Find, buy and download apps in the App Store on Mac

To find the perfect app, search for it or browse the App Store. Once you find the app you want, you can purchase it using your Apple ID, or you can redeem a download code or a gift card.

To change your settings for downloads and purchases, choose Apple Menu > System Preferences > Apple ID, click Media & Purchases in the sidebar, then choose your options.

The main Mac App Store page. The sidebar on the left includes links to other pages: Discover, Arcade, Create, Work, Play, Develop, Categories and Updates. On the right are clickable areas including Behind the Scenes, From the Editors and Editors’ Choice.

Open App Store for me

Find and buy apps

In the App Store on your Mac, do any of the following:
- Search for an app: Enter one or more words in the search field in the top-left corner of the App Store window, then press Enter.
- Browse the App Store: Click Discover, Create, Work, Play, Develop or Categories in the sidebar on the left.
Click an app’s name or icon to get a description and view customer ratings and reviews.
To download the app, click the button that shows the price of the app or “Get”. Then click the button again to install or buy the app (or use Touch ID).
During installation, you can pause or cancel.

Change your settings for downloads and purchases

In the App Store on your Mac, choose Apple Menu > System Preferences.
Click Apple ID.
Click Media & Purchases (in the sidebar).
Choose your options.

Redeem iTunes gift cards, Apple Music cards or a download code

In the App Store on your Mac, click your name in the bottom-left corner (or click Sign In if you’re not already), then click Redeem Gift Card in the top-right corner. Enter the download code or the code from your gift card.
If you have a gift card with a box around the code, you can use the built-in camera on your Mac to redeem the card. After you click Redeem, click Use Camera, then hold the gift card 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimetres) from the camera. Make sure the code area is near the centre of the preview area, then hold the card steady until it’s redeemed.
For more information, see the Apple Support article What type of gift card do I have?

Purchase in-app content and subscriptions

Some apps sell extra content, including app upgrades, game content and subscriptions. To make an in-app purchase, enter your Apple ID (or use Touch ID). For more information about subscriptions, see Manage your subscriptions in the App Store on Mac.

Download apps purchased by other family members

If you’re part of a Family Sharing group, you can download eligible apps purchased by other family members.

In the App Store on your Mac, click your name in the bottom-left corner or click Sign In if you’re not already.
Click the “Purchased by” menu, then choose a family member.
Click the iCloud status icon next to an item to download it.

Helpful?

App Store User Guide