Quick answer
Open the App Store, tap your photo or initials, tap Redeem Code, then scan or type the 16-digit code that starts with X. On a Mac use the App Store; on Windows use the Apple Music or Apple TV app. Apple's link is apple.com/redeem. The card only works on an Apple Account set to the country where it was bought.
Redeem an Apple code step by step
Find the code
Take the 16-digit code on the back of the card, under the scratch-off label, or open the gift email. In an email, Redeem Now starts the process for you.
iPhone or iPad
Open the App Store, tap your photo, initials or the My Account button, and sign in if asked. Tap Redeem Code.
Mac
Open the App Store and click your name in the sidebar, or click Sign In first. Click Redeem Code.
Windows PC
Open the Apple Music or Apple TV app, click your name at the bottom of the sidebar, then click Redeem.
Enter and confirm
Choose Use Camera, or Enter Code Manually if the camera fails. Tap Redeem. The amount is added to your Apple Account balance.
Can I redeem an Apple Gift Card in Wallet?
Yes, on iPhone in some countries and regions. Add your Apple Account card to Wallet first. Then open Wallet, tap the Apple Account card, tap More, tap Redeem and enter the code.
Why can't I redeem my Apple Gift Card?
Apple lists five cases.
- Not valid: make sure it is not an Apple Store Gift Card, which cannot be used in the App Store. Type the code that starts with X, and check B and 8, O and 0, S and 5.
- Already redeemed: sign out of the App Store on all devices, then sign back in to refresh the balance.
- Not activated: the retailer that sold the card may not have activated it, so contact that retailer.
- Wrong country or region: cards only redeem where they were bought. A French card will not work in the US App Store.
- Unreadable code: contact Apple Support with photos of the card's front and back, the receipt and the serial number. Serial numbers start with GCA, PBH or EPY, not X.
What does the balance pay for?
The balance buys apps, games, in-app purchases, Apple Music, Apple TV and iCloud+. An Apple Gift Card also buys products at apple.com and in Apple Stores. App Store & iTunes cards cover content only. Some purchases still need a credit card on file, and family members cannot spend your balance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I redeem a US Apple Gift Card on a UK account?
No. Apple's terms say US cards link only to US Apple Accounts, and UK cards link only to UK accounts. Buy the card that matches the account's country.
Can I switch my Apple Account country to use a foreign card?
Yes, after you spend the remaining balance and cancel subscriptions that block the change. You may also need a payment method from the new country.
Does the redeemed balance expire?
No. Apple's buy pages in the UK, the EU, Australia and the UAE state that the Apple Gift Card has no expiry.
Official sources (7)
- Redeem your Apple Gift Card, App Store Card, or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)
- If you can't redeem your Apple Gift Card or App Store & iTunes Gift Card - Apple Support — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)
- What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)
- Change your Apple Account country or region - Apple Support — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)
- Legal - iTunes Gift Cards and Codes - Apple (US) — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)
- Legal - iTunes Gift Cards and Codes - Apple (UK) — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)
- Buy Apple Gift Cards - Apple (UK) — Apple (checked 2026-10-21)