Getting your hands on a free BLU Smartphones tablet may seem too good to be true, but it is absolutely possible! With the right approach and some savvy planning, you can unlock this fantastic opportunity through government programs, promotions, trade-ins and more.
This detailed guide will walk you through all the ways to score a free BLU tablet, so you can reap the benefits of modern technology without breaking the bank.
Overview of BLU Smartphones
Before diving into the various routes to a free device, let’s take a moment to get acquainted with BLU Smartphones.
BLU is a Florida-based company that manufactures affordable, prepaid smartphones. They offer a wide selection of Android phones and tablets equipped with practical features and sleek designs.
Some key things to know about BLU Smartphones:
They specialize in budget-friendly devices, making technology accessible.
Most of their phones work with GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile.
Their product lineup includes everything from basic options to more advanced models.
Tablet options range from compact 7-inch displays to larger 10-inch screens.
You’ll get decent cameras, ample storage, long battery life, and solid performance.
The affordable prepaid plans add to the value proposition.
With such well-rounded devices at wallet-friendly prices, scoring one for free is an incredible opportunity!
Get a Free BLU Tablet Through Government Programs
One of the best ways to grab a free BLU tablet is through government assistance programs designed to help low-income individuals. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees two initiatives that can get you a free device and discounted service - Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Overview of Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a long-standing FCC program that provides discounted phone and internet services to qualifying low-income households. Participants get up to $9.25 off their monthly bills. Some Lifeline providers even offer free smartphones or tablets to use with the discounted service.
To qualify for Lifeline, you must have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can also qualify through participation in certain government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others.
The application process involves submitting documents that prove your eligibility. Once approved, you can select a Lifeline provider and choose a plan.
Affordable Connectivity Program Details
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newer FCC benefit that offers bigger discounts - up to $30 off monthly internet bills and up to $75 on tribal lands. It also covers device costs, making it easier to get a free tablet.
You can qualify for ACP through similar income thresholds and government program participation as Lifeline. The application process is essentially the same.
Once approved, you can contact participating providers in your area and choose an ACP plan. Be sure to ask about free tablet offers. With ACP covering up to $100 for a tablet, securing one at no cost is achievable.
Applying for Lifeline or ACP
To get started, you'll need to submit an application with proof of eligibility. Here are some key steps:
Visit the websites LifelineSupport.org or AffordableConnectivity.gov to access application forms.
Provide details like your full name, date of birth, contact information and address.
Submit documentation that proves your participation in qualifying government assistance programs and/or income status. This can include prior tax returns, pay stubs, benefit award letters and more.
Submit copies of your government-issued ID, Social Security card, and proof of address.
Carefully review the application and submit it along with your documentation.
If approved, request details on free tablet offers from participating Lifeline or ACP providers in your state.
Select a carrier and plan, claim your free BLU tablet, and start saving!
Lifeline/ACP Providers with Free Tablets
Many Lifeline and ACP providers offer free smartphones or tablets with discounted service plans. Here are some companies known to provide free BLU devices:
Assurance Wireless - This Virgin Mobile Lifeline provider offers a free BLU tablet and 350 monthly minutes.
QLink Wireless - Through Lifeline and ACP, QLink provides a free BLU C5L Max smartphone and unlimited talk & text.
Safelink Wireless - TracFone's Lifeline brand gives out free BLU smartphones or tablets with 350 monthly minutes.
Blue Jay Wireless - This Lifeline provider offers 250 monthly minutes and a free BLU device.
StandUpWireless - Through Lifeline discounts, StandUp offers a free BLU phone or tablet.
Life Wireless - Lifeline participants get a free BLU C9L Optimus or BLU S1 Plus with 1000 monthly minutes.
Be sure to confirm precise free tablet model options and availability directly with any provider you're considering. With the right Lifeline or ACP plan, you can get connected with modern technology and convenience at no cost.
Score a Free BLU Tablet Through Provider Promotions
In addition to government programs, you may also be able to get a free BLU tablet directly through promotions and incentives offered by wireless service providers.
Carriers will often run special deals like "Get a free tablet when you activate a new phone line." Taking advantage of these limited time offers is a savvy way to snag giveaways.
Here are some tips for capitalizing on promotions:
Check carrier websites frequently - Special deals and free device offers are usually prominently promoted on their homepages or special promotional pages.
Ask in stores - Wireless carrier stores often have access to unadvertised promotions or ability to give out free tablets on a case-by-case basis. It never hurts to ask!
Look for bundling deals - Sometimes you can get a free BLU tablet as a bonus if you purchase a specific smartphone model or bundled plan.
Sign up for newsletters - Carriers will email subscribers about the latest hot offers.
Follow social media pages - Facebook and Twitter alerts provide notification on new promotions and contests with free giveaways.
Wait for seasonal offers - Major holidays, back-to-school season and Black Friday often bring an uptick in free device deals.
Switch providers - Some carriers will give out free smartphones or tablets to entice new customers into signing up for service.
With persistence and timing, you can take advantage of these types of promotions to get your hands on a BLU tablet at absolutely zero cost.
Trade In Old Devices to Get a Free BLU Tablet
Trade-in programs present another excellent route to scoring a free BLU tablet. Here's how it works:
You turn in your used smartphone to a trade-in program.
They assess the make, model, age and condition to determine the trade-in value.
That value is provided as a instant discount, gift card or cash that you can put towards a new device purchase.
If your trade-in value equals or exceeds the cost of a certain BLU tablet, you've now essentially gotten it for free!
BLU happens to run their own trade-in program through their website, making it easy to trade up to a free tablet. Simply enter your used phone's details and you'll see available trade-in values, which can be up to $150.
Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile also have robust trade-in programs with generous valuations on recent iPhone and Samsung models. With the right phone to swap, covering the cost of a BLU tablet is achievable.
Third party services like Decluttr and ItsWorthMore make the trade-in process seamless. Input your old device info, get a valuation, ship it out and receive payment. Use that cash to order a BLU tablet and enjoy upgraded technology at no cost.
With some clever trading, you can conveniently parlay your outdated phone into a like-new BLU tablet free of charge.
Secure a Free BLU Tablet from Charities & Non-Profits
Various charities and non-profit organizations provide free smartphones and other tech devices to those in need.
Connecting low-income individuals with free devices helps them access education, jobs, healthcare and more. You may qualify to receive a free BLU phone or tablet through:
Cell Phones for Soldiers - Provides free talk, text and data plans and phones to veterans.
Everyone On - Partners with community organizations to distribute free devices and internet access.
Human-I-T - Grants computers, tablets and phones to connect disadvantaged groups like seniors, veterans and families.
National Cristina Foundation - Donates computers and communication equipment to provide digital access for all.
-Connection - Collaborates with partners nationwide to give free tablets and hotspots to students lacking home internet.
If you are facing financial hardship, were impacted by a natural disaster, or simply have trouble affording a tablet, explore these non-profit channels. After confirming your eligibility, they can assist with securing a free BLU device, accessories, and even service plans.
Take Advantage of Special Discounts for Students
Students can access exclusive educational discounts that make getting tech products more affordable or even free.
BLU offers up to 40% off for students when purchasing directly from their website. Verifying active enrollment by sharing your .edu email address will unlock discounted pricing.
Retailers like Best Buy and Staples also offer student deals and coupons both online and in stores. Providing a valid school ID will qualify you for marked down prices on tablets, laptops and accessories.
Many carriers also cater to students by offering reduced cost service plans and device perks. T-Mobile's Student Discount Program chops 20% off monthly rates while AT&T provides various exclusive student promotions throughout the year.
With stacked student discounts and sales pricing, purchasing a deeply discounted BLU tablet and adding a low-cost data plan is achievable on a student budget.
Consider Used, Refurbished or Older Models
If a brand new free BLU tablet doesn't pan out, consider going the used, refurbished or older model route.
Venturing into the secondary market exposes you to heavily discounted tablets that still have plenty of life left.
Used BLU tablets - Buy directly from sellers on sites like Swappa, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Models may have some signs of use but you can score them for cheap.
Refurbished units - Retailers like Walmart and Newegg sell manufacturer refurbished tablets in like-new condition at reduced prices.
Last generation models - BLU tablets that are a model or two old can be purchased for deep discounts of 40-60% off.
Open box deals - Stores will mark down open box items that were lightly used or returned. These functionally work as new.
With the money saved from buying used, old stock or open box models, you can purchase a BLU tablet for much less than retail. For patient bargain hunters, little to no money spent is achievable.
While not as glamorous as scoring a free brand new tablet, going this route still lands you premium features at serious value.
Explore Financing Options if Needed
If you strike out on free or deeply discounted tablet offers, financing presents another path to getting a BLU tablet now and paying slowly over time.
One financing choice is using a credit card with an intro 0% APR period. Charging your BLU tablet allows you to pay it off over many months without accruing interest. Just be sure to pay it off in full before the promo period ends and the high standard APR kicks in.
BLU also partners with financing companies like Zip (formerly Quadpay) to break up purchases into 4 interest-free installments. You'll pay 25% of the total tablet price as each of your first 4 payments. This makes getting the tablet now easier to manage.
Carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all offer monthly payment plans over 24 or 36 months as you pay your cellular bill. While not technically free, this does spread costs out to score you a BLU tablet now for $0 down.
If needed as a last resort, leveraging smart financing provides a route to get your hands on a BLU tablet without paying full price upfront.
Choose the Right Free BLU Tablet Model
Now that we've explored the various avenues to scoring a free BLU tablet, let's discuss how to select the right model for your needs.
BLU's diverse tablet lineup gives you excellent options spanning different sizes, features and specifications.
Here are some top contenders to consider:
BLU Touch Book:
- 7, 8 or 10-inch display
- Quad-core processor
- 1GB RAM, 16GB storage
- 5MP front & rear cameras
- Android 10 OS
- 4000mAh battery
This budget-friendly series offers solid performance and battery life in compact packages. The 8-inch model hits the sweet spot for portability and screen size.
BLU Advance 5.2:
- 5.2-inch display
- MediaTek quad-core processor
- 1GB RAM, 16GB storage
- 8MP rear camera
- Android 10 OS
- 2500mAh battery
One of BLU's newest and most affordable tablets, it delivers smooth performance in an ultra-portable form.
BLU Studio G Plus:
- 10.1-inch Full HD display
- Octa-core processor
- 3GB RAM, 32GB storage
- 13MP rear & 5MP front cameras
- Android OS
- 6000mAh battery
This higher-end model brings excellent construction, vivid visuals, robust power and solid camera capabilities.
BLU Grand XL:
- 10-inch display
- Helio P22 octa-core processor
- 4GB RAM, 64GB storage
- 13MP rear & 5MP front cameras
- Android 10 OS
- 4000mAh battery
Pushing performance limits, this tablet is geared towards power users who crave advanced features.
Whatever your preferences and needs, BLU's diverse tablet selection has options suitable for work, play, education and everyday use.
Set Up & Activate Your Free BLU Tablet
Once you've claimed your free BLU tablet, just a few steps will have it up and running:
Carefully unbox your new tablet along with any included accessories.
Ensure the battery is adequately charged before powering it on for the first time. Plug it into the wall charger and give it ample initial charging time.
Press and hold the Power button to turn on the tablet for the first time. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language preferences.
Connect to a WiFi network and log into your Google account or create one if needed. This will sync your apps, contacts, email and more.
If your free tablet came through a wireless carrier, insert the SIM card provided to activate service. Make sure to wait for the activation process to fully complete.
Visit the Google Play store to download useful apps and optimize your new tablet to suit your needs. Customize the wallpaper, settings and preferences.
Familiarize yourself with the tablet's hardware and functionality. Adjust settings like screen brightness, audio and accessibility features.
With all the setup steps checked off, your free BLU tablet will be ready to start enjoying!
Use Your Free Tablet to the Fullest
Congratulations, you now have a free BLU tablet at your fingertips! Here are some tips to revel in all it has to offer:
Browse the web - The expansive display is perfect for web surfing, social media scrolling and watching videos.
Stream shows & movies - Download popular streaming apps to watch your favorite content anywhere.
Listen to music - Store songs locally or use apps like Spotify to access playlists anywhere.
Read ebooks - Install Kindle or Nook to build your digital library and enjoy bestsellers.
Play games - Download any gaming apps or use game-optimized tablets to play without lags or interruptions.
Stay productive - Use it as a pocket workstation to work from home or on the go more conveniently.
Video chat with friends - Apps like FaceTime and Skype let you stay connected face-to-face.
Capture memories - The built-in cameras allow you to snap photos and shoot video to remember special moments.
Never run out of juice - With ample built-in battery life, your BLU tablet won't leave you high and dry.
Owning a tablet opens up new possibilities for entertainment, creativity, productivity and more. Get the most from your free BLU device by taking advantage of all its capabilities.
Common Questions about Getting BLU Tablets for Free
If you still have some uncertainties about securing a free BLU tablet, here are answers to a few common questions:
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for free tablet programs?
Most government-assisted programs require you to be a legal U.S. resident or citizen to qualify for free devices and discounted service. Valid documentation like a green card will be required during the application process.
Can I get a free BLU tablet if I already participate in another government assistance program?
Yes, participating in other programs like Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), SSI and similar can make you eligible for free device offers from Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
What if my free BLU tablet breaks or stops working properly?
Most providers give at least a 1-year standard warranty on tablets offered through assistance programs. Contact them if your device is defective and needs troubleshooting, repair or a replacement under warranty terms.
Is it possible to upgrade from my free entry-level BLU tablet to a higher-end model?
Depending on the specific terms with your carrier, upgrading may be possible for an added fee or by extending your service agreement. Check with your provider about specific upgrade options and costs.
How much mobile data is included with free Lifeline & ACP tablets?