How to Get a Free iPad

Last Updated: October 13, 2021 Tested

Apple's iPad is one of the most sought-after (and highest-priced) tablets on the market. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford an iPad, not even the older models. This wikiHow teaches you several scam-free ways to find a free (or dirt cheap) iPad.

Steps

1
Check with your school. Apple works with a variety of schools (mostly K-12) through programs like ConnectED.^{[1]
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Research source} Through ConnectED and similar programs, Apple donates iPads to students as learning aids. If your school participates in the program, you may qualify for an iPad. Even if you don't get to take it home forever, you can use it at school, and maybe even check it out overnight. Check with someone at your school to find out if a program like this is available.
- For a full list of ConnectED schools, see https://www.apple.com/connectED/schools.
2
Try the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Are you a US military veteran? The VA has collaborated with Apple to provide free cellular-enabled iPads to veterans to help them access benefits and stay connected.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
US Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. government agency providing healthcare and resources to veterans
Go to source} If you don't already have a video-enabled phone, computer, or tablet, contact your local VA health care team to find out if you're eligible.

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3
Look for mobile service sign-up deals. Mobile phone providers often lure in new customers by offering free products. While it's more common to find iPhones and Android tablets as sign-up rewards, you'll occasionally come across a service that offers iPads for free (or at a deep discount). Keep in mind that getting a free phone or tablet from a mobile service provider will require you to sign a contract, which you'll be expected to honor (and pay for).
4
Trade in your other Apple products. If you have Apple products you're not using, you can trade them in for credit. Depending on what your trade-in device is worth, you may be able to trade in enough products to get yourself a free iPad. Trading in an iPhone Pro Max, for example, can get you up to $500 in Apple credit—enough for many models of iPads.^{[3]
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Research source} If you trade in a newer high-end MacBook Pro, you can get up to $1530—that's enough for two or three iPads, depending on which model you want. To learn more about Apple Trade In, check out https://www.apple.com/shop/trade-in.
5
Ask someone you love. It can be really hard to figure out what to buy friends and family for their birthdays and other holidays. Do the people in your life know how much you want an iPad? Let them know! When those holidays arrive, your parents, friends, and partner might surprise you with the latest iPad model.
6
Buy a used iPad. Okay, this isn't free, but buying a used iPad instead of a brand new one can save you hundreds of dollars. When buying a used iPad, stick to reliable sellers that fully test iPads before selling them like Gazelle, BackMarket, and Mac of All Trades.
- It can be risky to buy from sites like eBay, Trade Up, or Amazon, so be careful—if the price seems too good to be true, there may be something wrong with the iPad.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm a top student at my sho How can I convince my parents to get me an iPad for being a top student at my school?

Community Answer

Continue to be good at school and keep your grades up. Talk to your parents about how an iPad will help you succeed in school.

Warnings

If you received an email from someone you don't know, or saw an online ad promising you a free iPad, it's most likely a scam.

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