How to Activate an Apple Gift Card
Apple Gift Cards add credit to your Apple Account balance. You can use this balance to buy apps, games, music, movies, iCloud storage, subscriptions, and more in the App Store, Apple Books, and Apple TV.
Important: Region Restrictions
Apple Gift Cards are country-specific. A US Apple Gift Card only works with a US Apple Account. If your Apple Account is set to a different country, you cannot redeem the card.
Before purchasing, verify your Apple Account country: Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases → View Account → Country/Region.
How to Redeem on iPhone or iPad
- Open the App Store app.
- Tap your profile photo (top-right corner).
- Tap Redeem Gift Card or Code.
- Tap Enter Code Manually and type the code.
- Or tap Use Camera to scan the code using your camera.
- Tap Redeem — balance appears instantly.
How to Redeem on Mac
- Open the App Store app.
- Click your name (bottom-left sidebar).
- Click Redeem Gift Card.
- Enter the code and click Redeem.
How to Redeem on Apple TV
- Open the App Store on Apple TV.
- Select Redeem from the top menu.
- Enter your Apple Account credentials and the gift card code.
How to Redeem via the Web (any device)
- Go to giftcard.apple.com.
- Click Redeem Apple Gift Card and sign in.
- Enter the code and follow the prompts.
What Can You Spend Apple Balance On?
- App Store: apps, games, in-app purchases
- Apple Music: subscription or individual track/album purchases
- Apple TV+: subscription and movie rentals/purchases
- Apple Books: ebooks and audiobooks
- Apple Arcade: gaming subscription
- iCloud+: storage plans
- Apple One: bundle subscription
Apple Gift Card balance cannot be used for Apple hardware (iPhone, Mac, AirPods) or accessories.
Common Activation Errors
"This code has already been redeemed" — The code was used. Contact the seller with proof of purchase.
"This gift card cannot be redeemed in your country or region" — Region mismatch. The card is for a different country than your Apple Account.
"This code is not valid" — Check for typos. Apple codes are 16 characters. Hyphens are optional.
"Maximum balance reached" — Apple limits balances to $200 USD equivalent. Spend some balance before redeeming more.
FAQ
Does Apple Gift Card Balance Expire?
Apple Gift Card balances do not expire. No dormancy fees apply.
Can I Transfer Balance to Another Apple Account?
No. Balance is tied to the Apple Account that redeemed the code.
Can I Combine Multiple Gift Cards?
Yes. Redeeming multiple cards adds up the balance.
Can I Use Apple Balance for Apple Pay?
No. Apple Gift Card balance is separate from Apple Cash (Apple Pay) and cannot be used for physical store purchases.
Can I Check My Current Balance?
Yes. Open the App Store → tap your profile photo → your current balance is displayed at the top of the screen.