How to Redeem iTunes Gift Cards on iPhone & Check the Balance

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

If you're here, you've probably been given an iTunes gift card and now it's time to redeem it. It's also possible that you've already redeemed your iTunes gift card and simply want to check the remaining Apple gift card balance or add more money to your iTunes balance. You're in the right place; we're going to cover everything you need to know about your Apple gift card.

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How to Use iTunes Gift Cards

There are some basic things you need to know about Apple gift cards and iTunes gift cards. Once you understand this, it'll be easy to redeem your iTunes gift card, check your iTunes gift card balance, and add money to your Apple ID. We'll also explain the difference between an iTunes gift card, an Apple Store gift card, and an Apple Music gift card. Let’s go over the important points:

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  • You can use your iTunes gift card to shop for digital products such as apps, songs, and e-books at any of Apple's mobile stores, which include the iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books Store, and Mac App Store.

  • To use your iTunes gift card for the stores listed above, you must be logged in with the same Apple ID that you used when redeeming your iTunes gift card.

  • You can't use your iTunes gift card to buy Apple products from the Apple Store.

  • There is a difference between an Apple Store gift card, an iTunes gift card, and an Apple Music Membership gift card. Gifts cards for the Apple Store can only be used to buy Apple hardware and accessories, while the Apple Music gift card can be used for...yeah, you guessed it—an Apple Music membership. 

  •  However, if you decide not to use an Apple Music gift card toward membership, it can be applied to your Apple ID account and used as an iTunes gift card, and vice versa—an iTunes gift card can be used to pay for Apple Music. 

Now, let's walk through how to redeem an iTunes gift card.

How to Load iTunes Card on iPhone

While you used to be able to add an Apple gift card to your Wallet with an iTunes pass, this option is no longer available. However, you can still redeem your iTunes gift card in the App Store or the iTunes Store on your iPhone. You can also add your iTunes gift card in the Mac App Store on your Macbook. Regardless of where you redeem your iTunes gift card, you’ll be able to use the balance in any of the listed stores so long as the same Apple ID is associated with all of them.

How to Redeem an iTunes Gift Card on Your iPhone

To redeem an iTunes card:

  1. Open the App Store app.

  2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
  3. Select Redeem.

  4. Tap Use Camera to scan your iTunes gift card code with your iPhone’s camera.

  5. You can also tap Enter Code Manually to type in the iTunes redemption code on the back of the gift card.

The iTunes card balance will then be added to your Apple ID account. When you are ready to make a purchase, the amount due will automatically be deducted from your iTunes balance. Any remaining amount due will be charged to the credit card you have associated with your Apple ID.

Related: How to Change Your Apple ID Credit Card Used for iTunes on iPhone

What If I Received an iTunes Gift Card via Email?

Redeeming an iTunes gift card via email is even easier. To redeem an iTunes gift card sent by email on your iPhone:

  1. Open the Mail app.

  2. Open the email with your gifted iTunes card.
  3. Tap Redeem Now.

  4. If you have Face ID or Touch ID set up, you can redeem the iTunes card that way. Otherwise, you’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password.

Once you’ve redeemed the iTunes gift card, you’ll get a notice that the balance has been added to your account. It will also now show up in your Wallet via your iTunes Pass. Now you’re ready to spend that Apple gift card! If you spend more than the Apple gift card’s balance, the remaining amount will be charged to the credit card associated with your Apple ID.

How to Add Money to Your iTunes Account or Apple ID

You can add quickly add money to your Apple ID account via the App Store or iTunes Store. These days it's very simple to top up your iTunes account by adding money to your Apple ID. If the old days, if you wanted to add money to your iTunes account, you had to buy and redeem more iTunes gift cards. While you still have that option, this is far more convenient. 

  1. Open the App Store app

  2. Scroll to the bottom of the screen. 
  3. Tap Add Funds to Apple ID.

  4. Choose the amount you wish to add.

    add an amount to your Apple ID
  5. Confirm your payment with Face ID, Touch ID, or you Apple ID password and the amount will be added to your Apple ID account.

How to Check iTunes Gift Card Balance

You can check your iTunes card balance at any time. To check the remaining Apple gift card balance for your account, follow these steps:

  1. Open the App Store app.

  2. Tap on the Apple ID icon at the top of the screen.

  3. If the Apple ID in question has a gift card balance, it will appear underneath their Apple ID. As you can see, I have no credit right now!

That's all there is to it! Now you should be able to conveniently add your iTunes and Apple gift cards to your account and check your Apple gift card balance whenever needed. 

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Author Details

Paula Bostrom's picture

Author Details

Paula Bostrom

Paula is a freelance media broadcaster and journalist. She enjoys life at home with her husband, two kids, two dogs, two cats and a parrot. Her iPhone is never more than two feet away from her and she can't imagine life without it.

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Anonymous
0 points
7 years ago

How can I convert my balance to btcoin, I redeemed my card already

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Jodi Medd
0 points
7 years ago

I just bought a $50 iTunes card yesterday and sent it to my boyfriend and he responded back that it says it's not activated how do I go about trying to see if it's activated

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Zaid Salisu
0 points
5 years ago

Hi Jodi Medd I hope you are doing well!

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Anonymous
0 points
8 years ago

Is it possible to transfer funds from my Apple Store wallet to my iTunes wallet ?

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Anonymous
0 points
7 years ago

How can I covert my balance to bitcoin I'm already redeemed my iTunes gift card

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Anonymous
0 points
9 years ago

Hi My name is sandeepkumar Sharma I reside in Canada. I have subscribed u r page for help. I have underwent a fraud yesterday about 3000 dollars. someone called me up stating that they are Canada revenue agency officer and they have filled case against me in courthouse. and I need to pay 3000 dollars to to government to resolve the matter. If i don t wanna make it publicly u have to pay by itunes gift card. I have lost around 3000 dollars.i have already filled the police complaint police is some how helping to get my money back.

I want u to help me know what r the ways from which itunes gift card can be converted into cash. so that i can give in some information to police and apple company to track this people any other way it can tracked . even i lost my money i want them to be arrested no matter how long it takes Please let me know if u can help that will be most appreciated and pass on this message to other people. so that they do not fall for all this things.

Thanks,
Warm Regards

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Dhaval Dabhi
0 points
8 years ago

I already redeemed my itunes gift card in App store but didn't use the balance yet. Can I still be able to add my itunes gift card in Wallet?

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connerleec
0 points
8 years ago

Yes! Just add iTunes Pass to your Wallet and the remaining balance associated with your Apple ID will appear.

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Jenny Singleton
0 points
8 years ago

So I guess I can't redeem the iTunes balance and hope it applies to a balance in the idrop store???

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Anonymous
0 points
8 years ago

Hy i wanna get an itunes you can get me contacted on 678 829-6412

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Shawn lorente
0 points
8 years ago

Can use iTunes card for internet connection. On rugged tablet over seas

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Kelly Quesnelle
0 points
7 years ago

I was checking the balance of iTunes gift cards (you must do this from within iTunes) and it automatically added them to my account (does that also mean redeem?). I didn't want them to be added because I will never use them. I wanted to give them to someone. Now what can I do? It seems I cannot use these towards purchases at Apple. Can I remove these from itunes/unredeem them? Thanks.

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kelsey
0 points
8 years ago

please i was sent an itunes gift card via email and i click redeem now, but i didnt not enter the information, is the itunes gift card still safe? because i was afraid, please englightened me

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Anonymous
0 points
7 years ago

Please I don't know maybe I can redeem iTunes card on Android phone

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Richard Rich
0 points
6 years ago

Did it work

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Dennis Davidson
0 points
7 years ago

how can I activate a card or check and see if it has been activated. I don't have the receipts for the cards

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Michael Garver
0 points
7 years ago

Why do online scammers and prostitutes ask for iTunes gift cards?

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Josiah Proffit
0 points
7 years ago

How do I pay for apps with my gift card instead of my family card I m currently using with family sharing?

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Anonymous
0 points
7 years ago

Hi there, I redeemed my gift card and it took me to a page saying I could use my voucher to pay towards a year Apple Music subscription or buy from iTunes... I wanted to use it towards the year memebershio but accidentally exited... I can see the credit but can’t get back to the page with the two options... is there anyway I can access that credit towards my memebership? Please and thank you

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Callie Tootoosis
0 points
6 years ago

I had bought a iTunes gift card for 50$ and left it in my pocket and it got washed so the code on the back came off am I screwed?? Or is there another way I can redeem it without the code ???

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Anonymous
0 points
6 years ago

Yes I have send iTunes card if $400.00 to Ghana Africa and they tell me the card can not be redeem how can I know if it was use and for what amount. Please I do not want to lose this $400.00usd. What can I do and please help me out.
Please help me this is a lot of money

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Caitlin Zacha
0 points
5 years ago

You got duped! Never send gift cards overseas #geniusmoment

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Mzkolly
0 points
6 years ago

How can I convert my iTunes gift card that have already loaded on my iPhone wallet to cash?

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Jim E
0 points
5 years ago

I can find my Apple iTunes account balance (not gift card balance), but how can I see those purchases that have been deducted from it? I use Google Photo and yesterday I saw something on a message from them that said my Google charge has been deducted from my Apple account. I have purchased nothing from Google. I've had the balance for a couple of years and don't use it much so I haven't really paid much attention to it. Thanks