How To Add Gift Card to Apple Wallet

Adding a gift card to Apple Wallet is a simple way to keep your digital cards organized and ready to use. Instead of carrying physical gift cards, you can store them on your iPhone for quick access, secure transactions, and easy balance tracking. Whether you have an Apple Gift Card, a retailer’s gift card, or a prepaid Visa/Mastercard, the process varies based on the card type. This guide breaks down the exact steps to add gift cards to Apple Wallet, ensuring you get the most out of your digital wallet.

How to Add Gift Card to Apple Wallet

Adding a gift card to Apple Wallet lets you store and use your balance without carrying a physical card. The process depends on the type of gift card you have. Follow these steps to add your gift card to Apple Wallet and start using it instantly.

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Step 1: Check Gift Card Compatibility

Not all gift cards work with Apple Wallet. Apple Gift Cards, select retail gift cards, and prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift cards may be eligible. If your card is not directly supported, you may need to use a third-party app like Stocard or the retailer’s app.

Step 2: Open Apple Wallet or the Retailer’s App

For Apple Gift Cards, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and select “Redeem Gift Card” to scan or enter the code manually.
For retail gift cards, open the store’s app and look for the “Add to Apple Wallet” option.
For prepaid Visa/Mastercard gift cards, open Apple Wallet, tap “+”, and select “Debit or Credit Card” to enter the card details.

Step 3: Scan or Enter the Gift Card Details

If your gift card has a QR code or barcode, scan it directly in the App Store or the retailer’s app. If scanning is not available, manually enter the gift card number and PIN when prompted.

Step 4: Confirm and Add to Apple Wallet

Once entered, Apple Wallet will store the gift card and make it available for payments or balance tracking. If the card is linked to a loyalty or rewards program, it will update automatically.

Step 5: Use the Gift Card from Apple Wallet

To use your gift card, open Apple Wallet, select the card, and show the barcode at checkout or use Apple Pay if supported. Some gift cards allow online purchases by copying the card number and PIN from Apple Wallet.

What is Apple Wallet and How Does It Work?

Apple Wallet is a digital storage app that lets you keep gift cards, credit cards, passes, and tickets in one place. It works with iPhones and Apple Watches, allowing you to make purchases, check balances, and use loyalty programs without carrying physical cards.

Apple Wallet supports various gift card types, including:

Apple Gift Cards (redeemed for App Store, subscriptions, and Apple products).
Retailer Gift Cards (Starbucks, Target, Best Buy, etc.).
Prepaid Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards (may require activation through a bank).

When a gift card is added to Apple Wallet, it syncs with Apple Pay (if supported), allowing you to tap to pay in stores or use the balance online. If a card isn’t compatible, the retailer’s app might provide an alternative way to store and access it.

Types of Gift Cards You Can Add to Apple Wallet

Not all gift cards work with Apple Wallet, but several major types do. Here’s a breakdown of which gift cards you can store and use on your iPhone:

1. Apple Gift Card

Can be redeemed directly in Apple Wallet.
Used for App Store purchases, Apple subscriptions, and Apple products.

2. Retailer Gift Cards

Some big brands like Starbucks, Target, and Walgreens allow adding gift cards to Apple Wallet.
Usually added through the store’s app by selecting “Add to Apple Wallet.”

3. Prepaid Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards

Treated as a debit or credit card in Apple Wallet.
Requires manual entry of card details or linking through a banking app.

4. E-Gift Cards from Third-Party Stores

Some e-gift cards come with a “Add to Apple Wallet” option.
If not, you can store them in the retailer’s app or take a screenshot for easy access.

If your gift card is not directly supported, check the retailer’s website or app for alternative ways to store and use it on your phone.

How to Add an Apple Gift Card to Apple Wallet

Apple Gift Cards can be added to Apple Wallet for easy access and quick payments. Follow these steps to redeem and store your Apple Gift Card on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open the App Store or Apple Wallet

Launch the App Store on your iPhone and tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner. Scroll down and select “Redeem Gift Card or Code.”

Step 2: Choose a Redemption Method

You can add the gift card in two ways:

Scan the gift card using your iPhone’s camera. Hold your device over the QR code or barcode to capture the code automatically.
Enter the code manually if scanning doesn’t work. Type the 16-digit code found on the back of the card.

Step 3: Confirm and Add to Apple Wallet

Once redeemed, the balance is automatically applied to your Apple ID. To view or use it:

Open Apple Wallet, and the gift card balance will be available for purchases on the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and more.
You can check your remaining balance anytime by visiting the App Store > Profile > Apple Account Balance section.

Step 4: Use the Apple Gift Card from Apple Wallet

Your Apple Gift Card balance is automatically applied when making eligible purchases. If the balance isn’t enough, Apple Wallet will prompt you to add another payment method for the remaining amount.

How to Add a Retailer Gift Card to Apple Wallet

Retail gift cards from select stores can be added to Apple Wallet for easy payments and balance tracking. Follow these steps to check if your gift card is supported and add it to your iPhone.

Step 1: Check for Apple Wallet Compatibility

Not all retailers allow gift cards to be stored in Apple Wallet. To check:

Look at the back of the card or visit the retailer’s website.
Open the retailer’s app and check if there is an “Add to Apple Wallet” option.

Step 2: Add the Gift Card Through the Retailer’s App

Download the official app of the store that issued the gift card.
Sign in to your account and navigate to the gift card section.
If the retailer supports Apple Wallet, you’ll see an “Add to Apple Wallet” button.

Step 3: Follow the On-Screen Instructions

Tap “Add to Apple Wallet”, then follow the steps provided by the app.
Some apps require verification via SMS or email before adding the card.

Step 4: Confirm the Gift Card in Apple Wallet

Open the Apple Wallet app on your iPhone.
The gift card should now appear, ready for in-store or online use.
If the card does not appear, restart your device and try adding it again.

How to Add a Prepaid Visa/Mastercard Gift Card to Apple Wallet

Prepaid Visa and Mastercard gift cards work like debit cards, and you can add them to Apple Wallet for secure payments.

Step 1: Open Apple Wallet

On your iPhone, open the Apple Wallet app.
Tap the “+” (Add Card) button at the top-right corner.

Step 2: Select Debit or Credit Card

Choose “Debit or Credit Card” since prepaid gift cards function as bank-issued cards.
If the card has a contactless payment symbol, it may support Apple Pay transactions.

Step 3: Enter the Card Details

If the card has a QR code or barcode, scan it.
If scanning doesn’t work, manually enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV.

Step 4: Verify the Card with the Issuer

Some prepaid cards require verification through the issuing bank’s website or app.
You may need to register the card with a billing address before it works with Apple Pay.

Step 5: Use the Gift Card for Purchases

Once added, open Apple Wallet and select the prepaid card for payment.
Tap your iPhone at checkout terminals or use the card details for online transactions.

Common Issues When Adding Gift Cards to Apple Wallet (and Fixes)

Not all gift cards work seamlessly with Apple Wallet. If you run into errors while adding a card, here’s how to troubleshoot and fix them.

1. “Card Not Supported” Error

Reason: The gift card issuer may not support Apple Wallet.
Fix:

Check the retailer’s website or app to confirm Apple Wallet compatibility.
If unsupported, use the store’s official app or third-party apps like Stocard to store the card digitally.
Take a screenshot of the card’s barcode and scan it when making a purchase.

2. Gift Card Balance Not Showing

Reason: The card may not be activated or linked properly.
Fix:

Check the balance on the retailer’s website to confirm activation.
Remove and re-add the card in Apple Wallet.
Ensure your device has an active internet connection to sync the balance.

3. Scanning Issues While Adding the Card

Reason: The camera may not detect the QR code or barcode.
Fix:

Make sure the card is placed on a flat surface in good lighting.
If scanning fails, enter the gift card details manually.
Update your iOS software and try again.

4. No “Add to Apple Wallet” Option in Retailer’s App

Reason: Some store apps do not directly support Apple Wallet integration.
Fix:

Update the retailer’s app to the latest version.
Look for the option under “Gift Cards” or “Payments” in the app settings.
If unavailable, store the barcode in Notes or Photos for easy access.

Alternative Ways to Store a Gift Card in Apple Wallet

If your gift card is not compatible with Apple Wallet, there are still ways to keep it easily accessible on your iPhone.

1. Use a Third-Party App

Apps like Stocard, Gyft, and Pass2U Wallet allow you to store digital copies of gift cards.

Download the app and scan the barcode of your gift card.
The app will generate a digital version that can be used for payments.
Some third-party wallets sync with Apple Wallet, allowing easy access.

2. Save a Screenshot of the Barcode

If the gift card has a barcode or QR code, take a screenshot and store it in the Photos app.

Open the screenshot when making a payment.
Some retailers allow scanning the barcode directly from your phone.
Organize your screenshots into a separate album for quick access.

3. Convert a Physical Gift Card into a Digital One

Many retailers let you transfer a physical gift card into their official mobile app.

Visit the store’s website and look for the “Add Gift Card to App” option.
Enter the gift card number and PIN to load the balance into the app.
If the app supports Apple Wallet, you may then be able to add it.

If Apple Wallet doesn’t support your gift card, these alternatives ensure that you can still access and use your card easily.

How to Use a Gift Card from Apple Wallet for Purchases

Once your gift card is in Apple Wallet, you can use it for both in-store and online purchases.

1. Pay In-Store Using Apple Wallet

Open the Apple Wallet app and select the gift card.
If the card has a barcode, show it to the cashier for scanning.
If the retailer accepts Apple Pay, hold your iPhone near the payment terminal to use the balance.

2. Use the Gift Card for Online Shopping

Open Apple Wallet and select the gift card.
Copy the card number and PIN if available.
Paste the details at checkout on the retailer’s website or app.

3. Check Your Gift Card Balance

Some gift cards in Apple Wallet automatically update the balance after each purchase.
If the balance doesn’t update, check it through the retailer’s app or website.

FAQs

Can I add a physical gift card to Apple Wallet?

Yes, but only if the retailer supports digital conversion. Check the store’s website or app for an option to transfer the card to a digital format. If not supported, you can take a screenshot of the barcode and store it in your Photos app for easy access.

Why is my gift card not showing in Apple Wallet?

Some gift cards do not automatically appear after redemption. Try these steps:

Restart your iPhone and open Apple Wallet again.
Check if the retailer requires activation before adding the card.
Update your iOS software and ensure Apple Wallet is enabled.

Do all stores accept Apple Wallet for gift cards?

No, not all retailers support Apple Wallet for gift cards. Some require you to use their app instead. If you don’t see the “Add to Apple Wallet” option, check with the retailer for alternative digital storage methods.

Can I transfer a gift card balance to Apple Pay?

No, Apple Wallet does not allow direct balance transfers from gift cards to Apple Pay. However, if the gift card supports Apple Pay transactions, you can use it just like a debit or credit card within Apple Wallet.

How do I remove a gift card from Apple Wallet?

Open Apple Wallet and select the gift card.
Tap the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner.
Scroll down and select “Remove This Card” to delete it.

Can I use a gift card in Apple Wallet without an internet connection?

Yes, Apple Wallet stores gift cards locally on your device, so you can use them offline in stores. However, for online purchases, you may need an internet connection to retrieve the card details.

Why is my prepaid Visa gift card declining in Apple Wallet?

Some prepaid cards need registration with a billing address before use. Visit the card issuer’s website, enter the card details, and register it to activate payments.

Can I send an Apple Wallet gift card to someone else?

No, once a gift card is added to Apple Wallet, it is linked to your Apple ID and cannot be transferred. To gift someone a card, send them the original gift card code before redeeming it.

Can I add multiple gift cards to Apple Wallet?

Yes, you can store multiple gift cards in Apple Wallet. Each card will appear separately, and you can switch between them when making purchases.

How do I check my gift card balance in Apple Wallet?

Some gift cards update automatically, but if not:

Open Apple Wallet and select the card.
If no balance is shown, check through the retailer’s app or website by entering the card number.

Conclusion

Adding a gift card to Apple Wallet makes payments faster and more convenient. Whether you’re using an Apple Gift Card, a retailer’s gift card, or a prepaid Visa/Mastercard, storing it digitally ensures easy access whenever you need it.

Before adding a gift card, check if it is compatible with Apple Wallet. If not, use alternative methods like retailer apps, third-party wallets, or screenshots for easy retrieval.

For the best experience, always keep your iPhone updated, verify the gift card’s balance before use, and check with the retailer for digital storage options. If a card does not work, explore alternative solutions to keep your gift cards organized and ready to use.