09.02.25
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 free or discounted 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 free phone service through a federal program like Lifeline or through an alternative like TextNow.
- Federal programs require you to meet strict eligibility requirements that have to be recertified every year.
There is no service that provides free unlimited data, only a limited amount.
1. Determine if you qualify for Lifeline
Before you make the decision on which free phone service to go with, confirm that you have the option of a government assisted phone service by checking if you qualify for the Lifeline program.
How to qualify for the Lifeline program:
You can qualify for Lifeline 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. You have to provide proof of a line separation request (you asked your phone company to split your service from your abuser’s). Household income must be 200% or less than the poverty guidelines, or you can qualify if you or a dependent are enrolled in programs like WIC, a Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program, or you received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
>>Read More: Lifeline Program: What it is, how to get it, Lifeline 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. If you’re looking for truly free phone service, then you’d have to pick from the following providers and check whether they operate in your state:
Assurance Wireless. While the actual service provided varies by state, you can expect to receive free monthly minutes (up to 1,000), free unlimited texts, and free data (up to 4.5GB/month).
Safelink Wireless. Safelink’s free service includes unlimited talk & text, some free data (varies by state), and even mobile hotspot data in some states.
TruConnect. TruConnect’s free service includes unlimited talk & text, some free data (varies by state), and free international calls to 200+ countries.
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.
Which provider has the best network coverage?
The best network coverage will vary based on your location and its coverage needs. Assurance runs on T-Mobile's network, Safelink runs on Verizon’s, and TruConnect can use either the T-Mobile or the Verizon network, giving you a bit more flexibility. You can check the FCC’s map to determine which network has the best coverage in your area specifically.
Note that none of these operate on AT&T’s network, so if that’s the coverage you’d like to receive, you will likely be better off finding a free phone service alternative.
4. Find out how much data you need
Just like with any phone plan, you want to know how much data you’re going to need, especially as Lifeline free phone plans only 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 your data needs, either by checking your current phone’s mobile data settings or by evaluating how much data your most-used apps need.
>>Read More: How much data do I 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 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
Lifeline
Network T-Mobile, Verizon
Talk & Text Plan Unlimited talk & text*
*with the exception of Assurance Wireless’s minutes.
*with the exception of Assurance Wireless’s minutes.
Data Plan 4.5GB – 10GB (dependent on state eligibility)
Extras/Perks None
Pros & Cons Pros:
Cons:
- Free phone service with data service.
- Opportunities to qualify for free phone as well.
Cons:
- Eligibility requirements are strict.
- Government programs are subject to budgetary cuts (like the ACP program.)
- Limited phone providers who can offer the completely free phone service.
Best For Families or individuals who are already enrolled in other government programs like Medicaid or SNAP and have a better chance of qualifying for the free phone service.
Our Take The free phone providers through Lifeline are great for those in need of free phone service, but the program is hard to qualify for and requires recertification every year. They’re not accessible options for those in need of reliable, immediate service.
TextNow
Network Nationwide 5G
Talk & Text Plan Unlimited talk & text
Data Plan Up to 1GB for select apps (email, maps, finance, rideshare)
Extras/Perks Discounts and free rewards from leading brands.
Pros & Cons Pros:
- Free phone service with data service.
- No eligibility required – can sign up and start using immediately.
- The "free service" is always available, even if you upgrade to a paid option at any time – can always default back to the free base plan as needed.
- No mobile hotspot included.
- Service is ad-supported through a dedicated talk & text app (not suitable for everyone).
Cons:
Best For Individuals who are light data users (have easy access to Wi-Fi).
Our Take This ad-supported free phone service is easy to activate (sign up instantly by downloading the app) and provides accessible service with usable perks that can help you save elsewhere too. If you do not have steady access to Wi-Fi, however, it is limiting in what apps/services you can use with it.
STOP! Paying for phone service
With TextNow, you get unlimited talk & text, plus essential data, for $0/month. Stay connected without paying a penny on your phone bill.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Phone Service
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