Why a gift card
A US Apple ID needs a payment method from the same region. Without a US bank card, a gift card is the most reliable option: once it’s in your balance, apps, in-app purchases and subscriptions can all be paid from it.
PayPal is another option, but linking a PayPal account opened in mainland China to a US Apple ID doesn’t always work. Know both, and start with a gift card.
No US Apple ID yet? See Create a non-China Apple ID first.
1. Buy the right card
- It must be a US card: it says Apple Gift Card (US) and the value is in US dollars. Cards from other regions can’t be redeemed to a US account. Older “App Store & iTunes” gift cards work too.
- Value: Shadowrocket is about $3; subscriptions are charged each period, so keep enough balance for the next one. Try a small card first.
- Buy from reputable sources: Apple’s website or large US retailers (e.g. Amazon, Best Buy, Target).
2. Redeem to your balance
On iPhone:
- Make sure the App Store is signed in with your US Apple ID (profile picture, top right).
- Tap your profile picture → “Redeem Gift Card or Code”.
- Scan the code on the back with the camera, or type the 16-character code starting with X.
- The amount is added to your account balance.
On a computer: in the Mac App Store click your name (bottom left) → “Redeem Gift Card”; on Windows use “Redeem” in Apple Music or iTunes.
3. Pay with the balance
- Apps: e.g. Shadowrocket — tap the price and confirm with Face ID or your password; the balance is used first.
- Subscriptions: e.g. Subscribe to Claude on iPhone — each period is charged to the balance; if the balance runs short, the renewal fails and the subscription stops. Check your balance and top up before renewal.
Stuck?
"This code can't be redeemed in the US Store"?
The card isn’t a US card, or the App Store isn’t signed in with the US account. Check both.
"Invalid code" or "already redeemed"?
Re-check the code (it starts with X; 0/O and 1/I are easy to confuse). If it’s right and still fails, contact the seller — only they can deal with an already-redeemed card.
The account got locked after redeeming?
The card’s source may have been bad, or a new account did too much too quickly. Follow Apple’s account-recovery prompts and contact Apple Support if needed. Only buy cards from reliable sources from now on.
Can the balance be refunded or transferred?
Generally no. Gift card balance stays in this Apple ID, so buy what you need rather than a lot at once.
Before moving on, check
✓ All ticked — on to the next step.