How to get a free smartphone from carriers using Lifeline

Learn how to get a free smartphone through Lifeline, compare carriers, and apply online in minutes.

What the Lifeline program actually gives you

Lifeline is a U.S. federal program designed to make phone or internet service more affordable for eligible low-income households.

In most states, the Lifeline benefit is a monthly discount of up to $9.25 applied to your service.

If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, the enhanced Lifeline discount can be up to $34.25 per month.

That discount is applied through the provider you choose, and it is not cash sent directly to you.

Many providers market “free service,” because their plans are priced so the Lifeline discount covers the full monthly cost in that state.

A “free smartphone” is usually a provider promotion on top of the Lifeline service discount, and availability depends on your location and the company’s inventory.

Lifeline vs ACP

You may remember the Affordable Connectivity Program, also called ACP.

ACP ended on June 1, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, so you should not rely on ACP for a device discount today.

Lifeline is still active, but it works differently and typically provides a smaller monthly discount than ACP did.

The “free smartphone” reality check

Lifeline does not guarantee that every approved customer receives a brand-new premium phone.

Some carriers offer a free smartphone, some offer “bring your own phone,” and some offer discounted upgrades.

Even when a phone is advertised as free, you may see shipping fees, optional upgrades, or limited models depending on state rules and stock.

The best strategy is to get approved first, then compare multiple Lifeline carriers in your zip code before you place an order.

Do you qualify to get a free smartphone through Lifeline

You can qualify for Lifeline based on income or participation in certain government assistance programs.

A common income pathway is household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, based on household size and state.

A common program pathway includes participation in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit programs.

Your eligibility is determined through the National Verifier system, which is the centralized Lifeline eligibility checker.

One Lifeline benefit per household

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household, not one discount per person.

If multiple people at the same address are separate economic households, you may need a household worksheet process depending on the situation.

If you try to receive more than one Lifeline benefit for the same household, you can lose the benefit.

Documents to gather before you apply

If automated checks cannot confirm your eligibility, identity, or address, you may be asked to upload or mail proof documents.

For eligibility, that can mean proof of program participation or proof of income.

For identity, that can mean a government-issued ID or other acceptable identification documents.

For address, you may need a document that matches where you live, especially if you do not receive mail at the same place you sleep.

Gathering clear photos or scans in advance can make approval faster and reduce back-and-forth requests.

How to get a free smartphone with Lifeline in 2025

The fastest path is usually a two-step process: get approved first, then sign up with a company.

This avoids wasting time on carrier orders that cannot be completed until your eligibility is confirmed.

Tutorial 1: Apply online using the National Verifier portal

1. Go to the official consumer application portal and create an account.
2. Start a Lifeline application and select the benefit type that matches what you want, like mobile phone service.
3. Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your official documents.
4. Enter your date of birth and your home address exactly, including apartment number if you have one.
5. Provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Tribal identification number if applicable.
6. Choose how you qualify, either by income or by participation in a qualifying program.
7. Submit the application and watch for prompts that request documents for manual review.
8. If asked for documents, upload clear images and make sure all corners are visible and text is readable.
9. Submit and save your confirmation details, including your application ID or approval notice.
10. Once approved, move to the “choose a company” step to enroll with a Lifeline provider.

Tutorial 2: What to do if the system asks for proof documents

1. Read the request carefully, because it may ask for eligibility proof, identity proof, address proof, or all three.
2. Use the acceptable documentation guide to match the correct document type to the request.
3. Take photos in bright light, and avoid glare, blur, or cut-off edges.
4. Submit the documents through the portal when possible, because it is usually faster than mail.
5. If your name recently changed, include supporting documents so the reviewer can connect your identity records.
6. If your address is non-standard, include documents that explain how you receive mail or prove residence.
7. Check your application status regularly so you can respond quickly to any follow-up request.

Get a free smartphone: step-by-step sign-up with carriers after approval

After you qualify, you must sign up with a participating phone or internet company to actually receive service.

This is the point where you compare offers, decide whether you want a free phone or BYOP, and place an order.

Step 1: Find real Lifeline providers in your area

Use the official “Companies Near Me” tool to search by zip code or city and state.

This is the safest way to confirm a company is actually offering Lifeline in your location right now.

If a company is not listed for your area, do not give them your personal information.

Step 2: Compare offers the smart way

• Check whether the plan is truly $0 per month in your state after the Lifeline discount is applied.
• Check whether a free smartphone is included, or whether you must bring a phone or pay for an upgrade.
• Check coverage in the places you actually spend time, like your home, workplace, and school.
• Check what happens after you use your high-speed data allowance, because throttling policies vary.
• Check customer support options, because activation help matters if anything goes wrong.

Step 3: Place an order for a phone or SIM

1. Start enrollment on the provider’s official website for your state, using the same identity details you used in your Lifeline application.
2. Enter your National Verifier approval details if the carrier asks for an application ID or confirmation.
3. Choose “free smartphone” if offered, or select “bring your own phone” if you already have a compatible device.
4. Review any shipping costs, optional accessories, or upgrade offers before you submit.
5. Submit the order and save the order number, tracking number, and the provider’s support contact details.

Carriers people use to get a free smartphone with Lifeline

Below are well-known Lifeline brands that advertise Lifeline-supported mobile service in at least some states.

Availability, plan details, and phone offers vary by state, so you should verify your zip code and the current offer before enrolling.

SafeLink Wireless

SafeLink Wireless is a Lifeline-supported service brand that is associated with Verizon’s prepaid brands in Verizon’s support materials.

SafeLink also markets device offers in some areas, but you should verify the exact phone offer by zip code.

Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline provider that markets free monthly talk, text, and data for eligible households.

Assurance Wireless also states it operates on the nationwide T-Mobile network in its help materials.

TruConnect

TruConnect markets Lifeline wireless plans and provides an eligibility pathway through Lifeline for free or low-cost service depending on state.

Phone offers vary, so treat “free smartphone” as an offer you confirm during the enrollment flow for your location.

Life Wireless

Life Wireless markets free monthly service funded by the federal Lifeline program, with plans varying by state.

Life Wireless also promotes bring-your-own-phone as an option, which can be useful if you already have a working device.

Access Wireless

Access Wireless markets Lifeline service and includes an enrollment flow that starts with zip code selection.

Access Wireless also references the one-per-household rule and other compliance requirements in its Lifeline materials.

StandUp Wireless

StandUp Wireless describes itself as a Lifeline provider and markets free minutes, texts, and data for qualifying customers.

Phone availability can vary by state, so confirm whether a free smartphone is included before you finalize enrollment.

enTouch Wireless

enTouch Wireless markets Lifeline-supported service and emphasizes that eligibility is determined by the National Verifier.

As with other providers, you should confirm phone offers and any up-front charges inside the official enrollment path for your state.

TAG Mobile

TAG Mobile markets Lifeline program enrollment and provides a checklist-style explanation of what you need to apply.

Use that checklist as a reminder, but still rely on the official Lifeline documentation rules if there is any conflict.

AirTalk Wireless

AirTalk Wireless states it is an eligible telecommunications carrier offering Lifeline supported services and notes the one-per-household limit.

AirTalk Wireless also states service availability may vary by state and area, so check your location before you apply.

Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless markets Lifeline program enrollment and phone plan offers.

You should read any provider’s terms carefully, because the FCC has issued enforcement actions against some providers in the Lifeline space over time.

A quick warning about Q Link Wireless

If you see marketing that mentions Q Link Wireless for Lifeline, be careful and double-check before you share personal information.

The FCC has issued a notice of debarment barring Q Link Wireless, LLC from involvement with the federal Lifeline program and other FCC-administered universal service mechanisms.

If you were a customer and your service is disrupted, use the official “Companies Near Me” tool to choose a new provider and request a benefit transfer.

Alternative option: Apply with help from a phone company

You can apply with the assistance of a participating phone or internet company, and some companies will guide you through the National Verifier process.

This can be helpful if you are not comfortable uploading documents or navigating the online portal alone.

Tutorial: Apply through a provider the safe way

1. Use the official provider search tool to identify a Lifeline company that serves your zip code.
2. Start the provider’s enrollment flow from its official website, not from ads or look-alike domains.
3. Confirm the provider says eligibility is determined through the National Verifier.
4. Provide your legal identity details and household information exactly as you would on the official application.
5. Ask what fees exist, including shipping, device upgrades, or replacement costs, before you submit.
6. Save screenshots or emails that show what you selected, including whether a free smartphone was included.

How to apply by mail if online is not working

If you cannot apply online, you can apply by mail using the official Lifeline application form and instructions.

Mail can be slower, but it is a valid option, especially if you need to include copies of documents.

Tutorial: Mail application step by step

1. Print the official Lifeline application and read the instructions before you write anything.
2. Complete every required section and initial every required agreement statement.
3. Make copies of your proof documents, and do not mail original IDs.
4. Double-check that the name and address on your documents match the name and address on your application.
5. Mail the packet to the Lifeline Support Center address listed on the official instructions.
6. Track your mail if possible, and keep a copy of everything you send.

Special note for California, Oregon, and Texas

If you live in California, Oregon, or Texas, you may be directed to apply using your state’s process or state website.

Follow your state’s instructions first, because these states have special database connections and workflows.

If you get stuck, contact the Lifeline Support Center for guidance on the correct path for your state.

How to activate your free Lifeline smartphone

Activation steps vary by provider, but the general flow is similar across most Lifeline phone companies.

Tutorial: Activation checklist

1. Charge the phone fully before you start, because updates and setup can take time.
2. Insert the SIM card if your phone came with one, unless the provider instructs you to activate first.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi so the device can download updates without using mobile data.
4. Follow the provider’s activation portal steps, usually using your order details and personal verification.
5. Restart the phone after activation so network settings refresh properly.
6. Test a call, send a text, and open a website to confirm voice, SMS, and data are active.
7. If anything fails, contact the provider’s official support line and ask them to confirm provisioning.

Can you keep your current number

Many providers allow you to port your existing number, but you must request it during sign-up and provide accurate account details from your current carrier.

Do not cancel your old service before the port completes, because that can cause you to lose the number.

How to keep your Lifeline benefit active

Getting approved is only the first win, because Lifeline has ongoing rules you must follow.

Use it or lose it

If your Lifeline service is free, you must use it at least once every 30 days to maintain service.

If you do not use it, you typically receive a 15-day notice to use the service before it can be turned off.

Recertify every year

Lifeline requires annual recertification to confirm you still qualify.

If you are asked to recertify, you must respond within the stated time window or you can lose the benefit.

Update changes within 30 days

If you move, no longer qualify, or your household changes, you must notify your provider within the required timeframe.

Keeping your information current prevents interruptions and reduces the chance of de-enrollment.

Switching providers

If your coverage is bad or your phone stops working, you can transfer your Lifeline benefit to a new company.

The safe method is to contact a new Lifeline provider and ask them to transfer your Lifeline benefit during enrollment.

How to avoid scams and common mistakes

Lifeline is a federal benefit, which makes it a magnet for misleading ads and fake “government phone” pages.

Red flags that should make you stop

• A site promises a specific premium phone model with no conditions and no state limits.
• Someone says you must pay a “processing fee” to USAC or the FCC to get approved.
• A salesperson pressures you to give your Social Security Number on the spot without showing an official enrollment process.
• A company cannot be found using the official Lifeline “Companies Near Me” search for your area.

Common application errors that cause delays

• Using a nickname instead of the legal name that matches your documents.
• Entering an address that does not match official records, like missing apartment numbers.
• Submitting blurry documents or documents that are expired.
• Trying to enroll when someone in your household already receives Lifeline.

Quick FAQ about how to get a free smartphone with Lifeline

Is Lifeline a free phone program

Lifeline is primarily a monthly discount program, and “free phone” offers are added by some providers as a promotion.

Can I get Lifeline and also get another discount program

You generally cannot stack multiple Lifeline benefits, and you should follow the one-per-household rule.

What if I lose my Lifeline phone

Replacement policies vary by provider, so contact your provider directly and ask about replacement costs and timelines.

Where can I get official help

You can contact the Lifeline Support Center for help with applications, eligibility, and recertification questions.

Next steps

Start by confirming eligibility through the official Lifeline application path, then compare providers using the official provider search tool.

Once you see which carriers serve your zip code, choose the offer that fits your real life, not just the biggest headline.

When you do it in the right order, “get a free smartphone” becomes a realistic goal instead of a frustrating internet rabbit hole.