Who is Offering Free Phones When You Switch Mobile Carriers Right Now

Thinking of switching mobile service carriers and/or getting a new phone? If so, a few companies are making it easy to do both by offering free phones when you switch. Some of the most notable include Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, and Metro By T-Mobile.

Other phone carriers, like AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity Wireless, also have great deals for new customers. It’s important to note that the information on this page applies only to customers in the U.S. It doesn’t apply to those with phone plans in Mexico or Canada.

Further, in most cases, free phone deals are limited-time offers. Therefore, we’ll periodically update this page with the latest deals on free phones as they become available. Continue reading to learn about the best deals available now.

Eligibility & Fine Print: What To Know Before You Switch

Each carrier structures its “free‑phone” promotions a little differently. Here are the essentials that nearly all programs share to help you avoid surprise charges later.

Service Commitment (24–36 months)

Most “free” device promotions are spread out over two to three years through monthly bill credits.

The carrier essentially finances your new smartphone for you — each month, a portion of that cost is credited back as long as your line stays active on the eligible plan.

If you cancel, change to a cheaper plan, or miss payments before the term ends, those credits stop, and the remaining balance will become due immediately.

Credit Check & Autopay

Postpaid carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T‑Mobile run a light credit check to determine eligibility for device financing.

Most also require autopay and paperless billing enrollment to receive the full advertised promotional price. Skipping autopay could raise your rate by $5 – $10 per month.

Taxes & Up‑Front Fees

Even with “zero‑dollar” phone offers, sales tax on the retail price is collected at the time of activation.

Activation or upgrade fees (usually $35 per line) may also apply and are non‑refundable. These costs are standard across all major carriers and are due upfront.

Trade‑In Requirements

When a trade‑in is required, your old phone must:

• Power on and hold a charge.
• Have an intact screen and no major damage.
• Not be reported lost, stolen, or blacklisted. Carriers inspect or verify devices either at the store or via mail‑in process. The value assigned to the trade‑in determines how much promotional credit you receive.

Rebates & Virtual Cards

Some prepaid and cable‑affiliated carriers (e.g., Metro, Optimum, Spectrum, Cox) issue virtual Mastercards or Visa Prepaid Cards instead of monthly credits.

Typically, customers must:

1. Keep the new line active for 60–90 days.
2. Submit an online rebate or claim form.
3. Wait 4–8 weeks for the card to arrive by email or mail. The prepaid card functions like cash for online or in‑store purchases but has no cash‑out value and usually expires within 6 months.

Plan Eligibility & Upgrades

Only certain unlimited or premium plans qualify for these deals. Downgrading mid‑term may void remaining credits.

Existing customers often become eligible again only after paying off their current device or opening a new line under a qualifying plan.

Carrier Comparison Table — Top Free Phone Deals (2025)

Verizon Wireless

Verizon often offers promotions for free phones when you switch to its 4G LTE/5G network. Here’s what you should know:

• Who’s eligible? Eligibility requires you to switch carriers and/or activate a new line on an eligible plan.
• Terms and Conditions: It’s essential to note that promotions vary for carrier switching, trade-ins, new customers, and extra lines. Sometimes, there are limited-time offers for new phones that expire. Other promotions may require you to sign up for specific cell phone plans or purchase the phone in-store or online.
• Free Phones Included in Offer: Some of the phones included in Verizon’s most recent promotion include, but are not limited to: iPhone 15, iPhone 16/16e/16 Plus/16 Pro/16 Pro Max, iPhone 17/17Pro, iPhone Air, Samsung Galaxy S25/S25+/S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy z Flip 7, Google Pixel 10/10 Pro, Motorola razr 2025, other certified pre-owned phones.

Bill credits for these phones are applied across 36 months, and service must remain active to receive the full value.

T-Mobile

Similar to Verizon and other major carriers, T-Mobile offers promotional deals for the activation of a new line when switching from a qualifying carrier. Here’s what you should know:

• Who’s eligible? You must switch to T-Mobile from a qualifying carrier, sign up for an eligible data plan (i.e., Experience Beyond, Experience More, Essentials, Experience Beyond w/ 55+ Savings, etc.), and activate a new line.
• Terms and Conditions: T-Mobile’s free phone promotion is subject to various terms, potentially including but not limited to trade-in requirements, specific payment plans, autopay sign-up, additional activation fees, and online or in-person purchase requirements.
• Free Phones Included in Offer: A few of the most popular phone deals included in T-Mobile’s free phone promotions include iPhone 15, iPhone 16/16e, iPhone 17/17Pro, iPhone Air, Samsung Galaxy S25/S25+/S25 FE, Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, Google Pixel 9/9a, Google Pixel 10, Motorola razr 2024/2025, Motorola edge 2024/2025, Motorola moto g/g 5G, Motorola moto g power/g power 5G, Nokia G310 5G, T-Mobile’s Revvl 7 5G/7 Pro 5G/8, and other certified pre-owned phones.

It’s important to note that you can get a “free” Android or Apple smartphone from T-Mobile via 24 monthly bill credits when you switch or activate a new cell phone line.

Metro By T-Mobile

If you like T-Mobile’s network coverage and high-speed data but prefer a prepaid plan (i.e., no contract), Metro By T-Mobile may be a great option. Here’s what you need to know about Metro’s free phone promotion:

• Who’s eligible? You must switch to Metro from a qualifying carrier (excluding T-Mobile).
• Terms and Conditions: After the third month of service, customers will receive a prepaid gift card in the amount of the combined monthly payments (not including tax and fees). The prepaid card is issued after your third month of active service, once you complete the rebate form. The virtual Mastercard can be used online or in‑store, just like a regular debit card.
• Free Phones Included in Offer: iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy A15/A16, and Motorola moto g-2025.

The free phone promo offered by Metro is a limited-time offer. So, it’s subject to change and cancellation at any time.

Cox Mobile

Cox Mobile continues to expand its 5G coverage and attract switchers with trade‑in offers that make premium devices more affordable, or even free, over time.

• Who’s eligible? Trade in an eligible device in good condition or purchase and activate a new eligible phone on Cox Mobile.
• Terms and Conditions: Offer only available to new Cox Mobile customers switching from another carrier. Requires selection of an eligible postpaid plan. Bill credits are spread over 24 months; canceling early stops future credits and triggers the remaining phone balance.
• Free Phones Included in Offer: Samsung Galaxy S25, Apple iPhone 16e , Motorola Razr 2025.

Who Doesn’t Currently Offer Free Phones When You Switch Carriers?

There are many companies that offer free phone promos when switching carriers. However, most wireless providers don’t. At least, not all the time. Instead, companies like Xfinity Wireless, Spectrum Wireless, Optium Mobile, AT&T, and others offer other deals for new lines and customers.

They include free phones with the trade-in of an eligible device, free service for a specific period, bring-your-own-phone deals, free mobile hotspot data, advanced WiFi options, and discounts for flagship phones (i.e., new iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy, etc.) with trade-in.

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Click here to find the best mobile service provider and cost-saving bundles in your area today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What phone companies give free phones when you switch?

Verizon, AT&T, T‑Mobile, and Metro by T‑Mobile currently have promotions offering free phones when you switch, usually through trade‑ins or new‑line activations.

Can I get a free phone without a trade‑in?

Yes. Prepaid and smaller carriers such as Metro by T‑Mobile, Optimum Mobile, and Boost Mobile periodically offer free entry‑level Androids for switching, with 3‑month active service required.

Do I need to keep the plan for the full term?

Yes. For bill‑credit deals, you must stay on the qualifying plan for the full 24–36 months. Cancel early and you’ll owe the remaining phone balance.

Which carrier has the best iPhone 17 deal in 2025?

Verizon and T-Mobile lead early 2025 offers: up to a full trade‑in credit for iPhone 17 or 17 Pro when you join their unlimited premium plans.

Can I keep my phone number when switching?

Absolutely. All U.S. carriers support number porting. Be sure to have your current account number, PIN, and billing ZIP  code ready during activation.