Since time immemorial, communication has been a major part of human beings. As the technology evolved, people moved from less effective devices to advanced ones. The introduction of landlines was one of the major triumphs. Mobile phone wireless technology is what wowed the entire world. These gadgets are now part and parcel of our everyday lives. It has become almost impossible for anyone to live without a mobile phone. Of importance are touch screen smartphones that are more sophisticated and support more features. Besides communicating, several people are using smartphones for different reasons. Some are propelling their careers while others are running businesses.
Important as they are, not everyone can afford a mobile phone. For that reason, the government introduced programs to provide free touch screen phones. Dubbed the Lifeline program, it targets vulnerable persons in America. You qualify for the program if you can prove you are needy. On top of the free touch screen government phones, people enjoy free mobile services. These include data, SMS texts, and minutes to access all mobile services like anyone else.
Even though the phones are free, no one will bring them to you at home. You must apply through the various approved carriers such as AT & T, Verizon, SafeLink, QLink, Assurance Wireless, and Sprint. Also, you must produce the supporting documents to prove that you’re indeed needy. Otherwise, the stringent selection criterion applied will knock you out.
Sub Questions / Contents
- 1 Benefits of Free Government Touch Screen Phones Program
- 2 10 Best Free Touch Screen Government Phones
- 3 Who Qualifies for A Free Touch Screen Government Phones?
- 4 Apply for Free Government Touch Screen Phones
- 5 10 Best Free Government Touch Screen Phones Provider
- 6 How Can I Get A Free Touch Screen Phone Without A Contract?
- 7 Can I Get Free Touch Screen Government Phones When Upgrade
- 8 Are There Other Options to Get Free Touch Screen Government Cell Phones?
- 9 Final Recap
Benefits of Free Government Touch Screen Phones Program
You enjoy several benefits if you qualify for the free touch screen government phones program. First of all, you get a free smartphone with the most recent technology trends. So, even if you are so poor to afford a phone, you’ll enjoy the services like anyone else. The program seeks to pull out destitute citizens from the darkness.
You have the option to upgrade your phone. In most cases, you’ll receive a basic phone without many features. But different providers offer different upgrade options to their customers. You can upgrade your phone without exiting the service or need for recertification.
10 Best Free Touch Screen Government Phones
After certifying qualification, the above cellphone providers provide the following free phones under the lifeline program.
1. Apple iPhone 8
Life is amazing with this super reliable apple product. In fact, if you are lucky to scoop this touch screen smartphone for free through government sponsorship, then you must be one lucky horse. Apple iPhone 8 allows its users to upgrade its operating system from ios 11 to ios 14.2. This simply means your phone can be fully improvised to match other iPhones with improved operating systems. You can take nice photos with this photo expert, thanks to its strong back and front cameras. There is a powerful single 12 Mp camera at the rear, while at the front, you get the single 7 mp camera.
However, the device lacks both a 3.5 mm jack as well as a memory card slot. This means that there’s no room for memory expansion. On the upside, Apple has availed the phone in different memory capacities to satisfy all consumer needs fully. The phone is available in two versions based on its internal memory capacities. These are; the 64GB 2GB RAM version and the 256GB 2GB RAM version. A fingerprint scanner is inclusive of tightening up your phone’s privacy.

Additionally, the device is available in four colors. These include silver, space gray, gold, and red. Its 1821mAh battery will give you adequate time to enjoy your phone before recharging it again. Also, you can watch movies and videos very comfortably via its large 4.7-inch display.
PROS
- Has a strong rear camera.
- It runs on an upgradable IOS system.
- It is available in a variety of colors.
CONS
- It lacks a micro SD card slot.
- It has an average battery life.
2. Apple iPhone 7
First released on 2016 September 07, the iPhone 7 is backed up by very robust features, hence being quite a force to reckon with. Therefore, if you plan on getting a free government touch screen smartphone, grabbing this device will obviously make a good catch for you. Like the iPhone 8, the latter boasts a 4.7-inch display size supported by a screen resolution power of 750 × 1334 pixels. Also, its 10.0.1 ios system can be upgraded to ios 14.2. This device is still quite reliable with its Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, and LE when it comes to wireless connectivity. On top of that, the device comes with a reliable internal memory capacity that ranges from 32GB to128GB. However, a micro SD card slot for memory expandability.

Users can take quality photos too. This is achieved through its 12mp rear camera and 7mp front camera. A standby fingerprint scanner also allows owners to set up stringent privacy measures for their own security. Moreover, it’s has a 1960 mAh non-removable li-ion battery that can allow for up to 14 hours of talk time, and 40 hours of music play. This device comes in a variety of colors too. They include; jet black, black, silver, gold, rose gold, and red.
PROS
- Runs on an upgradable android system.
- Has a nice screen resolution power.
- Has a quality main camera.
CONS
- Lacks a micro sd slot.
- Lacks a 3.5mm jack.
3. Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
Here is yet another very classy touch-screen smartphone that you can get free through government sponsorship. Just like the iPhone 8, this device comes with a variety of super nice features. First off, it is equipped with a very powerful 6.2 inches display. Plus, the display is endowed with quite a robust (1440 × 2960 pixels ) screen resolution power. Even though this phone was launched over three years ago, it’s among the most picturesque phones Samsung has ever produced.

It boasts of a modern cutting edge design with a slightly curved screen. Corning Gorilla glass has been used to reinforce both its front and rear. Are you the type of person that loves using two SIM cards? If so, this device will completely scratch your itch with its double SIM slots.
With this device, you don’t have to worry about storage issues thanks to its standby microSD slot and large internal memory capacity. These capacities include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Its powerful 6GB RAM also ensures the phone is always fast enough and doesn’t hang over time due to continued use. Samsung has also ensured that you can completely count on this device when it comes to taking good photos. At the rear, it has dual 12mp + 12mp camera while at the front there’s is a double 8mp + 2mp selfie camera. Cell phones are built for individual use only.
Therefore, having this in mind, Samsung equipped this device with a steady fingerprint and iris scanner to tighten up your privacy. As if not enough this device runs on Android 8.0 Oreo which can be upgraded to android 10, one UI 2.1. You can also link the phone wirelessly to other devices via its robust Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, and apt X. The latter comes in a variety of colors to choose from. These include; midnight black, coral blue, titanium gray, lilac purple, burgundy red, sunrise gold, ice blue, and Polaris blue. Finally, it has a 3500 Li-ion non-removable battery. This battery supports fast charging and can still be charged wirelessly.
PROS
- Has a good battery life.
- It has a strong rear camera.
- Has a micro sd card slot.
- It is available in a variety of colors.
- Runs on an upgradable android system.
CONS
- Its original android system is quite low.
4. Alcatel 3V
If you thought that government touch screen smartphones weren’t any good, the above device would completely debunk your rudimental perception with its quality features. The Alcatel 3V has a wide 6.0-inch display size with a screen resolution power of 1080 × 1160 pixels. This means you can enjoy all your videos and movies just as you would with a laptop or TV. Nevertheless, the device comes with a dual 12mp + 2mp main camera and a single 5mp selfie camera for quality photos. Similar to the galaxy s9+, this device runs on Android 8.0 Oreo. However, its operating system is not upgradable.

In addition to that, its CPU has a 1.45 GHz cortex-A53 quad-core processor, giving it a fast response to all commands given. Further, this device is available in both single and dual SIM. Plus, with respect to its memory capacity, the latter is available in two versions; 32GB 2GB RAM version and the 16GB 2GB RAM version. It also comes with a modern fingerprint scanner for utmost privacy. The above handset is available in three colors, spectrum black, spectrum blue, and spectrum gold. On top of that, this device comes with an inbuilt non-removable 3000 mAh battery giving you an impressive amount of talk time.
PROS
- Has a powerful main camera.
- Has a nice display.
- It is available in both single and dual sim.
CONS
- Its android system cannot be upgraded.
- Has a weaker selfie camera.
5. Samsung Galaxy S9
If you are getting this device through a free government deal, that’s quite a plus for you. This is because it comes in place amongst the five best Samsung phones in today’s market. With this device, you get a powerful 3000mAh non-removable battery that supports both fast charging and wireless charging. This allows you to enjoy its services for long hours before having to recharge it again. Moreover, it is reinforced with a gorilla glass 5 both at the front and back and an aluminum frame wraps around its center. To be more precise the device has a curved super AMOLED HDB10 display. In comparison to the galaxy s9 plus, the latter has a smaller display size. It measures up to 5.8 inches long and is strengthened with a robust screen resolution power of 1440 × 2960 pixels.

Another advantage is that this device runs on an upgradable android system. It has 8.0 oreo android systems that can be improvised to android 10, one UI 2.1. Enjoy quality pictures with its single 12mp main camera and its dual 8mp + 2mp selfie camera. Additionally, this device comes with a large internal memory capacity, and it’s still equipped with a micro SD slot for memory expandability. A 3.5 mm jack is also included allowing you to enjoy music however you want. Like the Samsung galaxy s9 plus, this one is available in up to seven colors. These include midnight black, coral blue, titanium gray, lilac purple, burgundy red, sunrise gold, and ice blue.
PROS
- It comes with a micro SD slot for memory expandability.
- It has a powerful main camera.
- Available in a variety of colors.
- Its battery allows for both wireless and fast charging.
- It runs on an upgradable android system.
CONS
- When compared to the galaxy s9 plus, it has a smaller display size.
6. NUU Mobile G5 4G LTE
Landing yourself this model of smartphone for free is a dream come true. It’s a powerful device that is built for the ultimate power user. It exhibits a powerful 5000 mAh non-removable Li-ion battery. Meaning you can use this phone for more than ten hours continuously before recharging it again. To spice up things, this device boasts a very powerful camera system. It has a 16mp single selfie camera, while at the rear, you will find its powerful quadruple camera of 16mp + 8mp + 2mp + 2mp.

Its large 6.5-inch display is powered by a screen resolution power of 720 × 1600 pixels, thus giving you high-definition images. Unfortunately, this device runs on Android 10, which cannot be upgradable. You can tighten your privacy with its always-on standby fingerprint scanner, which is mounted at the back. It also features an accelerometer sensor, a 3.5mm jack, and a microSD card slot for memory addition. On that same note, this device comes with an internal memory capacity of 64GB which is expandable up to 256GB. If you settle to buy this device, you will get it in three colors that’s black, blue, and green.
PROS
- Has a very powerful battery.
- Has an excellent rear camera.
- Exhibits a microSD slot for memory expandability.
- It has a powerful selfie camera.
CONS
- It has an average screen resolution power.
- Its android system cannot be upgraded.
7. Moto G Stylus
The Moto G stylus is designed to be a perfect photo expert. With this device, you will have nothing short of high-quality photos thanks to its powerful rear and front cameras. The rear comprises of a triple 48mp + 16mp + 2mp camera, while the front has a single 16mp selfie camera. With this phone, you get a single sim slot as well as a micro sd slot for memory expansion.

In addition, its boasts of a micro-sd slot and a very large internal memory capacity of 128GB and 4GB RAM. An IPS LCD display of 6.4 inches gives this phone a very satisfying outlook. Furthermore, the display is backed up by a screen resolution power of 1080 × 2300 pixels, which ensures that you get nothing short of a high definitive screen.
It is crafted with a water-repellent coating. Its body comprises of a glass-covered front, a plastic back, and a well-engineered aluminum frame. Wireless connectivity is also addressed by its Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE. If you like a confidential environment with your handset, you can lock it with its standby fingerprint scanner. Both proximity and accelerometer sensors are inscribed on the latter. It also gives you an opportunity to enjoy your phone for long hours without having to recharge it frequently. This is achieved by its 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
PROS
- Has a very powerful battery.
- It exhibits a very strong rear camera.
- Comes with a micro sd slot for memory expandability.
- It has a strong selfie camera.
CONS
- It runs on a non upgradable android system.
- It is not available in many colors.
8. LG Stylo 4
This is another amazing free government touch screen smartphone available for you. Unlike most Android smartphones, this phone is available in only one color, and that’s in aurora black. Despite that, it is still equipped with very intriguing features. When it comes to its internal memory capacity, the latter comes with 32GB and 2GB RAM. Even though the inbuilt internal memory capacity is quite small, this device is equipped with a micro SD slot for memory expandability. This allows you to store large chunks of data even when the internal memory space of full.
The above phone is also equipped with a powerful 13 mp rear camera, giving you high-quality photos. On the front, there is an average selfie camera of 5mp. If you are the type of person who loves large screens, this phone will intrigue you with its large capacity OF 6.2inch display. Additionally, the screen is powered with a screen resolution power of 1080 × 2160 pixels.

Regardless of its huge size, this phone weighs only 172g, thus convenient to carry around. Nonetheless, it runs on a non-upgradable Android 8.1 Oreo. A 3300 mAh non-removable battery is inscribed on the phone to give all users adequate time as they use their phone. To boot on that, this device comes with a fingerprint scanner and a 3.5 mm jack.
PROS
- Comes with a micro sd card slot.
- Has a powerful rear camera.
- Its display size is quite remarkable.
- Has a good battery life.
CONS
- It runs on a non upgradable android system.
- It has a weak selfie camera.
9. BLU G9 Pro
These is among the most modern free government phones available from various mobile providers. This device was first availed to the market about a year ago, specifically in August 2019. It’s almost obvious that the latter being a new phone in the market, it’s endowed with quite modern features. It features a powerful IPS LCD display, ensuring that you can clearly see whatever is on the screen without a struggle. The display measures approximately 6.3 inches and has a screen resolution power is of 1080 × 2340 pixels. Picture lovers!
This device has completely factored in you as it comes with quite an outstanding camera. It boasts a triple 48mp + 8mp + 2mp rear camera and a powerful single 16mp selfie camera. On top of that, it runs on android 9.0 pies that is upgradable to Android 10. Getting this device means you will get the opportunity to use your phone continuously without recharging it.

Facts have it that it will give you up to 21 hours of uninterrupted talk time. This is so as the device is equipped with a powerful 4000 mAh battery. More also, this battery allows fast-charging 18W as well as fast Qi wireless charging. It is available in a single version based on its internal memory capacity and is powered with micro as a lot for memory expansion.
It features an internal memory space of 128GB and 4GB RAM. You will also have the chance to enjoy uptight privacy with this device thanks to its stable fingerprint scanner mounted on its back. Unfortunately, this device is not available in a variety of colors but it only comes in one color.
PROS
- It runs on an upgradable android system.
- It comes with a micro SD slot.
- Has a very competent rear camera.
- Exhibits a very powerful battery.
- Boasts of a powerful selfie camera.
CONS
- It is just available in a single color (nightfall black).
10. Samsung Galaxy A10
Last but not least, this is another amazing free touch screen phone from the government. Like most phones mentioned above, this gadget comes with a 6.2 inch IPS LCD display for high definition images. Further, these high definition images are also achieved through its high screen resolution power of 720 × 1520 pixels. This phone’s thoughtful design allows it to weigh only 168g, thus being quite easy to carry around.

Originally, this handset runs on Android 9.0 pie but can be upgradable to android 10, one UI 2.0. Remarkably, you will get a long active usage time of your phone with its 3400 mAh non-removable battery. A micro-sd card slot is to provide room for memory expansion. What is more intriguing is that this handset is available in two versions concerning its RAM. These are the 32GB, 2GB RAM version and the 32GB, 4GB RAM. On top of that, it is also available in both a single SIM and a dual aim version allowing you to keep all your SIMcards active.
A competent 5.0 Bluetooth system is also employed to give it the best of wireless connectivity. Both accelerometer and proximity sensors are used on this phone to ensure more productivity. As much as this device exhibits a weak selfie camera, it has a very steady and super clear front camera. To be more precise, it has a single 5mp front camera and a single 13mp rear camera, which allows you to have quite an amazing photo and video shoot.
PROS
- Exhibits a strong rear camera.
- Has a modern Bluetooth system.
- It runs on an upgradable android system.
CONS
- It has a weak selfie camera.
Who Qualifies for A Free Touch Screen Government Phones?
The Lifeline Program has two grounds on which it selects its beneficiaries. These are;
Income
Lifeline has an income cap for the applicants. You can apply as an individual or a household. Whatever the status, your income must not be more than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a household, the income calculation includes all the members’ incomes. These include salaries, grants, inheritances, and allowances. Although, things like student grants, military housing, and menial wages do not count.
Note that some states have different income percentages. Good examples of such states are; Texas, Florida, and Michigan. They have varying income rules ranging from 135 to 150%. Thus, it is only prudent to consult with the provider before applying. Another point to note is that even no matter how many you are in your household, you can only have one account.
Participation in Federal or State Assistance Programs
You can qualify for a free Lifeline smartphone based on designated federal or state aids. The assumption is that if you qualified for these programs, you must have proved that you are needy. Also, some states have their own programs that can give you a direct ticket for a free phone. A good example of such states includes Massachusetts and California. Massachusetts has a MassHealth program, whereas California has Women, Infants, and Children Program. So, even without the federal programs, you can qualify on the state’s program. Below are the Federal programs that give outright qualification to the Lifeline program;
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Medicaid
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Apply for Free Government Touch Screen Phones
To apply for a free touch screen phone from the government, you need to first prove you’re needy. This means providing the documentation to support your qualification. After that, you need to choose the provider supported by the Lifeline program.
The provider should also be available in your locality. Several providers supporting this initiative have wide network coverage. If your application goes through, the provider will ship your smartphone to you. That’s why your current mail is very important. Below are some of the best smartphone providers you can go for.
10 Best Free Government Touch Screen Phones Provider
There are more than 50 free government touch screen phones providers in the United States. As stated earlier, network coverage should be your main focus. Another factor you shouldn’t ignore is customer care responsiveness. Occasionally, you will encounter various problems. That’s why you need active customer care that will attend to you anytime you have a problem. You can choose any of the providers below as they offer the best of the above parameters;
1. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is one of the best service providers available in 30 states in the US. They have been operating for more than a decade. So, you experience nothing short of excellent services. You can check whether Access wireless is available in your locality using your Zip code. All you do is insert the Zip Code on the provider’s website. Also, Access Wireless supports a wide variety of phones. These include Motorola, ZTE, and Samsung, etc.
2. SafeLink Wireless
This is another incredible provider of free government touch screen phones. Both touch screen and cell phone. It’s among the oldest service providers and enjoys very active customer care. SafeLink phones are very quality. The subscribers can also upgrade and replace their devices. Services very few carriers offer.
If you want to enroll, you have two options. You can either use their online portal or go to their local branch. With the touch screen plan, you get 350 minutes, unlimited texts, and 500mbs of data.
3. Qlink Wireless
Besides the free touch screen, Qlink will give you unlimited texts and 500mbs of data every month. The company will also roll over the unused minutes to the new months. But, this feature may be different in your state. To know whether you qualify for Qlink, visit their official website and enter your Zip code. They also offer very quality phones, including iPhones, without a contract.
4. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Lifeline program, gives a free touchscreen, 500mbs of data, and unlimited texts. The California residents also receive unlimited talk time. Assurance Wireless network is Virgin subsidiary. This means it has the widest coverage across various states of the US. The government has also promised to ensure that the services spread even further. If you deplete your minutes, you can subscribe to Virgin scratch cards for top-ups.
5. TruConnect
TruConnect is another awesome network with awesome offers. The network has grown from a mere regional company to a nationwide network provider. If you opt for them, you receive a free 5” touch screen phone, 3GB data, unlimited minutes and texts. Californian residents have better options including choosing between three quality phones. Different states have different options for phones.
Another advantage of TruConnect is the provision of free international calls. For example, some subscribers can call and text internationally. Such provision works in countries like Mexico, Canada, and China.
6. enTouch Wireless
Also referred to as Boomerang, enTouch offers free touch screen phones. On top of that, you will receive free data, SMS texts, and minutes. Outside California residents get access to 100 minutes and 100 texts. If you live in California, there are customized units. The non-tribal California users receive unlimited text and 500mbs of data. On the other hand, tribal users access unlimited talk time, text messages, and 2.4 GB of data.
7. Assist Wireless
Assist Wireless is one of the providers that allow you to upgrade your old free government touch screen phones. All you have to do is sign up for a new contract and attach your old one. One of the strengths of this service is that it will gift you subsidized plans. So, you have no reason to worry about your plan bills. If you chose to upgrade your phone, you enjoy an extra $15 and 1GB of free data.
It’s one of the best options when you are looking for free government touch screen phones. They have a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program which allows you to connect your old phone. If you live in Arkansas, Missouri, and Maryland, you may want to look at this service.
8. Stand up Wireless
You are thinking of various ways to get free government touch screen smartphones and free tablets? StandUp wireless should be among your top picks. They are one of the most robust customer care who will go all miles to make sure you get the best deal. Also, they are masters of patience. Unlike other providers, they give a grace period in case you default your payment. So, they don’t disconnect your line immediately after due time. You stand a better chance of avoiding inconveniences due to disconnection.
9. General Communication Inc
General Communication is another network provider that supports the Lifeline program. Unfortunately, GCI is only available in Alaska. When you subscribe to their service, you receive a free phone, unlimited texts, and 500 minutes. But, if you want to make long-distance calls or get 1GB of data, you have to pay $1. Even though not everything is free, the charges are a fair deal enough.
10. Sprocket Wireless
Sprocket Wireless acts as a saving service provider in remote areas of Oklahoma. Besides the free phone, they give their subscribers unlimited call time and texts at $1. But the service isn’t available in the entire Oklahoma state. It’s better to consult with customer care to inquire whether your area has the service. Some of the states covered include Indianola, Dustin, Seminole, Okemah, Crowder, etc.
How Can I Get A Free Touch Screen Phone Without A Contract?
No-contract phones are those that you don’t sign any contract to stick to a certain network carrier. What this means is that the phone isn’t locked to any carrier. Unlike the locked phones that give subsidies and monthly installments, you pay upfront.
If you want a free no-contract phone, you need to first check out the technologies supported by the phone. Some carriers already offer alternative no-contract phones. Different network carriers have a way of establishing the phones’ technologies. Thus, check out the technologies before you can make your decision.
There are several mobile carriers that give unlocked free phones. If you get such phones, you can go ahead and choose your carrier of choice. Or, you can go for carriers that offer prepaid phone deals. A good example is Virgin mobiles that offer Bill me later service where you get a phone with a promise to pay later. Within that period, the provider doesn’t charge you interest until it elapses.
Can I Get Free Touch Screen Government Phones When Upgrade
Under the Lifeline program, in most cases, you’ll receive a basic cell phone. However, depending on your provider, the upgrade may be a bit tricky. Some providers have upgrade provisions, whereas others do not. The best way to find out is to check your provider’s website. However, you may have to pay for the new phone smartphones. Before making a move, check whether there are available compatible models.
It’s not a must you get the upgrade from your provider. You can as well order an upgrade phone from any electronic outlets like Walmart, eBay, and Best Buy.
Are There Other Options to Get Free Touch Screen Government Cell Phones?
Other than the Lifeline programs, there are other ways to own a free government cellphone. For instance, different communication companies offer specialized phone deals for the needy. Companies like AT & T, Verizon, and US Connect have special plans for the needy in specific states. So, if you need these services, you can call your local provider. If they have any plan tailored to your need, they’ll explain. There are some programs geared to helping the aged, disabled, and veterans. You can check with your provider whether they have such services.
Final Recap
A touch screen phone technology is one of its own kind. Everyone bays to have a touch of it; seniors, children, the rich, and the poor. To ensure that everyone can access smartphone services, the government provides free phones. So, even if you can’t afford one, you could still enjoy this revolution device. All you need to do is to prove that you need the help. Contact any authorized service provider, and they’ll determine your eligibility. Who knows, you might be suffering when Lifeline can save you the pain.