Free phone when you switch to verizon

Picking the right cell phone service for your family can be a real headache, but getting a free cell phone in the process can be a nice perk.

Free cell phones are a moving target. We have lots of good information below, but it’s always best to check with carriers for their latest offers.

Best Free Cell Phone Deals From the ‘Big 3’ Providers

If you’re in the market for a cell phone, you’re likely keenly aware of the presence of the industry’s “Big 3.” AT&T, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile own a major portion of the market share in this space.

That includes an infrastructure of cell phone towers throughout the United States, but it also means these companies have a good deal of influence on the pricing for some of the most popular phones available.

These companies run promotional deals frequently, which makes it both easy to find a deal that seems appealing and confusing to determine which deal is best. Let’s sort through some of the offerings from each provider. These offers are active as of September 2022.

AT&T

Free phone when you switch to verizon

This month, Apple is unveiling the new iPhone 14 series and all three of the major carriers are offering trade-in offers to get the latest device for free. 

For example, AT&T is offering the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14 for free when you buy on a qualifying installment plan with an eligible AT&T unlimited plan and trade-in an eligible smartphone. These devices are available for pre-order as of September 9, 2022. 

Here’s what you need to know about AT&T’s free iPhone 14 offer:

  • Trade-in of a device in good condition (minimum $230 trade-in value) is required.
  • Signing up for a 36-month installment agreement is required.
  • Signing up for $75/month minimum eligible unlimited service is required.
  • Taxes are due at the time of purchase.
  • $35 activation/upgrade fee plus additional fees, taxes and other charges may apply.

In addition to the iPhone 14 deals, AT&T also has a way that you can get a new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 at for free. This deal also requires you to trade in an eligible smartphone in good working condition, but it requires a trade-in value of only $35. 

Here are more details from AT&T’s website detailing how to get these deals.

You’ll need to:

  • Purchase an eligible smartphone on a qualifying installment agreement, including taxes on full retail price (upfront) and pay a $35 activation/upgrade fee.
  • Activate (or keep) postpaid eligible unlimited wireless service (minimum $75 for new unlimited customers before discounts).
  • Trade in an eligible smartphone within 30 days of activation.

Then you’ll get:

  • Up to $1000 in bill credits with eligible smartphone trade-in

According to AT&T’s website, credits will start within three bills after the trade-in is completed. Credits will be applied in equal amounts over the term of the installment agreement.

In addition to the free iPhone 14 devices and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fip4 deal, AT&T is also offering the Samsung Galaxy S22 and iPhone 13 mini for free as well as an Apple iPhone 13 and Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max for $700 off with an eligible device trade-in.

To get any of these deals, follow the same steps above. However, to get any of the iPhones, though, the eligible device you trade in has to be worth at least $95 to qualify for the full discount.

You can check out all of AT&T’s cell phone deals on the company’s website.

Verizon Wireless

Free phone when you switch to verizon

Verizon Wireless is offering the iPhone 14 Pro for free, also available for pre-order as of September 9, 2022. 

To get this deal, you’ll need to trade in an eligible phone and activate a new line on one of Verizon’s select Unlimited Plans. Eligible plans begin at $80 per month for one line. You can choose from 5G Do More, 5G Play More, 5G Get More or Verizon’s new One Unlimited for iPhone plan, and you’ll receive credit on each bill for 36 months to cover the cost of your new device.

Verizon is also offering a $200 eCard to cover the costs of moving to Verizon when you port your number from your current carrier. You can check out the full details of Verizon’s free iPhone 14 Pro deal online. 

Additional trade-in offers include the following:

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 (free with trade)
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 (free with trade)
  • Apple iPhone 13 (free with trade)
  • Google Pixel 6 (free with trade)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 ($1000 off with trade)
  • Samsung Galaxy S22+ ($800 off with trade)
  • Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra ($800 off with trade)
  • Apple iPhone 13 Pro ($800 off with trade)
  • Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max ($800 off with trade)
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro ($800 off with trade)

You can check out the full details of any of these offers by visiting Verizon’s website and clicking on the phone you’re interested in.

If you’re not looking to trade in a device for credit, Verizon Wireless also offers several different free cell phones that don’t require one. However, these deals do still require a 36-month commitment to an unlimited plan on a new phone line:

  • Apple iPhone 13 mini
  • Apple iPhone 12
  • Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
  • Google Pixel 6a
  • Samsung Galaxy A03s
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G UW
  • Motorola moto g pure

There are a few other free phones available that are certified pre-owned:

  • Apple iPhone 12
  • Apple iPhone 12 mini
  • Apple iPhone 11
  • Apple iPhone 11 Pro
  • Apple iPhone X
  • Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
  • Apple iPhone XR
  • Apple iPhone 8 Plus
  • Apple iPhone XS Max
  • Apple iPhone 8

The fine print explains how this works, though. You’re actually paying for a phone and then getting credit back on your bill each month: “Purchase on device payment or at retail price required. New line required. Promo credit applied to account over 36 mos; promo credit ends if eligibility requirements are no longer met; 0% APR. Unlimited plan required. Taxes & fees may apply.”

You can check out the full details of each Verizon Wireless deal here. Simply select the phone you’re interested in and click on “See Details” under “Ways to Save.”

T-Mobile

Free phone when you switch to verizon

If a 36-month commitment is too long, T-Mobile is offering a free iPhone 14 Pro (or up to $1000 off any iPhone 14 series) with a 24-month agreement plus tax. To get this deal, you’ll have to trade in an eligible device and be on the T-Mobile Magenta MAX plan. 

In addition to the free iPhone 14 Pro/$1000 off any iPhone 14 series deal, T-Mobile is also offering half off the iPhone 14 Pro (or up to $500 off any iPhone 14 series) with 24 monthly bill credits plus tax when trading in an eligible device on almost all T-Mobile plans. You can check out the full details on T-Mobile’s website.

T-Mobile also offers up to $1000 in credit (applied over 24-36 months depending on the deal) on other select devices when you trade in an eligible device and/or activate a new line on an eligible unlimited plan (Magenta MAX for several offers). That makes the following devices free: 

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
  • Apple iPhone 13
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • Apple iPhone 13 mini
  • Apple iPhone 12
  • Google Pixel 6a

If you’re not interested in trading in a device, you can still get a free phone from T-Mobile when you activate a new line with a 24-month commitment. Here are the eligible smartphones: 

  • T-Mobile REVVL 6 5G
  • T-Mobile REVVL 6 Pro 5G
  • T-Mobile REVVL V+ 5G
  • Motorola edge (2022)
  • Motorola  moto g 5G (2022)
  • Motorola moto g stylus 5G (2022)
  • Motorola moto g stylus 5G
  • Motorola moto g pure
  • TCL Stylus 5G
  • TCL 30 XE 5G
  • OnePlus Nord N200 5G
  • OnePlus Nord N20 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S13 5G
  • Nokia X100 5G

The cost of these phones is offset by a credit on your monthly bill for 24 months. If you don’t keep your service for the full two years, T-Mobile will bill you for the remaining balance on the phone. So it’s actually free only if you stay with T-Mobile for the duration of the deal. Unlike the other deals on the T-Mobile site, there is no trade-in required to get these phones.

You can see all of T-Mobile’s free phone offers online or check out all of T-Mobile’s smartphones and click on the device you’re interested in to see the details of available deals.

Best Free Cell Phone Deals From Select MVNOs

“MVNO” stands for mobile virtual network operator.

These cell phone service providers don’t actually own their own cell towers. Instead, they rely on paid partnerships with the Big 3 providers (Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile) to provide a cell signal to customers.

Using one of these companies for your cell phone service can be an opportunity to get a good deal without sacrificing reliability. These providers are also a good place to start if you’re looking for an affordable cell phone plan for two lines. Check the coverage maps for your area closely to ensure the MVNO you are considering will provide adequate connectivity.

Metro by T-Mobile

If you’re looking for a free cell phone without a 24-month commitment, Metro by T-Mobile is one of your best bets right now.

Metro by T-Mobile is offering your choice of one of six free 5G phones right now when you switch. The current selection of free devices includes: 

  • Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
  • Motorola moto g 5G
  • REVVL 6 5G
  • REVVL 6 Pro 5G
  • TCL 30 XE 5G

To get this deal, you’ll have to purchase the phone and activate it on the $40 Metro by T-Mobile monthly plan. You’ll also have to port your old number from your current carrier. This limited-time offer is available in-store only. Selection and availability vary by location, and a $20 per line activation fee may apply.

You can check out the full details here.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is also currently offering a free phone when you switch to the service bring your own phone number.

Right now, if you sign up for a plan that costs at least $30 per month, you can get a free TCL 30 Z or Cricket Icon 2. If you sign up for a plan that costs at least $55 per month, you can get a free Cricket Debut or Cricket Icon 3. If you choose a plan that costs at least $60 per month, you can also choose between the Samsung Galaxy A03s and Cricket Dream 5G. Or you can get an Apple iPhone SE 2nd Gen right now for free with a new line and new account (online only).

With these deals, you’ll pay for the first month of service at the point of sale plus the device taxes. 

Visible

Visible, owned by Verizon, offers unlimited wireless plans for as low as $30 per month per line. When you switch to Visible Wireless, you can get a new phone for free by trading in your old device. 

Right now, Visible offers two different devices that you can swap to for free: 

  • Blade A3 Prime
  • Visible Midnight

To get one of these phones for free, create a Visible account and transfer your number to start the process. Choose which device you’d like to swap to, and Visible will mail it to you along with your SIM card and a pre-paid return label. You can then use the label to send in your old device.

Deals on Phones That Don’t Require Carrier Commitment

You may not like the idea of being committed to one carrier for any length of time. After all, freedom of choice without repercussion is a powerful negotiating leverage. The free cell phone game understandably is not for everyone.

For those who want to avoid cell phone commitments, you’re more likely to find a cheap phone deal rather than a free phone.

If you’re willing to invest in a phone that is not the latest model, there are deals to be had. Much like car dealers looking to clear the way for next year’s models, cell phone carriers and manufacturers have to clear inventory on phones that are to be replaced by the annual upgrades.

An important tip for shopping for a phone independent of a carrier: Make sure that you’re buying an unlocked phone.

If you buy an unlocked phone, you should be able to take it with you from carrier to carrier with only the need for a new SIM card (check on this before purchasing). At this point, you’ll truly be free to shop for the best monthly plan knowing your phone is already paid off.

Be sure to check online retailers like Amazon for deals on unlocked phones. For more tips on how to get a better deal, check out our article on the best places to buy an unlocked phone.

Is Taking the Free Cell Phone Worth It? 

The answer to this question is maybe. It really depends on your personal situation.

If you need the latest technology but don’t have the cash to pay for the phone upfront, committing to one of these cell phone carriers in exchange for the phone is a viable option.

But keep in mind that the latest and greatest models are not necessarily going to be free even if you sign up for a commitment that earns a bill credit. If you’re not careful, you may end up making a sacrifice on both the quality of the phone and the freedom of choice in your service provider.

If you’re happy using a phone that’s a few generations older, you should be able to find a phone at such a low cost that you probably won’t see the need to commit to a particular service provider.

More Cell Phone Content From Clark.com: 

  • The Best Cell Phone Plans and Deals For Any Budget
  • The #1 Mistake People Make When Switching Cell Phone Carriers
  • 9 Easy Ways To Lower Your Cell Phone Bill

Will Verizon give me a free phone?

Get more 5G, more entertainment and a free 5G phone, on us, with select trade-in and select 5G Unlimited plans.

What phone service can I switch to and get a free phone?

Several carriers offer free phones through the government's Lifeline program. These carriers include Assist Wireless, Assurance Wireless, enTouch Wireless, and True Wireless, among others. Many other carriers—like Verizon, Metro by T-Mobile, and Cricket—offer free phones to new customers.

What phone companies give free phones when you switch 2022?

Verizon Wireless is offering the iPhone 14 Pro for free, also available for pre-order as of September 9, 2022. To get this deal, you'll need to trade in an eligible phone and activate a new line on one of Verizon's select Unlimited Plans.

What will Verizon give me if I switch to them?

Verizon will buy out your contract and cover early termination fees and device or lease buyouts from your old wireless provider. A family of four who've been waiting for the right time to switch to Verizon can use the incentive on each eligible line and receive up to $2,600.