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How to Get Apple Music for Free [2026 Verified Ways]

Unlike some of its competitors, Apple Music doesn't offer a permanent, ad-supported free plan. For users wishing to test its massive library of over 100 million songs, lossless audio, and spatial tracking, the subscription cost can feel like a sudden hurdle.

When I was testing out different ways to get around this recently, I realized there are actually a ton of legitimate, verified promotional pathways out there. Whether you're a brand new listener or a returning subscriber, you can easily stack up months of free Apple Music access if you know where to look. Here is a breakdown of the best routes I found to get Apple Music for free, from quick trial hacks to a foolproof way to keep your music forever.

get free apple music

How Much Does Apple Music Cost? Know What We're Saving

Before pursuing a trial, it is helpful to understand the underlying baseline tiers. Apple Music features four structured consumer tiers:

  • Student ($6.99/mo): Includes full premium features plus complimentary access to Apple TV+. Requires annual academic verification via UNiDAYS.
  • Individual ($11.99/mo): Ad-free playback, full catalog access, offline access, and spatial audio integration for a single profile.
  • Family ($19.99/mo): Full premium access for up to 6 distinct profiles, each maintaining an isolated personal library and algorithm.
  • Apple One (Starting at $19.99/mo): Aggregates Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage into a single discounted payment ecosystem.

Quick Summary: 10+ Ways to Get Free Apple Music Code for Existing/New Users

For your quick reference, here is the current availability status of top-tier free Apple Music promotions for both new and returning users:

Method / Provider Free Duration Eligibility Requirements Status (2026)
Official Apple Trial (Apple One Included) 1-3 Months New Apple Accounts Only Active
Shazam Promotion 1-2 Months New or Returning Users via the Shazam Promo Page. Active
Apple Account Balance (US) 1-2 Months New or Returning Users via Adding $25 or More Directly to Apple Account Balance Active
iD Mobile Promotion (UK) 2 Months New or Existing Users via Plan/Device Purchase Active
Target Circle Perks (US) 2 Months New Target Circle Subscribers Active
djay App In-App Promo 2 Months New Subscribers via the App's Initial Pop-up Wrapper Active
PlayStation 5 Console 3 Months New Subscribers via PS5 Media Tab Active
iSTYLE Promotion 3 Months New Subscribers via iSTYLE Apple Premium Reseller Landing Channels Active
Best Buy Voucher (US) 3–4 Months New or Qualified Returning Users Active
Walmart Promotion (US) 4 Months New/Qualified Existing Users; Expires July 1, 2026 Active (Limited Time)
Apple Audio Hardware 3–6 Months Purchase of AirPods, HomeDoc, or Beats Active (Varies by Device)
EE Bundles 6 Months Select Unlimited Premium Mobile Plans Active
DRmare Apple Music Converter Permanent Active Trial/Subscription for Backup Definitive Fix

How to Get Apple Music Free Trial for 1 Month (For New Users)


If you're completely new to the ecosystem and just want a quick, hassle-free test drive without jumping through retailer hoops, official entry-level trials are the most straightforward way to go:

Via The Standard Official Apple Trial (For New Users)

🎯Entrance: https://www.apple.com/apple-music/

While Apple Music is a subscription-only service with no permanent free tier, it provides an official free trial option across all premium plans before committing to a subscription. Every new subscriber is entitled to a one-month free trial (sometimes up to 3 months) directly from Apple.

On iOS/macOS:

Step 1. Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or directly navigate to Apple Music plan page on your web browser. Click the "Try 1 Month free" button.

try 1 month free apple music

Step 2. It requires you to authorize your Apple Account and password. If you don't have it, please create a new one.

1 month apple music free

Step 3. Fill in with your payment method with related info, confirm your subscription, and click the "Subscribe" button to get 1 month free Apple Music trial.

subscribe apple music free trial

On Windows (Modern App):

Step 1. Launch the native Apple Music for Windows app (available in the Microsoft Store), select the "Try It Now" hub, and authenticate using your Apple Account credentials.

try apple music free windows

Step 2. Choose the subscription type "Individual", "Family", or "College Student" and confirm your payment info, and you can start to get free Apple Music trial for 1 month.

Via Official Apple One Free Trial(For New Users)

🎯Entrance: https://www.apple.com/apple-one/

Apple One is a subscription bundle that combines several of Apple's premium services, including Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and iCloud+, into a single, discounted monthly payment. If you're a new subscriber, signing up for an Apple One plan grants you a one-month free trial for any of the included services you don't already have. This means you can get a full month of free Apple Music, along with other services, at no initial cost.

  1. To get a 1-month free trial of Apple Music through Apple One, please make sure your device is updated to the latest OS.
  2. Go to the Settings app on your device and tap the "Your Name" at the top of the screen.
  3. Select "Subscriptions" and then "Apple One" to choose the Apple One plan that suits you. Start the free trial and enjoy Apple Music along with other Apple services.
  4. try apple one to get free apple music

How to Get Free Apple Music Code for 2 Months (For New/Existing Users)

If a single month feels a bit too short to organize your playlists, these partner promotions offer a sweet spot, giving both new listeners and eligible returning subscribers a solid two-month window:

Via Shazam (For New/Returning Users)

🎯Entrance: https://www.shazam.com/applemusic/track/636972694

Shazam, the popular music recognition app owned by Apple, offers a special promotion for Apple Music. By using a unique QR code available through Shazam's promotions, you can often get a two-month free trial of Apple Music for existing or returning users and three-month for new users. You can cancel anytime without penalty.

Step 1. Navigate to Shazam's official website.

Step 2. Use your mobile phone to scan the free Apple Music code displayed on Shazam's website.

redeem apple music free code via shazam

Step 3. Tap on 'REDEEM' and follow the on-screen instructions to get up to three month of free Apple Music subscription with Shazam.

Via Apple Account Balance (For New/Existing Users)

Apple offers a special promotion where you can get an extended free trial of Apple Music by adding $25 and more directly to your Apple Account balance. While this offer is not always available and is limited to the U.S. only, it is a great way to get a longer trial than the standard one month.

Step 1. Open the App Store on your device.

Step 2. Tap on your profile at the top and then choose 'Add Money to Account'.

free apple music subscription by adding money to apple account

Step 3. Select your preferred payment method and complete your purchase to play free music in Apple Music.

Via iD Mobile Promotion (For New/Existing Users)

🎯Entrance: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/apple-subscriptions

Available to customers purchasing any monthly phone contract or SIM-only plan via idmobile.co.uk. New users receive 2 full months free, while qualified returning users are eligible for 1 month free.

Step 1. Complete a qualifying phone or SIM package purchase.

Step 2. Open your order confirmation web screen, or wait for the dedicated promotional email dispatched 12 days post-purchase.

Step 3. Click the custom Apple Music banner link to automatically transfer to Apple's native verification page and activate your trial.

Via Target Circle (For Free Users)

🎯Entrance: https://www.target.com/circle/partners

Target Circle, the free loyalty program for Target shoppers in the U.S., partners with Apple to offer extended free trials for various services, including Apple Music. While the specific Apple Music and Target Circle offer can change, these promotions often provide an extended free trial (for example, two to four months) for new and eligible returning Apple Music subscribers. All you need to do is sign up for a free Target Circle account and claim the offer through their platform.

Step 1. Create a Target Circle account on the Target Circle website or its Target app.

Step 2. Go to the webpage of Target partners.

Step 3. Sign up with your email address and then find the 'Apple Music free for 2 months' option. Then follow the instructions to get this offer and enjoy free music with no ads on Apple.

get apple music for free via target

Via Djay (For New Subscribers)

🎯Entrance: https://www.algoriddim.com/news/449-apple-music-integration-is-here-

The Djay app, a popular music mixing application by Algoriddim, offers an extended free trial for Apple Music subscribers. This promotion allows you to get a free trial of up to two months of Apple Music. This offer is a great way for DJs and music enthusiasts to access Apple Music's catalog of over 100 million songs directly within the Djay app. The promotion is subject to terms and conditions that are available within the app.

Step 1. Download the free version of the Djay app from the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

Step 2. Once the app is installed, open it and navigate to the music library section. Look for the "Apple Music" option in the list of available services.

Step 3. Tap the "Sign in to Apple Music" button. If you are eligible for the free trial, you will be presented with a promotion banner to redeem your extended trial directly through the app.

get apple music for free via djay

How to Get Apple Music for Free for 3 Months (New/Returning Users)

If you want something that lasts through a season, these retailer and console bundles are worth looking into:

Via PS5 Console (For New Subscribers)

🎯Entrance: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/deals/apple-music-playstation-offers/

Apple Music and PlayStation have partnered to enhance the entertainment experience for PS5 users by integrating Apple Music directly into the console. In addition, this cooperation offers an exclusive three-month Apple Music subscription to PS5 users. This promotion allows users to enjoy unlimited access to Apple Music's extensive library directly from their PS5 console during or after your gameplay session without spending a cent.

Step 1. Power on your PS5 and navigate to the Media tab. Locate and download the Apple Music app from the "All apps" section on PlayStation.

Step 2. Launch the Apple Music app. Sign in with your Apple Account or create a new account if needed.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to redeem the three months of Apple Music offer without paying.

free apple music on ps5

Via ISTYLE (For Returning/New Users)

🎯Entrance: https://istyle.ae/pages/apple-music?srsltid=AfmBOoperSJNcPqiJ2EXrJMHLgw39cEdjFTFVDCbATWLEbGDapIT5oja

ISTYLE, a prominent electronics and accessories retailer, frequently hosts promotions and giveaways. It also offers opportunities for users to get free Apple Music 3 months for both new and returning subscribers. All visitors are valid for this offer without requiring a device purchase.

Step 1. Check ISTYLE's website to visit promotional announcements of Apple Music. Click the "Get Now" button under the Apple Music option to participate in this promotion.

get apple music 3 months free via istyle

Step 2. You have to type the name and email address to sign up for ISTYLE newsletter, and get the Apple Music free code to enjoy music.

free apple music code istyle

Note:

This giveaway is designed for promotional purposes and is not for resale or cash redemption. The offers are valid only in the UAE and require an Apple Account. Eligible participants must be over 18 years old and comply with all terms and conditions specified by ISTYLE and Apple.

Via Best Buy (For Existing and New Users)

🎯Entrance: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/questions/apple-free-apple-music-for-up-to-3-months-new-or-returning-subscribers-only/6562011

🎯Entrance: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/apple-apple-music-for-4-mo-free-for-my-best-buy-plus-and-my-best-buy-total-members-new-subscribers-only/6562012.p?skuId=6562012

Best Buy frequently runs promotions that offer extended free Apple Music subscription. These deals are an excellent way to get more than the standard one-month trial. Best Buy's offers are for new or returning subscribers only, and the length of the trial can vary:

  • 3-Month Offer (No Purchase Required): Best Buy often provides a free 3-month trial of Apple Music. You do not need to buy a product to get this offer; you just need a BestBuy.com account to claim it.
  • 4-Month Offer (with a Membership): For those who are My Best Buy Plus or My Best Buy Total members, a longer trial of four months is often available. This is a great perk for members who already pay for these premium memberships.

Step 1. Enter Best Buy's official website and log in to your account or create a new one.

Step 2. Search for Free Apple Music. Add the digital 3-month or 4-month voucher item to your cart for $0.00.

Step 3. Check out, and a redeemable URL containing a digital token code will be dispatched to your email.

best buy free apple music

Step 4. Then you can click on the Apple Music redeem code free and click 'Redeem Now' to get your subscription and enjoy free music without ads on Apple.

How to Get Free Apple Music for 4 Months (For Free and Existing Users)

For those aiming for nearly a third of a year of music at zero cost, extended store partnerships like Walmart give both new and qualified returning users a major runway:

Via Walmart Promotional Offer

🎯Entrance: https://www.walmart.com/help/article/apple-services-terms-and-conditions/1859dfa6e23944b880ab4f2e46d12e53

Like Best Buy, Walmart frequently runs these extended-trial partnerships, providing an excellent workaround to secure more than the standard one-month Apple Music trial. These offers are tailored specifically for new accounts or qualified returning listeners, though individual trial lengths may vary based on your account history:

Step 1. Visit the official Walmart partner portal or eligible account settings before the July 1, 2026 expiration date.

Step 2. Authenticate with an Apple Account that has a valid payment method on file.

Step 3. Accept the terms. The subscription automatically cascades into the standard $10.99/month rate upon expiry unless terminated at least 24 hours prior to renewal.

walkmart free apple music

How to Get Free Apple Music Subscription for 6 Months (For Free and Returning Users)

If you're upgrading your tech gear or switching up your mobile plan, you can unlock half a year of high-fidelity streaming without paying a single dime out of pocket:

Via Apple Product Purchases (For New Users)

🎯Entrance: https://offers.applemusic.apple/new-device-offer

Apple frequently offers a free Apple Music for 6 months to new or returning subscribers who purchase and activate an eligible audio device. This promotion is an excellent opportunity to try Apple Music's full features for an extended period. Eligible devices include a range of products like:

  • AirPods: AirPods (2nd & 3rd generation), AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
  • HomePod: HomePod and HomePod mini.
  • Beats: Select Beats headphones and speakers, such as Beats Studio Buds, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, Beats Solo Pro, Beats Fit Pro, Beats Studio Buds, and Beats Studio Pro

To redeem this offer, you must pair your new eligible device with an iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS. The offer will appear as a banner in the Apple Music app, and you must claim it within 90 days of activating your new product.

Step 1. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. Then you need to pair your device with your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2. Launch the Apple Music app on your iPhone or iPad and log in with your account.

Step 3. If you can't see the offer when opening the app, then click on the 'Listen Now' tab. Then you can touch the 'Get 6 months free' option.

get apple music free 6 months

Note:

Currently, purchasing a new eligible Apple device, you can only get Apple Music free for 3 months.

Via EE (For New and Returning Subscribers)

🎯Entrance: https://ee.co.uk/inclusive-extras/apple-music

EE offers new and existing pay-monthly mobile customers a 6-month free trial to Apple Music, Apple News, and more. It will not use your mobile data allowance. Not only that, EE's All-Rounder plan also comes with a range of Inclusive Extras, including Apple Music, among others. For an additional fee of $5 per month, you can opt for Apple One, which includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage.

Step 1. If you're not a customer, you'll need to sign up for the EE network first.

Step 2. Text "Music" to 150. Or, you can install the My EE app, go to "Plans & Extras" > "Extras" > "Get More Extras", and follow the instructions to get a free 6-month subscription of Apple Music.

Step 3. You'll receive a text with a link you can follow to verify your Apple Music membership.

apple music free by ee

How to Get Apple Music for Free Forever for All Users

Here is the annoying part I ran into during testing: every single promotional trial and carrier perk has an expiration date. The moment your trial wraps up, or if your billing hiccups, all those offline downloads vanish because of Apple's DRM security shackles.

Via DRmare Apple Music Converter for All Users

When I wanted a permanent solution to keep my favorite tracks without getting trapped in a recurring subscription loop, I started using DRmare Apple Music Converter. It's a handy tool with a built-in web player that lets you download and convert your Apple Music playlists into standard MP3, FLAC, or WAV files locally on your computer.

Since these converted files are stripped of protection and live right on your hard drive, they won't disappear even if you cancel your subscription entirely. You can drop them onto any device you own and keep your music library forever.

  1. Launch DRmare Apple Music Converter and log in to your Apple Account within built-in Apple Music web player. Select the songs you want to convert by clicking the "Add" > "Add to List" button.
  2. Click the "Preferences" > "Conversion" to change the output format to MP3, M4A, M4B, AIFF, WAV, or FLAC. You can also customize the bit rate, sample rate, and other parameters. Then click on "OK".
  3. Click on 'Convert' to start converting and downloading Apple Music songs at once. When it is done, all the Apple Music songs will become common files. You can find them by clicking the 'Converted' > "Folder" icon. Now, even if you end your Apple Music plan, songs won't disappear anymore.
  4. convert apple music tracks to common files

Warning for Cracking Apple Music Free on iOS/Android

While some sites suggest downloading cracked APKs or modified iOS apps to bypass subscriptions, I found them super unstable and risky for account bans. Sticking to a legal backup tool like DRmare during your trial period is infinitely safer.

FAQs about Getting Free Apple Music Code

Is Apple Music Free?

No, Apple Music is a subscription-based service with no free tier. To access its full library and features, you need to subscribe to one of its premium plans.

Is There an Apple Music Free Trial?

Yes. Apple Music provides all new subscribers from any country a free trial period for all premium plans. It allows potential subscribers to explore all the features and benefits of the service before committing to a paid subscription.

How Long Is Apple Music Free Trial?

The official free trial typically lasts for 1 month. Sometimes, Apple will launch special offers to extend the free trial to 3 months, such as Black Friday. In short, the length of the free trial can vary, but it's usually around one month to three months for new users who sign up for the service.

Can I Get Free Apple Music via iPlace MTS?

No. While the iPlace/MTS promotion previously offered a generous 3-month trial of Apple Music, that specific campaign has now expired and is no longer available for redemption.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Apple Music?

Above, we have introduced you to 14 ways to use the Apple Music service for free. The cheapest way is to get a few months of free trial of Apple Music using any of the above methods, and then use DRmare Apple Music Converter to download and backup all your favorite Apple Music songs during the membership period. This way, even if your subscription expires, you can still use Apple Music forever. You can use any music player and move these songs to any device for playback.

Which Methods of Getting Free Apple Music Have Expired?

While many methods exist to get a free Apple Music trial, some promotions have a limited-time validity and have since expired. Here are some promotions that are no longer active:

  • iPlace-MTS (Brazil): This offer, which expired on September 19, 2024, provided new users in Brazil with a three-month free trial.
  • Barclaycard (UK): This promotion for Barclaycard holders in the UK, which ended on September 22, 2023, gave new Apple Music subscribers five months of free access. Returning subscribers could get four months free.
  • O2 (UK): As part of a partnership with Apple, O2 offered its customers an extended free trial of Apple Music. This promotion, which ended on March 28, 2024, provided up to six months of free access to new Apple Music users who joined or upgraded to an eligible O2 plan.
  • Verizon (US): Promotional 6-month free standalone trials and free sign-ups on newer plans officially ended on July 31, 2026. However, you can still get Apple Music heavily discounted through current plan perks or completely free if you're grandfathered into an older legacy plan.

Why Can't I Redeem My Apple Music Subscription?

If you have previously enjoyed an Apple Music trial, you may not be eligible to redeem other offers. Beyond that, you need to make sure you qualify the deals and make sure the offer is still active.

How to Cancel Apple Music Free Trial?

If you don't unsubscribe from your free offer, it will unknowingly charge you for renewing your Apple Music subscription. To avoid being charged, set an alarm to cancel your Apple Music subscription before it expires. Here is how to:

In the Account Information section, click "Manage" next to Subscriptions. This will take you to your subscription details. Tap "Cancel Free Trial" to cancel Apple Music subscription.

app store app manage subscripition on mac

Wrapping Up

Apple Music is a comprehensive service providing users with access to a vast library of songs that users can stream on demand. If you can't afford continual Apple Music subscription fees, this article lists the top 14 effective options to get free Apple Music for 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, and forever.

Choose the most suitable way to get an Apple Music free trial and use DRmare Apple Music Converter to convert and save Apple Music as local tracks without protection. Then, you can get Apple Music for free forever and play free music anywhere, anytime.

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