In short
- Copy the 25-character code from your Gameplug order.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account the money or content is for.
- Open redeem.microsoft.com, or on Xbox open Store, press the View button and select Redeem.
- Enter the code, select Next and follow the prompts to confirm.
What you need before you redeem
- The right Microsoft account, signed in. Microsoft says a redeemed code cannot be transferred to another Microsoft account, even by Xbox Support. If the card is a gift, redeem it on the account of the person receiving it.
- A code for your account's country. Xbox gift cards are issued in a local currency and only work in the country they were sold for. Microsoft also asks that the region on your Microsoft account matches where you physically are. The region of every Gameplug product is in its name and on its product page before you pay.
- Billing details, if Microsoft asks. The first time you redeem, you may be asked to add a payment option and billing address. Microsoft says nothing is charged: it only confirms that you can use the Store.
- An account in good standing. Some codes cannot be redeemed while a Microsoft account is suspended or has a balance due. Settle any overdue subscription payment first.
- Room under the balance limit. A Microsoft account can hold up to USD 1,000 (or the local equivalent), and you can add up to USD 1,000 a day. Some countries have lower limits; see the section on balance limits below.
- No VPN while you redeem. Microsoft may block redemptions made through a VPN or other location-masking tool and show a "VPN detected" message.
- The 25-character code. Xbox codes have 25 letters and numbers in five groups of five (XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX).