What can i use a google play card for

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Google Play is not only the largest app store in the world but also a music subscription service, a bookstore, and a video store. This makes Google Play gift cards an excellent gift, but that's not the limit of their use. Since Google restricts underage user accounts from Google Play, Google Play gift cards might be the only way for your munchkins to purchase content without giving them access to your credit card via Family Library. Here's everything you need to know about using a Google Play gift card.

Products used in this guide

• Google Play Gift Card (Email Delivery)

How to redeem a Google Play gift card

1. Open the Google Play Store app that came pre-installed on your phone — or the Google Play website (opens in new tab) on a computer.
2. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Tap Payments & subscriptions.
4. Tap Redeem gift code.Source: Android Central

1. If you have a physical gift card, you can tap Scan gift card to take a picture of the revealed code rather than having to peck it in yourself.
2. Tap Redeem.
3. Tap Confirm to confirm the account you want to redeem the gift card to.
4. Tap Not now to exit the redemption menu.Source: Android Central

Once the gift card has been redeemed, you can use it to buy apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books. As a reminder, the Google Play Store is different from the Google Store: Google Play gift cards cannot be used to purchase physical products from the Google Store.

Where to buy your Google Play gift card

• Save up to $200 on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy devices

This is going to sound weird, but just about the only retailer you can't get Google Play gift cards from is Google Play itself. Google Play does not sell gift cards on its website or app anymore, but don't you worry! There are dozens of retailers that sell Google Play gift cards, and whether you live in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or elsewhere in the world, finding where to buy Google Play gift cards is a lot simpler than you'd think.

Whether you give — or receive — a digital or physical gift card, redemption is the same, but some people like giving physical cards because you can't wrap an email. Personally, I like digital gift cards because you just copy-paste the redeem code rather than having to type it in. Digital cards are also great if your kid needs to buy something right now and you don't feel like driving 10 miles to the store.

Have you received a Google Play gift card from someone? If so, you’ll have to redeem it in your account before you can use the card’s funds. We’ll show you how to do just that on your desktop and Android device.

Make sure you find the unique code on the card, because you’ll need that regardless of which method you choose.

RELATED: What Are Google Play Points, and How Do You Use Them?

What Can You Buy With a Google Play Card?

You can use a Google Play card to buy various items on the Google Play Store. These items include apps, movies, books, subscriptions, and more. Google has a list of region-specific items that can be purchased with these cards. You can also make in-app purchases with a Google Play card.

Though keep in mind that you can’t use this card to make purchases on non-Google Play Store locations, like Amazon. If you’re using an Amazon Fire tablet, don’t forget it’s possible to install the Google Play Store.

Basically, when you redeem your card, the funds are credited into your Google Play account. You can then use those funds wherever the Store allows.

Redeem a Google Play Card on Desktop

To credit your card’s funds into your account from your desktop, use the Google Play website.

Start by launching your favorite web browser and accessing Google Play. Log in to your account on the site if you haven’t already.

Once you’re logged in, from Google Play’s left sidebar, select “Redeem.”

A “Redeem Code” window will open. Here, click the text field and type or paste your gift card’s unique code. Then click the “Redeem” button.

Google Play will open a “Confirm Account” window. Here, make sure the correct account is selected for funds crediting. Then choose “Confirm.”

Your gift card will be redeemed and you’ll see a “Successfully Redeemed” message. You’ll also see your gift card balance as well as your total Google Play balance.

Close the message box by clicking “Got It.”

And that’s it. You may now go ahead and buy your favorite items from the Store using the newly available funds. Enjoy!

Redeem a Google Play Card on Android

You can use your Android phone as well to redeem your gift cards. To do so, first, launch the Google Play Store app on your phone.

In the Store’s top-right corner, tap your profile icon.

In the profile menu, choose “Payments & Subscriptions.”

Select “Redeem Gift Code.”

On the “Redeem a Gift Card or Promo Code” screen where you arrive, tap the text field and type your gift card’s unique code. Alternatively, scan your gift card using your phone’s camera by tapping the “Scan Gift Card” option.

Once the code is entered, at the bottom of the screen, tap “Redeem.”

Google Play will display the account in which your funds will be credited. If this is correct, tap “Confirm.”

You’ll see a “Successfully Redeemed” message, which indicates your gift card’s funds are now available in your account. Close the message box by tapping “Got It.”

And you’re all set.

Use these steps each time you receive a Google Play gift card, so you can get the funds in your account and use them to make purchases. Have fun!

Did you know you can get refunds for your purchases on the Google Play Store? Check out our guide to learn how.

RELATED: How to Get a Refund From the Google Play Store