Redeeming your Google Play gift card
A Google Play gift card adds money to your Google Play balance, which you can then spend on apps, games, books, movies, and subscriptions in the Google Play Store. You redeem the card by entering a code — either by typing it in the Play Store app on your Android phone, through the web version of Google Play, or by scanning the card's barcode with your phone's camera. The balance appears in your account within seconds and stays there until you spend it.
The process is the same whether your card came from a retailer, a gift, or a promotion. You do not need to create a new account or link a credit card. If you already have a Google account, you are ready to redeem.
Key Takeaways
- Redeem a Google Play gift card by opening the Play Store app, tapping your profile icon, selecting "Payments and subscriptions," then "Redeem code," and entering the 16-character code from the back of the card.
- If you do not have an Android phone, you can redeem the card at play.google.com on any web browser by signing into your Google account and entering the code in the same way.
- The balance appears when ready in your account and works for any purchase in the Play Store — apps, games, books, movies, subscriptions, and in-app spending.
- If the code does not work, check that you typed it correctly, that the card has not expired, and that you are signed into the correct Google account.
Redeeming on an Android phone
Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner — it usually shows your initial or a photo. A menu will appear with several options.
Tap "Payments and subscriptions." You will see three tabs: "Payment methods," "Subscriptions," and "Redeem code." Tap "Redeem code." A text field will appear asking you to enter the code.
Look at the back of your gift card. You will see a 16-character code printed or scratched off. Type this code into the field exactly as it appears — it may include both letters and numbers. Tap "Redeem." The balance will appear in your account within a few seconds. You can now spend it on anything in the Play Store.
Redeeming on a computer or tablet
If you do not have an Android phone, you can redeem the card through a web browser. Go to play.google.com and sign into your Google account. If you are not already signed in, you will see a "Sign in" button in the top right.
Once you are signed in, click your profile icon in the top right corner. A menu will drop down. Click "Payments and subscriptions." You will see the same three tabs as on the phone app. Click "Redeem code."
Enter the 16-character code from the back of your gift card into the text field. Click "Redeem." The balance will appear in your account when ready. You can now browse the Play Store and make purchases using this balance.
Using your balance after redemption
Once the code is redeemed, the money sits in your Google Play balance. When you buy an app, game, book, movie, or subscription, the Play Store will automatically use this balance first before asking for another payment method.
You can check your remaining balance at any time by opening the Play Store app, tapping your profile icon, and selecting "Payments and subscriptions." The balance is shown at the top of the screen. On the web, the balance appears in the same location after you click your profile icon.
The balance does not expire once it is redeemed into your account. You can spend it whenever you want, and it will work across all Google Play purchases — whether you are buying a one-time app or paying for a monthly subscription.
What to do if the code does not work
If you enter the code and see an error message, the most common reason is a typing mistake. Check that you typed every character correctly, including distinguishing between the letter O and the number 0, and the letter I and the number 1. Codes are case-insensitive, so uppercase and lowercase do not matter.
If you typed it correctly, check that you are signed into the right Google account. Some people have multiple Google accounts and may be signed into the wrong one in the Play Store. Sign out and sign back in with the account you want to use.
If the card itself is damaged or the code is scratched off and unreadable, you will not be able to redeem it. Contact the retailer or the person who gave you the card — they may be able to provide a replacement or refund. If the card has an expiration date printed on it and that date has passed, the card cannot be redeemed.
Redeeming a gift card sent by email or text
Some retailers and promotions send Google Play gift cards as a link or code through email or text message instead of a physical card. If you received a code this way, the process is identical: open the Play Store app or go to play.google.com, navigate to "Redeem code," and enter the code you received.
If you received a link instead of a code, clicking the link will usually open the Play Store app or website and take you directly to the redemption screen. You may just need to confirm the redemption by tapping a button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my Google Play balance to someone else?
No. Once a gift card code is redeemed into your Google account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred, refunded, or sent to another person. This is why it is important to redeem the card into the account you actually want to use.
What if I do not have a Google account yet?
You will need to create one before you can redeem a Google Play gift card. Go to accounts.google.com and click "Create account." You will need an email address and a password. Once your account is created, you can redeem the card using the steps above.
Can I use a Google Play gift card to buy a Chromebook or other hardware?
No. Google Play gift cards work only for digital purchases in the Google Play Store — apps, games, books, movies, and subscriptions. They cannot be used to buy physical devices or hardware from Google or other retailers.
Does the balance work on all Android phones?
Yes. Once the balance is in your Google account, you can use it on any Android phone or tablet where you sign into that account. The balance is stored in your Google account, not on the device itself.
What happens if I buy something that costs more than my balance?
The Play Store will use your entire Google Play balance first, then ask you to add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or other option) to cover the remaining amount. You do not have to complete the purchase if you do not want to add another payment method.