Apple gift cards have become a popular gift item and a convenient way to add funds to your Apple ID balance. With the growth of the App Store and in-app purchases, a common question is whether Apple gift cards can be used to pay for in-app purchases or if they are limited to purchases on the App Store. The short answer is yes, Apple gift cards can definitely be used for in-app purchases in addition to App Store purchases. However, there are some important details to understand about how it works.
Using Apple Gift Cards for the App Store
The primary purpose of Apple gift cards is to allow you to add funds or store credits to your Apple ID account. The Apple ID balance can then be used to make purchases in the App Store for apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, and more. When you redeem an Apple gift card, the full amount is added to your Apple ID and available for future App Store purchases.
For example, if you redeem a $25 Apple gift card, your Apple ID will show a balance of $25 that can be used toward any App Store purchases. The credits from Apple gift cards apply to all App Store transactions regardless of whether you are on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV or other Apple device.
Using Apple Gift Cards for In-App Purchases
In addition to the App Store, your Apple ID balance can be used for in-app purchases within apps downloaded from the App Store. In-app purchases allow you to unlock additional content, features or services within apps on a one-time or subscription basis. This includes in-app purchases in free apps as well as paid apps.
Some common examples of in-app purchases include:
- Unlocking ad-free versions of apps
- Obtaining virtual coins/gems/currency for games
- Accessing premium video or music content
- Buying digital magazines or books
- Purchasing subscriptions for streaming services
- Unlocking advanced app features
Any money added to your Apple ID from an Apple gift card redemption can be used interchangeably between App Store purchases and in-app purchases. You don’t need to allocate your Apple ID balance between the two categories.
Step-By-Step Process
Using an Apple gift card for in-app purchases follows nearly the same process as making App Store purchases:
- Redeem your Apple gift card by scratching off the code on the back and entering it on your device or the Apple website. This adds the value of the gift card as a positive balance to your Apple ID.
- Find the app you want to make the in-app purchase in and navigate to where the in-app purchase is offered. This may be on a shop screen within the app or when accessing premium content.
- Select the in-app purchase item you want to buy and proceed through the purchase flow. The final step before confirming will show your Apple ID balance as a payment option.
- Complete the transaction using your Apple ID balance. The amount of the in-app purchase will be deducted from your available Apple ID balance.
Once your Apple ID balance goes to $0, you will need to add additional funds, either with another gift card or other payment method, to make further App Store or in-app purchases. The process is streamlined so you can seamlessly use gift cards and your Apple ID for all types of purchases.
Benefits of Using Apple Gift Cards for In-App Purchases
There are a few advantages to leveraging Apple gift cards specifically for in-app purchases:
- Digital Currency – Apple gift cards provide a digital balance that can be applied to digital in-app purchases versus physical goods.
- Kid/Teen Friendly – Gifting gift cards allows monitoring spending on in-app purchases for kids or teens.
- Budgeting – predetermined amounts on gift cards can help plan spending limits for in-app purchases.
- Discounts – Apple gift cards are occasionally discounted by retailers, offering a way to save on in-app purchases.
For those that frequently make in-app purchases, keeping Apple gift cards on hand as a dedicated in-app purchase fund is a handy strategy.
Limitations to Be Aware Of
While Apple gift cards offer flexibility in using them for in-app purchases, there are couple limitations to note:
- Apple gift cards can only be used in the Apple ecosystem. You can’t use them for Google Play or other non-Apple in-app purchases.
- Redeeming an Apple gift card will not trigger refunds or adjustments of previous App Store or in-app purchases.
- If you request a refund for an in-app purchase made with a gift card, the refund is credited back to your Apple ID balance, not a physical gift card.
But any of these limitations are easy to work around and don’t diminish the value and convenience of Apple gift cards.
Checking Apple ID Balance
To track the available funds in your Apple ID for App Store and in-app purchases, you can check your Apple ID balance at any time:
- On iPhone/iPad – Go to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store
- On Mac – Open the App Store app > View Account
- On Apple TV – Go to Settings > Accounts > iTunes & App Store
- Online – Check https://appleid.apple.com/account
Monitoring your balance helps determine when you may need to add more funds via additional gift cards.
Using Part of Gift Card Balance
A great feature of Apple gift cards is that you don’t have to use the full balance in one transaction. The Apple ID system keeps track of any remaining balance and makes it available for future App Store or in-app purchases.
For example, if you redeem a $50 Apple gift card but only spend $25 of it on an app purchase, the remaining $25 stays in your Apple ID and can be applied to additional purchases over time. This flexibility makes it easy to buy Apple gift cards even if they are in larger denominations than a single purchase.
Combining Payment Methods
If you make an in-app purchase for an amount greater than your Apple ID balance from gift cards, you can combine payment methods to complete the transaction.
The following scenario demonstrates this:
- You have $10 remaining Apple ID balance from gift cards.
- You initiate an in-app purchase for $15.
- At checkout, $10 is deducted from your Apple ID balance.
- You pay the remaining $5 with a credit/debit card or PayPal.
Splitting transactions between your Apple ID balance and additional payment methods is handy for maximizing the value of gift cards even if their balance isn’t enough for a purchase.
Receiving Apple Gift Cards
If you personally don’t purchase a lot of apps or make in-app purchases, but receive Apple gift cards as gifts, you have a few options for getting value from them:
- Gift/resell – Regift the Apple gift card to someone else who may use it or resell it.
- Family sharing – Add it to a family member’s Apple ID if they make App Store purchases.
- Store credit – Can be used for non in-app purchases like music, movies, Apple One subscriptions, and iCloud storage.
The pros is that even if you don’t use Apple gift cards yourself, they can often provide value one way or another.
Buying Apple Gift Cards
Apple gift cards are widely available both digitally and physically making them very convenient to purchase. Here are some of the most common places to buy Apple gift cards:
- Apple’s website or app stores
- Apple retail stores
- Other retailers like supermarkets, drugstores, department stores, etc
- Restaurant reward programs
- Online marketplaces like Amazon or eBay
Apple gift cards are sold in various preset amounts normally starting at $25 and going up to $200. Look for occasional sales or discounts to maximize the value of gift cards. Also note that digital gift cards usually provide faster and more flexible redemption compared to physical gift cards.
Redeeming Apple Gift Cards
To start using funds from an Apple gift card, you’ll need to redeem it which adds the value to your Apple ID balance. Gift cards each have a unique code on the back that is entered at the time of redemption. Here are the steps to redeem an Apple gift card:
- Go to https://redeem.apple.com from any device or open the App Store app on an Apple device.
- Enter the gift card code and PIN when prompted.
- Follow the steps to add the gift card to your own Apple ID or choose to send it to someone else.
- The gift card amount will appear as Pending until confirmed where it moves to your Apple ID balance.
For physical plastic gift cards, make sure to carefully scratch off the coating on the back to reveal the code for redemption. The process typically takes just a few minutes to complete.
Checking Gift Card Balance
If you are unsure of the remaining balance on an Apple gift card, there are couple ways to check it:
- On iPhone/iPad – View the gift card under Wallet app
- On Mac – Check Apple ID account page
- On Apple site – https://check.giftcardbalance.apple.com
- Call – 1-800-275-2273
Checking the balance in advance lets you know how much is available before making App Store or in-app purchases. Monitoring the balance also gives you visibility in case funds are used without your knowledge.
Lost or Stolen Gift Cards
Since Apple gift cards hold monetary value, it is important to keep track of physical gift cards and protect the redemption code. But if you happen to lose an Apple gift card or it gets stolen, you should immediately report it to Apple. You can call 1-800-275-2273 or fill out Apple’s gift card support form online to report it.
Apple can then cancel that gift card code and prevent fraudulent use of the funds. As soon as it is reported, you will not be held liable for any lost balances. Just be sure to report lost or stolen gift cards as soon as possible.
Expiration of Apple Gift Cards
Apple gift cards do not actually expire or lose their value over time. The funds added to your Apple ID from gift card redemptions do not have an expiration date either. So there is no rush to use up Apple gift cards quickly.
You can redeem a gift card and wait months or even years to make App Store or in-app purchases without losing the credits. This makes them handy to have for infrequent purchases or budgeting spending over long periods. There are no monthly fees or penalties that reduce Apple gift card balances over time.
Using Apple Gift Cards Internationally
For the most part, Apple gift cards purchased in one country can only be redeemed in that specific country. So a gift card bought in the U.S. will likely only work for a U.S. Apple ID. However, for customers travelling internationally or with foreign App Stores, here are couple tips on using Apple gift cards:
- Purchase gift cards matching your international App Store country.
- Switch your Apple ID country temporarily to redeem gift cards.
- Some retailers sell multi-nation gift cards.
While region locked, in certain cases Apple gift cards can be applied across countries. Contact Apple support for details if you will be travelling and using gift cards abroad.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple gift cards are extremely flexible for not only making App Store purchases but also funding in-app purchases within apps. The redemption process is quick and easy, with the gift card value getting added directly to your Apple ID balance. That balance can then be seamlessly used for any in-app purchases just like other payment methods.
With their wide availability, digital options, and no expiration, Apple gift cards have become a preferred source of funds for many iOS users. Just be sure to check balances periodically, keep track of physical cards, and consider gifting unwanted ones. Overall, Apple gift cards are a great hassle-free tool for acquiring apps, games, and unlocking premium in-app content.