Every iPhone SE we send is tested for battery health, screen, buttons, cameras and calling, then cleaned and fully reset before shipping.
Free iPhone SE (Refurbished)
Our smartest free pick. The iPhone SE (2020) packs the same A13 chip as the iPhone 11 into the easy one-hand size of the iPhone 8, and it still runs the current version of iOS. Same price as the iPhone 7: free. Twice the speed inside.
- Price: $0 for the phone itself when your Lifeline application is approved. Monthly service terms are on our plans page.
- Condition: refurbished and quality-checked. Light signs of previous use are possible, faulty phones are never sent.
- In the box: iPhone SE, charging cable and SIM kit, with activation steps included.
- Colors and storage: black, white or red, 64GB to 256GB, depending on current stock, confirmed with you after approval.
Want the big screen instead? See the discounted iPhone 11, or compare every model on the phones page.
Small Phone, iPhone 11 Speed
Most free phones are slow phones. The SE is not: its A13 Bionic chip is the exact processor Apple put in the iPhone 11. That is why apps open fast, video calls stay smooth, and the phone still receives current software.
The A13 chip keeps video calls with family smooth, even on 4G. If you qualify, this exact phone can be yours for $0.
30-Second Check: Can You Get This Phone Free?
Quick guide only. Final approval is always confirmed through the National Verifier when you apply. Full rules are on the eligibility page.
iPhone SE (2020) Specifications
| Display | 4.7″ Retina HD, 1334 × 750 |
|---|---|
| Chip | Apple A13 Bionic (same as iPhone 11) |
| Main camera | 12MP with Portrait mode, 4K video |
| Front camera | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Unlock | Touch ID fingerprint (Home button) |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB or 256GB, depending on stock |
| Network | 4G LTE (Gigabit-class) and Wi-Fi 6 (no 5G) |
| Water resistance | IP67 splash and dust resistant |
| Software | Runs the current version of iOS |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| Connector | Lightning (no headphone jack) |
| Released | 2020 (2nd generation SE) |
Is the iPhone SE Right for You?
Great fit if you…
- Want the fastest phone that is still free
- Use lots of apps, banking, video calls and social media
- Want current iOS software and updates
- Like a compact phone with a simple Home button
Know the limits
The SE is our best free phone, but it is not perfect:
- No 5G, it runs on fast 4G LTE
- The 4.7 inch screen is small for lots of video watching
- One camera only, and the battery is modest for heavy all-day use
Want a bigger screen and Face ID? The iPhone 11 is a discounted upgrade. Want 5G? That starts with the iPhone 12 and 13.
Your Free iPhone SE in 3 Steps
Check Eligibility
Use the 30-second checker above, or see the full income table and program list on the eligibility page.
Apply and Choose iPhone SE
Complete the application and pick the iPhone SE as your phone. Approval is confirmed through the National Verifier.
Activate and Use
Your iPhone SE arrives with your SIM kit. Follow the simple activation steps and you are connected.
iPhone SE vs 7 vs 11
| Model | Chip | Software | Price | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2020) | A13 Bionic | Current iOS | Free, refurbished | You are here |
| iPhone 7 | A10 Fusion | iOS 15 (final) | Free, refurbished | See iPhone 7 → |
| iPhone 11 | A13 Bionic | Current iOS | Discounted | See iPhone 11 → |
iPhone SE FAQs
Is the iPhone SE really free?
Yes. For approved Lifeline customers the iPhone SE itself costs $0 while stock lasts. It is a quality-checked refurbished phone. Your monthly service runs under Lifeline terms, which you can review on our plans page before applying.
Which iPhone SE is this?
This is the iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020). It has the fast A13 Bionic chip, a 4.7 inch screen and a Home button with Touch ID, in the same body style as the iPhone 8. It is not the smaller 2016 SE or the 2022 SE.
Does the iPhone SE run the latest iOS?
Yes. Unlike the iPhone 7, the SE (2020) runs the current version of iOS, so modern apps, banking apps and security updates work properly. That is the main reason we call it our smartest free phone.
What is the difference between the free iPhone SE and the free iPhone 7?
Same size, same $0 price, very different speed. The SE has the A13 chip (about twice as fast), a better camera with Portrait mode, Wi-Fi 6 and current software. The iPhone 7 is the simpler choice for calls and basic apps. If the SE is in stock, we recommend it.
Does the iPhone SE have 5G?
No. The SE (2020) uses fast 4G LTE. 5G starts with the iPhone 12, which we offer as a paid upgrade. For calls, messaging, maps and video calls, 4G LTE on the SE is quick and reliable.
Can I choose the color or storage?
The SE comes in black, white and red, with 64GB, 128GB or 256GB storage. What you can choose depends on stock when your application is approved. We confirm the options with you before your phone is prepared.
Get Your Free iPhone SE Today
The fastest free iPhone we offer, with current software and $0 device cost for approved Lifeline customers.
Apply for This iPhoneThe iPhone is a private wireless service provider participating in the FCC Lifeline program. We are not Apple Inc. and not a government agency. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.; the name is used to describe the device offered. The free iPhone SE is refurbished and subject to eligibility, approval and stock. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024.