You’ve probably seen the ads. They pop up when you buy a new pair of headphones or upgrade your iPhone. "Get Apple Music for 3 months free!" sounds like a no-brainer, right? But then you try to redeem it, and suddenly you're staring at a "not eligible" error message that makes you want to chuck your phone across the room.
Honestly, the way these trials work is kinda messy. Most people think they can just keep jumping from one three-month promo to the next forever. I’ve seen Reddit threads full of people trying to "hack" the system by rotating through Best Buy, Shazam, and Target offers.
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Spoiler alert: Apple isn't stupid. They’ve tightened the leash on how these codes work, but there are still genuine ways to land that Apple Music for 3 months deal without feeling like you’re being scammed by a fine-print lawyer.
Why Your "Free" Offer Probably Failed
Here is the cold, hard truth: the "standard" 3-month trial that used to be open to everyone is basically extinct. Back in early 2022, Apple quietly chopped the universal trial down to just one month for new users.
If you're seeing a 90-day offer today, it’s almost always tied to a "qualifying" event. Usually, that means you bought a new device—AirPods, a HomePod, or an iPhone—and you have exactly 90 days from the moment you pair that device to claim the offer. If you wait 91 days? You're out of luck.
The biggest point of confusion is the "New Subscriber" vs. "Returning Subscriber" distinction. Apple’s internal database tracks every Apple ID. If you’ve ever had a trial—even a one-week one from three years ago—you are no longer a "new" subscriber.
However, some partners like Best Buy and Shazam are much more generous. They often offer "up to" 3 months. In "Apple-speak," this means:
- New Users: Get the full 3 months.
- Returning Users: Might get 1 or 2 months as a "welcome back" gift.
The Best Buy "Secret" (That Still Works)
If you haven't checked Best Buy's website lately, you’re missing out. They frequently list a "Free Apple Music for up to 3 months" digital product for $0.00.
You don't even have to buy a laptop or a phone to get it. You just add the "item" to your cart, check out for zero dollars, and they email you a code. It’s arguably the most reliable way to snag a multi-month trial without actually spending a dime on hardware.
Just keep in mind that Best Buy usually limits this to one per account over a certain period. You can't just keep buying the $0.00 "item" every Tuesday.
The "Hardware Loophole" is Getting Specific
Not every Apple product triggers the 3-month bonus. If you bought the cheap Beats Flex, don't go looking for a code; Apple specifically excludes them.
The current eligible list for the 2026 season includes:
- AirPods (2nd and 3rd gen, Pro, Max, and the newer AirPods 4)
- HomePod and HomePod mini
- Beats (Studio Pro, Solo 4, Fit Pro, and Studio Buds+)
- iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV (usually for new activations)
Once you pair these to your iPhone, the offer should just "appear" in the Settings app or at the top of the Apple Music app. If it doesn't, check your Apple ID settings under "Subscriptions." Sometimes it's hiding in there like a shy ghost.
Is Apple Music Actually Better Than Spotify?
Look, I love Spotify’s algorithms as much as anyone, but if you’re an audiophile, Apple Music is a different beast.
When you use your Apple Music for 3 months trial, the first thing you should do is dive into the Lossless Audio settings. Unlike Spotify, which is still dragging its feet on "Hi-Fi," Apple gives you ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) for free.
Then there’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. If you have the right headphones, it actually feels like the music is happening around your head rather than just inside your ears. It’s trippy. Some tracks are mixed poorly for it, but when it hits—like on older remastered Queen tracks or newer Billie Eilish albums—it’s incredible.
The NFL and Shazam Connection
Surprisingly, the NFL has become a major partner for these trials lately. During the Super Bowl season or big kickoff events, they often host "Redeem" pages that give out 2 or 3 months specifically to "returning" users who haven't been active in a while.
Shazam is another heavy hitter. Since Apple owns Shazam, they use it as a lead-generation tool. If you use the app to identify a song, it often triggers a "Listen Free" prompt that carries a multi-month trial.
What Happens When the 3 Months Are Up?
This is where they get you.
The moment that trial ends, Apple will bill your card on file for the full monthly price (currently $10.99 for individuals in the US). If you cancel during the trial, some users report losing access immediately, while others keep it until the expiration date.
To be safe: if you just want the free music, set a calendar reminder for 2 days before the trial ends. Cancel then. Your library, playlists, and "Made for You" mixes will stay saved in the cloud for a little while, but they'll be grayed out until you pay up.
Actionable Steps to Get Your 3 Months Now
- Check Best Buy First: Search "Apple Music" on their site. If the $0.00 digital deal is there, take it. It’s the path of least resistance.
- Scan Your Hardware: Did you get AirPods for Christmas or a birthday? Pair them and check the "Listen Now" tab in the Music app immediately.
- Try the Shazam "Identify" Trick: Download Shazam, tag a song playing on the TV, and see if the "Listen in Apple Music" button offers you an extended trial.
- Update Your Software: Apple's promo triggers are tied to iOS versions. If you’re running a two-year-old version of iOS, the "3 months free" pop-up literally might not be able to load.
- Check Carrier Perks: If you’re on Verizon or EE, check your add-ons. Sometimes they offer 6 months, which beats the 3-month trial anyway.
Basically, getting Apple Music for 3 months is a game of checking the right boxes. Don't just click the first link you see on Google; verify if you're considered a "new" or "qualified returning" subscriber first to save yourself the headache of an "invalid code" error.