Entry-Level • Released 2019

Free Government iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 pairs Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, a dual 12MP camera system, and all-day battery life in a familiar, dependable design. It’s one of the models that participating Lifeline providers most commonly include in free or discounted device offers, thanks to its age, availability, and continued iOS support — making it a practical option for eligible consumers who want a reliable everyday smartphone.

Eligible consumers may qualify for a free or discounted iPhone 11 through select Lifeline-supported providers. Device model, condition, and availability vary by provider, state, and inventory and are never guaranteed.

Apple iPhone 11 in green, the device that may be offered through a Lifeline-supported wireless plan

iPhone 11 Key Features

A13 Bionic Chip

A 6-core CPU and 8-core Neural Engine keep everyday apps, calls, and browsing responsive.

Dual 12MP Camera

Wide and Ultra Wide lenses with Night mode capture sharp photos in low light.

All-Day Battery

Rated for up to 17 hours of video playback on a full charge, per Apple’s specifications.

IP68 Water Resistance

Resists splashes and can withstand submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Who May Qualify for a Free iPhone 11 Offer?

Eligibility is set by the Lifeline program, not by device model. You only need to qualify through one of two routes.

Income-Based Eligibility

Households with a gross income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for their size and state may qualify for Lifeline.

Program-Based Eligibility

Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, or a qualifying Tribal program can also establish eligibility.

Meeting Lifeline eligibility does not guarantee an iPhone 11 specifically — device offers depend on the participating provider you choose. See our full eligibility requirements.

What You May Receive With This Offer

Monthly Wireless Service

A discounted or no-cost monthly plan from your chosen provider, depending on eligibility and plan tier.

Talk & Text

Monthly voice minutes and text messaging, with allowances that vary by provider and plan.

Mobile Data

A monthly LTE data allowance for browsing, email, and apps — sized by the provider’s plan.

Possible iPhone 11 Offer

A free or discounted iPhone 11, condition and availability depending on the provider.

iPhone 11 Product Specifications

Official Apple specifications for the iPhone 11. A provider’s actual unit may be new or refurbished.

Display6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD), 1792 × 828 px, 326 ppi, 625 nits max brightness
ChipA13 Bionic — 6-core CPU, 4-core GPU, 8-core Neural Engine
Storage options64GB, 128GB, or 256GB (varies by provider inventory)
Rear cameraDual 12MP Wide (ƒ/1.8) and Ultra Wide (ƒ/2.4), Night mode, 2x optical zoom out
Front camera12MP TrueDepth camera with Portrait mode and 1080p HD video
BatteryUp to 17 hours video playback (Apple rating)
Charging portLightning
Cellular4G LTE (no 5G hardware)
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
SIMNano-SIM with eSIM support (dual SIM capable in the US)
Water resistanceIP68 — up to 2 meters for 30 minutes
Dimensions150.9 × 75.7 × 8.3 mm
Weight194 g
Release year2019
SoftwareRuns a current version of iOS with ongoing security updates

A Closer Look at the iPhone 11

The iPhone 11 was Apple’s mainstream model for 2019, built around the A13 Bionic chip and a dual-lens camera system that introduced Night mode to the standard iPhone line for the first time. Its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display uses LCD rather than OLED technology, which keeps the device more affordable to produce and, in turn, more commonly available as a refurbished or reconditioned device through wireless assistance programs.

Because the iPhone 11 does not include 5G hardware, it connects over 4G LTE networks, which is more than sufficient for calls, texting, browsing, and most everyday app use. Its aluminum-and-glass design, Face ID, and IP68 water resistance carried over Apple’s modern iPhone design language while remaining one of the more accessible models to manufacture and repair — a major reason it continues to appear in Lifeline provider device offers years after its original release.

If you’re approved through a participating provider that currently includes the iPhone 11 in its offer, the unit you receive may be new, refurbished, or reconditioned depending on that provider’s inventory. Storage capacity and color are also determined by the provider and are not typically selectable.

How to Apply for a Free Government iPhone 11

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm income-based or program-based Lifeline eligibility before you apply.

2

Compare Providers

Find participating providers in your state and see which currently offer an iPhone 11.

3

Apply & Verify

Apply through the National Verifier or directly with your chosen provider.

4

Review Your Offer

Once approved, review the plan and any device offer from your provider.

Before You Apply

Having these documents ready helps your iPhone 11 application move faster.

Documents You May Need

Requirements depend on whether you’re applying through income or program-based eligibility:

  • Government-issued identification — driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
  • Proof of address — a recent utility bill or official mail.
  • Proof of program participation — benefit award letter or program ID.
  • Income documentation — pay stubs, tax return, or benefit statement.

iPhone 11 Availability by State

Lifeline is available nationwide, but which providers operate in your state — and whether any currently offer the iPhone 11 — varies by location. A few examples:

About Lifeline

Lifeline is the FCC’s federal program that provides a monthly discount — currently up to $9.25 (up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands) — on wireless or internet service for eligible households. It does not distribute phones directly; the iPhone 11 offer described on this page comes from a participating provider, not from Lifeline or the federal government itself. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.

A Note on ACP

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024, and is no longer accepting enrollments or providing devices. If you’re searching for a “free iPhone ACP” offer, that program is no longer active — Lifeline is the current federal option.

iPhone 11 Government Offer: FAQ

Common questions about getting an iPhone 11 through Lifeline.

Apple released the iPhone 11 in 2019. It’s an older model that still runs current iOS software with security updates, which is one reason it’s more widely available through Lifeline provider device offers than newer models.

Not necessarily. Devices offered through Lifeline-supported plans are often refurbished or reconditioned. Ask your provider about device condition before accepting an offer.

No. The iPhone 11 connects over 4G LTE only; it does not have 5G hardware. If 5G matters to you, see our iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or iPhone 15 pages.

No. Meeting Lifeline eligibility does not guarantee any specific device. Whether an iPhone 11 is offered depends on the participating provider’s current inventory, your state, and their active promotions.

Generally no. Providers typically assign a device based on current stock rather than letting applicants select a specific color or storage capacity.

In most cases, yes, through number porting. The iPhone 11 uses a physical nano-SIM with eSIM support, so confirm your porting process with the new provider.

The same standard Lifeline rules apply: income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participation in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. See our full eligibility guide.

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024, and is not currently accepting applications or providing devices. Lifeline is the active federal program.

Other Free Government iPhone Models

Apple iPhone 13

Free Government iPhone 13

OLED display, 5G connectivity, and A15 Bionic performance.

Apple iPhone 14

Free Government iPhone 14

Advanced dual-camera system and Crash Detection & satellite SOS.

Apple iPhone 15

Free Government iPhone 15

48MP camera, Dynamic Island, and USB-C charging.

See If You May Qualify for a Free Government iPhone 11

Check your eligibility, then compare participating providers in your state.

Disclaimer: iphonegovfree.org/ is an independent, privately operated informational and referral resource, not the U.S. government, the FCC, USAC, or any federal or state agency. We do not make Lifeline eligibility determinations, sell iPhones, or guarantee approval, a specific device, brand-new condition, or any particular provider offer. The iPhone 11 is a trademark of Apple Inc.; this page is not endorsed by or affiliated with Apple. Provider participation, plans, and device offers vary by state and inventory and are subject to change. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024, and is no longer active.