What comes free with AT&T?

In today's competitive telecom landscape, the real value of a service provider isn't just in the monthly rate—it's in the extras. When you choose a company like AT&T, you're not just buying a wireless plan or an internet connection; you're gaining access to an entire ecosystem of potential benefits. The question on every savvy consumer's mind is: "What comes free with AT&T?"

The answer is more extensive than you might think. From nationwide WiFi access and premium security software to exclusive rewards and entertainment bundles, AT&T bundles a suite of complimentary perks with its various services. However, these freebies can vary significantly depending on whether you're a wireless, internet, or TV customer (or a combination of them all).

This definitive guide will demystify AT&T's free offerings. We’ll break down every complimentary service, app, and reward across all product lines, separating the evergreen benefits from the limited-time promotions. By the end, you'll know exactly how to maximize your AT&T membership and get the most value for your money.

Free Perks with AT&T Wireless

Your AT&T wireless plan is your key to a host of free services that extend far beyond just talk and text. These perks are designed to keep you connected, secure, and save you money both at home and on the go.

Free Access to a Nationwide Network of AT&T WiFi Hotspots

One of the most practical and frequently used free services with AT&T wireless is automatic access to AT&T’s massive network of over 30,000 WiFi hotspots across the U.S. Found in airports, cafes, hotels, and shopping malls, these hotspots allow you to connect your phone seamlessly without using your cellular data. Your device will automatically recognize and connect to an attwifi network, saving your high-speed data for when you really need it and ensuring a stable connection in crowded areas.

Free Unlimited Texting to 200+ Countries

For those with friends, family, or business contacts abroad, this is a massive value-add. Most AT&T unlimited wireless plans include unlimited text messages from the U.S. to over 200 countries at no extra charge. This means you can stay in touch without worrying about surprise international texting fees on your bill.

AT&T Thanks® – The Free Rewards Program

Perhaps the crown jewel of AT&T wireless free benefits is the AT&T Thanks® rewards program. It's free to enroll for all AT&T wireless, internet, and TV customers. The program offers tiered benefits:

• All Access Tier: For all customers, offering perks like 30% off a purchase at the AT&T Hello Lab Lounge in NYC and special offers from partners like Lady Gaga's Haus Labs and UFC.

• Extra Tier: For customers with at least one qualifying unlimited wireless plan and another AT&T service. Benefits include a free subscription to Max (with eligible unlimited plans), and 5% back on purchases at AT&T stores.

• Elite Tier: For customers with a qualifying unlimited wireless plan, internet, and TV. This top tier offers the best of the rewards, including premium experiences.

Free Call Blocking & Fraud Protection

AT&T actively helps protect its customers from nuisances and dangers. All AT&T wireless plans include free call blocking and fraud call protection features. This technology helps identify and block spam, robocalls, and fraudulent calls before they ever reach your phone, giving you peace of mind.

Potential Device Trade-In Credits

While not a "free" device upfront, AT&T frequently runs promotional offers that provide significant bill credits for trading in an old device. When you meet the requirements (often including an eligible unlimited plan and installment agreement), these credits can effectively make your new phone free after the promotional credits are applied over 36 months.

Free Perks with AT&T Internet

When you sign up for AT&T Internet, you're not just paying for a pipe of data. The company includes several free tools and services to enhance your home network's performance, security, and manageability.

Free AT&T Smart Home Manager App

This powerful app is provided free for AT&T internet subscribers. It turns your smartphone into a command center for your home network. With it, you can:

• Test your internet speed.

• Pause WiFi access to specific devices (great for parenting controls).

• Set up guest networks easily.

• Troubleshoot connection issues.

• See which devices are connected and how much data they're using.

Free AT&T Wi-Fi Gateway (Modem/Router Combo)

AT&T includes its proprietary Wi-Fi Gateway device free of charge with your internet service. This combined modem and router is necessary to access your service, and there is typically no monthly equipment rental fee for it on most plans, which is a huge saving compared to some competitors who charge $10-$15/month. This is a key part of what comes free with AT&T internet service.

Free Access to Nationwide AT&T Hotspots

Just like wireless customers, AT&T Internet subscribers can also get free WiFi hotspots access. When you're out and about, you can log into any attwifi hotspot using your AT&T Internet credentials, stretching your home internet connection across the country.

No Data Caps on AT&T Fiber Plans

This is a critical "free" benefit. While many cable internet providers enforce data caps (often 1.2TB per month) with expensive overage fees, all AT&T Fiber internet plans come with no data caps. You can stream, game, download, and work as much as you want without ever worrying about a surprise charge on your bill. This is a tremendous value for heavy data users.

Free Streaming & Entertainment Options

Entertainment is a major battleground for telecom providers. AT&T has historically had a strong hand here, though its offerings have evolved over time.

The Legacy of Free HBO Max (Now Max)

For years, the most famous answer to "what comes free with AT&T" was HBO Max. This was a monumental perk included with certain premium unlimited wireless plans and some internet/TV bundles. It's crucial to note: As of 2024, the standalone free Max benefit with wireless plans has been retired for new customers. However, if you are an existing customer on an older, eligible plan (like Unlimited Elite), you may still be grandfathered in and receiving this benefit. Always check your plan details.

AT&T WatchTV – A Legacy Service

AT&T WatchTV was a free, ad-supported streaming service offered to certain wireless customers. Its library was limited but included live channels and on-demand content. While it still exists technically, it is no longer actively promoted or offered to new customers. Most of its value has been superseded by other offerings.

Free Streaming Trials and Bundles

AT&T often partners with other streaming services to offer free streaming trials to new customers. For example, you might see offers for a free months of YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, or other services when you activate a new line or service. Furthermore, bundling AT&T Internet with DIRECTV STREAM or U-verse TV can sometimes unlock discounted or promotional pricing on those entertainment services.

Free AT&T Security & Tech Benefits

Protecting your digital life is paramount. AT&T bundles robust security software and tech support with its services at no extra cost.

Free ActiveArmor Mobile Security

This is a comprehensive free security suite for AT&T wireless customers. ActiveArmor includes:

• Network Security: Blocks malicious websites and phishing attempts.

• WiFi Security: Alerts you if you connect to an unsecure WiFi network.

• Call Protection: Identifies and blocks spam and fraud calls (as mentioned above).

• Personal VPN: Provides a secure, private connection on public WiFi networks.
  A premium version with identity monitoring is available for a fee, but the core protection features are completely free.

Free Parental Controls

Through the free Smart Home Manager app for internet customers and the ActiveArmor app for wireless customers, AT&T provides robust tools to manage your family's digital experience. You can set content filters, pause internet access, and manage screen time for specific devices, all for free.

Free Email Accounts with AT&T Internet

If you have an AT&T Internet subscription, you are eligible to create and use an @att.net email address for free. This includes webmail access, spam filtering, and several gigabytes of storage. While many users have moved to Gmail or Outlook, this remains a useful and included perk.

Free Tech Support

AT&T provides 24/7 customer support for all its services. For internet customers, this includes remote troubleshooting assistance for your connection and WiFi network at no additional cost. Some more complex issues might incur a fee for a technician visit, but general support is a free benefit of your subscription.

AT&T Prepaid Freebies & Promotions

The AT&T prepaid market is highly competitive, and while the perks are fewer than with postpaid plans, there are still some valuable freebies to be found.

Free Rollover Data

A standout feature of many AT&T PREPAID multi-month plans is free rollover data. Any unused high-speed data from your monthly plan rolls over to the next month, as long as you renew your plan on time. This ensures you never lose what you've paid for and helps cover months where your usage might be higher.

Free Talk & Text to Mexico & Canada

Several AT&T PREPAID plans include unlimited talk and text from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, making it a great value for those who frequently communicate across North American borders.

Limited-Time Free Offers & Bonuses

AT&T Prepaid frequently runs promotions to attract new customers. These can include:

• Bonus Data: Offers for an extra 5GB, 10GB, or more of data each month for life.

• Service Promotions: Discounted rate plans for the first few months.

• Port-In Credits: Offers to cover the cost of switching from another carrier.
  These change regularly, so it's best to check AT&T's official prepaid website for the latest deals.

AT&T Rewards & Customer Benefits

The AT&T Thanks® program deserves a deeper look, as it's the hub for many customer rewards.

Exclusive Experiences and Giveaways

Through the Thanks® app or portal, customers can enter to win free tickets to concerts, sporting events, and movie premieres. They also offer exclusive dining discounts and early access to event tickets before the general public.

Device Upgrade Offers

While not always "free," loyal customers are often targeted with exclusive upgrade offers. These can include significant bill credits, waived upgrade fees, or special trade-in bonuses that can drastically reduce the cost of a new device, making it nearly free over the term of the agreement.

AT&T vs Competitors: How Do the Freebies Stack Up?

When evaluating value, it's essential to see how AT&T's free perks compare to those from Verizon, T-Mobile, and cable internet providers like Spectrum.

Is AT&T’s offering better value? It depends on your priorities. If robust security, reliable WiFi hotspot access, and a strong rewards program for bundled services are important to you, AT&T is highly competitive. If your main goal is to get premium streaming subscriptions like Netflix or Max bundled-in, you may find better value with a specific plan from T-Mobile or Verizon. For internet, AT&T Fiber's lack of data caps is a significant advantage over cable providers.

Conclusion: 

So, what comes free with AT&T? As we've detailed, the list is extensive:

• For Wireless Users: Nationwide WiFi, international texting, top-tier security, and a rewards program.

• For Internet Users: A free gateway, powerful management app, no data caps on Fiber, and the same hotspot access.

• For All Customers: The potential for entertainment perks, exclusive discounts, and experiences through AT&T Thanks.

The key to unlocking the maximum value is to review your plan details regularly and actively engage with the perks offered. Download the ActiveArmor and Smart Home Manager apps. Enroll in AT&T Thanks and check the app for new offers. Know the details of your specific plan.

Ultimately, these free benefits are designed to create a sticky, valuable ecosystem that saves you money and enhances your digital life. By taking full advantage of them, you ensure that you're not just a customer, but a valued member of the AT&T network, getting the most out of every dollar you spend.

Faq

What comes free with AT&T internet service?

AT&T Internet typically includes a free Wi-Fi Gateway (modem/router), access to the free Smart Home Manager app, free access to thousands of AT&T WiFi hotspots nationwide, and no data caps on all Fiber plans.

Does AT&T still offer free HBO Max (Max)?

As of 2024, AT&T no longer offers a free Max subscription with new wireless plans. Existing customers on certain older premium plans (like Unlimited Elite) may still be grandfathered in and receive it for free.

Is AT&T ActiveArmor security really free?

Yes, the core version of AT&T ActiveArmor, which includes spam call blocking, network security, WiFi protection, and a VPN, is completely free for AT&T wireless customers. A paid version with identity monitoring is also available.

Do AT&T customers get free WiFi hotspots?

Yes, both AT&T wireless and internet service customers get free, automatic access to a nationwide network of over 30,000 AT&T WiFi hotspots in places like airports, cafes, and parks.

What free benefits come with AT&T prepaid plans?

Key AT&T prepaid perks include free rollover data on multi-month plans, unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada on certain plans, and frequent limited-time promotions like bonus data or service discounts.

Does AT&T provide free email accounts?

Yes, AT&T Internet subscribers can create and use a free @att.net email account, which includes webmail access and spam protection.

Is there a free modem or router with AT&T internet?

Yes, AT&T provides a free Wi-Fi Gateway (a combined modem and router) with your internet service. There is no monthly equipment rental fee for this device on most plans.

Do AT&T wireless customers get free international texting?

Yes, most AT&T unlimited wireless plans include free unlimited text messages from the U.S. to over 200 countries.

What is included free with AT&T Fiber?

AT&T Fiber plans include the standard free internet perks (gateway, hotspot access, app) plus the significant benefit of no data caps whatsoever, allowing for truly unlimited data usage.

How do I claim my free perks as an AT&T customer?

Many perks, like hotspot access and call blocking, are automatic. For others, you need to download apps (ActiveArmor, Smart Home Manager) or enroll in programs (AT&T Thanks) through your myAT&T account or your device's app store. Always check your plan details in your myAT&T profile.

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