Redeeming an Apple gift card you received by email is a quick and easy process that can be done right from your iPhone, iPad, or computer. In just a few simple steps, that gift card credit can be added to your Apple ID balance and used for future purchases on the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud storage upgrades, or anything else Apple offers.
Check Your Email for the Apple Gift Card
The first step is to open the email containing the Apple gift card. This will come from Apple, either gifted directly from someone else or delivered as part of a promotion or rewards program.
The email should clearly state that it contains an Apple gift card, gift certificate or gift code. You’ll see mention of the dollar amount being gifted as well. And there will be a button to redeem the card and add the funds to your Apple account.
What if I can’t find the email?
If you can’t locate the Apple gift card email, check your spam folder. It may have been incorrectly flagged and filtered there.
You can also search your email for terms like “Apple gift”, “gift card” or the specific dollar amount to try and track down the missing message.
If the gift card came from a friend, ask them to resend the email if you still are unable to find it.
And you can always reach out to Apple Support for help retrieving a lost gift card email.
Open the Email on Your iPhone, iPad, or Computer
Apple gift card emails can be opened directly on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows PC. Wherever you access your email, you can begin the redemption process.
On iPhone or iPad
If the email was sent to your iCloud account or another email provider configured on your iOS device, open the Mail app and find the message there.
Tap to open the email, then tap the Redeem or Add to Apple Wallet button.
On Mac
Open the Mail app on your Mac and find the email containing the gift card. Click to open it.
Click the Redeem button in the email body.
On Windows
Whether you use Outlook, Gmail, or another email provider, open the message with the gift card on your Windows PC.
Look for and click the Redeem button within the email.
Sign In to Your Apple ID
Once you click to redeem the card, you’ll be prompted to sign in using your Apple ID. This is the same login you use for iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services.
If you’re already signed in, you may skip ahead to the next step automatically. If not, enter your Apple ID email address and password when prompted.
Two-Factor Authentication
With two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID, you’ll be asked to enter a verification code after signing in. This will be a six-digit numeric code.
You can have the code automatically sent to other trusted devices signed in to your Apple ID, such as your iPhone. Or enter a code manually from an authentication app or SMS text message.
Don’t Have an Apple ID?
If you don’t yet have an Apple ID, you can create one during the gift card redemption process. Click Create New Apple ID and follow the steps to set up an account.
You’ll add your name, date of birth, email, password, and security questions to establish the new Apple ID.
Enter Your Apple Gift Card Code
After signing in, you’ll be taken to a redemption page to enter the Apple gift card code.
Go back to the original email and copy the gift card code from there. This will likely be in the email body, or you may need to click a link to open a page and view the code.
On the redemption page, paste or type in the code exactly as it appears in the email.
Enter the characters carefully and use uppercase/lowercase letters exactly as shown. The most common mistake is typing in the code incorrectly.
Already Used Code?
If you get an error that the code is invalid or already redeemed, double check that you entered it correctly. Also verify that you are redeeming the correct gift card, not another one you may have already used.
If you are certain the code is right but it is saying redeemed, contact Apple Support online or by phone for assistance.
Confirm Redemption and Balance
Once submitted, you should see a confirmation that the Apple gift card balance was added to your Apple account.
You can click View Balance to see your new total credit.
If the balance looks incorrect, contact Apple before completing any transactions. This may indicate a problem redeeming the proper gift card value.
Apple Gift Card Email
You may also get a follow up email from Apple confirming redemption of the gift card and the updated balance amount.
Hold on to these emails as records of your gift card redemption and for reference on remaining balances.
Use Your Apple Gift Card Credit
Now that Apple gift card funds are in your account, you can start spending that credit whenever you shop with Apple!
App Store and iTunes
Make app, game, subscription, book, and music purchases in the App Store on your devices. Your gift card balance applies automatically at checkout.
Apple Music
When paying for an Apple Music subscription, your account balance goes towards the cost first before charging a secondary payment method.
iCloud Storage
Upgrade your iCloud storage plan and pay monthly fees using Apple gift card credit on your account.
Apple Store
Shop at Apple Retail Stores or online at Apple.com and use gift card balances for Apple products and accessories.
Remaining Balance
Check your total Apple account credit anytime in iTunes, the App Store, or at Apple.com. The remaining gift card balance displays with payment options.
Gift card money never expires, so don’t worry if funds sit in your account for a while between purchases.
Troubleshooting Apple Gift Card Redemption
In most cases, redeeming an Apple gift card by email is fast and trouble-free. But if you run into any issues, here is some troubleshooting guidance.
Can’t Find Gift Card Email
- Check your spam folder just in case.
- Search your inbox for keywords like “Apple gift” or the amount.
- Contact the gift card sender and ask them to resend.
- Reach out to Apple Support if you believe the email is lost.
Code Not Working
- Double and triple check you typed the code correctly.
- Make sure you are redeeming the right gift card and code.
- Try copying and pasting the code instead of typing.
- Confirm the gift card has not already been redeemed.
- Contact Apple if still having code issues.
Balance Not Showing Up
- Give it some time and try checking your balance again later.
- Ensure you redeemed the card properly and received confirmation.
- Sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in to refresh.
- Reach out to Apple Support to investigate missing funds.
Contact Apple Support
If you continue experiencing difficulty redeeming an Apple gift card by email, contact Apple Support for personalized help resolving the issue:
- Visit Apple’s Contact Support page and select your issue.
- Call 1-800-MY-APPLE in the United States.
- Find global telephone numbers on Contact Apple Support internationally.
- Bring your iOS device to an Apple Retail Store for in-person support.
Be ready to provide your Apple ID information and details about the gift card you are trying to redeem.
Get the Most Out of Your Apple Gift Card
Once redeemed to your Apple account, be sure to take full advantage of your new Apple gift card credit!
Buy Apps and Games
Browse the App Store and get great iOS apps, Mac apps, Apple TV apps, and Apple Watch apps. Try premium games too!
Subscribe to Services
Pay for subscriptions like Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple News+, iCloud storage upgrades, and more.
Shop Apple Accessories
Grab useful Apple accessories like AirPods, iPhone cases, Apple Pencil, and Mac peripherals.
Get an Apple Device
Put your gift card towards a brand new iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or other Apple device purchase.
However you choose to spend your new Apple gift card credit, enjoy those funds and make the most of them!
Conclusion
Redeeming an Apple gift card received by email is quick and convenient. Simply open the email on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows PC. Click the redemption link, sign in with your Apple ID, enter the gift card code, and the funds get added to your Apple account. That credit applies towards future App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and other Apple purchases. With this simple digital process, Apple gift cards deliver instant purchasing power. So go ahead and take advantage of that credit for apps, music, movies, iCloud storage, and more!