There’s good news if you’re thinking about switching carriers in 2024 and are wondering if you can obtain a free iPhone when you switch. When you transfer, top mobile phone carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Mobile offer cheap or free cell phones.
A free iPhone is one of these providers’ exclusive offers when you switch. This free iPhone, however, will be a premium, somewhat older device rather than a cutting-edge, current model. Please read this post through to the end if you want to receive a free iPhone when you switch carriers.
iPhone handsets use the iPhone Operating System (iOS). Although expensive, iPhones are regarded as elegant. They are only affordable for those with large incomes. Although we have inexpensively repaired iPhones from earlier models, the latest premium handsets can fetch prices of $400 and above. The iPhone SE retails for about $429 and is the most affordable new iPhone available. However, you can receive a free iPhone when you switch to a particular network.
Even though iPhones are pricey gadgets, service providers give you one for free when you move to their network. Switching is giving up on your present service provider and moving to a new one. These companies typically offer free phones to get more customers to their establishments. They can eventually reimburse the costs of the devices, after all. Corporations profit from you when you buy programs for your communication.
You would wish to go to a different career for many reasons. One of the many things to think about when switching to a network is a free phone. You can also switch to a different carrier because of their superior customer service, transparency, and quality communication services (faster SMS delivery, more explicit calls, and faster internet connections), among other things. You must follow specific rules when you receive free equipment from these companies.
This page provides details on which carriers provide free iPhones to customers who transfer networks, which iPhone models are free, other ways to receive free iPhones and much more.
How to Get a Free iPhone When You Switch?
These days, a lot of well-known mobile carriers give unique, alluring discounts. Verizon, for instance, offers free iPhones to current customers who switch plans or add additional lines.
When you purchase one of their plans and then switch, you are eligible for these complimentary phones. These offers do, however, come with a few restrictions. One of the following actions may be necessary to receive a free iPhone upon switching carriers.
Get a free iPhone when you purchase one:
- Exchange an outdated phone that is in excellent operating order
- Make the move to the provider’s offerings
- Get an unlimited plan.
- Put a new line there.
Please be aware that the free iPhones you receive when you transfer carriers are not entirely free of cost.
Receiving a free iPhone means you won’t have to pay for it upfront. You have more than 12 to 36 months to pay it off each month.
Such agreements often require you to sign a contract with the carrier. The lengthier the contract, the more expensive the iPhone. Therefore, you must make sure you continue using the provider’s service for a set amount of time if you sign such a contract.
It’s also advisable to look for any hidden costs or early termination penalties.
These free iPhone offers, despite a few restrictions, assist those with modest incomes in obtaining cellphones and iPhones with no money down.
Qualifications For Free iPhones When Changing Providers
There are certain conditions that you have to fulfill. Among them are the following.
1. Return a gadget that qualifies.
Most mobile phone service providers require you to trade in a particular phone to receive a free one when you transfer to their network.
2. Invest in a specific plan.
You must purchase a specified plan for a set amount of time to qualify for a free iPhone. If you don’t complete the conditions after receiving the free phone, you might have to pay the remaining credits out of your cash. Ultimately, the phone cannot be transferred to a different network because carriers lock their phones until the duration of your contract with them is up.
3. Participate buy one get one
Some providers also offer free iPhones by purchasing a particular model. You can sell the other device and get your money back, even if you spent money on the new one.
Moreover, When a customer switches providers in the US, the major carriers and a few mobile virtual network operators typically give out free iPhones. Nonetheless, a lot of well-known mobile carriers frequently run promotions for free or heavily reduced cell phones. You must take note of the following if you wish to receive a complimentary iPhone with the carrier of your choosing:
- You have to enrol in a qualifying unlimited plan.
- You must insert a new line.
- You must use the target carrier’s services instead.
- For an older qualified phone in flawless condition, trade-in is necessary.
- You must purchase one to receive one free.
READ MORE: How to Get a Free iPhone ACP Program
What Cellular Companies Give Free iPhone When You Switch 2024?
In order to get you to switch to their network and sign a long-term contract, the phone providers give out free smartphones along with exclusive offers.
Though many consumers are unable to pay for the equipment upfront, these offers are advantageous to both the businesses and the clients.
In 2024, which phone providers will offer free iPhones for making a switch:
1. Verizon Wireless
The biggest network provider in the nation is Verizon. It provides cutting-edge mobile devices and flexible plans.
The business is well-known for providing exclusive discounts on iPhones. They were recently giving current Verizon customers discounts on the iPhone 14. That being said, plans are subject to regular revision.
Recall that you can be eligible for a Verizon free iPhone if you choose to go with an older model.
Application process
To find the best bargain, go to the Verizon website and browse through the available products and plans. To start the switching procedure, visit the offers on the website and choose the “Get Started” option.
Verizon provides the following iPhone models –
- Apple iPhone 12
- Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Apple iPhone 13
- Apple iPhone 11
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro
- Apple iPhone X
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone XR
- Apple iPhone 8 Plus
- Apple iPhone XS
- Apple iPhone 8
2. AT&T Wireless
Another significant cellular carrier in the nation, AT&T is renowned for providing the greatest AT&T Offers for Current Customers. In addition to a large assortment of cutting-edge phones from leading manufacturers, the firm provides a broad number of advantages, flexible plans, and extensive network coverage.
AT&T has exclusive offers on iPhones. When you switch, the business does, however, now provide discounted—rather than fully free—iPhones.
The following are the AT&T iPhones:
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro
- Apple iPhone 14
- Apple iPhone 13
- Apple iPhone 12 mini
- Apple iPhone 14 Plus
- Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen
3. T-Mobile
On the list of the biggest carriers in the nation, T-Mobile comes in third. The corporation provides the biggest 5G connection in the US together with a national 4G network.
T-Mobile also provides exclusive discounts and offers on free or heavily discounted iPhones. If you move to T-Mobile, you may receive one of the free iPhones.
- Apple iPhones 14
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
Visit t-mobile.com/offers/apple-iphone-deals to find out more about the company’s free iPhones upon switching.
Application process
You can start your application by navigating the phones category on the T-Mobile website to acquire the deal. Click the iPhone that has an agreement to continue with your application.
4. Boost Mobile
On its website, Boost Mobile offers incredible iPhone bargains. When you switch, the company will give you a free iPhone SE. When you go to a store, a deal is available. There are Boost Stores spread out around the nation. If you go to the online offers section of the Boost Mobile website, you can also find reduced iPhone models.
Application process
You can receive the free iPhone SE by going to a real store and asking the staff to assist you with switching. Customer service representatives can also be reached via various social media platforms.
READ MORE:Get Boost Mobile Free iPhone | Apply Now
5. Cricket Wireless
Cricket uses the AT&T network, which provides coverage equivalent to that of a more costly carrier. Like many other carriers, it draws in additional customers with its iPhone offerings. A new line and account are necessary to receive a free 64GB Apple iPhone SE phone. If you meet the requirements, you can also receive a complimentary 128 GB Apple iPhone SE.
Application process
You must traverse phones on the Cricket Wireless website to find the free smartphones to receive a free iPhone from the provider. After that, you consent to sign up for a specific plan for the time indicated. Finally, select your preferred payment method by tapping the “Select device” button. With Affirm, you may pay as little as $34 monthly at 0% APR. The day after you finish the process, Cricket will dispatch your gadget.
6. Visible
We can only talk about iPhone bargains by mentioning AT&T because the company has fantastic deals when you switch. If you make a qualified trade-in, you can receive the iPhone 14 for free. You can trade in a smartphone for $230 or more and receive bill credits up to $1000. Additionally, if your smartphone trade-in value is between $130 and $229, you can receive up to $800 in bill credits; if it’s between $35 and $129, you can receive up to $350 in bill credits.
Application process
To be eligible to apply, you must buy an eligible smartphone on a qualifying installment plan, paying taxes on the entire retail price plus an activation/upgrade fee of $35. Postpaid qualifying unlimited voice and wireless data service should be activated or maintained. Regretfully, if the network is congested, AT&T may momentarily reduce data speeds. Certain account types are eligible for additional qualifying programs. Within 30 days of activation, you must ensure you trade in a qualified smartphone in good working order.
7. Metro by T-Mobile
Owned by T-Mobile US, Metro by T-Mobile is a prepaid service provider available in the US. If you move to the network, you will receive a free iPhone. If you choose the $60/month unlimited plan, you will receive a free iPhone 11 after three months of service. Also, you ought to bring your phone number with you. If you get a new number online or in-store, you can purchase the device for $199.99.
Application process
To apply for the free phone, you must locate a Metro by T-Mobile store. Visit the carrier’s website to find a store near you. You will receive instructions on completing your application at the store.
8. US Cellular
American mobile network provider US Cellular is a Telephone and Data Systems Inc. division. It’s among the many firms that will give you a free iPhone if you switch. US cellular users who have upgraded or recently signed up can receive a free iPhone in any color and size.
Application process
It would help if you started by going to the US Cellular website to order the gadget. Additionally, when you buy an Apple Watch, you may receive three months of Apple Fitness for free. The fitness device requires an Apple Watch Series 3 and an iPhone 6s or later.
The following carriers, in addition to these leading ones, also provide free iPhones when switching.
- NewPhone wireless
- Boost Mobile
- US Cellular
- Cricket Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Xfinity Mobile
- Airtalk Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Free iPhone 13 When You Switch
Following the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini, the iPhone 13 is the most sophisticated model of the fifteenth series of iPhones.
Not every provider offers a free iPhone 13 model upon switching. The following operators provide a free iPhone 13 upon switching:
1. Verizon Wireless
There is also a complimentary iPhone 13 when you move to Verizon. These are the iPhone 13 versions that are currently available.
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini
2. AT&T Wireless
The following iPhone 13 models are available on AT&T Wireless:
- iPhone 13
3. T-Mobile
Available models of iPhone 13 on T-Mobile are:
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro max
When you go to one of these carriers that is providing the iPhone 13, you can receive complimentary models of the device. The majority of offers call you to purchase an unlimited plan, add a line, or agree to a 36-month commitment.
Please visit the websites of these leading carriers to learn more about their offers and contracts in order to qualify for a complimentary iPhone 13 when you move to them.
Get a Free iPhones From Government Under the Lifeline or ACP Program
Through aid programs, the government offers iPhones to eligible recipients. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline are the two government assistance programs.
Free phones, free computers, and free or cheap internet connections are just a few of the things that these programs provide to their clients. However, in order to receive such services, you must be qualified for them.
Here, we go over the specific requirements for receiving free government iPhones under various schemes.
1. Age-Based Eligibility
- You ought to have gone when you were eighteen.
- You have to be a resident of one of the states in which the Lifeline and ACP programs are offered by your preferred carrier.
If you meet the prerequisites listed above, you can see if you’re still eligible for the two programs listed below.
2. Income Based Eligibility
- Your yearly household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in order to qualify for the Lifeline Assistance program.
- Your household’s yearly income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in order to be eligible to qualify for the ACP program.
3. Program Based Eligibility
You or any family member participates in any of the government programs mentioned below –
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children (WIC)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the existing award year
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch Programs or School Breakfast Programs, including in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Head Start (only families meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Poor Families (Tribal TANF)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
You must apply at the Lifeline/ACP support center if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Lifeline and ACP program. Alternatively, you may apply straight to the provider you’ve chosen by going to their website, providing your ZIP code, and completing the application.
With these suppliers, you could be able to receive a free government iPhone 12 or iPhone 13, depending on your luck.
Things you should know before Switching a Carrier
Before choosing a new carrier, you should take into account the following:
1. Check the Eligibility Requirement
You need to find out whether there are any special qualifying standards set by your new carrier. Several carriers are exclusive to a few states in the union, and nobody else can use their services.
To acquire a new phone, make an upfront payment, or add more lines, many free iPhone deals require you to trade in a phone that is in good working order. Therefore, before switching to your carrier’s services, it is important to review the qualifying requirements.
2. Network Coverage
Verify if a carrier’s network is available in your region before committing to a long-term plan. Network coverage maps are accessible on the official websites of all carriers.
By entering your location or ZIP code, using the map search, or by looking up the network coverage, you may find out.
3. Plans and Pricing
You may examine and contrast the features and costs of several carriers to select the one that best fits your needs, as several carriers provide a variety of plans.
Compared to MVNO networks, which utilize the networks of other carriers, large carriers such as Verizon Mobile have networks with a speed and coverage advantage.
MVNO networks also have an edge in terms of cost because they provide affordable plans and services.
4. Phone Selection
It is wise to review your phone options if you want to get a new phone or receive one free when you transfer carriers. Modern phones from the most reliable manufacturers are available from different carriers at various price points and with various phone promotions.
5. Mobile Hotspot
Since mobile hotspots are included in just a small number of carrier plans, it is best to compare the plans offered by all the service providers in your region and select the one that has it if it is relevant to you.
6. Customer Service
One of the most crucial things to look for is customer care support service, which assists you in finding answers to questions regarding plans, switching, and other matters.
Therefore, please be certain that the carrier you want to sign up with provides attentive customer support.
How to Switch Cellular Providers to Get a Free iPhone?
Numerous factors influence people’s decision to transfer carriers, such as price, quality, network coverage, plan structure that includes the allotted amount of data, voice, and text messages, appropriateness for the needs of the client, and level of customer care assistance.
People want to transfer carriers since many of them provide one or more better features than other providers.
Please take the actions listed below to change carriers:
1. Choose a new carrier
Selecting the career you want to change to is the first step. Please outline your needs and determine which carrier can provide them.
After selecting a new carrier, confirm that it provides services in your region and that you are qualified to get a free iPhone upon switching.
2. Contact your preferred carrier
The next step is to get in touch with your chosen carrier and let them know you want to subscribe and receive a free phone, among other benefits.
3. Activate your service
The final step is to either buy a new phone or keep your current phone to activate your service and start utilizing your plan. The majority of carriers allow you to turn in your old phone for a new one through a trade-in program, or you may keep your old phone and buy and activate a SIM card.
Please make sure you maintain your current service through the completion of the switching procedure. It’s possible you won’t be able to utilize your present number if you terminate your services before the transfer. It’s important to understand that you can only retain your present phone number following a successful porting transfer.
How do I activate my carrier when I purchase an iPhone online with a carrier discount?
You must allow your carrier to activate your new iPhone when you buy it for your new carrier plan discounts to take effect.
You can get in touch with the customer support team of your new carrier if you run into any problems activating your new iPhone.
FAQs: Addressing Your Queries
Is the iPhone Truly Free?
Absolutely! The offer includes a complimentary iPhone upon successfully switching to the new carrier. No hidden costs or strings attached.
Can I Keep My Current Phone Number?
Yes, you can! The process includes options to retain your existing phone number, ensuring continuity in your contacts and networks.
Are There Any Hidden Charges?
Transparency is key. Uncover the truth about hidden charges, if any, and ensure that your switch is genuinely cost-effective.
How Long Does the Switching Process Take?
Time is of the essence. Understand the average duration of the switching process and plan your transition accordingly.
Can I Choose Any iPhone Model?
Variety is the spice of life. Learn about the flexibility in choosing your desired iPhone model as part of the switching offer.
What Happens to My Old Device?
Bid farewell to your old device responsibly. This FAQ guides you on the best practices for handling your previous smartphone.
How can I get a free iPhone when I switch providers?
To get a free iPhone when switching providers, you typically need to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the carrier. These include porting your existing number, signing up for a qualifying plan, trading in an eligible device, and sometimes committing to a contract or installment plan. The iPhone’s cost is usually covered through monthly credits applied over a set period.
Which carriers offer free iPhones when you switch?
Top providers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular often have promotions offering free iPhones to new customers who switch from another carrier. Be sure to check each carrier’s website for current deals and terms, as promotions frequently change.
Do I need to trade in my old phone to get a free iPhone?
Yes, most carriers require you to trade in a qualifying device to receive the full value of the free iPhone promotion. The trade-in phone must usually be in good working condition and may need to be a recent model for the maximum credit.
What kind of contract or plan do I need to sign up for?
Typically, you’ll need to enroll in a qualifying unlimited data plan to be eligible for a free iPhone. Most providers require you to commit to a long-term plan, which can range from 24 to 36 months, and you’ll receive credits each month that offset the cost of the iPhone.
Is the iPhone truly “free” when switching providers?
The iPhone is generally free, but it is spread out through monthly bill credits, meaning you’ll need to stay with the carrier for the full duration of the contract (usually 24–36 months) to get the full promotional benefit. If you cancel your plan early, you may be responsible for the remaining balance of the phone.
Are there any hidden fees involved?
While the iPhone itself may be free through bill credits, you will still be responsible for taxes, activation fees, and potentially upgrade fees, depending on the carrier. Always review the full terms and conditions before committing.
What happens if I cancel my service early?
If you cancel your service before completing the contract term, you may lose the remaining credits, and you will likely need to pay off the remaining balance of the iPhone in full.
Can I keep my phone number when switching providers?
Yes, in most cases, you can port your existing number to the new carrier when switching. Be sure to check with your current carrier for any conditions regarding number porting.
How long do I have to wait before receiving the free iPhone?
Most carriers will apply the promotional credits within 1–3 billing cycles after your new plan is activated and the trade-in is processed. However, the actual phone might be available to you right away or after a few days, depending on stock availability.
What if I already have an iPhone?
If you already have an iPhone, some carriers may still allow you to trade it in for a newer model. You could be eligible for a free or heavily discounted upgrade depending on the model and condition of your current iPhone.
Are refurbished iPhones part of these free promotions?
In some cases, carriers may offer refurbished iPhones as part of their free device promotions. These phones have been restored to good condition and often come with a warranty, but it’s important to confirm whether you’re getting a new or refurbished model.
Can I switch from a prepaid to a postpaid plan to get a free iPhone?
Yes, most providers allow switching from prepaid to postpaid plans and may offer a free iPhone as part of the switch. However, the promotion may be tied specifically to new postpaid accounts, so double-check the terms of the offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, seizing the opportunity for a free iPhone when you switch is not just a smart choice but a transformative experience. It’s about more than a device; it’s about unlocking a future where technology meets affordability seamlessly. Embrace the change, and step into a world of connectivity, savings, and innovation.
The majority of people think iPhones are elegant gadgets. Because phones are expensive, they are easily obtained. On the other hand, some service providers give away free phones if you switch and buy an eligible plan. Verizon, US Cellular, Boost Mobile, and AT&T are a few of these. IPhones are among the greatest gadgets available because of their excellent security features, seamless operations, and elegant design.