Free iPhone Models and 5G Upgrades
Every iPhone we offer, in plain sight. If you qualify for Lifeline, the iPhone 7 and iPhone SE are free (refurbished, while stock lasts), the iPhone 8, XR and 11 are discounted upgrades, and the 5G iPhone 12 and 13 are paid upgrades. No model on this page is dressed up as something it is not. New here? Check your eligibility first.
Three Simple Tiers
Lifeline helps pay for your monthly service, and it does not buy brand-new iPhones. So our phones come in three clear tiers, and every card below shows its tier before anything else.
Tier 1 · Free With Lifeline
iPhone 7 and iPhone SE, quality-checked refurbished, free when you are approved. This is the real free government iPhone offer, the same way other Lifeline providers do it.
Tier 2 · Discounted Upgrades
iPhone 8, iPhone XR and iPhone 11 at a reduced one-time price. Bigger screens, better cameras, Face ID on XR and 11. Your exact price is confirmed after approval, before you pay anything.
Tier 3 · 5G Paid Upgrades
iPhone 12 and 13 with fast 5G. These are never free under Lifeline, whatever other websites claim. Offered as paid upgrades for customers who want the newest speeds. See free 5G government phones explained honestly.
Choose Your iPhone
Tap any model for its full page: specs, who it suits, and how to get it.
iPhone 7
FREE with Lifeline
The dependable classic. Easy one-hand size, Touch ID, and more than enough for calls, texts, WhatsApp, maps and everyday apps.
iPhone SE (2020)
FREE with Lifeline
Small phone, fast heart. The A13 chip keeps apps snappy years later, in the same pocket-friendly body as the iPhone 7 and 8.
iPhone 8
Discounted upgrade
Glass back, wireless charging and a brighter screen, in the same familiar size. A small step up that feels premium in the hand.
iPhone XR & X
Discounted upgrade
The big-screen step. A 6.1″ edge-to-edge display and Face ID, with all-day battery. Our page also covers the original iPhone X.
iPhone 11
Discounted upgrade
Our most popular upgrade. Dual cameras with Night mode, a fast A13 chip and a big bright screen, at a reduced one-time price.
iPhone 12 & 13
Paid 5G upgrade
True 5G speed, OLED screens and the best cameras on this page. A paid upgrade after approval, priced honestly before you commit.
All models work with our Lifeline service plans. Compare what is included on the plans page. Free models are available while stock lasts.
Compare Every iPhone at a Glance
| Model | Screen | Camera | Unlock | Network | Price With Lifeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 7 | 4.7″ | 12MP single | Touch ID | 4G LTE | Free, refurbished |
| iPhone SE (2020) | 4.7″ | 12MP single | Touch ID | 4G LTE | Free, refurbished |
| iPhone 8 | 4.7″ | 12MP single | Touch ID | 4G LTE | Discounted |
| iPhone XR | 6.1″ | 12MP single | Face ID | 4G LTE | Discounted |
| iPhone 11 | 6.1″ | Dual 12MP | Face ID | 4G LTE | Discounted |
| iPhone 12 | 6.1″ OLED | Dual 12MP | Face ID | 5G | Paid upgrade |
| iPhone 13 | 6.1″ OLED | Dual 12MP | Face ID | 5G | Paid upgrade |
Which iPhone Fits You?
“I just need it to work”
Take the free iPhone SE. It is the fastest of the free models and will run everyday apps smoothly for years. On a tight budget, it is the smart pick, and it is free.
“I watch a lot of video”
Choose the iPhone 11 as a discounted upgrade. The bigger 6.1″ screen and longer battery make streaming and video calls noticeably better.
“I want the fastest internet”
Look at the iPhone 12 or 13 paid upgrades for real 5G. Students often pick these for campus life — see our free iPhone for students guide for how qualifying works.
What “Refurbished” Means With Us
- Tested: every free iPhone is checked for calls, battery health, screen, buttons and cameras before it is listed.
- Cleaned and reset: fully wiped, cleaned and set up fresh, ready for your own Apple ID.
- Honest condition: refurbished means pre-owned and may show light signs of use. It never means broken or faulty.
- Support included: activation help from our support team if anything does not work as it should.
iPhone Model FAQs
Which iPhone is really free?
The iPhone 7 and iPhone SE (2020) are free for approved Lifeline customers, while stock lasts. They are quality-checked refurbished phones, not brand-new. The iPhone 8, XR and 11 are discounted upgrades, and the iPhone 12 and 13 are paid 5G upgrades.
Can I get a free iPhone 15 or 16?
No, and be careful with any website that promises one. No government program pays for brand-new flagship iPhones. Lifeline helps with your monthly service and a basic phone. Newer models like the 15 and 16 are full-price purchases everywhere.
Do the free iPhones have 5G?
No. The free iPhone 7 and SE use fast 4G LTE, which handles calls, browsing, maps and video calls well. 5G starts with the iPhone 12. If 5G matters to you, look at the iPhone 12 and 13 paid upgrades on this page.
How much do the discounted upgrades cost?
Upgrade prices depend on the model and current stock, so we confirm your exact one-time price after your eligibility is approved and before you pay anything. There are no surprise charges: if you do not like the price, you can simply take a free model instead.
Are refurbished iPhones reliable?
Yes, when they are properly checked. Every refurbished iPhone we send is tested for battery health, screen, buttons, cameras and calling, then cleaned and reset. Light cosmetic marks are possible, faulty phones are never sent.
Can I pick my iPhone before I am approved?
You choose your preferred model during your application, and we confirm availability once your eligibility is approved. Free models are first come, first served while stock lasts, so applying sooner gives you the widest choice.
Seen Your iPhone? Apply in Minutes
Check your eligibility, pick your model in the application, and we will confirm everything with you after approval.
Start My ApplicationThe 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.; model names are used to describe the devices offered. Free models are refurbished and subject to eligibility, approval and stock. Upgrade prices are confirmed after approval and before payment. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024.