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How do I redeem an iTunes gift card?

I got a great gift from my folks, an Apple iTunes gift card. Nice. And I have an iPod. What I don't have is any clue how to redeem an iTunes gift card. Help!


Dave's Answer:

Let me ask you, how are you putting music on your iPod currently? I mean, if you can figure that out, you should be good to go with an iTunes gift card. :-)

But I'll assume that's a legit question and address it, okay? After all, there are probably lots of people who have these gift cards and haven't figured out just how easy they are to redeem.

First thing you'll need is a coin or sharp fingernail: you need to rub off the silver on the back to reveal the full gift card code. It's going to look something like this:

XXTSSHSFKGNS3H3M

Now get started by launching iTunes: that's the application you need, and if you don't have it yet, well, download it. You can do that from Apple.

When you look at the full iTunes window, click on "iTunes Store" on the left:

apple itunes store link

Now you should see the full iTunes Store, which includes a list of menu items:

apple itunes store redeem

As you might expect, click on "Redeem". Now you'll see:

apple itunes store redeem code

Here's where you enter the code you've got printed on the back of the iTunes gift card. Do so, then click "Redeem".

apple itunes store enter account

As you can see, you need to either set up or log in to your account. Since I have one, I'll just enter my account and password information and click "Redeem".

If it works, you'll now get the positive message:

apple itunes store card redeemed

Now click "Shop" and you can just cruise around the iTunes Store, find something you like and click the "Buy" button: it'll be subtracted from your outstanding balance (you can see mine is $25.00) and downloaded.

Note also that the top right of the iTunes app shows you the current balance of your card:

apple itunes top right gift card balance

Digging around, I found Orson Scott Card's classic sci-fi novel Ender's Game and realize I've never given it a proper listen:

apple itunes store buy enders game

That's what I'll buy. I click on "BUY BOOK" and:

apple itunes store enders game downloading

Perfect. iTunes Gift Card redeemed on the store, great audio book downloaded into iTunes and the next time I sync up my iPod with iTunes, it'll automatically be copied onto the player.

Hope that helps you!



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Comments


thanks for your explanation,,,,,,,, but i am still confusing about how to create my own account, so i need your help to create my account ......thank for your kindness..........

Posted by: victor at May 19, 2009 1:16 AM

I have a lot to say, but ...
Starbucks coffee cup I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!









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