The Basics: Get an Apple ID
Whether you’re using an Apple gift card or just a regular credit or debit card, you need an account to buy movies, music, apps, and other downloads from Apple. The account is called an Apple ID. You may already have an Apple ID. Apple uses it for all kinds of things, including backing up and storing data with iCloud, making calls with FaceTime, and Apple Music. And you probably created one when you set up your device. If you already have one, you’re all set. If not, you’ll need to create an Apple ID.
Windows-Only: Install Music,
If you’re using a desktop or laptop Windows computer, you can purchase movies, music, apps, and more using iTunes. On the Mac, iTunes has been replaced by apps like Music and TV, but on Windows, it’s still the place to get your Apple media content.
Redeem Your Apple Gift Card
To move the money stored on the gift card to your Apple ID, you need to redeem the card. You can do this either on a desktop computer or an iOS device, whichever you prefer. Either way, you’ll need to sign in to your Apple ID account and use the code on the back of the card at the Redeem link to add the money to your account. Windows users can redeem their gift cards on iTunes.
Buy From the App Store, Apple Books, Apple Music, or iTunes
If you primarily use an iOS device (iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad), the App Store and Apple Music apps are pre-installed. You can use your Apple Gift Card to purchase apps and other media from the App Store, to get an Apple Music subscription, or to download movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store app. To use your gift card on eBooks from the Apple Books Store, use the Apple Books program that comes pre-installed on all modern Macs and iOS devices. Apple Books doesn’t run on Windows. The iTunes Store has 50 million-plus songs, tens of thousands of movies, TV episodes, and e-books, and over 1 million apps and games for you to spend your gift card on.
Optional: Sync Purchases to Your Device
Once you’ve bought content, you need to get it onto your iPod, iPhone, or iPad and start enjoying it. If you made your purchases directly on an iOS device or your devices automatically sync using iCloud, you’re all set. All of your purchases go directly to the appropriate app on your device. Songs are in Music, Movies and TV episodes go to the Apple TV app, and you’ll find books in Apple Books. Open the appropriate app to check out your purchase. If you made your purchase using iTunes, Apple Music, or TV on a computer, you might need to transfer them to your device to start using them. You can do this by syncing your phone or tablet to your computer.
