How to Redeem an Apple Gift Card on Your Device

Redeeming an Apple Gift Card step by step

An Apple Gift Card is a prepaid card that holds a dollar amount you can spend on apps, music, books, subscriptions, and other content in the Apple ecosystem. To use it, you redeem the card code into your Apple ID account, which adds the balance to your account and lets you make purchases across Apple services.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV, but the core steps are the same: find the code on your card, open the right app or settings, enter the code, and confirm. Once redeemed, the balance appears in your account when ready and stays there until you spend it.

Key Takeaways

• You redeem an Apple Gift Card by entering a 16-character code found on the back of the card or in a digital email.
• On iPhone or iPad, you can redeem through the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Books, or Apple TV apps by tapping your profile picture and selecting "Redeem Gift Card or Code".
• On a Mac, open the App Store app, click your account name in the sidebar, and choose "Redeem Gift Card or Code" from the menu.
• The balance adds to your Apple ID account when ready and works across all Apple services on any device signed in with that ID.
• If you don't see a code on a physical card, scratch off the silver panel on the back to reveal the 16-character code underneath.

Finding your gift card code

Every Apple Gift Card comes with a code printed or hidden on the card itself. If you received a physical card, look at the back. You'll see a silver or metallic scratch-off panel. Use a coin or your fingernail to gently scratch away the coating to reveal the 16-character alphanumeric code underneath.

If you received a digital Apple Gift Card by email, the code appears in the email message itself. You don't need to scratch anything—just copy the code from the email. Digital cards are sent when ready after purchase and can be redeemed right away.

The code always starts with a number and contains both letters and numbers. Write it down or keep the email handy before you start the redemption process, since you'll need to enter it exactly as it appears.

Redeeming on iPhone or iPad

Open the App Store app and tap the profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap "Redeem Gift Card or Code". A camera screen will appear, or you can tap "Don't have a camera?" to enter the code manually.

If you use the camera, point it at your code and the app will read it automatically. If you enter manually, type the 16-character code into the text field exactly as it appears. Tap "Redeem" and confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

You can also redeem through the Apple Music, Apple Books, or Apple TV apps using the same method—tap your profile picture, find the redeem option, and enter your code. The balance goes to the same Apple ID account regardless of which app you use.

Redeeming on Mac

Open the App Store app on your Mac. In the sidebar on the left, click your account name (or "Sign in" if you're not logged in). From the menu that appears, click "Redeem Gift Card or Code".

A window will open with a text field. Type or paste your 16-character code into the field. Click "Redeem" and enter your Apple ID password when prompted. The balance will appear in your account within seconds.

On older Macs, you may see a slightly different layout, but the "Redeem Gift Card or Code" option is always in the account menu. If you can't find it, make sure you're signed into the App Store with your Apple ID first.

Redeeming on Apple TV

On an Apple TV device, open the App Store app. Navigate to the account menu (usually at the top of the screen) and select "Redeem Gift Card or Code". Use the remote to enter your 16-character code into the text field that appears.

Because typing on Apple TV is slower than on other devices, you may find it easier to redeem on your iPhone or Mac first, then use the same Apple ID on your Apple TV. The balance will be available on all devices signed in with that ID.

What happens after you redeem

Once you tap or click "Redeem" and confirm your identity, the balance appears in your Apple ID account when ready. You'll see a confirmation message showing the amount added. This balance is now available for any purchase you make through Apple services—apps, in-app purchases, subscriptions, music, books, movies, or iCloud storage.

The balance stays in your account until you spend it. You can check your remaining balance anytime by opening any Apple app, tapping your profile, and looking at the account section. There is no expiration date on Apple Gift Card balances, so you can use them whenever you're ready.

If you're making a purchase that costs more than your balance, you'll be prompted to add a payment method for the difference. The gift card balance will be applied first, and the remaining amount will be charged to your credit card, debit card, or other payment method on file.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you see an error message saying the code is invalid, check that you've entered it exactly as it appears—codes are case-sensitive and must include all 16 characters with no spaces. If the code came from a physical card, make sure you scratched off the entire silver panel and can see all the characters clearly.

If the code has already been redeemed, it won't work again. This happens if someone else has already entered the code into an Apple ID account. Contact the person or retailer who gave you the card to report the issue.

If you're having trouble with the camera feature on iPhone or iPad, try entering the code manually instead. Make sure you're signed into your Apple ID before attempting to redeem—if you see a "Sign In" prompt, complete that first and then try redeeming again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Apple Gift Card on multiple devices?

Yes. Once you redeem the code into your Apple ID account, the balance is available on any device where you sign in with that Apple ID. You can spend from the same balance on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV without any issues.

What if I lost the physical card before scratching off the code?

If you have the receipt or proof of purchase, contact the retailer where you bought the card. They may be able to provide the code or issue a replacement. If you received the card as a gift and don't have the receipt, ask the person who gave it to you for the code or proof of purchase.

Can I transfer my Apple Gift Card balance to someone else?

No. Once you redeem a code into your Apple ID account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred. If you want to give the balance to someone else, you must give them the unredeemed code before you enter it into your account.

Does an Apple Gift Card balance expire?

No. Apple Gift Card balances do not expire. You can redeem the code and use the balance whenever you want, with no time limit.

Can I use an Apple Gift Card to pay for an Apple device?

No. Apple Gift Cards work only for digital content and services—apps, subscriptions, music, books, movies, and iCloud storage. You cannot use them to purchase physical hardware like iPhones, Macs, or AirPods. You would need a credit card or debit card for hardware purchases.