Free Phone Deals From Carriers Right Now

Looking for a new phone—for free? In some cases, you can even get a free phone when you switch phone carriers, cell phone plans, or plan providers.

In this article, we'll point you to some of the best deals on the market right now—including free iPhone 17 offers for the base model and iPhone 18 Pro On Us offers as they become available. Read on for our breakdown of free phone deals currently available when you switch to top wireless carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and more. Or try our Phone Deal Finder below to let us quickly match you to great cell phone offers based on your needs.

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Free iPhone 18 Pro from T-Mobile

Want to get your hands on the new iPhone 18 Pro—for free? T-Mobile is the first U.S. carrier to come out with a free iPhone 18 Pro deal. The catch is that you have to sign up for the carrier's pricey Experience Beyond 2.0 plan ($100/month for one line) to qualify for the deal. Simply trade in an eligible device, and you'll get credits up to the full value of the phone in the form of bill credits over the course of 36 months.

One thing to be aware of with T-Mobile's free iPhone 18 Pro deal is that you're required to pony up the taxes on the full retail value of the device upfront.

Free iPhone 17 from T-Mobile or Verizon

The iPhone 17 base model is still going strong and likely to be on a great many wish lists this fall. The good news is that both T-Mobile and Verizon are currently offering a free iPhone 17 to both new and existing customers:

In order to take home a free iPhone 17:

- Trade in a qualifying phone (exception: NO trade-in required for switchers)
- Sign up for a 36-month installment agreement
- Select an eligible unlimited plan (T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, T-Mobile Experience Beyond 2.0, Verizon Unlimited Plus, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate)

That's all it takes to save up to $829 on a new iPhone 17. Of course, you’ll have to stick with your selected carrier and plan for 36 months while the credits pay out.

Free Samsung Galaxy from T-Mobile or Verizon

Android fans? There are two ways to score a free Samsung Galaxy S26 right now. Both T-Mobile and Verizon are offering the Galaxy S26 for free whether you're switching carriers or staying put.

All you need to do is:

- Trade in an eligible device
- Sign up for a 36-month installment plan
- Select a qualifying premium unlimited plan (T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, T-Mobile Experience Beyond 2.0, Verizon Unlimited Plus, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate)

Fulfill all these requirements, and you'll receive up to $899 in bill credits over 36 months, effectively bringing the cost of the Galaxy S26 to $0. So this deal eventually results in a "free" phone, but not immediately.

Free Samsung Galaxy S26+ from T-Mobile or Verizon

The Samsung Galaxy 26+ is a highly sought-after device that's currently available at no cost when you switch or stay with T-Mobile or Verizon and do the following:

- Trade in an eligible device
- Sign up for a 36-month installment agreement
- Select a qualifying unlimited plan (T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, T-Mobile Experience Beyond 2.0, Verizon Unlimited Plus, Verizon Unlimited Ultimate)

Important Rules of Thumb for Free Phone Deals

All of the free phone deals highlighted in this article require you to sign up 36-month installment contract, also known as an EIP (Equipment Installment Plan). EIPs can make getting your hands on the flagship device of your dreams a lot easier, but it pays to be aware of their ins and outs.

Device installment contracts are usually interest-free (0% APR), and since the installment costs are spread out over such a long period of time—the industry standard is 36 months—it can feel like an affordable way to go. However, you’re still financing the full retail price, often $1,000 or more.

Another important point: most promotions don’t reduce the upfront price of the phone you’re financing. Instead, they come as bill credits applied monthly over the life of the plan. A “free” $1,000 phone, for example, might be offset by about $27–$28 in monthly credits over 36 months. If you stay for the full term, you’ll see the full value of those credits. If you leave early or pay off the device, the remaining credits are usually forfeited, and any unpaid balance becomes due.

Trade-in deals follow a similar structure. The advertised value often assumes you’ll receive the full amount through bill credits over time, not as an instant discount. To qualify for the best offers, you typically need a newer device in good condition and must stay on a specific plan.

Tips for Getting the Best Free Phone Deal on an EIP

The following are some good rules of thumb to be aware of before signing up for an EIP.

1. Start by looking at the total cost of ownership, not just the monthly payment. A low monthly number can hide a high overall price, especially when paired with an expensive unlimited plan.
2. Before heading into a store or calling a carrier, check your trade-in value online. Knowing what your current phone is worth helps you spot inflated promotional claims and negotiate more confidently.
3. Ask about unlocking policies upfront. Some carriers automatically unlock devices after they’re paid off, while others require you to request it.
4. Pay close attention to promotional bill credits. Understand how long they last, what plan is required, and what happens if you switch or upgrade early.

The Bottom Line

Each of the big three phone plan providers offers several free phone deals when you switch plans. Given the numerous offers available, you should be able to find something that’s perfect for your needs, budget, and personal preferences. Navi also keeps up-to-date lists of the latest phone deals at other top carriers including Spectrum Mobile, Xfinity Mobile, Cox Mobile, and Optimum Mobile. Note that you must be a Spectrum or Xfinity Internet customer to be eligible for the carriers' respective mobile offers.

Still weighing your options? Our free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder can help you zero in on the best phone deals you qualify for in a matter of seconds. Or you can use our Plan Finder to figure out the perfect carrier and phone plan for your data usage habits and other requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Free Phone Deals?

Free phone deals are special offers that net you a free phone when you fulfill certain requirements, like signing up for a new phone plan, adding a line, or switching carriers.

What Phone Companies Give Free Phones When You Switch?

The Big Three carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, are known for offering free phones for switching. Other postpaid carriers also sometimes give free phones when you switch. Note that free phones for switching are most common among postpaid providers.

Is It Possible to Get an iPhone for Free?

Yes, you can get an iPhone for free, but it will come with conditions. In order to be eligible for a free iPhone, you may need to trade in an qualifying device, switch carriers, and/or sign up for a select plan. In exchange, a carrier will give you a free iPhone in the form of monthly bill credits over anywhere from 24 to 36 months depending on the carrier.