How to Redeem an Xbox Gift Card: Console, App & Web Guide

Got an Xbox gift card and ready to spend it? Whether you're redeeming on your Xbox console, through the Xbox app on PC or mobile, or via the Microsoft Store website, the process is quick and simple.

This guide covers how to redeem an Xbox gift card on every platform, explains what you can buy with Xbox credit, and walks through common problems and their fixes.

What Is an Xbox Gift Card?

An Xbox gift card adds funds to your Microsoft account balance. These funds work across the entire Microsoft ecosystem -- Xbox consoles, the Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Xbox app. Cards come in standard denominations like Xbox Gift Card $25, Xbox Gift Card $50, and Xbox Gift Card $100.

Important distinction: Xbox gift cards add wallet balance. They're different from Xbox Game Pass subscription codes or Xbox Live Gold codes, which activate specific services rather than adding spendable credit.

How to Redeem an Xbox Gift Card on Console

This works on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox One:

1. Press the Xbox button -- This opens the guide menu on the left side of your screen.
2. Navigate to the Store -- Scroll right to find the Microsoft Store tile, or say "Xbox, open Store" if you have voice commands enabled.
3. Select "Redeem a code" -- Found in the Store menu. On newer dashboard versions, you may need to select the three-line menu icon first.
4. Enter the 25-character code -- Type the code exactly as shown. The format is XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX.
5. Confirm -- Select "Confirm" and the funds appear in your account immediately.

Alternatively, you can reach the redemption screen through Settings > Account > Redeem code. Both paths lead to the same result.

How to Redeem an Xbox Gift Card on the Xbox App (PC & Mobile)

The Xbox app available on Windows, iOS, and Android supports code redemption:

On Windows PC:

1. Open the Xbox app -- Sign in with the Microsoft account you want to add funds to.
2. Click your profile icon -- Located in the top-left corner.
3. Select "Redeem a code" -- This opens the redemption window.
4. Paste or type your 25-character code -- If you received the code digitally, pasting avoids typos.
5. Click "Redeem" -- Funds are added to your Microsoft account balance.

On Mobile (iOS/Android):

1. Open the Xbox app -- Make sure you're signed into the correct account.
2. Tap your profile picture -- Found in the bottom navigation bar.
3. Tap "Redeem a code" -- Listed in your account options.
4. Enter the code -- Type or paste the 25-character string.
5. Confirm -- Tap "Redeem" to complete.

How to Redeem an Xbox Gift Card via Microsoft Store Web

The web browser method works from any device:

1. Go to redeem.microsoft.com -- This is Microsoft's dedicated code redemption page.
2. Sign in -- Use the Microsoft account linked to your Xbox profile.
3. Enter the 25-character code -- Type or paste your code in the input field.
4. Click "Next" -- Review the details showing the amount being added.
5. Click "Confirm" -- The funds appear in your account balance.

The redeem.microsoft.com page is the fastest method since it skips all store navigation and takes you directly to the code entry screen.

What You Can Buy with Xbox Gift Card Balance

Your Microsoft account balance works across multiple storefronts:

• Xbox games -- Full games, indie titles, and backward-compatible classics from the Xbox Keys catalog.
• Game Pass subscriptions -- Purchase Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core using wallet funds.
• DLC and season passes -- Expansion content for any game in your library.
• In-game purchases -- V-Bucks, Apex Coins, COD Points, and other microtransaction currencies.
• Movies and TV -- Rent or buy digital movies and shows from the Microsoft Store.
• Windows PC games -- Titles available on the Microsoft Store for Windows.
• Apps and software -- Some Microsoft Store apps accept account balance as payment.

One advantage of Xbox gift cards over PlayStation's system: your balance is tied to your Microsoft account, so funds work across Xbox consoles and Windows PCs seamlessly.

Xbox Gift Card Regional Restrictions

Like most digital gift cards, Xbox gift cards are region-locked. A card purchased for the US market will only work on a US Microsoft account.

Here's how regions work with Xbox:

• Account region matters -- Your Microsoft account has a set country/region that determines which cards it accepts.
• You can change your account region -- Unlike PSN, Microsoft allows you to change your account's country/region through account settings. However, you can only change it once every three months.
• Currency must match -- A USD gift card only works on accounts set to the United States. A GBP card only works on UK accounts.
• Console location doesn't matter -- Your physical location or console's location setting doesn't affect which cards you can redeem. Only the account region matters.

Before buying from a third-party seller, verify the card's region matches your Microsoft account's country setting.

Troubleshooting: Xbox Gift Card Code Not Working

If your code doesn't redeem, try these solutions:

"This code is not valid"

• Verify the code -- Re-enter it carefully. Common mix-ups include B/8, O/0, I/1, Z/2, and S/5.
• Remove dashes -- Some redemption fields auto-format. Try entering the code without any dashes.
• Check for expiration -- While rare, some promotional codes have expiration dates printed on the card or email.

"This code cannot be redeemed in your region"

• Region mismatch -- The card's currency doesn't match your account region. Check your account settings at account.microsoft.com.
• Consider changing regions -- If intentional, you can change your account region, but this affects your entire Microsoft Store experience.

"There was a problem redeeming your code"

• Xbox Live service issues -- Check the Xbox Status page at support.xbox.com/xbox-live-status. Server problems can temporarily prevent code redemption.
• Try a different method -- If the console method fails, try redeem.microsoft.com instead, or vice versa.
• Wait and retry -- Temporary server issues usually resolve within 30 minutes to a few hours.

"Your account has reached the stored value limit"

• Balance cap -- Microsoft accounts have a maximum stored balance (typically $1,000 in the US). If you're near the limit, spend some balance before adding more.

Xbox Gift Card vs Xbox Game Pass Code

A common point of confusion: Xbox gift cards and Xbox Game Pass codes are different products.

• Xbox gift cards add dollar balance to your wallet. You decide what to spend it on.
• Game Pass codes activate a specific subscription for a set duration (1 month, 3 months, etc.).

If you want flexibility, gift cards are better. If you specifically want Game Pass, a subscription code is often cheaper per month than buying Game Pass with wallet funds at full price. Compare prices on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to find the best deal.

Tips for Maximizing Xbox Gift Card Value

Buy discounted cards: Third-party sellers frequently offer Xbox gift cards at 5-15% below face value. A $50 card for $43-45 is common through authorized resellers.

Stack for major sales: Load your balance before Xbox's big seasonal sales -- Summer Sale, Black Friday, and the holiday sale period offer the steepest discounts.

Check Microsoft Rewards: If you're a Microsoft Rewards member, you can earn points through Bing searches and Xbox activities, then convert those points to gift card balance for even more savings.

Combine with Game Pass discounts: Game Pass members get up to 20% off game purchases. Pair that with discounted gift cards for maximum savings on permanent game purchases.

Quick Reference: Redemption Steps

No matter which platform you use, the process follows the same pattern:

1. Sign into your Microsoft account.
2. Find the "Redeem a code" option.
3. Enter the 25-character code.
4. Confirm and receive your funds.

The fastest route is always redeem.microsoft.com -- bookmark it for future use.

Ready to load up your Xbox wallet? Compare prices on Xbox Gift Card $25, Xbox Gift Card $50, and Xbox Gift Card $100 to find the best deals from trusted sellers.