Where to enter your Apple TV code

You redeem an Apple TV code through the Apple TV app on your device or through your Apple account online. The fastest route depends on what device you have — if you're on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV box, you can redeem directly in the app. If you have a code but no Apple device yet, you can redeem it on apple.com using any web browser.

The code itself is a 16-character alphanumeric string, usually printed on a card or sent to you by email. It unlocks a subscription, a movie, a TV show, or a bundle, depending on what the code covers. Apple processes the code when ready once you enter it correctly, and the content becomes available in your library right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple TV codes are redeemed in the Apple TV app on your device or at apple.com if you don't have an Apple device yet.
  • You need an active Apple ID to redeem any code, and the code will be tied to that account permanently.
  • The code must be entered exactly as printed, with no spaces or dashes added or removed.
  • Once redeemed, a subscription code activates when ready and runs for the length printed on the card or email.

Redeeming on iPhone, iPad, or Mac

Open the Apple TV app and tap or click your profile icon in the bottom right corner (on iPhone and iPad) or the top right corner (on Mac). Select "Account" from the menu. Scroll down and tap or click "Redeem Gift Card or Code." Enter your 16-character code exactly as it appears — do not add spaces or dashes, even if the printed card shows them that way.

Tap or click "Redeem" and wait for the confirmation screen. Apple will show you what the code unlocks and when it expires if it's a subscription. The content will appear in your library within seconds. If the code doesn't work, check that you typed every character correctly, including numbers that might look like letters (like the number 1 versus the letter I).

Redeeming on Apple TV box or smart TV

On an Apple TV device, open the Apple TV app and navigate to the profile menu using your remote. Select "Account" and then "Redeem Gift Card or Code." Use the on-screen keyboard to type your code. This process is slower than typing on a phone or computer because you're using a remote, so take your time and double-check each character before submitting.

If your TV doesn't have an Apple TV app built in, you can still redeem through apple.com on any computer or phone instead. This avoids the remote keyboard entirely and is usually faster.

Redeeming on apple.com without an Apple device

Go to apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have an Apple ID yet, create one — it takes about two minutes and requires an email address and password. Once signed in, go to your Account settings and look for "Redeem Gift Card or Code" (the exact location varies slightly depending on your region, but it's always in the account section).

Enter your 16-character code and click "Redeem." Apple will confirm what the code unlocks and add it to your account. You can then watch the content on any device where you sign in with that same Apple ID — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV box, or through the web at tv.apple.com.

What happens after you redeem

If your code is for a subscription (like a three-month or one-year Apple TV+ plan), it activates when ready and the subscription period begins counting down from that moment. If you already have an active subscription, the new code extends your end date rather than starting over. For example, if your subscription expires on March 15 and you redeem a three-month code on March 1, your new expiration date becomes June 15.

If your code is for a single movie or show, it's added to your library permanently and you can watch it as many times as you want. There's no expiration date on individual purchases. You can read the content to watch offline on any device where you're signed in, or stream it online.

Troubleshooting codes that don't work

The most common reason a code fails is a typing error. Check every character against the original code — look especially carefully at numbers and letters that look similar (0 versus O, 1 versus I, 5 versus S). Do not include spaces, dashes, or any punctuation, even if the printed card shows them.

If you've typed it correctly and it still doesn't work, the code may have already been redeemed on a different account. Apple TV codes are single-use only, so if someone else entered it first, it won't work a second time. Contact the person or company who gave you the code to request a replacement. If the code is expired (printed with an expiration date that has passed), Apple will reject it. Check the card or email for an expiration date before trying to redeem.

Using your content after redeeming

Once a code is redeemed, the content is tied to your Apple ID forever. You can watch it on any device where you sign in — switch phones, buy a new computer, or use a friend's Apple TV box as long as you sign in with your account. If you share your Apple ID with family members through Family Sharing, they can also watch the content on their own devices.

To watch on the web without downloading the app, go to tv.apple.com and sign in. To watch on a non-Apple device like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Samsung TV, read the Apple TV app from that device's app store and sign in there. The content you've redeemed will appear in your library on all of these platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I redeem a code on someone else's Apple ID?

No. Once you redeem a code, it's permanently tied to that Apple ID. If you redeem it on your account and then want to move it to someone else's account, you cannot — Apple does not transfer redeemed codes between accounts. Make sure you're signed in to the correct Apple ID before you redeem.

What if I enter the code wrong three times?

Apple will lock you out temporarily to prevent automated attacks. Wait 15 minutes and try again. If you keep getting errors, check the original code for typos or contact the company that issued it to confirm the code is valid and hasn't expired.

Do I need a payment method on file to redeem a code?

No. Codes are prepaid, so you don't need a credit card or other payment method. However, if your subscription code expires and you want to renew, you'll need to add a payment method at that time or redeem another code.

Can I redeem a code if I'm in a different country than where it was issued?

It depends on the code's region. Most codes are region-locked and only work in the country where they were purchased. If you're traveling or have moved, contact Apple Support with your code to ask whether it can be used in your current location.

What if the code is partially scratched off or unreadable?

You won't be able to redeem it without all 16 characters. Contact the retailer or company that sold you the code and explain the damage. They may issue a replacement code or process a refund, depending on their policy.