How to Activate an iTunes Card

This wikiHow will teach you how to activate an iTunes card using the 16-digit code found on the back of the card. The exact activation process depends on whether you're using an iPhone, Android, or desktop computer, but it's super easy to do regardless of the device you're using. Below we'll walk you through each method step-by-step!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

iOS

  1. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 1
    1
    Open the iTunes Store app. The icon resembles a musical note surrounded by a circle.[1]
    • You can use the iBooks app and App Store to redeem your gift card as well.
  2. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 2
    2
    Tap Music. It is at the bottom of the screen.
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  3. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 3
    3
    Scroll to the bottom of the screen.
  4. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 4
    4
    Tap Redeem.
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    5
    Enter your Apple ID password.
  6. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 6
    6
    Tap Ok.
  7. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 7
    7
    Tap You can also enter this code manually.
  8. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 8
    8
    Find your 16-digit code on the gift card. It is on the back.
    • The resulting code will start with an "XX."
  9. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 9
    9
    Enter the code.
  10. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 10
    10
    Tap Redeem. The amount in your gift card will be added to your Apple ID for App Store credit. You may also choose Apple Music Membership credit as well.
    11. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Desktop

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    1
    Open iTunes. The program should be located on your computer's desktop.
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    2
    Click on your username. It will be in the top right corner of the screen.
    • If you haven't logged in yet, click Sign in.
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    3
    Click Redeem.
    • If prompted, login into your Apple account with your email and password.[2]
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    4
    Find your 16-digit code on the gift card. It is on the back.
    • The resulting code will start with an "XX."
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    5
    Enter the code.
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    6
    Tap Redeem. The amount in your gift card will be added to your Apple ID for App Store credit. You may also choose Apple Music Membership credit as well.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Android

  1. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 17
    1
    Open the Apple Music app.[3]
  2. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 18
    2
    Tap ☰. It will be in the top left corner of the screen.
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    3
    Tap Apple ID.
    • If prompted, login into your Apple account with your email and password.[4]
  4. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 20
    4
    Find your 16-digit code on the gift card. It is on the back.
    • The resulting code will start with an "XX."
  5. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 21
    5
    Enter the code.
  6. Image titled Activate an iTunes Card Step 22
    6
    Tap Redeem. The amount in your gift card will be added to your Apple ID for App Store credit. You may also choose Apple Music Membership credit as well.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I activate a card and not redeem it now?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Also, if you bought a gift card off the internet or in a store, it should already be activated and ready to go.
  • Question
    When I tried to redeem my code online, it said it must be redeemed at a storefront. What do I do about this?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It means that you are in other location. For example: You are in Ohio and we are using USD, but this gift card is AUD (Austr) ~> can't be used here. (Same as Canada or other non USD.)
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Warning

  • When peeling off the spot, be careful not to damage the 16-digit gift card code.
  • The redeemed amount in the gift card can't be used to used to purchase more Apple gift cards.

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References

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201209
  2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201209
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201209
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201209

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 76,580 times.
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Co-authors: 7
Updated: January 31, 2023
Views: 76,580
Categories: ITunes
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