Transferring or downloading an iTunes Digital Copy

Summary

iTunes Digital Copies allow you to transfer a copy of your purchased DVD or Blu Ray to iTunes. 

Products Affected

iTunes 10, iTunes 9, iTunes Store

There are two types of Digital Copies:

  1. Some DVDs or Blu Rays include a Digital Copy disc and redemption code. Movies that include a separate Digital Copy disc require this disc to be inserted into your CD or DVD drive before you can redeem your Digital Copy code. Codes can be redeemed multiple times as long as you are using the same Apple ID account used for the original redemption. 
  2. Other DVDs and Blu Rays only include a Digital Copy redemption code and do not require a Digital Copy disc to redeem your Digital Copy code. These Digital Copy codes can be redeemed only once. 

Transferring Digital Copies from a Digital Copy disc to iTunes

To transfer iTunes Digital Copies from DVDs, you must have:

  • iTunes 9 or later
  • Mac or Windows-based PC with a DVD drive
  • Internet access
  • iTunes Store account

Note: iTunes Digital Copies may not be available in some countries.

To transfer an iTunes Digital Copy into your iTunes library:

  1. Open iTunes 9 or later.
  2. Insert the iTunes Digital Copy disc into your computer's DVD drive.
  3. Wait for the DVD icon to appear on the left side of the iTunes window under Devices. Then, click it to select it.

    Note: If the DVD does not appear in iTunes, but the disc does play without issue in your computer's DVD application, then confirm with the vendor that the title has Digital Copy.

  4. Enter the redemption code included with your DVD in the main iTunes window and click Redeem.

  5. Enter the Apple ID and password for your iTunes Store account to redeem the serial number.

  6. Track the transfer progress of your video by checking the Downloads playlist as shown below.

  7. After the transfer completes, click the Movies library in the iTunes source list to locate the transferred content.

Note: Remember to make a regular backup of your media in iTunes. See How to back up your media in iTunes for steps to create a backup.

Learn more about troubleshooting issues relating to DVDs with iTunes Digital Copy.

If you have issues transferring your iTunes Digital Copy from your Digital Copy disc to your iTunes library, you will need to contact the appropriate studio. 

Downloading an iTunes Digital Copy to iTunes

To download an iTunes Digital Copy, you must have:

Note: iTunes Digital Copies may not be available in some countries.

To download an iTunes Digital Copy to your iTunes library:

  1. Open iTunes 9 or later
  2. On the left side of the iTunes, click iTunes Store.



  3. In the upper-right corner of the iTunes Store window, click the Sign In button. If you are already signed in, skip to step 5.
  4. Sign in to the iTunes Store using your Apple ID



  5. In the QUICK LINKS window in the right column of the iTunes Store, click Redeem.



  6. In the resulting screen, enter the 12-digit code printed on the insert included with your DVD or Blu Ray disc. Then, click Redeem. 



  7. You can track the progress of your download by clicking on the Downloads playlist from the Source list. 

If you are experiencing issues downloading your iTunes Digital Copy, please contact iTunes Store Support.

Additional Information

Note: You can only use a Digital Copy code in the iTunes Store country for which the packaging says it will work. For example, you need a U.S. iTunes Store account to use a code from a U.S. DVD, and you need an Australian iTunes Store account to use a code from an Australian DVD.

Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked