What a valid code looks like
A Google Play gift code is 16 characters of letters and digits. Type it without spaces. Google accepts it in upper or lower case.
Before you start, make sure the Google account signed in is the one you want the balance on. Balance cannot be moved between accounts afterwards.
In the Play Store app
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1
Open the Play Store and tap your profile picture, top right
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2
Check which account is shown, and switch if it is the wrong one
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3
Tap Payments & subscriptions, then Redeem code
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4
Enter the 16-character code and tap Redeem
The balance shows on the same screen once it is added.
On the web
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1
Go to play.google.com and sign in with the account you want the balance on
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2
Open the Redeem page from the account menu
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3
Paste the code and confirm
What the error means
| Message | What it means | Who can fix it |
|---|---|---|
| This code has already been redeemed | The balance is already on some account. If it was not you, the code was used before it reached you. | CubieMart — open a dispute |
| This code is not valid in your country | Your Play account country does not match the country the card was issued for. | Only Google — this is not a delivery fault |
| This code has expired | Gift codes rarely expire, so this is usually a promo code rather than a gift card. | Only Google |
| Invalid code, check and try again | Usually a typo — 0 read as O, or 1 read as I. Retype it by hand. | You first, then CubieMart if it still fails |
When it is CubieMart's problem
- The wrong product was delivered — a different brand, or a different amount from what you paid for.
- The code was already used before you ever saw it.
- The code is incomplete, blank, or unreadable on the order page.
- Open the order at /account/orders, choose Report a problem, attach a screenshot of the exact Google message, then read /help/refunds.
A country mismatch is not covered. Google will not convert the code, and once it has been delivered to you the seller cannot take it back. This is why the region check comes before payment.
Google's own help page
- Redeem your Google Play gift card or gift code: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/3422659
- Fix problems with Google Play gift cards and codes: https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/11564359