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App Store Promo Codes vs. Offer Codes: What's the Difference?
Developers use two kinds of App Store codes to hand out free or cheaper access. They look alike, but they unlock different things.
Promo codes
A promo code is a code the developer creates for a specific app. Redeeming it gives you the app for free, as if you had bought it. The app stays in your purchases and you can download it again later.
Developers get only a limited number of promo codes, so they share them with reviewers, beta testers and communities, a few at a time. That’s why the codes on our Promo Codes page run out fast.
Offer codes
An offer code unlocks a subscription or an in-app purchase for free or at a discount. Typical examples are “3 months of Pro free” or “50% off the first year”. Apple steers developers to offer codes for anything sold inside an app.
When a free subscription period ends, the subscription renews at the normal price unless you cancel it. Check the terms on the redeem screen before you confirm.
How to redeem either one
- With a link: open a link like
apps.apple.com/redeem?id=…&code=…on your iPhone, iPad or Mac. The App Store opens with the code filled in. - By hand: open the App Store, tap your profile picture, then Redeem Gift Card or Code, and type the code.
- Confirm, then open the app. For an in-app purchase, the unlock is usually already there. If not, use the app’s Restore Purchases button.
Quick comparison
| Promo code | Offer code | |
|---|---|---|
| Unlocks | A paid app | A subscription or in-app purchase |
| Price | Free | Free or discounted |
| After it ends | You keep the app | A subscription renews unless you cancel |
| Uses per code | One | One (for one-time codes) |
New codes arrive every day on GroveTab’s promo code list.
FAQ
Is a promo code the same as a gift card?
No. A gift card adds money to your Apple Account balance. A promo code or offer code unlocks one specific app, subscription or in-app purchase and adds no balance.
Why does a code say it's for another country?
Codes are tied to the App Store country the developer chose. If your Apple Account is set to a different country, the code won't work.
Can I use the same code twice?
No. Every promo code and one-time offer code works once. After that it's used up for everyone.