My friend just published a new game for the Apple iPhone and iPad and she sent me a code so I could get a copy for free. But I have no idea how to use it! Help!!
You have good timing: I was just sent an Apple iPhone redemption code for an iOS app called MP3 Converter and I too was stuck for a minute or two trying to remember what to do with the 15-character code. It’s certainly not obvious, though to developers it’s one of the many things they have to master if they’re working in this ecosystem.
The secret is to treat the code that your friend sent you like you would an iTunes Gift Card. In fact, it’s the same mechanism behind the scenes so it’s really not a huge surprise that’s how you redeem it. So where do you redeem an iTunes gift card? You can do it in iTunes on your Mac or Windows computer, but you can also do so easily within the iTunes app directly on your iOS device too, if you so desire.
Let’s do that. To start, have your app code from the developer handy. Mine is TFNNT3RTFKWFK, yours will doubtless be quite similar. Jump into the App Store on your iPhone…
Don’t tap on any of the buttons, though. Instead swipe down, down, down to get to the very bottom of the screen. You’ll eventually end up here:
Look closely and you’ll see one of the buttons is labeled “Redeem“. Tap on it to redeem your iTunes Gift Card (if that’s what you have!) or enter your redemption code:
If you have a gift card, it’s easy to have the app scan it by tapping “Use Camera“, but, alas, that’s not what we’re going to be doing with a code sent by a developer! Instead, the harder road is required, so tap on “You can also enter your code manually.” to proceed.
Now simply tap in the letters and digits that make up your code. Take your time and check it twice, they can be a bear to enter!
Once you’re done, the “Return” key will activate and you can submit the code for redemption:
Notice above that the “Redeem” button on the top right isn’t available. That’s because a few seconds later a little window pops up prompting me with info about the download:
In this instance, the developer has sent me an in-app purchase code to unlock all the features, rather than a code that covers the cost of the program. Why? Because MP3 Converter is free to download and try so no code is needed. Fortunately iTunes knows what to do, and a tap on “OK” above causes the app to begin downloading:
You can see it loading on the lower right. And that’s it. Once downloaded the app confirms that its in-app purchase was credited too, so it’s all good and I’m ready to go. Follow the same steps and you’ll be ready to enjoy your friend’s app in no time!
