How to Create and Manage Promo Codes on Google and Apple

Promo codes are unique codes and can be redeemed once. You can offer promo codes for both paid apps and free apps with in-app purchases on both Google and Apple.

What sets app promo codes apart is their versatility. Developers can use them for various purposes, from rewarding loyal customers to generating buzz around new releases. Users, meanwhile, gain access to premium content at reduced costs or even for free. This creates a win-win situation where developers boost engagement while users enjoy enhanced app experiences.

How to Redeem Promo Codes on Apple App Store

The Apple App Store makes redeeming promo codes straightforward. When you receive a code, simply:

• Open the App Store on your iOS device

• Tap on your profile picture in the top corner

• Select "Redeem Gift Card or Code"

• Enter your promo code manually or use your camera to scan it

• Tap "Redeem" to confirm

Once confirmed, the app or content will automatically begin downloading to your device. The process works seamlessly across iPhones, iPads, and even Mac computers, maintaining Apple's focus on unified user experience.

How to Redeem Promo Codes on Google Play Store

Google's approach to promo code redemption reflects its more open ecosystem:

• Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android device

• Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines)

• Select "Redeem" from the menu options

• Enter the promo code in the provided field

• Tap "Redeem" to complete the process

After successful redemption, the content becomes immediately available in your library. Google Play also offers web-based redemption through their website, providing additional flexibility for users across different devices.

How to Create Promo Codes for Apple App Store

For developers looking to generate promo codes through Apple's platform:

• Sign in to App Store Connect using your developer account

• Select your app from the "My Apps" section

• Navigate to the "Features" tab in the sidebar

• Click on "Promo Codes"

• Specify how many codes you want to create

• Review and accept Apple's terms and conditions

• Click "Generate" to create your codes

Apple's system automatically generates unique codes that you can distribute through your preferred channels. These codes appear in a downloadable spreadsheet format for easy tracking and distribution.

How to Create Promo Codes for Google Play Store

Google's process offers more customization options:

• Log in to your Google Play Console

• Select your app from the dashboard

• Navigate to "Monetize" and then "Promo codes"

• Click "Create promotion"

• Choose the promotion type (app, in-app purchase, or subscription)

• Configure promotion details including title, countries, and redemption limits

• Set validity dates and the number of codes needed

• Review and generate your codes

Google's system provides real-time analytics on code usage, allowing developers to track the effectiveness of different promotional campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.

Apple App Store Promo Codes Limitations

Apple maintains fairly strict limitations on promo code usage:

• Up to 100 promo codes can be provided for each in-app purchase product, with a total limit of 1,000 codes for all in-app purchases per app every six months (resetting on January 1 and July 1).

• You could not set an expired day for the codes on Apple. Instead, the codes will expire after four weeks from the day they’re generated.

• Expired codes cannot be regenerated or extended.

• Developers can't charge users who received the app via promo code

These restrictions encourage strategic distribution rather than mass giveaways. Since codes are limited per version, many developers time their code releases with app updates to maximize promotional opportunities throughout the year.

Google Play Store Promo Codes Limitations

Google offers more generous but still structured limitations:

• A specific validation period must be set for each promotion.

• Up to 500 promo codes can be generated per quarter across all managed products in an app.

• Promo codes can be redeemed until the promotion’s end date specified in Play Console, with promotions lasting up to one year.

• Subscription renewals cannot be redeemed using promo codes after the initial use.

• All promotional content must adhere to Google Play policies.

Google's system provides greater flexibility but requires careful planning to maximize the quarterly allocation. Many developers create quarterly promotional calendars to ensure they're using their code allowance effectively throughout the year.