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Government’s Lifeline program, carriers, how it works, who qualifies, and which providers may offer.
Is it true? Is it possible to win free smartphones?
Yes, but “free smartphone” offers exist only through eligible carriers and only when paired with the federal Lifeline benefit.
There is no single official list of every company that always gives a device.
What exists is the USAC government directory that shows all Lifeline-approved providers in your ZIP or state, and you can check which ones currently include a free phone, which can change by stock, state rules, and promo windows.
Government program that offers free smartphones
The active federal benefit is Lifeline, which lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet and, in some cases, is paired by carriers with a free device promotion.
Lifeline typically provides a monthly discount up to $9.25 for eligible households, and higher support on Tribal lands.
The separate Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024, so new ACP device or bill discounts are no longer available, and households should look to Lifeline instead.
How does this program work?
You apply once, choose a carrier, and receive service with the Lifeline discount after your documents are approved.
Keep your documents ready, answer address verification quickly, and watch your email or SMS for identity verification steps so your line can activate faster.
Recertify annually to maintain the benefit and avoid unexpected service interruptions.
Learn about Lifeline
What Lifeline is: a long-running program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet for qualifying low-income households.
What Lifeline isn’t: a guarantee of a free device.
The device is a carrier promotion, not a federal entitlement.
Key numbers: up to $9.25 per month for most areas and up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands.
Where to start: the official provider directory and the FCC Lifeline page for rules and help contacts.
Companies that offer free smartphones
Below you’ll find the most cited carriers that publicly market free smartphones tied to Lifeline in certain states and conditions.
Treat each section as a quick orientation, then confirm today’s offer by ZIP.
Assurance Wireless (T-Mobile)
How do I win?
Check your ZIP in the official directory, then open Assurance’s Lifeline page and look for their free phone statement for eligible customers.
Step by step
Apply online, submit identity and eligibility documents, and track application status in your account or the status tool.
Available products
Models vary by stock.
Expect entry-level to midrange Android devices when available.
Conditions and requirements
Lifeline eligibility, one discount per household, device while supplies last, and state-specific terms.
SafeLink Wireless (TracFone/Verizon)
How do I win?
Verify your state eligibility and check SafeLink’s application page for current device offers.
Step by step
Run your ZIP in the directory, then apply through SafeLink’s portal and upload documents if asked.
Available products
Varies by state and inventory.
Conditions and requirements
Standard Lifeline rules apply and device promotions can change without notice.
Access Wireless
How do I win?
Confirm coverage, then look for “Free Smartphone” language on the Lifeline plan page for your state.
Step by step
Do the ZIP search, start the Access application, and complete identity and eligibility verification.
Available products
Entry-level Android phones, subject to stock.
Conditions and requirements
One discount per household, state rules, device availability windows.
enTouch Wireless
How do I win?
enTouch frequently advertises a free phone with asterisks and state conditions.
Confirm in your ZIP first.
Step by step
Directory search, then the enTouch Lifeline page, then submit application and documents if requested.
Available products
Varies by inventory, often refurbished or new entry-level devices.
Conditions and requirements
Lifeline eligibility, state restrictions, while supplies last.
StandUp Wireless
How do I win?
Look for promotional “government phone” language and confirm it is active in your state today.
Step by step
ZIP search, StandUp sign-up, and verification.
Available products
Low- to mid-tier smartphones when available.
Conditions and requirements
Standard Lifeline rules and inventory fluctuations.
Life Wireless
How do I win?
Check Life Wireless Lifeline plans in your state for any free device note.
Step by step
Run the directory search, then apply through Life Wireless with proof of eligibility.
Available products
Entry-level smartphones, with models not guaranteed.
Conditions and requirements
Eligibility, stock, and shipping timelines vary.
TruConnect
How do I win?
TruConnect markets free phones in some states and in California LifeLine and Tribal contexts.
Confirm in your ZIP and state page.
Step by step
Directory search, TruConnect plan page, and application flow.
Available products
State-dependent, often entry-tier Android.
Conditions and requirements
Lifeline or state program eligibility, device promotions can change without notice.
TAG Mobile
How do I win?
TAG frequently advertises a free smartphone with Lifeline after you select your state.
Validate availability before you apply.
Step by step
Directory search, TAG Mobile free page by ZIP or state, application, and identity checks.
Available products
Rotating stock and models.
Conditions and requirements
Lifeline eligibility plus state-specific rules.
Gen Mobile
How do I win?
Gen Mobile’s Lifeline page invites you to see if you qualify to receive a free phone, with asterisks that depend on state and plan.
Step by step
Directory search, Gen Mobile Lifeline page, and online application.
Available products
Usually entry-level smartphones, subject to inventory.
Conditions and requirements
Eligibility and geography-based offers.
EASY Wireless
How do I win?
EASY Wireless markets free smartphone offers with Lifeline in some areas.
Check your ZIP for current stock.
Step by step
Directory search, EASY Wireless site, and complete the provider application.
Available products
Rotates by warehouse availability.
Conditions and requirements
Standard Lifeline restrictions and one benefit per household.
AirTalk Wireless
How do I win?
AirTalk advertises free government phones to qualified applicants in supported states.
Confirm your state first.
Step by step
Directory search, AirTalk application, and upload eligibility documents if asked.
Available products
Varies widely, with some promotions listing specific models when in stock.
Conditions and requirements
Eligibility, address validation, and inventory rules apply.
Cintex Wireless
How do I win?
Cintex runs a Free Phone Program for eligible Lifeline applicants in participating areas.
Step by step
Check with the directory, then apply directly with Cintex if your ZIP is supported.
Available products
Entry-level smartphones, with specifics changing by stock.
Conditions and requirements
All Lifeline rules and the provider’s promotional terms.
Assist Wireless
How do I win?
Assist focuses on select states and advertises free phones tied to Lifeline in those markets.
Verify your state coverage first.
Step by step
ZIP search, Assist sign-up, and verification flow.
Available products
Low-cost Android models depending on inventory.
Conditions and requirements
Eligibility, service area limits, and device shipping windows.
American Assistance
How do I win?
Check your ZIP for availability, then see American Assistance plan details for any device promotion.
Step by step
Directory search, American Assistance application, and provide documents as requested.
Available products
State- and stock-dependent.
Conditions and requirements
All standard Lifeline terms apply.
Infiniti Mobile
How do I win?
Infiniti Mobile participates in Lifeline across multiple states and may offer a complimentary phone when available.
Step by step
Directory search, Infiniti Mobile eligibility page, and submit application.
Available products
Rotating models, with exact brands not guaranteed.
Conditions and requirements
Lifeline eligibility, promotional stock, and state rules.
TerraCom Wireless
How do I win?
TerraCom’s terms describe scenarios in which eligible subscribers may receive a free phone with Lifeline, depending on location and plan.
Step by step
Directory search, TerraCom plan terms, start the enrollment, and submit documents.
Available products
Entry-level devices while supplies last.
Conditions and requirements
Lifeline eligibility, one discount per household, and state compliance.
Step by step: from ZIP search to activation
1) Confirm the rules.
Read the Lifeline overview to understand one-per-household rules, recertification, and identity checks.
2) Run the official ZIP search.
Enter your ZIP or select your state and save the provider list for your records.
3) Shortlist providers that say “free phone.”
Open each provider’s Lifeline page and look for precise device language, promotional dates, and fine print like “while supplies last.”
4) Apply through the provider portal.
Complete the carrier application, upload documents using the provider’s secure uploader, and keep your Application ID for status checks.
5) Activate and test.
When your SIM and device arrive, follow the carrier’s activation steps and test calls, texts, and data.
6) Recertify on time.
Watch your email or SMS for annual recertification reminders to keep the discount active.
Available products: what to expect from “free smartphone”
Expect entry-level to midrange Android devices, sometimes refurbished, with basic cameras, sufficient storage for messaging apps, and hotspot options depending on plan.
iOS devices are rarely included as free in Lifeline promotions, and if offered, they are typically limited and subject to fast sell-outs.
Carriers usually do not guarantee a specific model in advance, and substitutions may occur to fulfill backorders.
Conditions and requirements (read before you apply)
Eligibility is mandatory.
You must meet income or program criteria, and you must provide accurate identity and address information.
One per household.
Lifeline permits one benefit per household, not one per person.
State differences matter.
Some states have extra rules or state programs in addition to federal Lifeline, which can affect device offers and plan details.
Inventory and promotions change.
“Free phone” language always depends on stock and active promotion windows.
If a device is not listed for your ZIP today, check again later or consider another provider on the list.
ACP ended.
Do not rely on ACP credits or ACP free-device promotions.
Focus on Lifeline and on any carrier-specific offers available now.
Quick FAQ about free smartphones and Lifeline
Does the government send me a phone directly?
No. The government provides the discount, and carriers may offer a promotional device when you enroll in Lifeline.
How much is the monthly help?
Most households can receive up to $9.25 per month, with higher support on Tribal lands.
Is ACP still available?
No. The ACP ended on June 1, 2024, so check Lifeline for ongoing help.
How do I find trustworthy providers near me?
Use the official directory of approved providers by ZIP or state.
Can I choose any provider I want?
You must choose a provider that is approved for Lifeline and serves your address. Availability is strictly location-based.
Will I definitely receive a free phone?
No. A free device is not guaranteed and depends on each provider’s current promotion, state rules, and stock.
How long does activation take?
Timelines vary by provider and by how quickly you pass identity and eligibility checks.
Use your application portal to track status.
What if I need help with Lifeline?
Contact the Lifeline Support Center for assistance with the application or recertification process.
Final checklist: “free smartphone” with Lifeline
Run the official ZIP search and list every provider for your area.
Open each carrier’s Lifeline page and look for explicit device language and state-specific terms.
Apply through the provider with current device stock and clear shipping details.
Activate, test, and recertify annually to keep your benefit active.
Do you have any questions?
If you share your ZIP code, I’ll check the official list for your exact area right now, highlight which carriers show device promotions today, and give you the fastest application steps only for those providers.
