Thinking of switching mobile service carriers and/or getting a new phone? If so, a few companies are making it easy to do both by offering free phones when you switch. Some of the most notable include Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and Metro By T-Mobile.
Other carriers, like AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity Wireless, also have great deals for new customers. It’s important to note that the information on this page is for customers in the U.S. It doesn’t apply to those with phone plans in Mexico or Canada.
Further, in most cases, free phone deals are limited-time offers. Therefore, we’ll periodically update this page to bring you the newest deals for free phones as they become available. Continue reading to learn about the best deals available now.
Verizon Wireless
Verizon often offers promotions for free phones when you switch to their 4G LTE/5G network. Here’s what you should know:
- Who’s eligible?Eligibility requires you to switch carriers and/or activate a new line on an eligible plan.
- Terms and Conditions:It’s essential to note that promotions for carrier switching, trade-ins, new customers, and extra lines differ. Sometimes, there are limited-time offers for new phones that expire. Other promotions may require you to sign up for specific cell phone plans or purchase the phone in-store or online.
- Free Phones Included in Offer: Some of the phones included in Verizon’s most recent promotion include but are not limited to: iPhone 13 Mini, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen), Samsung Galaxy A03s, Samsung Galaxy S23, Google Pixel 6a, Motorola Edge 5G UW, and other certified pre-owned phones.
T-Mobile
Similar to Verizon, and other major carriers, T-mobile offers promotional deals for the activation of a new line when switching from a qualifying carrier. Here’s what you should know:
- Who’s eligible? You must switch to T-mobile from a qualifying carrier, sign up for an eligible data plan (i.e., Magenta, Essentials Unlimited 55, Sprint Unlimited Plan, etc.), and activate a new line.
- Terms and Conditions: T-mobile’s free phone promotion is subject to various terms, potentially including but not limited to trade-in requirements, specific payment plans, autopay sign up, additional activation fees, and online or in-person purchase requirements.
- Free Phones Included in Offer: A few of the most popular phone deals included in T-mobile’s free phone promotions include the Samsung Galaxy A12, the LG Stylo 6, and the Motorola moto g 5G, among others.
It’s important to note that you can get a “free” Android or Apple smartphone from T-mobile via 24 monthly bill credits when you switch or activate a new cell phone line.
Metro By T-Mobile
Suppose you like T-mobile’s coverage network and high-speed data but prefer a prepaid plan (i.e., no contract). In that case, Metro By T-Mobile may be a great option. Here’s what you need to know about Metro’s free phone promotion:
- Who’s eligible? You must switch to Metro from a qualifying carrier (excluding T-mobile).
- Terms and Conditions: Metro’s free phone promo is subject to many conditions. Further, you must port-in to a $40 unlimited data rate plan to be eligible for a free new device. The rebate is applied as a credit to your account and has no cash value.
- Free Phones Included in Offer: REVVL 6 5G, Moto G Stylus 5G, Galaxy A14 5G, and many others.
The free phone promo offered by Metro is a limited-time offer. So, it’s subject to change and cancellation at any time.
Who Doesn’t Currently Offer Free Phones When You Switch Carriers?
There are many companies that offer free phone promos when switching carriers. However, most wireless providers don’t. At least, not all the time. Instead, companies like Xfinity Wireless, Spectrum Wireless, Optium Mobile, AT&T and others offer other deals for new lines and customers.
They include free phones with the trade-in of an eligible device, free service for a specific period, bring-your-own phone deals, free mobile hotspot data, advanced WiFi options, and discounts for flagship phones (i.e., new iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) with trade-in.
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FAQs
Verizon Wireless
Verizon often offers promotions for free phones when you switch to their 4G LTE/5G network. Here's what you should know: Who's eligible? Eligibility requires you to switch carriers and/or activate a new line on an eligible plan.
How to get free phones without paying? ›
The Lifeline program gives out free government flip phones to those who need them. If you have a tight budget, this could be a great way to get a phone without spending any money. These phones come with features like calling and texting. They help people stay connected without worrying about high costs.
What phone company will pay for me to switch? ›
T-Mobile. Bring your eligible unlocked phone with you and we'll reimburse your remaining phone payment balance when you switch from select carriers (including AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, Claro, Liberty, Xfinity or UScellular) to T-Mobile – up to $800/line (up to 4 lines) via virtual prepaid card.
Why are carriers giving away free phones? ›
By giving away phones—not to mention subscriptions to streaming video services like Disney+ or HBO Max as well—carriers are trading the up-front cost of the device for the recurring revenue of long-term contracts. (The latest iPhone and Android devices retail for $700 or more.)
Can you get a new phone when you switch carriers? ›
All major wireless carriers offer Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs. To participate, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the new carrier's network. If you are purchasing a new phone, ask your new provider about the all-in cost of your device, including taxes.
Who is giving free iPhones for switching? ›
Carriers like T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Xfinity Mobile, AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile and Visible often provide free iPhones to new customers who switch from another carrier under specific plan conditions.
Which ACP program offers the best free phone? ›
Best free phone service provider through ACP/Lifeline
- Assurance Wireless is a great Tmo-based choice.
- AT&T Prepaid is a great choice for AT&T coverage.
- SafeLink Wireless is a great Verizon-based choice.
Options for getting a phone line with bad credit include prepaid plans, buy now pay later plans, joining a family plan, or using a cosigner. Prepaid plans offer advantages such as no deposit, lower monthly bills, flexibility, and affordability.
Does the government give free Samsung phones? ›
Participating Providers
Several major wireless carriers offer free Samsung Galaxy phones through government assistance programs like the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The free phones are available to eligible individuals and families facing financial hardship.
How to switch phone carriers without paying for free? ›
Other ways to switch phone carriers without overpaying
- Look for promotions that help pay off balances. ...
- Trade in your current phone. ...
- Bring your own phone to your new carrier.
Switching carriers when you owe money
If you've got an outstanding balance with your current carrier, there's good news: you can absolutely still switch phone companies.
Does T-Mobile pay you to switch? ›
We'll pay off your phone contract when you switch.
Carrier's Early Termination Fee and remaining device balance, including lease purchase option, up to $650, paid via virtual prepaid Mastercard® (no cash access & expires in 6 months) typically within 15 days.
What phone company can I switch to to get a free phone? ›
T-Mobile 24-Month Contract Free Phone Offer
Unlike many other carrier companies, T-Mobile offers a free phone with just a 24-month contract requirement. Activate a new line or trade in an eligible device in order to qualify.
Is AT&T really giving away free phones? ›
Committing to an AT&T service plan
To qualify for the free phone offer, you'll also have to sign up for an unlimited voice and data plan and commit to it for 36 months (minimum of $75.99 per month before discounts), or if you're an existing customer, continue with the one you have to be eligible for the offer.
Is the iPhone 14 actually free? ›
Free with new line
You can get the basic iPhone 14 or the 14 Plus for free with any 5G unlimited plan, but you'll need to have a new line and Select Unlimited Plan to qualify. Though the carrier is still listing the Pro and the Pro Max, there is currently no stock of Pro Max available.
What company is giving away free iPhones? ›
Current Free iPhone 15 Offers (2024)
| Carrier | Offer Details | Monthly Payment |
|---|
| Boost Mobile | Get the iPhone 15 completely free when you sign up for the Boost Infinite plan ($60/month). Includes unlimited talk, text, and data. | N/A |
| T-Mobile | 4 iPhone 15s for free when you add 4 new lines on Essentials ($25/line) for 24 months. | N/A |
3 more rowsAug 18, 2024
There's no charge for swapping phones.
Do you get anything for switching to T-Mobile? ›
We'll reimburse your remaining device balance and early termination fees, up to $650 per line, for up to two lines, via virtual prepaid Mastercard®. Plus, switch today and get a new 5G device ON US: up to $830 when you trade in an eligible phone.
