You can get an Apple Music free trial in a few legit ways: Apple’s own trial for new subscribers (usually 1 month), device-based trials (often 3 months), and special promos that can run up to 6 months if you buy eligible AirPods, Beats, or a HomePod. Apple also runs partner deals, for example PlayStation 5 (up to 3 months, redeem by March 18, 2026).
Most trials depend on whether you are a new subscriber or a qualified returning subscriber (you are not currently subscribed, and you meet the promo rules). Many offers cannot be combined, so the best move is to pick the longest one you qualify for and redeem that first.
Below are the most reliable options, plus region-specific bundles that can beat Apple’s standard trial.
List of all active Apple Music free trials
| Method | Typical free time | Who it’s for | Where it works | Important notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple standard trial | 1 month | New subscribers | Many countries | Starts from Apple Music app or Apple site |
| Apple “new device” offer | 3 months | New subscribers with eligible Apple device | Many countries | Must redeem within a limited window after activation |
| AirPods/Beats/HomePod promo | 6 months | New subscribers with eligible audio device | Many countries | Must claim within 90 days of first pairing |
| Shazam promo | Up to 1 month | Often new subscribers | Varies | Redeem via Shazam QR page |
| PS5 Apple Music app | Up to 3 months | New or qualified returning | Many countries | Redeem by March 18, 2026 |
| Best Buy promo (US) | Up to 3 months | New + returning (qualified) | US | Delivered as a code after $0 checkout |
| Walmart in-store receipt (US) | Up to 4 months | New + returning (qualified) | US | Redeem by July 1, 2026 |
| Verizon (US plans) | 6 months | Eligible plan users | US | Only with certain plans |
| EE (UK) | 6 months | EE pay monthly users | UK | Often via texting MUSIC to 150 |
| Airtel (India) | Up to 6 months | Eligible Airtel users | India | Claim inside Airtel Thanks app |
1) Start with Apple’s official free trials
A. Standard 1-month Apple Music free trial (new subscribers)
This is the default trial most people can use if they have never had Apple Music before.
How to redeem
- Open the Apple Music app (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android)
- Sign in with your Apple Account
- Look for Try 1 month free and follow the prompts
Good to know
- You usually need a payment method on your Apple Account (it auto-renews unless you cancel).
B. 3-month free trial with a new eligible Apple device
Apple commonly offers 3 months free to new subscribers when you buy and activate an eligible device.
How to redeem
- Set up your new device (iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, or other eligible device)
- Update to the latest OS if asked
- Open Apple Music and you should see the offer
- Accept the offer and confirm
Key rule
- The offer is time-limited after activation (Apple states it is good for three months after eligible device activation).
C. 6-month free trial with eligible AirPods, Beats, or HomePod
In many regions, Apple runs a longer promo that gives 6 months free for new subscribers with eligible audio devices.
How to redeem
- Pair/connect the eligible device to an iPhone or iPad running the latest iOS/iPadOS
- Open Apple Music and claim the offer
- Claim it within 90 days of first pairing
Important
- This promo cannot be combined with other Apple Music trials and it also cannot be combined with Apple One.
- Apple’s terms for this promo say if you cancel during the free period, you can lose access immediately.
D. Student plan trial
Apple lists a 1-month free trial for students, and it includes Apple TV+ with the student plan in many markets.
E. Apple One trial that includes Apple Music
If you want multiple services, Apple One can be a better “trial bundle”. Apple says Apple One includes a 1-month free trial for services you do not already have.
2) Promo codes and partner offers that can extend your trial
These change often, and many are region-locked. Still, a few are active right now.
Active promos to check first (as of January, 2026)
| Promo | Free time | Deadline | How it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 Apple Music offer | Up to 3 months | March 18, 2026 | Install/open Apple Music on PS5, sign in, offer applies if eligible |
| NFL promo (US) | Up to 3 months (2 for qualified returning) | February 8, 2026 | Redeem on Apple’s promo page, then confirm in Apple Music |
| Walmart in-store (US) | Up to 4 months | July 1, 2026 | Code on receipt, redeem on Walmart offer site |
| Best Buy (US) | Up to 3 months | Not always shown on product page | $0 checkout, code emailed, redeem in Apple Music |
| Shazam | Up to 1 month | Varies | Scan the QR on Shazam promo page |
Recently ended example (so you know what to look for)
American Airlines had a redemption offer that expired January 15, 2026. These often come back with new dates, so it is worth checking partner promos from time to time.
3) Carrier and platform bundles that can beat Apple Music free trial
If you already pay for a mobile plan or TV bundle, this can be the cheapest path because it can be 6 months (or more) without buying new hardware.
US
- Verizon: Apple Music promo subscriptions are only available with eligible plans.
Tip: Search your Verizon account add-ons for Apple Music and activate from there.
UK
- EE: EE advertises 6 months free for Apple Music, often activated by texting MUSIC to 150 or through EE add-ons.
India
- Airtel: Airtel promotes up to 6 months of Apple Music on certain plans, claimed inside the Airtel Thanks app, and it warns you may need to consent to billing after the free period.
- Tata Play (reported): Tata Play customers can get an Apple Music trial, with 4 months for new users and 3 months for returning users (then ₹119/month after).
Eligibility checklist before you redeem
Use this to avoid wasting time:
- You are not currently subscribed to Apple Music on that Apple Account.
- Your Apple Account country matches the promo’s allowed country.
- You have not already redeemed the same offer (or a family member already used it on Family Sharing).
- Your device software is up to date.
- You are redeeming the promo using the exact method required (pairing an audio device, opening the PS5 app, using a retailer code).
How to avoid being charged when the free trial ends
Apple advises canceling at least 24 hours before the trial ends if you do not want it to renew.
Cancel on iPhone/iPad
- Settings → your name → Subscriptions → Apple Music → Cancel
Cancel on the web
- Go to Apple Music on the web → account settings → subscriptions → cancel
Watch out
- Some promos can end access immediately if you cancel during the free period (Apple states this for the 6-month eligible-audio-device promo).
FAQs
Usually no. Apple’s promo terms for longer device offers say they cannot be combined with other Apple Music trials.
Most official and partner offers require an Apple Account with a payment method on file, and they auto-renew unless canceled.
It usually means you are not currently subscribed and you meet the promo’s “returning” rules. Many promos give fewer free months to returning users than to brand-new users.
Apple suggests checking eligibility, confirming the offer has not already been redeemed, and updating your software before trying again.
Not always. Some promos can remove access immediately if you cancel during the free period (Apple notes this for the 6-month audio-device promo).
If you qualify, the longest common options are 6 months via eligible audio-device promos or certain carrier bundles.
Apple Music is available on Android, but some promos require pairing with Apple hardware or redeeming via Apple’s flows. If you have a code or a carrier offer, you can usually redeem with an Apple Account.
Because it shows the renewal price after the trial ends. Cancel before renewal if you do not want to be billed.
Goood