How to check your Apple Gift Card balance

You can check your Apple Gift Card balance in three ways: through the Apple website, on an Apple device, or by calling Apple Support. The fastest method is usually the website, which shows your balance in seconds without needing to own an Apple device.

On a computer or phone browser, go to iforgot.apple.com, sign in with the Apple ID linked to your gift card, and look for "Account" or "Media & Purchases." Your balance appears under "Apple Account Balance" or "Store Credit." If you have never linked the card to an Apple ID, you can still check the balance by visiting apple.com/giftcard and entering the 16-digit code on the back of the card.

On an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open the App Store or iTunes Store, tap or click your profile picture in the top right corner, select "Account," and look for "Apple Account Balance." On Android, open the Apple Music app, tap your profile, go to "Account," and select "View Apple ID." The balance displays in the same location.

If you have the physical card but cannot access it online, call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753). They can verify your identity and tell you the balance over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apple Gift Card balance is stored in your Apple ID account and can be checked online at iforgot.apple.com or through the App Store on any Apple device.
  • You can spend your balance on apps, in-app purchases, music, movies, books, iCloud storage, and AppleCare products, but not on physical hardware like iPhones or MacBooks.
  • Apple Gift Card balance does not expire, so you can use it whenever you want without losing the money.
  • If you lose track of your balance, Apple Support can look it up by phone, but you will need to verify your identity first.
  • Your balance is tied to your Apple ID and region — a card purchased in the US works only in the US App Store and iTunes Store.

What you can and cannot buy with your Apple Gift Card balance

Your Apple Gift Card balance works across the entire Apple ecosystem, but it has limits. You can spend it on apps, games, in-app purchases, music, movies, TV shows, books, audiobooks, Apple Music subscriptions, Apple TV+ subscriptions, iCloud+ storage plans, and AppleCare protection plans for devices you already own.

You cannot use your balance to buy physical products like iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, or Apple Watches. You also cannot use it to pay for AppleCare+ if you are buying it at the same time as a new device. If you want to buy hardware, you will need a credit card or debit card at checkout.

Your balance works in the App Store, iTunes Store, Apple Books, and Apple TV app. It does not work on apple.com for hardware purchases, and it does not transfer between regions — a US Apple ID cannot spend a balance in the UK store.

How your balance is stored and protected

Your Apple Gift Card balance is stored in your Apple ID account, not on the physical card itself. Once you redeem the card by entering the code into your Apple ID, the money moves to your account and stays there until you spend it. This means the physical card becomes worthless after redemption — the balance is not on the card anymore.

If someone else has access to your Apple ID password, they can spend your balance. To protect it, use a strong, unique password for your Apple ID and enable two-factor authentication in your account settings. If your account is compromised, contact Apple Support immediately and they can reverse unauthorized purchases within a limited window.

If you have not yet redeemed the card and you lose the physical card, the balance is at risk. Anyone who finds the card and enters the code can claim the balance. For this reason, do not share photos of the card code with anyone, and store unredeemed cards in a safe place.

What happens if your balance is wrong or missing

If you redeemed a gift card but do not see the balance in your account, wait a few minutes — sometimes the system takes time to process. If it still does not appear after 15 minutes, the code may have been invalid or already used by someone else.

If you believe the balance should be there, contact Apple Support with the original receipt or proof of purchase. They can look up the transaction and either add the balance back to your account or issue a replacement code. You will need to verify your identity and provide the date you redeemed the card.

If you see a balance but it is lower than expected, check your purchase history. Open the App Store, go to your account, and look at "Purchase History" or "Subscriptions" to see what has been charged. Some subscriptions renew automatically and may have deducted from your balance without you noticing.

Using your balance across Apple services

When you make a purchase in any Apple app or store, the system automatically deducts from your balance first. If your balance is not enough to cover the full purchase, you will be asked to add a payment method for the remainder. You cannot split a single purchase between your balance and a credit card — you either have enough balance or you do not.

If you have multiple Apple IDs, each one has its own separate balance. You cannot combine balances or transfer money between accounts. If you use a different Apple ID on a family member's device, that person will not be able to spend your balance.

For subscriptions like Apple Music or Apple TV+, your balance will be charged first each month. Once the balance runs out, the subscription will pause unless you add a payment method. You can check which subscriptions are active by going to your account settings and looking for "Subscriptions" or "Manage Subscriptions."

Regional restrictions and currency

Apple Gift Cards are region-specific. A card purchased in US dollars works only in the US App Store and iTunes Store. If you try to use it in a different region's store, it will not work. The card is also locked to the currency it was issued in — you cannot convert a US card to euros or pounds.

If you move to a different country or want to use a card from another region, you will need to create or switch to an Apple ID in that region's store. This means setting up a new account or changing your account region, which can affect your existing apps, subscriptions, and purchases.

Some retailers sell Apple Gift Cards in different denominations and currencies. Make sure you are buying a card for the correct region and currency before you purchase it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Apple Gift Card balance expire?

No. Apple Gift Card balance does not expire and does not lose value over time. You can hold onto your balance for as long as you want and spend it whenever you choose. There is no deadline or time limit.

Can I use my balance to buy a gift card for someone else?

No. You cannot use your Apple Gift Card balance to purchase another gift card. You can only spend it on apps, content, subscriptions, and services within the Apple ecosystem. If you want to give someone else money, you will need to use a credit or debit card to buy them a gift card.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password and cannot check my balance?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the steps to reset your password. You will need access to your recovery email or phone number. Once you reset your password, you can sign in and check your balance. If you cannot recover your account, call Apple Support and they can help verify your identity and reset your account access.

Can I get a refund for my Apple Gift Card balance?

Apple does not refund gift card balances. Once you redeem a gift card, the balance is yours to spend on Apple services. If you made a purchase by mistake, you may be able to request a refund for that specific purchase within 14 days, but the refund goes back to your balance, not to your original payment method.

What should I do if someone else used my gift card without permission?

Contact Apple Support immediately and explain what happened. They can review your account activity and may reverse unauthorized purchases if you report them quickly. Have your Apple ID email and phone number ready, and be prepared to describe which purchases were not yours.