5 Free Ways to Use Cursor AI Without Paying (2025 Latest Guide)

Author: AI Tech Station
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Coding has never been easy. Whether it's debugging, writing documentation, or mastering syntax, even experienced developers encounter bottlenecks. This is where Cursor AI comes in as a powerful assistant. However, accessing its full features requires a Pro subscription. If you're looking for ways to use Cursor AI for free, this guide is for you!

In this guide, we’ll explore five effective methods to access Cursor AI’s premium features without paying:

Use Cursor AI’s 14-day Pro trial
Reset the Cursor Pro trial using a tool
Bypass Cursor membership with Cursor Free VIP
Leverage open-source and community tricks
Register with an edu email for a free 1-year subscription

Let’s dive into how to maximize Cursor AI’s capabilities without spending a penny!

1. Use Cursor AI’s Basic Free Tier (No Strings Attached)

Cursor AI offers a basic free tier suitable for both beginners and seasoned developers. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Download Cursor AI

Visit the Cursor AI official website.
Click “Download” and install the editor for your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux).

Step 2: Skip the Pro Upgrade Prompt

When launching the app, close any pop-ups prompting you to upgrade to Pro.
The basic free tier includes:

Basic AI Code Completion: Get suggestions as you type.
Error Detection: Identify potential bugs before crashes.
AI Chat: Ask up to 50 code-related questions per month (e.g., “How to optimize this algorithm?”).

Step 3: Start Coding

Open an existing project or create a new file to experience code completion and real-time feedback.
For example, type def in Python or function in JavaScript to see Cursor AI’s suggested templates.

Note: The free tier doesn’t support advanced features like code refactoring or unlimited AI chats, but it’s sufficient for small projects or learning.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair the free tier with tools like GitHub Codespaces for cloud-based development.

2. Reset the Cursor Pro Trial Period

One of the easiest ways to continue using Cursor AI for free is by resetting the 14-day Pro trial. This method generates a new device ID, tricking Cursor AI into treating you as a new user.

Step 1: Download the Cursor Pro Trial Reset Tool

The tool is available on GitHub for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Step 2: Log Out of Cursor

Sign out of your account and ensure Cursor is fully closed (including background processes).

Step 3: Run the Reset Tool

Open the tool and click “Replace Identifier” to generate a new device ID.

Step 4: Modify the Configuration File

Locate the storage.json file at:

Windows: %APPDATA%\Cursor\User\globalStorage\storage.json
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Cursor/User/globalStorage/storage.json
Linux: ~/.config/Cursor/User/globalStorage/storage.json
Replace the fields telemetry.macMachineId, telemetry.machineId, and telemetry.devDeviceId with the new ID.

Step 5: Restart Cursor and Log In

Reopen Cursor, sign in, and the Pro trial will reset to 14 days.
Note: If issues arise, try registering with a new email to reactivate the trial.

3. Bypass Membership with Cursor Free VIP

Cursor Free VIP is an open-source tool that unlocks Pro features by modifying the verification mechanism.

Step 1: Download Cursor Free VIP

Get the script from GitHub.

Step 2: Install Cursor Free VIP

Run the installation command:

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yeongpin/cursor-free-vip/main/scripts/install.ps1 | iex

macOS/Linux (Terminal):

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yeongpin/cursor-free-vip/main/scripts/install.sh -o install.sh  
chmod +x install.sh  
sudo ./install.sh

Step 3: Restart Cursor

After running the script, restart Cursor to enjoy full Pro features.

Step 4: Switch Cursor Modes

If response times lag, toggle between modes in settings:

GPT-4O-mini
Cursor-Slow
Cursor-Fast
This method automatically upgrades your account to Pro without payment.

4. Open-Source Hacks: Spoof Device IDs & One-Click Reset

For tech-savvy users, these open-source tools bypass usage limits:

Method 1: Spoof Device ID (cursor-fake-machine Plugin)

This plugin tricks Cursor AI into thinking you’re on a different device.

Download the cursor-fake-machine plugin.
Drag it into Cursor’s extensions area.
Go to Settings > General > Manage > Delete Account.
Fully exit Cursor.
Press Ctrl+Shift+P, search “Fake Cursor,” and generate a new device ID.
Log back in with the deleted account to restore Pro trial access.

Method 2: One-Click Reset with Go-Cursor-Help

Run this command to reset the trial:

macOS/Linux:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yuaotian/go-cursor-help/master/scripts/install.sh | sudo bash

Windows:

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/yuaotian/go-cursor-help/main/scripts/install.ps1 | iex

Restart Cursor after installation to reactivate the trial.

5. Students: Get 1 Year of Pro for Free

Cursor’s surprise offer: Global students can claim a free 1-year Pro membership!
Verify your student status to save $192 (~¥1400).

Visit Cursor’s student offer page and register with a .edu email.
No edu email? Search online for workarounds.

Summary

Cursor AI is a powerful coding assistant, but its Pro tier is pricey. Here’s how to use it for free:

Basic Free Tier: Ideal for learning and small projects.
Trial Reset Tool: Extend the 14-day Pro trial periodically.
Cursor Free VIP: Unlock full features (use at your own risk).
Open-Source Hacks: For advanced users.
Students: Free 1-year Pro with an edu email.

Caveats

Some methods may violate Cursor AI’s terms and carry risks:

Account suspension: Cursor AI may detect and restrict suspicious activity.
Ethical concerns: Support developers via official channels when possible.
Compatibility issues: Updates may break hacks; monitor tool maintenance.
Recommendation: Prioritize the official free tier or wait for promotions. Teams can explore group discounts.