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How to Get Paid iPhone Apps for Free (Legally)
Developers often make their apps free for a short time. It gets them downloads, reviews and a boost in the charts. If you know where to look, you can build a strong app library without paying.
1. Limited-time free apps
A paid app drops to $0 for a day or two. Get it during that window and it’s yours for good. Our App Deals page lists these, and it updates every 2 hours.
2. Free in-app purchases
Some apps are already free to download, but the Pro upgrade or lifetime unlock inside them is free for a short time. Open the app and restore or buy the in-app purchase while the price shows $0.
3. App Store promo codes
Developers can hand out a limited number of codes. Open a redeem link like apps.apple.com/redeem?id=…&code=… on your device and the App Store takes care of the rest. See the fresh ones on the Promo Codes page.
Tips
- Always check the price on the App Store page before you tap Get. Deals can end at any time.
- Codes can be tied to a country. If one fails, the store region is the most likely reason.
FAQ
Do I keep an app after the free period ends?
Yes. Once you get a paid app while it's free, it's tied to your Apple ID. You can re-download it later at no cost.
How do I redeem an App Store promo code?
Open the redeem link on your iPhone, or go to App Store → your profile → Redeem Gift Card or Code and enter the code by hand.
Why does a promo code say it has already been used?
Developers only get a small number of codes and each one works once. If it has been used, someone else got to it first.