December 26, 2010

How to Redeem iTunes Gift Cards and Certificates

To redeem an iTunes Gift Card or Gift Certificate, click the Redeem link in iTunes, enter the code on the card or certificate into the Redeem Code box on the page, and click the Redeem button. On your computer, Redeem is the first link in the Quick Links section located in the right-hand column on the main iTunes page. On iPhone and iPod touch you'll find a Redeem button at the bottom of the New Releases and Genres lists in Music, and on iPad it's at the bottom of all three lists -- Featured, Top Ten, Genius -- in Music, Movies, and TV Shows.

If you already have an Apple ID, you'll be able to log in and the money will be credited to your account, or if the code is for a specific item it'll download directly to your library. If you don't have an Apple ID you'll be given a chance to create one (you only need an email address), which you can either associate with a payment method (credit card or PayPal) or with none at all, as you choose. If your gift was delivered to you directly in email, you can redeem it by clicking the link in the message. Again, you'll have the opportunity to log in if you already have an Apple ID or create one if you don't.