How to activate a apple gift card

If you have recently bought or received an Apple Gift Card, you can find below the steps to Redeem Apple Gift Card on iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC.

Redeem Apple Gift Card on iPhone, Mac or PC

Apart from Apple Store, Apple Gift Cards are easily available at Costco, Walmart, Staples, Best Buy, Pharmacies, Grocery stores and  and many other locations.

Once you purchase or recieve an Apple Gift Card from a friend or relative, they can be used just like cash to make instore purchases at any Apple Store.

However, if you are planning to make online purchases, the Gift Card needs to be redeemed using iPhone, iPad, Mac or a Windows computer.

When you redeem an Apple Gift Card, it gets credited to your Apple ID, which allows you to make purchases from App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books or subscribe to Apple TV, Apple Music and other services.

Important: Before going ahead with the steps to Redeem iTunes Gift Card, make sure that you peel of the label at back of the gift card to reveal the Redeem code.

1. Redeem Apple Gift Card On iPhone

The easiest way to Redeem Apple Gift Card is by scanning the Gift Card by using the rear camera on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and tap on your Profile Icon, located at top-right corner.

2. On the Account screen, select Redeem Gift Card or Code option.

3. On the next screen, select Use Camera option, which automatically opens the rear camera on your iPhone.

4. Now Scan the back of the Gift card using the rear-camera. As soon as the code is recognized, the Gift Card will be validated and credited to your Apple ID.

2. Manually Redeem Gift Card on iPhone

If for some reason you are unable to redeem the Gift Card using iPhone camera, you can follow the manual method as provided below.

1. Open App Store > tap on the Account Icon > select Redeem Gift Card or Code option. On the next screen, select Enter Code option, which automatically brings up the keyboard.

2. Use the keyboard to manually type the Redeem Code (located at the back of the Gift Card) and tap on Redeem.

Note: If you enter the code incorrectly, you will see an error message and you will be provided with the option to  enter the code once again.

To redeem an Apple gift card, get the 16-digit number on the back of the card. On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app and tap your avatar. Select Redeem Gift Card or Code and follow the on-screen instructions. On a Mac, take that 16-digit code, open the App Store, tap your avatar, then click Redeem Gift Card. Follow on-screen instructions.

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

How to redeem an Apple gift card on iPhone or iPad

If you want to redeem your Apple gift card code on an iPhone or iPad, start by opening the App Store app. Then tap your avatar at the top-right. If you are not logged into your Apple account, you will then be asked to do that.

Tap Redeem Gift Card or Code.

The fastest way would be to use the camera to scan the code on the back of the gift card. If it doesn’t work, or the code was sent to you online, you would have to select Enter code and type the code in manually.

The balance will now appear on your App Store account page, as well as in your Apple Wallet. Remember that if you have any recurring App Store subscriptions, your gift card balance will automatically be used first.

How to redeem an Apple gift card on Mac or Windows

If you would prefer to redeem your code on a Mac or Windows computer, that can be easily accomplished too.

Mac

Open the App Store and click your avatar in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You will be asked to sign into your Apple account if you are not already signed in.

Click Redeem Gift Card at the top-right of the screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your code and claim your credit.

Windows

It’s a similar situation with Windows. Open iTunes and go to Account–>Redeem. You will have to sign in if you’re currently signed out. Then follow the on-screen instructions to input your gift card code.

Are Apple gift cards the same as iTunes gift cards?

Yes, they’re the same thing.

What can I use an Apple gift card for?

You can use an Apple gift card to fully pay or partly pay for ongoing monthly Apple subscriptions, App Store apps, games, music, movies, TV, books, or hardware products in the Apple Store.

What can I not use my Apple gift card for?

You cannot use the Apple gift card for buying other gift cards. Your family also cannot spend your Apple credit if you are all on an Apple Family Plan. Finally, you cannot use Apple gift cards for anything outside Apple.

I've been asked over the phone to pay for something with Apple gift cards

This is an ongoing criminal scam. Apple gift cards can only be used to pay for things in the Apple ecosystem, so if anyone asks you over the phone to pay for any non-Apple services with Apple gift cards, then they are attempting to defraud you. You should end the call and report it to the police immediately.

How do I check my Apple gift card balance?

On an Apple iOS device, you can see the balance in your Apple Wallet or in the App Store app. On a macOS computer, look underneath your avatar in the bottom-left corner of the screen.

How do I add an Apple gift card to my Apple Wallet?

When you buy Apple credit and redeem it to your account, it is automatically added to your Apple Wallet. Apple says it only works in the United States, but it also works in Europe.

Can I send Apple gift cards to someone in another country?

Apple gift cards are country-specific. You cannot buy them in one country to send them to another. The only way around it would be to know someone in the target country with an Apple account who could make the transaction on your behalf.

How do I properly activate my Apple gift card?

Why isn't my Apple gift card activated?

Can you use Apple gift card right away?

How does Apple gift card work?