Redeem an eligible Apple gift card into your Apple Account, then check the balance in the app. Use the redemption code on the card or in the gift email. The right method depends on the card type, device and country or region.
Check which kind of Apple gift card you have
| Card type | What to check |
|---|---|
| Apple Gift Card | Eligible Apple products, services and account purchases where the combined card is offered. |
| App Store or App Store & iTunes card | Redemption for eligible digital purchases and services. |
| Older Apple Store Gift Card | Apple Store shopping rules; it cannot be redeemed in the App Store like a digital-services card. |
Read the name and terms on the actual card. An Apple Gift Card is also different from the Apple Card credit card.
Redeem an Apple gift card on iPhone or iPad
- Find the 16-character redemption code, usually beginning with X. It is different from the card’s serial number.
- Open the App Store and tap your photo or account button.
- Choose Redeem Code; older versions may say Redeem Gift Card or Code.
- Use the camera option if offered, or enter the code manually.
- Confirm redemption to the Apple Account you intend to use.
A general QR-code scanner is not a substitute for entering the gift card’s redemption code. For an emailed card, use its genuine Redeem Now action or follow Apple’s redemption instructions.
Redeem on Mac or Windows
- Mac: open the App Store, select your name and choose Redeem Code.
- Windows: open Apple Music or Apple TV, select your name in the sidebar and choose Redeem.
If you need the Windows app first, see official Apple apps and login options for a PC.
Check the remaining balance
For an already redeemed card, check your Apple Account balance. On iPhone or iPad, open the App Store and your account page. On Mac, use the App Store account view. An unredeemed card has a separate gift-card balance check.
Redeeming adds the card’s value to the account; you can spend that balance across eligible purchases rather than spending it all at once. To add more funds later, use the account’s supported Add Money or Add Funds option where available. This does not turn a used code into a new gift card.
Can I pay for Apple One or use it at a restaurant?
Account balance can pay for eligible Apple subscriptions, including Apple One, subject to the account’s region and payment rules. Some purchases still require another payment method on file.
An Apple gift card is for eligible Apple purchases, not a general payment card for restaurants or unrelated delivery services. Check Apple’s supported-purchase guide before buying a card for a particular purpose.
Fix “already redeemed,” invalid or region errors
- Already redeemed: check the intended account’s balance and recent purchases. It may already have been added there.
- Invalid code: enter the redemption code manually and check similar-looking letters and numbers.
- Not activated: contact the retailer with the purchase receipt.
- Wrong country or region: Apple limits redemption to the card’s purchase country or region.
Use Apple’s code-error help if it still fails. Keep the card and receipt, and share the full code only through an appropriate private support process. There is no reason to post a public list of your gift-card codes.
Updated October 14, 2026. Instructions and available features can vary by device, account and software version.