It’s also wise to remember that there are many scams out there, so due diligence is necessary to ensure that you don’t waste your efforts. Take note of these names if you want to go with this option:
Contests and Giveaways
This is probably the most difficult option you can take since contests and giveaways that offer free iPhones are not easy to find. It’s a game of chance, and you have to pit your luck against thousands who want that free device. Note that there are also a lot of scams out there, so try to stick to these proven names if you want to join in:
Become an Influencer or Reviewer
Social media influencers and reviewers often receive devices for free, but not all of them can keep the products permanently. It also takes some effort since you need a good following to be able to receive phones and other products. You can manually apply to Apple, but nothing is guaranteed since they have their requirements as well.
Thank you
You are welcome, Melonia!
Free iPhones