Did someone just give you an Xbox gift card, Windows Store gift card, prepaid card, or promotional code? They usually come in the form of cards with a 25-character code. You can use these prepaid codes to make purchases without a credit card. We'll show you how you can redeem the codes on your Xbox One, Windows Phone device, or your computer.
There is not much of a difference between an Xbox gift card and a Windows Store gift card. Both cards add funds to your Microsoft account for purchases in Windows Store, Windows Phone Store and Xbox Marketplace.
Redeeming from the Xbox One
The easiest way to redeem a gift card or prepaid code on the Xbox One is to simply say "Xbox, use a code." If you do not have a Kinect, go to Games, then select 'Use a code.' You will have two options:
- If your gift card has a QR code, hold it up to the Kinect sensor. It should be within about 2 feet of the sensor.
- The other option is to manually enter the 25-character code.
Redeeming from Windows Phone
It would be nice if the Xbox One SmartGlass app has the ability to redeem both QR Codes and 25 Digit codes, but that's not possible yet. In the meantime, you can use the Wallet app for Windows Phone.
- Launch the Wallet app from the app list.
- Tap the add button at the bottom of the screen.
- Select Microsoft gift card.
- Enter code.
If you would like to be able to scan QR codes or enter them using the SmartGlass app, let your voice be heard. Go tell Microsoft at their Xbox Feedback page.
Redeeming from a computer
The best way to redeem a gift card or prepaid code from your computer is through the browser. Head over to live.xbox.com/redeemtoken and click the Redeem button. Enter your code, and then click Confirm.
What's your next purchase?
That's it! Once you redeem a gift card to your Microsoft account, you can buy and download apps, games, movies, TV shows, and more at the Windows Phone, Windows, Xbox Games, and Xbox Video.
What are you buying next? Let us know in the comments!