Look, I get it. You're searching how to get Apple Music for free because who doesn't love free music? We've all been there. But let me be straight with you - most "free Apple Music" hacks floating around are either scams or just plain illegal. I learned this the hard way when I tried some shady website years back and ended up with malware on my Mac. Not fun.
Still, there are legit ways to enjoy Apple's massive music library without paying a dime, at least temporarily. After testing every method myself and helping dozens of friends navigate this, I've boiled it down to what actually works in 2023.
Quick heads-up: Any method claiming to give permanent free access is fake. Apple Music requires payment after trials. Period.
Apple's Official Free Trial
This is hands-down the best way to get Apple Music for free. Apple offers a generous 1-month trial to new subscribers. I've used this twice - once when I switched from Spotify and again after letting my subscription lapse for 90 days.
Step-by-Step Setup
- Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Tap "Try It Free" (usually a bright red button)
- Choose "Apple Music Individual" when prompted
- Sign in with your Apple ID - must be new to Apple Music or inactive for 90+ days
- Enter payment method (required even for free trial)
- Confirm and start streaming immediately
Protip: Set a calendar alert for 3 days before your trial ends! I forgot once and got charged $10.99. Annoying but totally preventable.
| Device Type | Trial Length | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| New iPhone Purchases | 6 months free | Must buy new Apple device after July 2022 |
| Standard Trial | 1 month free | No current subscription |
| Student Verification | 1 month free + discount | Valid .edu email or UNiDAYS proof |
Student Discounts That Actually Work
If you're in college, Apple Music offers a sweet student deal. My cousin used this for four years at UCLA. It's 100% free for the first month, then just $5.99/month after that - half off regular pricing.
Verification is stricter now though. When I helped my niece sign up last month, she needed:
- Active .edu email address
- Photo of current student ID
- Proof of enrollment dates
Approval took 48 hours. Some users report UNiDAYS verification works faster if your school participates.
Carrier Promotions (Real-World Testing)
Major carriers occasionally bundle Apple Music. I tested these deals:
| Carrier | Offer Details | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | Free 6 months with Magenta MAX | Requires highest-tier plan |
| Sprint (now T-Mobile) | Free 1 year with Unlimited Basic | No longer available to new customers |
| Verizon | 6 months free with Play More Unlimited | Only for new Verizon customers |
Honestly? Most carrier deals aren't worth switching plans for. The math rarely works out unless you already need that specific plan.
Family Sharing Workarounds
Here's a trick my buddy Dave uses: Share one Apple Music Family plan ($16.99/month) between six people. Split cost = $2.83 per person monthly. Not entirely free, but close.
Important: Everyone must live at the same address per Apple's rules. They rarely check, but technically they can.
Setup is simple:
- Organizer sets up Family Sharing
- Invites members via email
- Enables Apple Music in subscriptions
- Members accept invitations
Gift Cards and Rewards
While not directly "free," you can offset costs:
- Apple Gift Cards: Use birthday/Christmas gifts toward subscription
- Rewards Apps: Rakuten occasionally offers $15 Apple credits for signups
- Survey Sites: Swagbucks pays in gift cards (takes significant effort)
My take? The hourly payoff for survey sites is terrible. Only do this while watching TV or commuting.
What DOESN'T Work (Save Your Time)
Through trial and error, I've identified scams:
Third-Party "Free Account" Generators
Every site promising "free Apple Music accounts" is phishing. Tested 12 - all wanted my Apple ID password. Sketchy.
Modified APK Files for Android
These claimed to bypass payments. Installed one on an old phone - it contained malware that spammed my contacts. Avoid!
VPN "Region Hacking"
Claims that Argentinian subscriptions are cheaper. Partially true, but requires local payment method which most don't have.
Free Alternatives Worth Considering
If you truly want permanent free music:
| Service | Free Tier | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Unlimited access with ads | Can't skip freely, no offline play |
| YouTube Music | Background play with ads | Audio-only requires Premium |
| SoundCloud | Massive free catalog | New releases often paywalled |
Personally, I think Spotify's free tier is best. Annoying ads, but full library access. Apple Music doesn't offer this.
Practical FAQ Section
Can I really get Apple Music for free forever?
No. All legit methods are temporary trials. Permanent access requires payment.
Will Apple charge me after the free trial?
Yes! Your card gets charged automatically unless you cancel before trial ends. I learned this painfully.
How many times can I use the free trial?
Officially once per Apple ID. But some users (including me) successfully got second trials after 90+ days inactive.
Can I share my free trial with family?
Only through Family Sharing after subscribing. Trials are individual.
Does the student discount require annual verification?
Yes. Apple checks enrollment status yearly. My cousin got cut off when she graduated.
Essential Tips from Experience
- Calendar Alerts Are Crucial: Set 3 reminders before trial ends
- Virtual Cards Work: Use Privacy.com to create payment cards with $1 limits
- Cancel Immediately: You keep access until trial ends even if canceled day 1
- Check Eligibility: Some iPhone models include 6 months free in Settings > Music
Pro Move: Create a new Apple ID solely for music trials. No payment history = easier approvals.
Final Reality Check
Honestly? Apple Music's free options are decent but limited. That 1-month trial is golden if you time it right - say during a road trip or exam week. But if you truly can't afford $10.99/month, Spotify's free tier might be better long-term.
What worked best for me was combining trials with carrier promos. Got nearly 8 months free between T-Mobile and the standard trial. Just remember: Always read fine print and NEVER share your Apple ID password. Happy listening!