Bought a game key and not sure where to put it? Every platform has its own place to redeem codes. Here's how to do it on each, plus what to try if a code doesn't work.
Menus change from time to time. If something has moved, look for "Redeem code" or "Activate a product" in your platform's store or settings.
Steam (PC)
- Open the Steam app and sign in.
- Click Games in the top menu, then Activate a Product on Steam…
- Accept the agreement, type or paste your key and click Next.
- The game is added to your library, ready to download.
You can also redeem Steam keys in a web browser at the Steam store's "Activate a Product" page while signed in.
Xbox (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Windows)
- On your console, open the Microsoft Store.
- Choose Redeem (on some versions it's under the menu or your account).
- Enter the 25-character code and confirm.
You can also redeem Xbox codes in a web browser at redeem.microsoft.com while signed in to the same Microsoft account you use on your console. Game Pass codes and Xbox gift cards are redeemed in exactly the same way.
PlayStation (PS5 and PS4)
- On PS5, open PlayStation Store and select the "…" menu, then Redeem Code. On PS4, select Redeem Codes in PlayStation Store.
- Enter the code and confirm.
You can also redeem codes in a web browser on the PlayStation Store site: sign in, open your account menu and choose Redeem Code. PlayStation Plus codes and PSN gift cards work the same way.
Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
- Select Nintendo eShop on the HOME Menu and pick your account.
- Choose Enter Code (on the left of the eShop).
- Enter the 16-character code and confirm.
You can also redeem codes on the Nintendo website by signing in to your Nintendo Account.
Other PC launchers
- Epic Games Store: click your profile, then Redeem Code.
- EA app: open the menu and choose Redeem code.
- Ubisoft Connect: open the menu and choose Activate a Key.
- GOG Galaxy / GOG.com: go to gog.com/redeem while signed in.
What to do if a key doesn't work
- Check for typos. Letters like O and 0, or I and 1, are easy to mix up. Copying and pasting is safest.
- Check the platform. A Steam key won't work on Epic, and a PS4 key isn't a PS5 key.
- Check the region. A key for another region (for example Turkey or Latin America) may not activate on a UK account. Choose UK, Global or Europe keys.
- Contact the store you bought from. Key stores have support teams for exactly this. Have your order number ready.
Looking for a key? Compare prices for popular games or gift cards and subscriptions.