Card is not valid
If you see a message that says that your card is not valid, here's what to do:
- Make sure your card is not an Apple Store Gift Card. Apple Store Gift Cards are grey, white, silver or gold. You can’t redeem Apple Store Gift Cards in the App Store or iTunes Store. Find out what to do if you have an Apple Store Gift Card or don't know what type of gift card you have.
- Try entering your redemption code manually. When you redeem an App Store & iTunes Gift Card or redeem an Apple Gift Card, tap or click "You can also enter your code manually". Make sure you enter the redemption code that begins with "X", not a different number on the card.
- Make sure you enter the correct characters. Some letters and numbers look alike, such as:
- B and 8
- D and O
- E and 3
- G and 6
- O and Q
- O and 0
- S and 5
- U and V
- Z and 2
Card has already been redeemed
If you see a message that says that your card has already been redeemed, you might have already redeemed it. Sign out of the App Store or iTunes Store on all of your devices, then sign back in. This refreshes your Apple ID balance. Find out how to check your Apple ID balance.
If you need more help, contact Apple Support.
Card has not been activated
If you see a message that says your card has not been activated properly, it might not have been activated by the retailer who sold the card. The best option is to go back to the retailer and try to resolve it with them.
If you need more help, contact Apple Support.
Code is unreadable
If you can't read the code on the back of your card because it's scratched or damaged, contact Apple Support.
Code must be redeemed in a different country or region
If you see a message that says the code must be redeemed in another shop, the card was probably purchased in another country or region. You can't redeem Apple Gift Cards or App Store & iTunes Gift Cards outside the country or region of purchase. For example, if you bought an App Store & iTunes Gift Card in France, you can't redeem it in the App Store in the United States.
Find out more about App Store Top-up cards in China mainland.
If you need more help, contact Apple Support.
Contact Apple Support
You might need to provide:
- An image of the front and back of your card in full.
- A sales receipt showing when your card was purchased.
- The serial number on your card.
Find your serial number
The serial number is not the same thing as the code that begins with "X" that you use to redeem the card. The serial number is located on the back of your card. Here are some examples of where you might see the serial number:
Serial number begins with "GCA"
Serial number begins with "60"
Serial number begins with "60" (Australia Gift Cards)
Serial number begins with "PBH"
Serial number begins with "EPY"