How to use Apple Gift Cards on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or in person

December 26, 2023

4 min read

Got an Apple Gift Card for the holidays? Whether you have a digital or physical one, we’ll cover how to redeem and use your Apple Gift Cards on iPhone, iPad, Mac, the Apple Store app/online, as well as in-person at an Apple Store.

Back in 2020, Apple moved to a universal gift card. When you redeem them on an iPhone or another Apple device, they are added to your “Apple Account Balance” (tied to your Apple ID) and can be used across the App Store & iTunes Store (including iOS and Mac) and the Apple Store for any products in the US.

You can use the balance for iCloud and other Apple subscriptions like Apple TV+, Apple News+, Apple Arcade, Apple Books, and more.

If you happen to have an old iTunes/App Store Gift Card, you can redeem it with the steps below as well.

How to use Apple Gift Cards on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Physical cards

Open the App Store app > tap your profile icon (top-right corner) > Redeem Gift Card or Code.
- You can now add your gift card manually or with your camera.
Another option is using the Redeem link at the top of Apple’s Gift Card website.
For Apple Store purchases, you can use gift cards in the Apple Store app, on Apple’s website, or in person.

Digital cards

When you receive an emailed Apple Gift Card, you can bring it to a physical Apple Store to use.
Alternatively, tap the Redeem Now link in the email to use it on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
The value will be automatically added to your Apple Account Balance.
Tap the Shop App Store or Shop Apple Store Online to use it right away.
Tap Done in the top right corner to use it later.

If you want to send an Apple Gift Card to someone, you can do it from Apple’s new Gift Card website. Tap or click “Buy” in the top right corner (or directly from your iPhone > App Store > tap your profile icon > Send Gift Card by Email).

If you want to add funds to your own Apple Account Balance, you can do it in a few places, including the App Store app > tap your profile icon (top-right) > Add Money to Account.

How to use Apple Gift Card

Use for apps, music, movies, TV shows, subscriptions, etc.

Any purchases you make with Apple through the App Store, iTunes Store, subscriptions like iCloud, Apple Music, Apple News+, Apple TV+, etc., will use the Apple Account Balance first before charging your debit or credit card that’s on file for your Apple ID.

Apple also notes that others can’t spend your balance if you’re using Family Sharing, just you.

Use in the Apple Store app

To use an Apple Gift Card or your Apple Account Balance in the Apple Store app, shop and add what you’d like to your Bag.
Tap Check Out (don’t choose Apple Pay).
Now, choose Add a gift card or look for Apple Account Balance to use all or some of it.
After entering an amount, tap Apply in the top-right corner.
You can now place your order.

How to check your Apple Account balance

Where can you find your balance when you’re ready to make some purchases?

Settings on iPhone and iPad

You can see your balance at any time by heading to Settings app > tap your name > Payment & Shipping > Apple Account.

App Store on iPhone and iPad

In the App Store on iPhone and iPad, you can see your Apple Account Balance by tapping your profile icon in the top right corner.
Look for how much you have near the top under Game Center.