iTunes Store: Invalid, inactive, or illegible codes

Products Affected

iTunes Store

Symptoms

The code may be illegible, or when redeemed, an alert message stating that the code is "inactive" or "invalid" may be displayed.

Resolution

Make sure you've entered the code exactly as it appears on your card. If the code is illegible, try to enter the code as best as you can. Invalid code messages typically mean that the card activation number may have been mistyped. Please read your code carefully. The following letters and numbers can look very similar:

  • The letter A and the letter H
  • The letter B and the number 8
  • The letter D and the number 0
  • The letter E and the number 3
  • The letter G and the number 6
  • The letter H and the letter W
  • The letter J and the number 1
  • The letter M and the letter N
  • The letter O and the number 0
  • The letter P and the letter F
  • The letter Q and the letter O
  • The letter Q and the number 0
  • The letter S and the number 5
  • The letter S and the number 8
  • The letter V and the letter U
  • The letter Z and the number 2

If you're still unable to redeem your code after verifying the characters in the code, you'll need to contact iTunes Store Support for help. You'll need to provide the activation code and serial number from the back of your iTunes Gift Card.

Starts with: Length
GCA 16 digits
60 16 or 19 digits
EPY 14 digits
PBH 22 digits

 

Examples:

Serial number begins with "GCA"

Back of iTunes gift card

Serial number begins with "60"

Back of iTunes gift card

Serial number begins with "60" (Australia Gift Cards)

 

Serial number begins with "EPY"

Back of iTunes gift card

Serial number begins with "PBH"

Back of iTunes gift card

Contacting iTunes Store Support 

  1. Go to the iTunes support page and select your iTunes country.
  2. From the iTunes support page, choose Contact Support on the lower-left side of the page.
  3. Follow the instructions to get iTunes Store support assistance. 

U.S. Customers: If you need help with an iTunes Online Gift purchased or received on Facebook, please contact GiftCardMall.com Customer Care at http://apps.facebook.com/itunesgifts/faq.php.

Note: Some features or services are not available in some iTunes Store countries.

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