It is amazing how integral your phone can be to your everyday life.

Although I am aware that I am a heavy phone user, I was shocked to discover that my average phone use is five and a quarter hours per day. It’s almost as if I have a full-time job looking at my phone.

Even if your phone isn’t used for many hours per day, it’s still an essential tool for modern living.

Although cell phones are powerful tools, they can be expensive. Smartphones can run up to $1,000. The monthly cost of a smartphone can reach hundreds of dollars per month for a family.

Some people don’t have the money or need to buy the latest gadgets. Sometimes you only need a phone that works. These are the best ways to get a cheap or free cell phone as well as cell phone service.

8 places to get a free cell phone

These services are available to assist you in getting the latest iPhone.

1. Lifeline Support

Lifeline Support, a government-funded program, helps reduce the cost for cell phones for those who are eligible. You’ll be eligible for a monthly subsidy of at minimum $9.25 towards your cell phone bill, as well as a free Android smartphone.

This program is open to anyone who meets the following conditions:

• Each year, earn less than 135% the federal poverty amount. This amount is $16,862 per household for residents of the 48 contiguous States.
• Take part in one of these programs:

• SNAP (formerly food stamps)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Tribal Programs for residents of federally recognized Tribal lands

The subsidy can only be received by one household member, regardless of whether there are several eligible persons.

The subsidy will pay the entire cost of a phone plan with a monthly fee less than $9.25.

2. Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is part the Lifeline Assistance program. You can use this plan if your eligibility for Lifeline Assistance. You will receive unlimited text and talk, plus 2GB data per month for no additional cost. Customers who sign up for Assurance Wireless will also receive a free Android smartphone.

You can either sign up for a monthly or annual plan to add more data to your plan.

Monthly Data Plans

$15	2.5 GB
$20	3 GB
$30	6 GB
$40	12 GB

Pay as you go:

$1	100 MB
$3	500 MB
$5	1 GB
$10	2 GB
$20	4 GB
$30	5 GB

3. SafeLink Wireless

SafeLink Wireless is another provider who partners with the Lifeline Assistance program. Sign up to receive a free Android phone or your own phone.

You are eligible for Lifeline Assistance and SafeLink. Your location will determine which plans are available.

The Massachusetts voice-focused plan, for example, offers 1000 minutes and 1GB of data per month. The data-focused plan provides 350 minutes of talk time and 2GB data. California residents have unlimited voice and 3GB data. You can get 4GB data if you have your own mobile phone.

You get 500 MB more data per month if you use your own phone instead of getting one through the program.

4. Craigslist

There are many other options if you don’t meet the criteria for a Lifeline phone, or if you prefer another model. Even though you won’t be able to get the most recent model phone, there are likely options that work.

Look on Craigslist for people who are selling old phones or holding yard sales. People on Craigslist often ask you to pay for your phone. However, you can always inquire if they would be willing to give the phone away for free. You might be able to get it for free if the phone is broken or no longer works. You can get a phone for free and learn basic repair techniques.

You should ensure that you adhere to basic internet safety rules before you meet with the seller when making an online purchase.

5. OfferUp

OfferUp works in a similar way to Craigslist. While most people posting items on OfferUp expect payment, some will give away things.

If the phone isn’t being used for some time, you can negotiate with them to get it freed up.

6. NextDoor

NextDoor is an online social network that connects people living in the same area. It allows them to barter, trade and find out about local events.

People will often post items they are trying to sell or give away, just like other online communities. You might be able to find someone trying to sell or give away an old cell phone.

7. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace allows you to trade or sell items. You can see posts from friends and people in your local area. Reach out to the poster if there is a phone for sale to find out if it can be yours.

8. Groups that Buy Nothing

A Buy Nothing Group is a local group that encourages sharing of your skills and things with others. People will give away the items they don’t use to their neighbors, rather than trading or bartering. People who are in need of things can receive them for free.

You can find a phone for free at this location. You might find cracks or scratches on the screen but it is still an option if you are in dire need of a phone.

There are places that offer free phones when you switch or add a line

Many carriers will give you a brand-new phone if you sign a contract. They won’t have the latest models, but they will be adequate for most purposes.

Sprint

Sprint customers can get a free phone when they lease one. This is a great deal for couples that want to be on the same phone plan. Sprint will provide a second LGV30+ to customers who sign up for Sprint Flex for 18 months and lease an LGV30+.

Verizon

Verizon will offer you a free Alcatel AVALON V or Samsung Galaxy A10e when you switch to Verizon.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile will offer you a free REVLRY, Samsung Galaxy A10 or Moto G Power if you sign up for a T-Mobile 24 month plan. You can exchange your phone for a discounted iPhone or Android if you have one.

AT&T

AT&T offers a Buy One Get One deal on selected smartphones, such as the iPhone 10 or Samsung Galaxy Note10. You must commit to a 24-, 30- or 36-month plan to be eligible.

How to get cheap (or free) cell phone service

Many mobile phone companies offer a monthly plan which gives you the service you want.

FreedomPop

FreedomPop is a free telephone service that anyone can use. To sign up, you don’t need to meet any eligibility requirements. You only need a phone to sign up, but you can get one at a discounted price from FreedomPop.

The company offers a free plan that includes 200 minutes voice, 500 text messages, and 500 MB data. You can upgrade to unlimited text and talk for $11 per month. The cost for unlimited talk, text and 1 GB data is $20 per month.

Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless offers unlimited text and talk for $15, and data at $5 per gigabyte. Changes to your plan can be made at any time. However, you will still be charged for the full plan regardless of how much data you use.

Google Fi

Google Fi offers two plans: Unlimited and Flexible.

Flexible plans cost $20 for unlimited text and talk, and $1 per 100MB. It doesn’t matter how much data you use. You only pay for the actual usage. Your bill will not exceed 6GB per month.

Unlimited plans cost $45-$70 per person per month and provide unlimited data, talk, text, or text. Each member also gets 100 GB cloud storage.

Ting

Ting charges $6 per line per monthly as a base rate. You can also choose how many minutes, texts and MBs of data you want to add to the plan. This allows you to customize your plan and price to suit your usage habits.

TracFone

TracFone provides unlimited talk, text and 1GB data for $20 per monthly. Additional data can be added for $5 per GB. All data that is not used will be carried over from month-to-month.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s essentials plans offer unlimited talk, text and data for $60. However, you can save huge by adding multiple people to your contract. This is a great deal for heavy data users, as you can save $30 per person if you have four people on your contract.

CellNUVO

CellNUVO allows you to play games and complete tasks in order to earn points. These points can be used to pay your monthly bills. You can pay your entire bill if you earn enough points.

This means that you can receive a new phone or phone service at no cost.

Download the CellNUVO App to get started. After you have downloaded the app, you will be able to watch ads and take part in offers such as downloading certain apps. Points can be used to purchase your phone, text, data or talk time.

Earning points can take time so make sure to only use your phone when it is absolutely necessary. This can help you save points. It’s not easy to earn enough points to get a free phone. It’s important to be efficient with your time and reap the benefits.

A New Phone Doesn’t Need to Cost Hundreds

Although cell phones can be expensive, they are essential to daily life. Even if you don’t intend to use it for anything other than phone calls and texts, having one can provide some security.

You can take advantage of a deal to receive a free phone. This will allow you to have an essential tool for a low price.