Adding an Apple Gift Card takes three steps: open Wallet, tap the plus button, then scan or enter the card code
You can store an Apple Gift Card in your Wallet app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac so the balance stays with you and you can spend it on apps, music, books, and other Apple services. The process is straightforward — you either scan the card's code with your camera or type the code manually if you have it written down or received it by email.
Once the card is in Wallet, your balance appears when ready and updates each time you make a purchase. You do not need to enter the code again at checkout; Wallet handles it automatically when you buy something from the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Books, or other Apple services.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Wallet app, tap the plus button in the top right corner, and select "Gift Card" to start adding your card.
- You can scan the card's code with your iPhone camera or manually type the 16-digit code if you received the card by email or do not have it physically.
- The card balance appears in Wallet when ready after you add it and syncs across all your Apple devices signed into the same account.
- Wallet automatically applies your gift card balance to purchases on Apple services, so you do not need to re-enter the code at checkout.
How to scan your Apple Gift Card into Wallet
If you have a physical Apple Gift Card, scanning it is the fastest method. Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap the plus button (+) in the top right corner of the screen. Select "Gift Card" from the menu that appears.
Your camera will open automatically. Hold the card steady in front of your device so the code on the back is clearly visible in the frame. The camera reads the code without you needing to tap anything — once it recognizes the code, a confirmation screen appears showing the card's balance. Tap "Add" to save it to Wallet.
Entering the code manually if you do not have the card
If you received an Apple Gift Card by email or do not have the physical card in front of you, you can type the code instead. Follow the same first steps: open Wallet, tap the plus button, and select "Gift Card."
Instead of scanning, tap "Enter Code Manually" at the bottom of the camera screen. A text field appears where you can type the 16-digit code. The code is usually printed on the card or included in the email you received. After you enter it, tap "Add" and the card balance will appear in Wallet.
Where your gift card balance appears after you add it
Once you add the card, it shows up in your Wallet app as a card you can tap to see the current balance. The balance syncs across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch if you have them all signed into the same Apple ID account.
When you make a purchase on the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Books, Apple TV+, or iCloud storage, the system automatically deducts from your gift card balance first before asking for another payment method. You do not need to do anything at checkout — Wallet handles it behind the scenes.
What to do if the code does not work
If scanning fails or the code you typed is not recognized, make sure you are looking at the correct code. Apple Gift Cards have a code on the back of the physical card or in the email receipt. The code is 16 digits long and may include both numbers and letters.
If the code still does not work, the card may not have been activated yet. Some retailers require you to set up the card at checkout or online before you can use it. Check your receipt or the email that came with the card for set up instructions. If you purchased the card from a retailer, contact them to confirm the card was activated.
Checking your balance and spending from Wallet
To see how much money remains on your gift card, open Wallet and tap the card. The current balance appears at the top. Each time you make a purchase using Apple services, the balance updates automatically within a few minutes.
You can also check your balance on any Apple device by going to Settings, tapping your name at the top, selecting "Media & Purchases," then "View Account." Your gift card balance appears under "Account Information." This method works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Moving your gift card between devices
Because your gift card is tied to your Apple ID account, not to a single device, you do not need to do anything to use it on another device. As long as you are signed into the same Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, the card and its balance are available automatically.
If you sign out of your Apple ID on a device, the gift card disappears from Wallet on that device but remains in your account. When you sign back in with the same Apple ID, the card reappears. The balance never changes — it stays the same across all your devices because it is stored in your Apple account, not on the device itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple Apple Gift Cards to Wallet?
Yes. You can add as many gift cards as you want. Each one appears as a separate card in Wallet, and you can see all the balances at once. When you make a purchase, the system uses them in the order you added them.
What happens if my gift card balance runs out?
Once the balance reaches zero, the card stays in Wallet but cannot be used for purchases. At checkout, the system will ask for another payment method to cover any remaining amount. You can delete the empty card from Wallet if you want to clean up your list.
Can I use my Apple Gift Card on a Mac?
Yes. On Mac, open the App Store or iTunes, click your account name in the sidebar, then select "View My Account." Your gift card balance appears under Account Information. Purchases automatically deduct from the balance just like on iPhone.
What if I lose my phone after adding the gift card?
Your gift card balance is safe because it is tied to your Apple ID account, not your phone. Sign into your Apple ID on a new device and the card and balance appear automatically in Wallet. The card itself is not lost — only your access to it on that specific phone.
Can I transfer my gift card balance to someone else?
No. Once a gift card is added to your Wallet and Apple ID account, the balance cannot be transferred to another person or account. If you want to give someone else the balance, you would need to use it to purchase something you can share, like an app or subscription.