How to Redeem a Apple Gift Card
A Apple gift card adds to your Apple Account Balance, usable across the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, iCloud+ and Apple subscriptions. Redeeming takes about a minute. Here are the exact steps, what you'll need, the errors that trip people up — and what to do if it's a card you'll never use.
Steps to redeem your Apple gift card
- Open the App Store (iPhone/iPad: tap your profile; Mac: Account menu) or go to redeem.apple.com.
- Choose Redeem Gift Card or Code.
- Use the camera to scan the code, or tap enter code manually and type it.
- Confirm — the amount is added to your Apple Account Balance.
What you'll need
- The code (back of the card or your email)
- An Apple Account signed in
- An Apple device or a browser
Common errors and fixes
- “This code has already been redeemed.” Codes are one-time; the balance is on whichever account used it first.
- Region mismatch. A U.S. Apple card only redeems on a U.S. Apple Account.
- Scan fails. Wipe the code clean or enter it manually — the middle characters are often misread.
Got a Apple card you'll never use?
Apple Account Balance can’t be used for Apple hardware in-store and isn’t refundable to cash. If you don't actually use Apple, don't redeem it first — once the code is on an account the value locks there. Instead you can sell the Apple card for cash without ever sharing the code, or swap it for a card you'll use. Both keep more value than letting it sit.
Want the fastest route? Compare selling vs swapping or start on the gift card swap.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I redeem a Apple gift card?
At redeem.apple.com. Sign in, enter the code, and confirm — the value is added to your **Apple Account Balance**, usable across the App Store, iTunes, Apple Music, iCloud+ and Apple subscriptions.
Why won't my Apple code work?
Usually a typo or a hidden scratch-off character, a region/currency mismatch, or a code that's already been redeemed. Re-enter it carefully and check the card's region matches your account.
Can a Apple gift card be used anywhere else?
No. Apple Account Balance can’t be used for Apple hardware in-store and isn’t refundable to cash.
What should I do with a Apple card I don't want?
Don't redeem it — sell the Apple card for cash without sharing the code, or swap it for a card you'll use. Once redeemed, the value locks to the account.