App Store and iTunes gift card: which country's card you need and how to redeem it
An Apple gift card is tied to the country of the Apple ID. How to check the country, how to redeem the code on an iPhone and what the balance can pay for.
An App Store and iTunes gift card adds funds to the balance of your Apple account: you can buy apps, games and subscriptions without linking a bank card to Apple. Whichever country your Apple ID was opened for — even if you live in Azerbaijan — the card has to be chosen for exactly that country. The card may be labelled “App Store & iTunes” or “Apple Gift Card” — both add to the balance of the Apple account.
The card is tied to the country of the Apple ID
Apple's store is split by country. A US card can only be redeemed on an Apple ID whose country is the USA, a Türkiye card only on an Apple ID whose country is Türkiye. The card value is added to the balance in that country's currency: dollars for a US card, lira for a Türkiye card. European cards are also issued for one particular country; which one is stated in the product name and description.
How to check the country of your Apple ID
- On the iPhone, open the settings and tap your name at the top.
- View your account under media and purchases.
- The country or region line shows the current country.
The country can be changed, but Apple first requires you to spend the remaining balance, cancel your subscriptions and have a payment method for the new country. That is why it is easier to buy a card for the country you already have.
Redeeming the code on an iPhone
- Open the App Store and tap your profile picture in the top corner.
- Choose the option to redeem a gift card or code.
- Choose to enter the code manually and type or paste it.
- Confirm — the amount is added to the balance of your Apple account and is shown on your profile page in the App Store.
What the balance can pay for
- Apps and games in the App Store.
- In-app purchases — game currency, for example.
- Subscriptions: Apple Music, iCloud+ and other services billed through the App Store.
- Books, films and music — in the stores Apple offers in that country.
If the account has a balance, Apple charges it first. The balance cannot be moved to another Apple ID or cashed out, so make sure you are signed in to the right account before you redeem the code.
When you buy on GameBuy
App Store cards are offered for the USA, Europe and Türkiye regions. If you are buying a gift, ask in advance which country the recipient's Apple ID is set to. You pay by bank card or from your balance, and the code appears under “Orders” in your account. Delivery is usually instant; a delay on the supplier's side can extend it to up to 24 hours.
If the code does not work
- Check the characters again; copy and paste the code.
- Compare the country of the card with the country of the Apple ID — a region mismatch is not grounds for a refund, and a delivered code cannot be returned.
- If the problem remains, write to support within 48 hours of receiving the code and attach a screenshot of the error.
