Getting a cell phone can be an exciting milestone for a child, but the cost of buying smartphones and service plans can be daunting for families. Luckily, there are ways for kids and teens to get free cell phones and service through government programs and carrier deals. This guide will walk through the best options to get free or low-cost phones for your kids.
Lifeline Program for Free Smartphones
The Lifeline program, also known as the "Obama Phone" program, provides discounted or free cell phone service to low-income Americans. It is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you qualify based on income limits or participation in certain government assistance programs, you can get a free smartphone with monthly calling, texting, and data through Lifeline.
Who is Eligible for a Lifeline Phone?
You qualify for a free Lifeline phone if you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
You can also qualify based on your income being at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To give you an idea, here are the 2022 income limits for Lifeline eligibility:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $18,347 |
| 2 | $24,719 |
| 3 | $31,091 |
| 4 | $37,463 |
Check here to see if you meet the requirements for a Lifeline phone.
How to Apply for Lifeline Phone Service
If you qualify, you can enroll with one of the Lifeline carriers available in your state. Most providers offer an online application process where you will need to provide documents to prove your eligibility. Some common Lifeline carriers include Assurance Wireless, SafeLink Wireless, and Access Wireless.
Once approved, you‘ll receive a free smartphone in the mail and set up your wireless plan. Your phone will come with a set number of monthly minutes, texts, and data that varies by provider. Lifeline subsidies cover up to $9.25 per month, so additional usage charges may apply if you exceed the limits of your plan.
Lifeline Free Phone Models
Lifeline carriers offer popular free smartphone models including:
- iPhone 6, 7, 8 or newer models (with Assurance Wireless)
- Samsung Galaxy S9, J7 Crown, A10e, A20
- LG or Alcatel budget Android phones
For kids, an Android device like the Samsung Galaxy A10e provides a solid starter smartphone with decent performance and battery life. The iPhone 6, while an older model, would allow your child to use Apple‘s parental control features. Overall, Android devices tend to offer better value in terms of features for free Lifeline phones.
Free Phone Options from Carriers
Major wireless carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer deals where you can get a free phone when you switch to their service and trade-in an eligible older device. Here are some of the best carrier offers for scoring a free phone:
T-Mobile Free Phone Deals
T-Mobile offers several free 5G Android phones with 24 monthly bill credits when you switch to their network including:
- T-Mobile REVVL 6 Pro 5G
- OnePlus Nord N200 5G
- TCL 30 XE 5G
You‘ll need to port-in your current number, trade-in an eligible device, and purchase a new qualifying plan. T-Mobile also offers discounted plans for low-income consumers through their Affordable Connectivity Program that provides 15GB of high-speed smartphone data for only $5/month.
Verizon Free Phone Offers
Verizon frequently runs promos where you can get the latest iPhones, Galaxy phones and 5G devices for free with select trade-in and Unlimited plan purchase. For example, right now you can get a free 5G phone like the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Apple iPhone 14 when trading in an eligible smartphone and signing up for a premium Unlimited plan.
You‘ll need to make sure you select one of Verizon‘s pricier Unlimited plans to qualify, so factor in the monthly cost. But if you were already considering their high-end Unlimited plans, the option of a free premium phone is nice.
When is a Child Ready for a Phone?
While free phones make getting a cell phone more affordable, you don’t want to get your child a smartphone before they are ready for the responsibility. Here are some guidelines from experts on ideal ages for kid‘s first phones:
- Ages 10-11 (around 5th grade): A basic phone or smartwatch paired to your phone may be appropriate around this age.
- Ages 12-14 (middle school): Most pre-teens are ready for their first smartphone in middle school when they are more independent and need to communicate about school activities/transportation.
- High school: By high school, most teens have a real need for a smartphone to coordinate with friends and activities.
However, every child is different, so age ranges are just guidelines. The most important factors are your child‘s maturity level, ability to follow family rules, and need for the device. A phone can help pre-teens stay in touch for safety and convenience. But make sure your child demonstrates they are responsible enough to care for the device and refrain from overuse before providing them such an accessible gadget.
Setting Rules and Controls for Kid Phones
Giving your child clear guidelines on when and how they can use their phone is important for teaching healthy habits:
- Set time limits – No phones at the dinner table, during homework, or after a set bedtime. Use app timers to cap daily usage.
- Disable social media – Most platforms require a 13+ age limit, so disable to prevent oversharing.
- Limit web browsing – Use kid-friendly browsers or filters to block inappropriate content.
- No phones in bedrooms – Have kids charge devices outside bedrooms overnight to prevent late night scrolling.
- Manage apps – Install parental controls so you can approve app downloads and set screen time allowances.
Also make sure kids understand responsible use. Go over dangers like avoiding oversharing personal details online, not engaging with strangers, and how to identify misinformation.
Budget Kid-Friendly Phone Options
If free smartphone deals still don‘t fit your budget, here are some cheaper alternatives for getting basic phones for kids:
Prepaid plans – Carriers like Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile and Straight Talk Wireless offer prepaid plans starting around $15/month for talk, text and data. You bring your own device or purchase a phone outright.
Hand-me-down devices – Passing down an older smartphone with no service is a popular option. Connect it to WiFi for apps, then have your child use a calling/texting app.
Refurbished phones – Buy gently used phones up to 70% off retail prices. Check Amazon Renewed or BackMarket. Look for refurbished iPhone 7 or 8 models under $150.
Budget Android phones – New unlocked Android phones under $100 like the Nokia C100 offer basic functionality great for kids. Just add a prepaid SIM card.
WiFi-only tablets – Affordable Amazon Fire 7 or Lenovo tablets have kid-friendly cases and parental controls. Limit it to WiFi use only.
QWERTY phones – Flip phones with slide-out keyboards like the Sonim XP3 are durable with long battery life. Add prepaid minutes as needed for calling or texting.
Key Takeaways
The government‘s Lifeline program provides free smartphones and monthly plans to those who qualify based on low-income status or enrollment in assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid. This is the best way to get a free phone with service for low-income families.
Carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon run frequent deals offering the latest iPhones and Androids for free with trade-in and plan purchase. But you‘ll need to factor in the monthly cost of their unlimited plans.
Make sure to consider your child‘s age, maturity and responsibility before getting them a smartphone, even if it is free. Experts recommend 10 as the minimum age, with most appropriate between 12-14.
For young kids, basic devices, hand-me-down phones connected to WiFi, or smartwatches may be the way to go until they are ready for their own phone.
Set clear rules and limits for phone use including screen time limits, no social media under 13, and no phones in bedrooms. Also have conversations about responsible use.
While kids will be eager for the exciting world of possibilities a phone unlocks, make sure you set your child up for safe, healthy device habits by choosing an age-appropriate option and establishing limitations. With the right prep, a free or inexpensive smartphone can be a great first device for your kid.
