How to Get Free Phone Service

You can get free phone service in two ways in the U.S: Through a federal program like Lifeline, which provides eligible low-income individuals with discounted or free wireless phone service (emphasis on the eligible part), or through a free phone service provider, like TextNow.

To determine which option works best for you, we put together a handy guide on how to get free phone service, what the requirements are, and the pros and cons of each option.  

Key Takeaways:

• You can get discounted or free phone service through a federal program like Lifeline or through an alternative like TextNow.
• Federal programs require you to meet strict eligibility requirements, and you need to recertify every year.  
• No service provides free unlimited data, you will get a limited amount.  

1. See if you qualify for Lifeline

Before you make the decision on which free phone service to go with, confirm whether you have the option of a government assisted phone service by checking if you qualify for the Lifeline program. It discounts phone service $9.25 a month or more, which makes the cost of an approved provider very low or even free.   

You can qualify if you meet any one of these requirements:   

• Income: Your household income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 
• Federal assistance programs: You or someone in your household participate in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.   
• Survivor:  You’re a survivor of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes.

Note that individual states may have supplemental programs that further discount the cost of Lifeline service. For example, the Oregon Lifeline Program bumps up the possible discount to $20.25 a month.

>> Read more: Lifeline Program: What it is, how to get it, and alternatives 

2. Find an eligible Lifeline phone provider

Even if you’re eligible, you don’t automatically get free phone service. Most supporting carriers will only offer the program discount (up to $9.25 off each month), which will still require you to pay some amount monthly for the service. Use the Lifeline Support page's Companies Near Me tool to see the choices in your area and what they offer.

Here's a sampling of several free carriers through Lifeline to give you an idea, but options in your area may differ and may not include all of these:  

• Access Wireless: Unlimited talk & text; data up to 4.5GB/month or 5.5GB if tribal approved.  
• AirTalk: Unlimited talk & text; data up to 10GB depending on state.
• Assurance Wireless: Unlimited talk & text; up to 12GB/month depending on state.  
• enTouch Wireless: Unlimited talk & text; data 4.5GB-6GB depending on state.
• Life Wireless: Unlimited talk & text; data varies by state but starts at 4.5GB.
• Safelink Wireless. Unlimited talk & text; typically 10GB data; mobile hotspot data in some states.  
• TAG Mobile: Unlimited talk & text; up to 16GB data depending on state.
• TruConnect. Unlimited talk & text; data typically 4.5GB with some states higher.  

Compare the choices in your area on talk and text limits, data amounts, and extras like whether you can pay to top up with more data or if you can call or text internationally.

3. Confirm your coverage needs

When looking to pick a free phone service provider, it’s important to consider network coverage in your area to ensure you’re not left with low or no bars. 

The best network coverage will vary based on your location and its coverage needs. You can check the FCC’s map to determine which network has the best coverage in your area specifically. Then, check which network the available providers in your area use.

4. Find out how much data you need

You want to know how much data you need, especially as Lifeline free phone plans come with limited data. Determining this will also help you decide on the best plan for your needs.  

You can follow easy steps to determine how much data you need, either by checking your current phone’s mobile data settings or by evaluating how much data your most-used apps need.  

How to get free unlimited data

Unfortunately, there is no way to get unlimited data for free. While free phone service alternatives like TextNow do offer free data, it’s not any more than Lifeline phone providers are able to offer.  

How to reduce data usage

To reduce and optimize your data usage so you can still make the most out of your free plan, here are some helpful tips:  

• Turn on data-saving mode in all your apps’ settings. 
• Set all streaming qualities to low (including YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and any other media apps).  
• Use Wi-Fi whenever you can, especially for streaming and scrolling social media.  
• Download video and podcast content for “offline use” ahead of time over Wi-Fi to watch or listen to later.  

5. Compare Lifeline to free phone service alternatives

Before you decide on a Lifeline phone service provider, consider a free phone service alternative, to see whether that option better meets your needs.  

TextNow, a free phone service alternative, comes with its own pros and cons, and offers free cellular data with its service. Most importantly, it doesn't have strict eligibility requirements and can be activated by anyone, at any time, giving you more flexibility and security (no reliance on government funding).  

Lifeline free phone service vs. TextNow

For a more detailed analysis, read our detailed review of Lifeline vs. TextNow.

6. Decide on Lifeline or a free phone service alternative

After you weigh the pros and cons of each option, decide on whether you’re going with a Lifeline free phone service provider or an alternative like TextNow.

7. Apply for Lifeline or an alternative

The last step is to actually apply for the service. With Lifeline, that will require some paperwork and pulling out your Social Security number. With TextNow, that will require just downloading the free app to get started.

8. Activate a free phone or bring your own

If you decide to get free phone service with Lifeline, you may further qualify for a free phone. It's worth nothing, though, that these free phones are often older models and may not meet all the spec needs you're looking for.

Alternatively, you can bring your own phone to any free phone service, as long as it is unlocked. You will activate it with a SIM card provided by the free phone service provider to start using your free service.

FAQs about free phone service