Promo codes in the App Store. How do they work? Where can I get it? App Store Promo Codes as an Underrated Marketing Tool

Due to the fact that we began to periodically hold drawings of promotional codes for applications and games, there was a need to clarify the topic: App Store Promo Codes. After all, a beginner immediately has a lot of questions: “What is a promotional code?”, “How to use it?”, “Where can I get promotional codes?”, “Why are they needed,” etc. I will now try to answer these and other questions:

What are promotional codes and where do they come from?

App Store Promo Code is a special code that is a sequence of characters that the application developer can give to any user so that he can download the application for free.

Promo code example: 9UOPHP3TAOLI. There is no difference between the purchased application and the application received using a promo code; all its updates will be available to you. It's the same as if you officially bought it.

Developers distribute promotional codes for advertising purposes or for beta testing of the application. Developers also often send promotional codes to our site for reviews. I honestly warn them in advance that I do not take money for reviews, but at the same time I write the whole truth about the game or application: the pros and cons. Or I don’t write anything at all if I don’t like the application at all. That is, the developers always know what they are doing. :)

How to use a promo code?

It is worth noting that the promo code has an expiration date. That is, it must be used before a certain date. A promo code can only be used once per account.

So, you have become the proud owner of a promo code for the application. What do we have to do? We have two options:

1) enter it on your computer in iTunes, download the application and synchronize with iPad

2) enter it directly into the iPad in the standard App Store application, then download it to the iPad and use the application.

Option 1

Go to the iTunes Store in the iTunes application on your computer. In the App Store tab, scroll to the very bottom, click on Enter code:

An input field appears - enter our promo code there and then press the button Enter code:

The application is downloaded from iTunes. To get it to the iPad, we synchronize it.

Option 2

On the iPad, go to the App Store and go to the tab Top charts and scroll down. Click on the button Enter code.

Enter the promo code and download the application to your iPad.

That's all the instructions...

P.S. Good luck to everyone in the competitions, subscribe to our newsletter or rss. We will try to hold competitions more often!

One of the visitors asked me how to use the promo code. Frankly, I myself didn’t know until that moment and even wrote it with an error (promotional code), but thanks to the Internet, I quickly figured it out.

That’s how I got the idea to write this little piece about how to use promotional codes in iTunes (App Store).

What is a promotional code for iTunes (App Store)

First, let's define what a promo code is. When it comes to promo codes for iTunes (App Store), this is a code that can be entered into iTunes or from an iPhone, iPad in the App Store and get a free game or program. In this case, it will be considered officially purchased. As a rule, promotional codes are distributed by program developers to get the first reviews for advertising purposes.

Using a promo code is easy, but if you received it from a public source, then the main thing is to have time to use it. Each promo code is unique and can only be used once.

How to activate a promotional code through iTunes:

• iTunes must be launched;
• Go to the iTunes Store;
• On the right, on the main page there will be a “quick links” block (in the English version), in it we select “Enter code” (Redeem);
• We enter the promotional code and confirm, after which the application will begin to download to your library.

How to activate a promotional code in the App Store (from iPhone, iPad)

• Launching the App Store;
• On the first “Selection” tab, scroll the list to the very bottom;
• Click on the “Enter code” button (Redeem);
• Enter the promotional code and confirm, the game or program will start loading.

Where to get promotional codes for games and programs for iPhone, iPad

I am also often asked: " How and where to get a promotional code for games?"Sometimes developers publish promotional codes on various forums, but most often they themselves directly contact various sites so that they publish a press release and also distribute promotional codes to visitors. The result is the first reviews, although not always positive, but that’s another story question.

A couple of times I managed to receive a promotional code for unreleased games for iPhone and iPad by mail, so I was subscribed to the development company’s news. Follow the developers' Twitter, there you can also get information on how to get a promotional code.

If you have not found an answer to your question or something has not worked out for you, and there is no suitable solution in the comments below, ask a question through our

Almost all owners of such wonderful devices as an iPhone, iPod or iPad sooner or later encounter the concept of a “promotional code”. Firstly, it is worth talking about its purpose regarding use through the application store.

The promo code gives all AppStore account holders access to download a specific paid application from the app store at a price of $0, that is, absolutely free. Typically, such promotional codes are played on various thematic portals dedicated to Apple applications or technology. We are one of such sites.

It is worth reminding that anyone can win a promo code for downloading a certain paid application. We will notify you in the news feed about how this can be done.

Promo code activation

In order to activate a promo code in the app store and get access to directly download it to your gadget, you need to do a few simple steps. First, we need to register in the AppStore. This is very easy to do; we have already written about this in previous articles.

After you register your account in the AppStore and want to activate the promo code, you will need to log into your account and then click on the arrow in the upper right corner. It looks like this:

Next you need to go to the Redeem section. In the window that appears, enter your existing promo code without any extra spaces and click on the “Redeem” button again. You may then need to re-enter your account password. If the code is correct and there are no restrictions on downloading this application in your country, the download will begin automatically.

Few people know that the existing promotional code can also be activated directly on the iPhone. To do this, you need to use the built-in AppStore application, which is located on the desktop.

We go into it, move down and also select the “Redeem” button. Next, you will need to enter your account information, enter the code in the window that appears and also click on the “Redeem” button in the upper right corner. If everything is specified correctly, the download will start automatically.

To summarize, it’s worth saying that activating a promo code will take you no more than a couple of minutes. Activating it is very simple and quite convenient.

The rapid rise in exchange rates provokes another increase in prices. This trouble did not escape the Apple content store either. Therefore, more and more users are beginning to find ways to save money by reducing the volume of purchases of programs for their iPhones.

But in fact, it’s not all bad, because there are completely legal ways to get usually paid applications without any expenses on the part of clients. Today we’ll talk about promotional codes and gift cards.

Code capabilities

Typically, promo codes are generated by the manufacturers themselves. They look like a combination of letters and numbers.

Promo codes are an excellent tool that helps a developer test their product and take into account all the wishes expressed by selected “testers.” These can be experienced programmers or journalists from specialized publications, who, having tried the application in action even before the official release in the App Store, will help to properly advertise the product. For users, promo codes are also a profitable way to gain free access to new interesting services.

Each developer has the right to release a certain number of codes. It independently issues gift certificates and notifies the Apple service about this, providing it with a list of access passwords. At the moment, there is a limit of 50 codes per one program released by the developer, which will be presented in the App Store.

In the future, the developer has the right to distribute them free of charge to various subjects at his discretion: programmer friends, columnists of famous specialized publications, journalists, bloggers, etc. And they are already studying, describing the benefits of the product, organizing sweepstakes and promotions. As a result, the winners are sent special cards containing the treasured password.

It must be said that there is no shortage of participants in such events. After all, as often happens, a program in the App Store seems to be free, but only its successful further operation requires making in-app purchases. For example, you download some navigator from the store, with a minimal set of functions, and you have to pay for an additional set of detailed maps for your region. Codes for individual issues of popular magazines are also often offered. This is why they do such promotional giveaways from time to time.

Here, a popular tool for attracting customers is in full effect when the first test sample is free. The client gets acquainted with the product, gets used to the convenient advanced functionality, and in the future, when updates are released, he will be ready to pay for them. In addition, he simultaneously recommends it to all his friends, and in the case of large publications, to a large number of readers and subscribers. A very effective advertising promotional move.

Where to get?

Cards containing a promotional code often become a prize in various competitions among readers or subscribers, which further increases the ratings of both the publication itself and the promoted program. Less-promoted beginning developers offer their product to top-rated bloggers with their own channel. This is how the application is more actively distributed among young people, the main consumers of content on networks.

You can also subscribe to resources that often hold promotions or simply promote new startups. But it’s best to become a regular on specialized forums about technologyApple. They regularly host massive code giveaways to introduce subscribers to new products.

Often, gift cards with codes are raffled off on Twitter or Facebook, groups of other social platforms for communication. Such promotions are carried out both by the developers themselves and by attracting famous print publications, TV channels or celebrities.

Gift cards from Apple are also popular. They have different denominations, and the recipient ultimately decides for himself where it is better to spend electronic funds: on programs, music or films, etc.

They look like this: Although they are issued by the same issuer, they can only be used in certain stores: iTunes or the Apple store. Roughly speaking, the former are used to purchase applications, the latter - when purchasing goods.

The access password symbols indicated on the back of the card are covered with a special scratch coating. Upon activation, an amount is credited to the user’s account (his account) in accordance with its nominal value. And you can pay with these funds in all company stores.
You can purchase them both through the company store and through retail chains.

Or you can do without any codes at all by installing services like PPHelper, vShare, etc. on your smartphone. They provide access to an alternative app store, and you don’t even have to jailbreak for this. But when using them, all the charm of Chinese clones immediately appears - loading is very slow, often interrupted and crashes. And even successfully downloaded programs may either not open at all or stop working 1-2 days after downloading. And along the way, you can catch some kind of “malware.” Do you need it?

In this sense, services like FreeMyApps look more civilized, which distribute sponsored applications for free, issuing credits to users depending on their activity and other merits. They can then be purchased in the App Store.

What do you need to know?

Please remember that unlike gift cards that never expire, promo codes have a limited validity period, usually less than a month. Therefore, you should not delay registering it in the App Store system for long. After entering the code, the user gets full access to all the features of the application for free, as if he had purchased it for money.

It doesn’t matter from which gadget you enter the code: from a computer or from an iPhone. The main thing is that the user has his own account with an Apple ID, and that the device used has access to the Internet at the time of the transaction.

Often, in order to take advantage of the resources provided by the code, you must first install the base program. It may be paid, or have a certain trial period. If you are downloading an application from the App Store for the first time, it is better to have at least some funds in your account; perhaps the system will temporarily block (reserve) them to authorize you on the network.

Also remember that if you are registered as a user in your country, you will not be able to use applications from the same American App Store, which has the most extensive range of applications. It often hosts all kinds of promotions with the distribution of codes. You can get acquainted with them, but you can download them only from the regional store of the country in which the iPhone’s Apple ID was registered.

In this case, you have two options: either change the country in your account settings, or create another account in the desired department of the App Store.

How to use?

To use the code, log in to the iTunes store using your account. Go to any content collection and scroll down to the very end of the list. There you will see a window asking you to enter a code. Remove the protective coating from the gift card and enter the 16-digit combination or promo code indicated underneath.
After successfully entering the code, the download of the application linked to it will automatically begin. Upon completion, you will have access to a full version of the program, no different from the paid one. You can also use the camera to automatically read the code. After logging into your account, simply hold your card up to the camera and wait for it to scan the code. The new balance should appear on the screen or the download should begin. If you received an iTunes gift card via email, to download the program (or to credit your account), click on the link attached to the message: “Use Now.”

When people start using a promo code, it may seem as if they have purchased the application, but in the process of entering the coveted combination, users are not able to rate the application in the market. Apple did this on purpose, because in this way the developers would distribute promotional codes to their own comrades, relatives and friends only in exchange for a positive review.

Navigator by methods

1 way. Promo code generation.

Any developer who creates software and applications for gadgets on the Apple iOS platform can generate a special promotional code, which will be a gift and will ensure the future ownership of a paid application for Apple iOS. Apple has granted this prerogative to all developers. As a program developer for Apple iOS, you can easily generate such a free appstore promo code for yourself. And this is only the first way to get app store promo codes for free.

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Method 2. Ask a friend.

If one of your friends is an acquaintance of application and program developers, then he will easily ask him for a promo code as a gift. This method of receiving app store promo codes can only be obtained from close friends, because not everyone will throw codes for programs.

3 way. Win the competition.

Quite often, developers hold special promotions or organize various competitions. By participating in such competitions and promotions, you can receive a promo code for some appstore application or appstore game as a gift.

4 way. Receive by participating in the affiliate program.

Methods for obtaining app store promo codes also involve participation in many affiliate programs. For example, the owners of some sites give appstore promo codes when someone registers on their site. Therefore, you can register several accounts with different email addresses and names, receive a promo code, and then exchange it for the one you need. The main thing is to search, then you will be able to find everything you want.

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5 way. Through other applications.

By downloading and logging into other applications from the appstore or from some other developers, you can also receive a promo code. Using this method of receiving appstore promos, you can only see an incomprehensible set of numbers and letters. There is no need to be scared, because this is a promo code.