Assurance Wireless
Free phone 41 states
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited texts
- Unlimited talk
View plans
Updated for 2026 · Lifeline program
Get a free cell phone in your state
Compare 35 Lifeline providers, check if you qualify and find a phone store near you, all in one place.
35Lifeline providers
51States & territories covered
35,000+Phone stores listed
9Major carriers
Get a free phone in three steps
Most people finish in under 15 minutes.
- 1
Check eligibility
Benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, or income at or below 135% of the poverty line, usually qualify.
Take the 1-minute check - 2
Pick a provider
Compare free phones, data and minutes from the Lifeline providers that serve your state.
Compare by state - 3
Apply with the provider
Apply on the provider's official site with proof of eligibility. Your phone ships to your door.
See all providers
Browse free phones by state
Each state has its own list of Lifeline providers and income limits.
AL
Alabama
AK
Alaska
AZ
Arizona
AR
Arkansas
CA
California
CO
Colorado
CT
Connecticut
DE
Delaware
DC
District of Columbia
FL
Florida
GA
Georgia
HI
Hawaii
ID
Idaho
IL
Illinois
IN
Indiana
IA
Iowa
KS
Kansas
KY
Kentucky
LA
Louisiana
ME
Maine
MD
Maryland
MA
Massachusetts
MI
Michigan
MN
Minnesota
MS
Mississippi
MO
Missouri
NE
Nebraska
NV
Nevada
NH
New Hampshire
NJ
New Jersey
NM
New Mexico
NY
New York
NC
North Carolina
ND
North Dakota
OH
Ohio
OK
Oklahoma
OR
Oregon
PA
Pennsylvania
PR
Puerto Rico
RI
Rhode Island
SC
South Carolina
SD
South Dakota
TN
Tennessee
TX
Texas
UT
Utah
VT
Vermont
VA
Virginia
WA
Washington
WV
West Virginia
WI
Wisconsin
WY
Wyoming
Top free phone providers
Ranked by free-phone offers and the number of states they serve.
Safelink Wireless
Free phone 40 states
- Free smartphone or BYOP
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
View plans
Access Wireless
Free phone 34 states
- Unlimited Talk
- Unlimited Text (15 GB of High Speed)
- Hotspot Data Included
View plans
Life Wireless
Free phone 30 states
- Free smartphone
- 500 minutes
- Unlimited text
View plans
Q Link Wireless
Free phone 26 states
- Free SIM card
- 1000 minutes talk
- Unlimited texts
View plans
Tempo Communications
Free phone 20 states
- Free cell phone
- Unlimited Talk
- Unlimited text
View plans
Tag Mobile
Free phone 18 states
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
View plans
American Assistance
Free phone 16 states
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
View plans
Not sure if you qualify?
Answer four quick questions about benefits, household size and income. We will show the providers you can apply with.
Find a cell phone store
Hours, phone numbers and in-store services for 35,777 locations.
T-Mobile
6,535 stores in 51 states
Find a store
Verizon
5,705 stores in 51 states
Find a store
AT&T
5,058 stores in 51 states
Find a store
Boost Mobile
6,700 stores in 50 states
Find a store
Spectrum
632 stores in 39 states
Find a store
Xfinity
687 stores in 36 states
Find a store
Cricket Wireless
4,463 stores in 50 states
Find a store
Metro by T-Mobile
5,904 stores in 48 states
Find a store
Consumer Cellular
93 stores in 32 states
Find a store
Carrier customer service
Phone numbers, hours and the fastest way to reach a person.
From the guides
All guides
Lifeline For Seniors On Social Security
How older adults qualify for Lifeline, how Social Security income is counted, and what to ask for when you pick a phone.
Read more
How To Apply For Lifeline Step By Step
A clear walk-through of the Lifeline application, from checking eligibility and gathering documents to activating your free or discounted phone service.
Read more
Lifeline On Tribal Lands: Bigger Discounts Explained
Residents of Tribal lands get up to $34.25 a month off phone or internet service, plus help with startup costs. Here is who qualifies and how to apply.
Read more
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a free cell phone?
Most free phones come through Lifeline, a federal program that lowers the cost of phone or internet service for eligible households. Check whether you qualify, choose a Lifeline provider in your state, and apply with that provider or through the Lifeline National Verifier.
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
You can qualify if someone in your household takes part in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or certain Tribal programs, or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still available?
No. The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments and ended on June 1, 2024 after its funding ran out. Lifeline is still available, and some providers continue to offer free phones or extra data to Lifeline customers.
How many Lifeline benefits can a household get?
Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, for either phone service or internet service. You can transfer your benefit to a different provider if you find a better plan.
Is this site a government agency?
No. We are an independent information site and are not affiliated with the FCC, USAC, Lifeline or any carrier. To apply, use the official provider website or the Lifeline National Verifier.
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