You’ve likely seen those shiny banners promising free Apple Music 3 months trials. They pop up everywhere—Best Buy, Shazam, even on the box of those new AirPods you just unboxed. But honestly, most of us click away because we assume there’s a catch. Or worse, we think, "I already had a trial three years ago, so I'm ineligible."
That’s actually not always true.
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The way Apple handles these promotions is kinda weird. It’s not just one static offer. It’s a shifting landscape of partner deals, hardware bundles, and "qualified returning subscriber" loopholes that change month to month. If you're looking to stop paying that $10.99 for a bit, you have to know where to look.
The "New Device" Reality Check
If you just bought a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or a pair of AirPods (the Pro, Max, or standard ones), you basically have a 90-day window. Apple gives you free Apple Music 3 months just for being a customer.
It's simple.
You pair the device, open the Music app, and a prompt usually screams at you to "Accept Now." If it doesn't? Go to the "Home" tab. It’s usually buried there. But here is the thing people miss: Beats Flex are excluded. Don't ask me why; Apple just decided those specific neckband buds don't earn you the bonus. Also, if you’ve already redeemed a 6-month offer in the past, don't expect this one to stack. Apple’s systems are smarter than that.
Best Buy and the "Zero Dollar" Purchase
Best Buy is the unsung hero of the music streaming world. They constantly list a "3-Month Apple Music" digital product on their website for $0.00.
You "buy" it like a normal item.
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You check out, and then you wait. Within an hour or so, an email hits your inbox with a redemption code. The beautiful part? This often works for people who aren't strictly "new" users. While the fine print usually says "new subscribers only," I’ve seen countless cases where someone who hasn't had an active sub for over a year gets it to work. It’s sort of a "welcome back" gift that Apple doesn't advertise heavily.
The Shazam and NFL Loophole
Sometimes Apple gets festive. Right now, there's a running promo with the NFL that pops up on specific landing pages. It offers free Apple Music 3 months for new users, but here's the kicker: it often gives two months to returning subscribers.
Shazam does the same thing.
Since Apple owns Shazam, they use it as a lead-generation tool. If you identify a song using the app, keep an eye on the "Open in Apple Music" button. Sometimes it transforms into a promotional banner. It’s one of the few ways to get a multi-month trial without actually buying a $500 phone.
Why Your Code Might Fail
- The 12-Month Rule: Generally, if you’ve had a subscription in the last 12 months, the system flags you as a "recent" user. You might only get 1 month instead of 3.
- Family Sharing: If you're part of a Family Plan, you're "active" in Apple's eyes. You can't redeem a solo trial while your sister is paying for the family tier.
- Region Locking: If you found a link on a UK forum but you’re in the US, the code will just spin and error out.
What About the 6-Month Offers?
You've probably heard of people getting half a year for free. That usually comes through carriers like Verizon (on their Unlimited Plus plans) or EE in the UK.
It’s a different beast.
These aren't "trials" in the traditional sense; they are "included features." You have to activate them through your carrier's add-on portal. If you cancel your phone plan, the music stops. It's less of a freebie and more of a bundled perk you're technically paying for in your monthly mobile bill.
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Actionable Steps to Claim Your Time
Don't just wait for a notification. If you want those three months, do this:
- Check Best Buy first: Search "Free Apple Music" on their site. It's the most reliable way to get a code without a hardware purchase.
- Update your iOS: Apple hides these offers in the settings of older software versions. If you aren't on the latest build, the "3 Months Free" banner might never appear.
- The "Check Eligibility" Link: Go to
offers.applemusic.appleon your iPhone. It’s a direct backdoor that scans your Apple ID and tells you exactly what you qualify for right now. - Set a Reminder: This is the most important part. Apple Music auto-renews. The second you redeem the trial, go into your Subscriptions and see if it lets you cancel immediately while keeping the trial active. Usually, with Apple-direct trials, if you cancel, you lose access instantly. Set a calendar alert for 2 days before the 3-month mark.
The music library is identical whether you pay or not. You get the Spatial Audio, the lossless quality, and the classical app. Just make sure you aren't leaving money on the table if you're eligible for a reset trial.