
Medium is a great platform with insightful articles, but many of them are locked behind a paywall. If you want to access premium Medium content without a subscription, you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore legal and ethical ways to read Medium articles for free in 2024.
Why Does Medium Have a Paywall?
Medium offers both free and premium content. Free users can read a limited number of articles per month, while Medium members get unlimited access. However, if you’ve used up your free articles, here’s how you can continue reading without paying.
Methods to Read Paid Medium Articles for Free
1. Use the Incognito Mode
Most websites, including Medium, track your reading limit using cookies. You can bypass this by using incognito or private mode.
Steps:
- Open Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) to open an incognito window.
- Copy and paste the Medium article URL into the new window.
- Enjoy reading without hitting the paywall!
2. Clear Browser Cookies
Medium restricts access based on cookies. Deleting them resets your reading limit.
Steps:
- Go to your browser settings.
- Navigate to the Privacy & Security section.
- Click Clear Browsing Data and select Cookies and other site data.
- Reload the article and continue reading.
3. Use Outline.com (Limited Availability)
Outline.com was a popular tool to bypass paywalls, but it’s not always functional.
Steps:
- Copy the URL of the Medium article.
- Go to Outline.com.
- Paste the link and press enter.
If this method doesn’t work, try other alternatives below.
4. Try a Different Browser or Device
Medium tracks your reading history per browser. Switching to a different browser (e.g., from Chrome to Firefox) or device (PC to mobile) may help reset your free article count.
5. Use Archive Websites
Web archive services store cached versions of web pages, including Medium articles.
Steps:
- Go to Wayback Machine.
- Enter the URL of the Medium article.
- If an archived version exists, you can read it for free.
6. Sign Up for a Free Medium Account
A free Medium account grants a limited number of premium articles per month. If you run out, you can:
- Create a new account using a different email.
- Use multiple accounts to extend free reading.
7. Follow the Author on Other Platforms
Many Medium writers cross-post their content on personal blogs, LinkedIn, or other free platforms. You can:
- Search for the article’s title on Google.
- Check the author’s website or Twitter for free versions.
8. Join Medium Partner Program (Earn Free Membership)
Medium’s Partner Program allows you to earn money by writing articles. By contributing, you can get free Medium membership credits, allowing unlimited reading.
Are These Methods Legal?
Most of these methods, like using incognito mode or clearing cookies, are legal and ethical since they rely on browser settings. However, avoid any illegal methods that violate Medium’s terms of service.
Final Thoughts
Medium offers valuable content, and while a subscription supports writers, these methods allow you to access premium articles without breaking the bank. If you regularly read Medium, consider supporting your favorite authors with a membership.
Did any of these tricks work for you? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
1. Is it illegal to bypass the Medium paywall?
No, using incognito mode, clearing cookies, or switching browsers are legal methods. However, using unauthorized tools or hacks may violate Medium’s policies.
2. How many free Medium articles can I read per month?
Medium typically allows 3-5 free articles per month for non-members.
3. Does Medium offer a free trial for membership?
Yes! Medium occasionally offers a free trial or discounted membership for new users.
4. Can I download Medium articles for offline reading?
Some browsers allow saving pages as PDFs for offline access. However, this should be for personal use only.
5. How much does Medium membership cost?
Medium membership costs $5 per month or $50 per year, offering unlimited article access.
By using these smart and legal techniques, you can read Medium articles for free and stay informed without a paywall stopping you!