How to Get Free Games on App Store: Proven Workarounds Without Paywalls

Getting free games on the App Store isn’t about hacks—it’s about knowing where to look. ✨ I’ve spent years tracking legitimate ways to score titles without breaking Apple’s rules, and the best methods are right under your nose in the store’s own features.

The App Store’s free game section rotates daily, but most users miss the hidden gems: developer promotions, limited-time discounts, and referral bonuses. I’ve even found games marked as "free" that resurface every few months if you check at the right time.

The key is setting up alerts for your favorite genres so you never miss a deal.

You’ll walk away with a curated list of free games, step-by-step screenshots for claiming them, and a system to track promotions automatically. No jailbreaking, no sketchy sites—just clean, ethical ways to fill your library without spending a dime.

Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac App Store. Here’s exactly how to set it up without triggering Apple’s review system—because nothing ruins a free game day like a banned account.

What you need

Step-by-Step instructions for finding free games on App Store

Here’s how to unlock free games without breaking the bank—just follow these proven methods.

Open the App Store on your iOS or iPadOS device and navigate to the "Games" tab. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a "Free" section. This is where Apple curates a rotating selection of free-to-play games, including popular titles like Candy Crush Saga or Solitaire Cube.

Here’s the thing—these free games often include in-app purchases, but the core gameplay is free. Swipe left and right to browse through the latest free releases. Tap "Get" on any game to download it instantly. No credit card required.

If you’re on a desktop, use the App Store website (appstore.com) and filter by "Free" under the "Games" category. This method works the same way, just with a mouse or trackpad.

Apple occasionally offers "Free Game of the Day" promotions, where a new game goes free for a limited time. To access these, open the App Store and look for the "Free Game of the Day" banner at the top of the screen. It appears on specific days, usually Tuesdays, but timing can vary.

Download the game while it’s free—once the promotion ends, it may revert to its original paid price. Set a reminder on your calendar for the next Free Game Day to maximize your chances. I always check the App Store’s "Today" tab for any surprise freebies.

If you miss the banner, check Apple’s official social media or newsletter for announcements. They sometimes list upcoming free game promotions in advance.

If you have a family group set up in iCloud, you can share free game downloads across up to six family members. Here’s how: Open Settings, tap your name, then select "Family Sharing." Add family members and enable "Share Free App Purchases."

Once enabled, any free game downloaded by one family member becomes available to everyone in the group. This means you can download a free game on one device and access it on another without paying. It’s a simple way to stretch free game access across multiple devices.

Just remember, shared free games may still include in-app purchases, so keep an eye on spending if kids are using the account.

Some games offer free trials through the App Store. While these aren’t permanent freebies, they let you play the game for a limited time—often 7 days—before deciding whether to purchase. Look for the "Get" button with a "Free Trial" label.

If you’ve purchased a game and later decide you don’t like it, Apple’s refund policy allows you to get a full refund within 90 minutes of purchase. Download the game, play it, and if it’s not for you, request a refund through the App Store’s "Purchased" tab. This isn’t a free game, but it’s a risk-free way to try something new.

For refunds, open the App Store, go to your profile, then "Purchased," and tap the game. Select "Refund App" and confirm. You’ll get your money back within a few days.

Tips & tricks for finding free games on App Store

These little-known strategies will help you maximize your free game finds without missing a single opportunity.

Timing is Everything: The "Free Game of the Day" promotions in Step 2 often appear on Tuesdays, but timing can vary. I've found that checking the App Store's "Today" tab every morning reveals surprise freebies that don't always follow the Tuesday pattern. Set a daily reminder to catch these unexpected deals before they disappear. The 90-minute refund window in Step 4 gives you just enough time to test games risk-free, so don't wait too long to request that refund if you change your mind.

Family Sharing Strategy: When setting up Family Sharing in Step 3, make sure to enable "Share Free App Purchases" for all family members. Here's what nobody tells you—once enabled, you can download free games on any family member's device and access them on yours. This means if your kid downloads a free game on their iPad, you can play it on your iPhone without needing separate accounts. Just remember to monitor spending since shared free games often include in-app purchases.

Browse Smart: In Step 1, when exploring the "Free" section, pay attention to the game ratings and reviews. Games with 4+ stars and thousands of reviews tend to offer better gameplay experiences. I've downloaded several free games that looked promising but had poor reviews—only to realize they were just placeholders with minimal content. The "Free" section gets updated frequently, so check back weekly for new additions.

Trial Trap: The 7-day free trials in Step 4 can be tricky. Some games automatically charge your card at the end of the trial unless you cancel. Always check the subscription details before starting a trial, and set calendar reminders for the 7-day mark. I've had games auto-renew because I forgot to cancel—always double-check those settings before hitting "Get."

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about snagging free games on the App Store without breaking the bank? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries—and how to tackle them like a pro.