How to redeem an Xbox Game Pass code on console, PC, mobile or web

Microsoft's checklist, in plain terms:

• Sign in to the right Microsoft account. If the code was a gift, use the recipient's account. Redeemed codes can't be transferred by Xbox Support.
• Match the region. Some codes are for a specific country. Your Microsoft account region should match where you physically are.
• Expect a payment prompt. You may be asked to add payment details before redeeming; you won't be charged extra for the code itself.
• Clear any problems first. Codes can't be redeemed on a suspended account or one with a balance due.
• Read the code's own instructions. Some codes come with extra steps.

On Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One:

Xbox app for Windows: press Start, type Xbox and open the Xbox app. Select your gamerpic, then Settings, and select Redeem under Redeem a code. Enter the code, select Next and follow the prompts.

Xbox app for mobile: tap your profile picture, tap the gear icon for settings, tap Redeem code, enter the code and tap Next.

Browser: go to xbox.com/redeem, sign in with your Microsoft account and enter the code. If you hold a different Game Pass tier when you redeem a membership code, read the confirmation screen carefully before you confirm.

A Game Pass membership code adds membership time directly. An Xbox gift card adds money to your Microsoft account balance, which you can then spend on Game Pass, games or add-ons; check it under Payment & billing > Payment options on your Microsoft account, or on the console under Profile & system > Settings > Account > Payment & billing.

Subspace sells Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gift cards at a discount, delivered as a code you redeem with the steps above; the live tile on this page shows today's price. Codes for other publishers' content, such as in-game currency cards, look similar but are redeemed in that game's store.

Start with Xbox's "My digital code or gift card doesn't work" help page. Check that the code is 25 characters and genuinely an Xbox code; check that you're on the intended account and region; and make sure the account has no outstanding balance. Don't buy codes from sellers who ask you to change your account region or share your login, which risks the account. Physical cards should come sealed from a retailer; digital codes should come from Microsoft, a known retailer, or a platform like Subspace that delivers the code instantly.