5 Ways to Use Cursor AI for Free
If you’ve been using Cursor AI, you already know how powerful it is — an AI coding editor that feels like your smartest coding partner.
But here’s the catch: the Pro version costs ₹2,000+ per month, and most of its best features are locked behind that paywall.
So, what if I told you there are safe and working ways to use Cursor AI for free — including official student offers, hidden tricks, and community-tested methods?
This article is your complete guide on how to unlock Cursor AI Pro features for ₹0, especially for developers and students in India who want GPT-powered coding help without paying a rupee.
Let’s dive into 5 genuine methods that actually work — no fake hacks, no shady sites.
1. Use the Cursor Free Tier (It's Still Great!)
Cursor AI offers a free tier packed with features that make it a great choice for coders of all levels. It's the simplest and 100% safest method.
Download Cursor AI
Download Cursor AI** Visit the official Cursor AI website.
Install the Editor
Click "Download" and install the Cursor AI code editor for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Skip the Paid Plan
When prompted to upgrade to the Pro plan, simply close the pop-up. The free tier is surprisingly generous and gives you access to these features:
AI Autocomplete
Start Coding by Open a project or create a new file, and watch Cursor AI suggest code blocks and help you out.
Benefits
5- Basic AI Autocomplete - Get code suggestions as you type
- Error Detection - Identify bugs before crashes
- Limited AI Chat - Good number of slow queries and fast queries
- Code completion and suggestions
- Syntax highlighting and formatting
Limitations to know: The free tier restricts the most advanced features, like the "Agent" and unlimited "slow" AI chat requests. However, for small projects or learning, it's often more than sufficient!
Looking for another AI tool that’s now free in India? Learn how to Try ChatGPT Go free for 12 months — OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 plan available at zero cost for Indian users.
2. The Trial Reset Tool (Use at Your Own Risk)
This is a popular method in online forums, but it comes with a big warning: it might violate Cursor's terms of service, and you should only use tools from trusted sources.
How it works: These tools are scripts (often found on GitHub) that automatically find and delete the specific configuration files that Cursor uses to track your trial status.
- Every time you run the tool, the app thinks it's a fresh install.
- This allows you to start a new "Pro" trial period over and over.
- It works by clearing registry entries (on Windows) or specific config folders (on macOS/Linux) located in your user directory.
Why the risk? Downloading and running random scripts from the internet is dangerous. They could contain malware. Always check the code yourself if you can. This is a "grey area" hack, so proceed smartly.
Why the risk? Downloading and running random scripts from the internet is dangerous. They could contain malware. Always check the code yourself if you can. This is a "grey area" hack, so proceed smartly.
3. The "Free VIP" Bypass (Manual Reset Method)
This is the "do-it-yourself" version of the trial reset. Instead of a tool, you manually delete the configuration files. It's safer because you're not running an unknown script, but it's more work.
Here are the steps:
Close Cursor AI
Completely close the Cursor AI application. Make sure it's not running in the background.
Navigate to Config Folder
Navigate to your system's configuration folder. This is usually in:
- Windows:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\cursor - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/cursor - Linux:
~/.config/cursor
Delete Config Folder
Delete the entire 'cursor' folder. This will wipe your local settings and your trial status.
Relaunch cursor
Relaunch Cursor. It will open as if it's the first time, and you can start a new trial (you may need to log in again).
Note: This is a hassle, as you'll lose your local settings and project history within Cursor each time, but it's a confirmed way to keep resetting the trial.
4. The 'go-cursor-help' Hack (For Advanced Users)
You might have seen 'go-cursor-help' or similar tools mentioned on GitHub. This is a much more advanced method.
How it works: This tool is a small, local proxy server. You run it on your machine, and it intercepts the network requests that the Cursor app sends to its servers to verify your account and machine ID.
- By modifying these requests, it can "fake" a new machine ID or apply a different authentication token.
- This essentially tricks the Cursor server into granting you Pro access or a new trial.
- This is complex and requires setting up the local server and configuring Cursor to route its traffic through it.
Warning: This is highly technical and definitely in a risky category. It can break with any update from Cursor. This is only for users who understand what they are doing and are comfortable with network proxies and modifying app behavior.
5. Cursor is Free for Students
Cursor now offers a free Pro plan for students worldwide. Learn how to claim your free year, Here Is How to Get It:
Cursor offers a free Pro plan for students as part of the GitHub Student Developer Pack. There's a misconception that this isn't available in India, but it is. As long as you can get the GitHub Student Developer Pack (which is available to all verified students in India), you can get Cursor Pro.
How to get it:
Get Cursor AI Student Pack
Get verified for the Cursor Student Status Check Page. You'll need your school/college ID and email.
Verify Your Status
Verify your student status with your academic email.
Activate Pro Plan
Activate Pro plan features for one-year trial, including 500 fast premium requests per month and unlimited slow premium requests.
Benefits
5- 100% legitimate and legal
- Full access to all Pro features
- No hacks or workarounds needed
- Available for Indian students
- Includes other developer tools in the pack
Enjoy all the features without any hacks or resets!
Frequently Asked Questions
Happy Vibe coding.
About the Author
Vikas Sahu
Digital Growth Expert | SEO Specialist
Helping businesses grow online with cutting-edge AI strategies, automation, and digital transformation. Founder of Sahu4You and creator of GitaGPT with 40K+ users.
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