How do I redeem an iTunes gift card?

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:

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:

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

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

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

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:

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:

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:

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

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!