How to Get a Free Phone without Contract?

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Nowadays, cell phones have become essential tools for everyone’s life, even if you don’t use your phone for hours a day. However, these powerful tools don’t come cheap. Plus, the monthly bill is expensive, which can run into some money for a family. In the past, any phone you wanted to buy in the US was tied to a carrier and a two-year contract.

Unfortunately, not everyone has that much money to spend. Many people might wish to know how to get a free phone without contract. Thankfully, technology has evolved. Today, customers can get a service plan without having to sign a two-year contract. Some telecommunication companies, like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile provide phones contract-free. Also, retailers like Best Buy and Amazon sell devices you buy first, which you can then activate with carrier service after. So, keep reading for more about ways to get a free no-contract phone.

What is a free-phone without a contract?

Either you decide to switch from an expensive phone contract, or aren’t eligible for a new phone, buying an unlocked phone or a free no-contract phone is a great deal. Before you get a free contract-phone, you may want to know if no-contract and unlocked phones are the same.

No-contract phone

A no-contract phone is a cell phone or smartphone that is sold without a carrier agreement. It means you’re not required to sign a two-year plan with your cell phone provider to buy and use it. No-contract phones may be more expensive than contract-phones because they aren’t subsidized.

But, in the longer term, you will save more. Especially, if you don’t want to tie to an expensive service plan. Now, many people can get a free no-contract phone with an affordable plan. However, note that, unlike unlocked phones, phones without a contract are only compatible with a specific carrier.

Unlocked phone

Generally, the unlocked phone can only be used with other phone companies with GSM networks, like T-Mobile or AT&T. All you have to do is change the SIM cards when you want to change service providers.

Most unlocked phones can also be no-contract. Plus, they can be used with any existing or new cell phone plan. If you’re frequent international travelers, having an unlocked phone is a perfect choice. Once you arrived at your destination, you can buy cheap local SIM cards, as long as the frequency is compatible.

Pros and cons of free cell phones

Nowadays, many communication providers offer free no-contract cell phones, including Metro by T-Mobile. They offer free phone deals with an eligible plan. Phones include Motorola E5, LG Stylo 4, and Samsung Galaxy J.

As the phones are free, there are some disadvantages of free phones. You won’t get the latest model phones or one of the highest quality ones. But, if free is your thing and you don’t need the latest and greatest cell phone, it’s perfect for you.

How to get a free phone without contract

Though it is called a free phone, free phones are not completely free. But, you still have ways to get free texts and calls on your phone plan. You’ll also get free data. Now, you have more options to get a free no-contract phone with quite affordable plans.

If you need some help getting access to a free phone without a contract, here are some of the ways you can get it.

How to Get a Free Phone without Contract

1. Enroll in the Lifeline Assistance program

Lifeline is a government program that helps low-income consumers to get communications services more affordable. It helps reduce the cost of cell phone plans for eligible citizens. If you qualify, you’ll receive a free phone to use and a subsidy of at least 9.25 USD each month toward your cell phone bill.

You can qualify for Lifeline by meeting any of the following requirements:

  • You have income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines each year
  • You participate in one of the following federal programs: SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Tribal Programs (for residents of federally-recognized Tribal lands), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Note that one household can only have one Lifeline, even if there is more than one eligible person.

2. Get a prepaid plan

Getting a prepaid plan can be the best answer to your question on how to get a free phone without contract. Now, people have moved to monthly no-contract plans. Many phone providers offer free phones if you sign up for prepaid plans. These plans include text messages, several talk times, and data each month. However, you may not get the best or the latest model from a free cell phone without contract.

Prepaid plans give you some benefits, including:

  • No contracts

It may be the best benefit you can get. You don’t need to sign for contracts that lock you into a plan for a specific period. And you can cancel anytime.

  • A credit check is no require

Having bad credit may prevent you from getting a post-paid plan with a contract. But, even if you have a poor credit score, you’ll still be eligible for a prepaid phone plan since you pay upfront.

  • Flexibility

You have the freedom to stop, pause, or cancel your cell plan anytime without any penalties.

  • Family plan

You could save a lot of money by adding multiple lines. Most providers offer discounts for added lines, of which the amount varies.

3. Buy an unlocked phone

Buying an unlocked phone is another way you can get a free no-contract phone. With no network restrictions, unlocked phones can be used on any carrier. Plus, you’re not tied to a contract. Unlocked phones also give you some benefits, like saving cost in the long term, flexible in choosing any carriers, and more model selections.

There is a wide range of unlocked phones you can choose from, including basic phones and high-end smartphones. Once you get your unlocked phone, you can go to any carrier and get a prepaid plan that suits your budget and needs.
Read more about how to get free cell phones with no credit check no credit card here.

Best place to get a free phone without contract

Here are the best places you can get a free no-contract phone.

1. Assurance Wireless

As part of the Lifeline Assistance program, Assurance Wireless offers free phones for eligible citizens. If qualified, you’ll also get a free service plan, including unlimited text and talk, as well as data each month. Whenever you need additional data, you can pay for the data as you use it or sign up for a monthly plan.

2. SafeLink

SafeLink is another provider that collaborates with the Lifeline Assistance program. You’ll get a free Android phone as well as free service if you’re qualified. The plans available may vary with your location. For example, California residents get unlimited talk time and 3GB of data each month. In Massachusetts, eligible residents get free 1,000 minutes of talk time and 1GB of data every month.

3. Best Buy

Retailers, like Best Buy, can be the best ways to answer how to get a free phone without contract. They sell unlocked phones and prepaid plans that are compatible with several providers, like AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, and many more.
There are plenty of models from many brands you can choose from, including LG, Motorola, Samsung, and Apple. Go to their website, and you’re able to compare rates and plans. So, you’ll get the best deals. Best Buy also provides SIM cards from several carriers, like Mint Mobile, Ting Mobile, and Verizon.

4. Amazon

Another retail store to get a free no-contract phone or unlocked phone is Amazon. You’ll find a wide selection of phones, such as TCL, Motorola, and Samsung. They offer easy search tools for your best shop experience. Feel free to shop by different categories, like operating systems, brands, prices, and phone features.

5. Buy Nothing Groups

Buy Nothing Groups is a great place to look for a free phone without contract. They’re a local community that offers people a way to give and receive, lend, and share the things and skills you have with your neighbors.

Rather than trading or bartering, people will offer the things they don’t need to others. And in return, people who need things can get them without having to spend money. You probably won’t get the latest phone model or have some cracks in the screen, but it’s still a good option if you need a phone.

Conclusion

The cell phone has an essential role in our daily lives. Now, we’re capable of communicating with each other like never before. Also, cell phones help many people in their work and study. Sadly, even in this modern world, not everyone can afford a cell phone because it’s expensive. That’s why a free phone with no contract is becoming very popular nowadays. We believe many people are wondering how to get a free phone without contract. Thankfully, many communication companies offer these types of phones. But, keep in mind that free phones are not completely free. Still, you can get a free no-contract phone in some ways.