Get Free Phone by Switching Carriers
Razib Mozumdar
Experienced Content Writer with a strong background in Technology, Pet, Finance, and Real Estate. Passionate about creating engaging, informative content that drives traffic and generates leads.
Switching cell phone carriers is one of the best ways to score a brand new, high-end smartphone at little to no cost. Wireless providers are constantly competing for customers, which means they frequently run promotions offering free or heavily discounted phones to entice people to switch.
Whether you're interested in the latest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel, there's a good chance you can get one for free by taking advantage of a carrier switch deal. Here's what you need to know about how these offers work and some of the best promotions available in 2024.
Key Takeaways
Understanding "Free Phone" Promotions
First, it's important to understand that when carriers advertise a "free phone," it's not quite as simple as just being handed the device at no cost. Typically, these promotions work in one of a few ways:
With all of these promotions, the key is that you have to switch carriers and usually sign up for an unlimited data plan to be eligible. And in most cases, you won't be able to pay off the phone early or leave that carrier for 2-3 years without having to pay back the remaining balance.
Best Free Phone Deals for Switching Carriers in 2024
So which carriers are offering the best free phone deals in 2024 for customers who switch? Here's a rundown of some of the top offers:
1. Verizon
Verizon frequently has promotions for switchers, including many that allow you to get the latest iPhone or Android flagship for free. For example, in early 2024 Verizon offered these deals:
2. AT&T
AT&T also regularly runs switch promos that get you a free phone, such as:
3. T-Mobile
Not to be outdone, T-Mobile offers plenty of ways to get a free phone by switching as well:
4. Visible
Verizon-owned prepaid carrier Visible has quickly made a name for itself with very competitive promotions and plans. Some of their best free phone offers for switchers include:
5. Metro by T-Mobile
Prepaid carrier Metro by T-Mobile is another option that frequently gives away free phones to customers who switch, such as:
Government Programs for Free Phones
In addition to carrier promotions, there are also government benefit programs that can help you get a free phone and cell service. The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount on wireless or internet service for low-income households. In some cases, the discount can be applied toward a free phone.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is another government benefit that provides a discount of up to $30/month ($75/month for those living on tribal lands) on internet and wireless service for eligible low-income households. Some providers participate in both Lifeline and ACP together to offer free phones and service to qualifying customers.
To be eligible for Lifeline and ACP, your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or you must participate in certain assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, or veterans pension/survivors benefits.
Some wireless providers that participate in Lifeline and ACP to provide free or discounted phones and service include:
Note that the free phones offered through these programs are usually older or lower-end models rather than the latest flagships. But if you qualify, it can be a way to get cell service and a smartphone at no cost.
Trade-In Programs for Free Phones
Another way to effectively get a free phone is to take advantage of trade-in programs offered by carriers, manufacturers, and retailers. The amount you'll get for your trade-in varies depending on the make, model, age, and condition of your current device. But if you have a higher-end phone in good shape, you may be able to get enough trade-in credit to fully cover the cost of a new phone.
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Some of the best trade-in offers for 2024 include:
Before trading in your old phone, make sure to compare offers from multiple sources to ensure you're getting the highest value. In some cases, you may be able to get more money by selling your device directly to a buyer on a site like Swappa or eBay.
Best Times of Year for Free Phone Deals
While carriers and retailers offer trade-in and switch promos year-round, there are certain times of year when you're likely to find the very best free phone deals. Keep an eye out for special offers around these events and holidays:
These certainly aren't the only occasions for finding a great deal on a cell phone, but they're definitely times to pay extra attention to promotions if you're in the market for a new device.
Should You Switch Carriers for a Free Phone?
With all the enticing free phone offers out there, it can be tempting to jump from carrier to carrier chasing the best deal. But before you switch, it's important to carefully compare not just the upfront promotion but also the ongoing costs and features of the new carrier and plan.
Factors to consider include:
Ultimately, getting a free phone is great, but not if it means being stuck with a carrier that doesn't meet your needs or paying more than you would have with a different provider. It still pays to do your homework and look at the bigger picture beyond just the free phone promotion.
FAQs
What carrier gives you a free phone when you switch?
Many major carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer free phones or substantial discounts when you switch to their service. These offers typically require you to trade in an eligible device and sign up for a specific unlimited data plan. Prepaid carriers like Visible and Metro by T-Mobile also frequently run promotions for switchers that include free phones.
How do I get a new phone for free?
There are a few ways to get a new phone for free:
1. Switch to a new carrier that is offering a free phone promotion when you trade in your current device and sign up for an unlimited plan.
2. Take advantage of a "buy one, get one free" deal from your current carrier or a retailer like Best Buy.
3. Trade in a high-value phone in good condition to offset the full cost of a new device.
4. Qualify for a government program like Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provide discounted or free phones and service to low-income households.
Do I get a free phone if I switch to Boost?
Boost Mobile, which is owned by Dish Wireless, sometimes offers free phone promotions for customers who switch to their service. These offers vary over time, but they typically require you to sign up for a specific plan and port your number from another carrier. Check Boost Mobile's website or visit a store to see their current new customer promotions.
Why do phone companies give free phones?
Phone companies give free phones to attract new customers in a highly competitive market. By offering a free or significantly discounted phone, they can entice people to switch from their current carrier. The company then makes money over time through the customer's monthly service payments and the expectation that they will stay with the carrier for at least a year or two.
Can I get an iPhone for free?
Yes, it is possible to get an iPhone for free, but it usually requires switching carriers and trading in a high-value device. Carriers frequently offer the latest iPhones for free or a significant discount when you switch and sign up for an unlimited plan, especially during the holiday season or when new models are released. In most cases, the "free" iPhone is paid for through monthly bill credits over a 24-36 month period, during which you must remain with the carrier to continue receiving the credits.
The Bottom Line
In today's competitive wireless market, switching cell phone carriers is often the best way to get a great deal on the latest smartphones. Between trade-in promos, switch offers, rebates, and buy-one-get-one deals, it's very possible to get a brand new iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel 7, or other high-end device for free or very cheap.
Of course, "free" is a relative term - you'll still have to pay for your monthly service and usually stay with that carrier for a certain period of time. But if you're ready for an upgrade and willing to change providers, these new customer promotions can be a great way to save hundreds on a new phone.
Government programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program can also help make phone service and devices free or more affordable for low-income households. And if you have a newer phone in good condition to trade in, you may be able to get enough credit to pay for a new phone that way too.
The key is to take your time and compare all the options from multiple carriers and retailers. Look at not just the upfront savings on the phone, but also the long-term value of the plan and service you're committing to. By doing your due diligence and waiting for the right promotion at the right time, you can upgrade to the newest iPhone or Android phone with minimal out-of-pocket cost.