Google Play offers several kinds of savings: promo codes from developers or promotions, gift cards that add balance to your account, and Play Points coupons that discount apps, games and in-app items. Redeeming a code takes a few seconds on your phone or computer, and discounts apply at checkout. This guide explains how to redeem each type, where to find coupons, and what to do when a code won’t work.
Quick Answer
Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions > Redeem code. Enter the code and tap Redeem. On a computer, go to play.google.com/redeem.
Redeem a Code on Android
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Tap Payments & subscriptions, then Redeem code (menu names can vary slightly by version).
- Type the code exactly as shown and tap Redeem.
- Follow any prompts. Promo codes for apps start the install; gift card codes add balance.
Redeem a Code on a Computer
- Go to play.google.com/redeem and sign in with the Google account you use on your phone.
- Enter the code and click Redeem.
Redeem During Checkout
When buying an app or in-app item, tap the payment method (for example, your card) on the purchase screen, choose Redeem code, and enter it. The balance or discount applies to that purchase.
Use Play Points Coupons
- Join Google Play Points (free) from your profile menu > Play Points, where available.
- Open the Play Points page to see coupons and offers, such as percentage-off deals on in-app items or rewards for specific games.
- Coupons you claim are applied at checkout for eligible items; you’ll see the discount on the purchase screen.
- You can also use points for Play Store credit or in-game items.
Offers vary by country, account and Play Points level, and coupons expire, so use them before the date shown.
Where to Find Google Play Codes and Deals
- Official promotions from Google, carriers, or device purchases (for example, bundled offers with a new phone).
- Developers who share promo codes for their apps on their websites or social media.
- Gift cards sold at retailers and online stores.
- Play Points offers and the Offers or Deals sections in the Play Store.
Avoid websites that promise free codes or code generators. They’re scams, and Google never asks you to pay for a code with another gift card.
Code Not Working?
- “This code is invalid”: check for typos (O vs. 0, I vs. 1) and remove spaces.
- Already redeemed: each code works once. Check your Play balance in Payments & subscriptions > Payment methods.
- Wrong country: gift cards and many promo codes only work in the country where they were issued.
- Expired: promo codes and coupons often have end dates.
- Wrong account: make sure you’re signed in to the correct Google account in the Play Store.
- Work or family restrictions: some managed or supervised accounts can’t redeem codes.
Related: Get Google Play Points.
Related: See your reviews on Google Play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Play gift cards on an iPhone?
No. They work only with Google Play purchases on Android, Chromebooks and the web.
Can I transfer my Play balance to someone else?
No. Balance stays with the account that redeemed it.
Do promo codes work for subscriptions?
Some do, if the developer created a subscription offer code. Redeem it the same way.
Summary
- Play Store > profile picture > Payments & subscriptions > Redeem code.
- Or go to play.google.com/redeem.
- Use Play Points coupons at checkout.
- Check country, spelling and expiration if a code fails.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.