8 Common Xbox Gift Card Errors & Proven Solutions (2025 Guide)

You just bought an Xbox gift card and you’re excited to redeem it for a gaming console. But then, you hit a brick wall: the code doesn’t work, or worse, it says it’s already been redeemed. If this is currently happening to you, don’t panic. I’ve personally run into issues when trying to redeem my Xbox gift card. And in most cases, these problems can be fixed -you just need the right guidance.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 5 of the most common Xbox gift card errors people face in 2025, and more importantly, how to solve them. You’ll learn what each error means, what causes it, and what steps to take next. 

Common Xbox Gift Card Errors and How to Fix Them

Below are the most common problems Xbox gift card users face in 2025, along with step-by-step solutions you can trust. But before contacting support, try these quick fixes:

• Verify the code was entered correctly
• Check your account region settings
• Clear Xbox console cache
• Ensure the gift card hasn’t expired
• Verify your account isn’t restricted

1. “This Code Hasn’t Been Activated Yet” Error

What it means: The gift card was never properly activated at the point of sale. Until it’s activated by the retailer’s system, Microsoft won’t recognize it.

How to fix it:

• Check your receipt to confirm the card was paid for and scanned correctly.
• If you made a physical purchase, return to the store and ask them to activate the card.
• If it was bought online:
  • Contact the seller and share your order number and the error message.
  • If they can’t help, request a refund or open a dispute (especially on marketplaces)
• Keep in mind that Microsoft Support cannot activate cards, they can only verify if it was used.

Always keep your receipt or order confirmation until the card works, especially with Xbox code not working issues like this.

2. “Invalid Gift Card Region” Error

What it means: This Xbox gift card redemption problem happens when your card was purchased in one region but your Xbox account is registered in another. For example, a US card won’t work on a UK-based account.

How to fix it:

• Confirm the gift card’s region from the seller or card packaging)
• Check your Xbox account region under Settings > System > Language & Location.
• If mismatched, you can either:
  • Change your Xbox region (only allowed every 3 months), or
  • Use the card on a separate account matching the gift card’s region.

Moving forward, always buy cards that match your account region to avoid digital gift card errors like this.

3. “This Code Has Already Been Redeemed” Error

What it means: Either the card was previously redeemed by someone else, or the code was stolen, possibly from a third-party seller.

How to fix it:

• Check your Microsoft account order history to confirm it wasn’t already added.
• If not, contact Xbox Support with:
  • Proof of purchase
  • The code itself
  • The exact error message
• If you bought the card from a reseller, reach out to them as well.

To avoid Xbox code not working issues like this, always buy from trusted sources like Nosh. 

4. “Something Went Wrong. Try Again Later” Error

What it means: This vague error usually points to a temporary server issue on Microsoft’s side.

How to fix it:

• Wait a few minutes and try again.
• Restart your console or PC.
• Make sure you’re connected to a stable network.
• Try redeeming the code on Microsoft’s gift card redemption page instead of your console.

If the issue lasts more than a few hours, check Xbox Live status online.

5. “This Code Isn’t Valid” Error

What it means: You most likely have mistyped the code, which contains 25 alphanumeric digits. It could also mean you received a fake or expired card. 

This is one of the most common Xbox code not working errors caused by poor print quality or unauthorized sellers.

How to fix it:

• Double-check that you wrote the code right. Some characters like B and 8, or O and 0, are easy to confuse.
• Try redeeming the card on both your Xbox console and Microsoft’s website.
• If it still fails:
  • Contact Xbox Support with the card details and receipt.
  • If it was from a third-party site, request a refund or replacement.

6. Scratched or Damaged Code 

What it means: You’ve scratched off the silver strip too hard, or the code was printed poorly, making it unreadable.

How to fix it:

• First, try reading any visible characters and entering them slowly. Sometimes you might make one or two lucky guesses that work.
  
  
• If the code is unreadable, contact Xbox Support and provide:
  
  
  • A clear photo of the damaged card
  • The full receipt from your purchase
  • Date and location of purchase
    
    
• Microsoft may offer a replacement if all details check out.

Make sure you don’t throw the card away as it’s often required for verification.

7. “Can’t Find That Code. Try Again Later” Error

What it means: This is typically a syncing or server issue, not a code issue. Microsoft’s systems couldn’t process your request.

How to fix it:

• Wait a few minutes and try again.
• Make sure your system software is up to date.
• Sign out and sign back into your Xbox or Microsoft account.
• Try redeeming on a different device (console vs. browser)
• Check Xbox Status to confirm if it’s a system-wide issue.

8. Code Accepted But No Balance Added

What it means: You entered the gift card code, saw a confirmation, but your wallet or account balance didn’t update.

This is one of the more confusing digital gift card errors, especially when no clear error appears

How to fix it:

• Go to your Microsoft account > Payments & Billing > Order History.
• If the code is listed as redeemed, wait 24 hours. It sometimes takes time to reflect.
• If it’s still not showing, contact Xbox Support with:
  
  
  • The redeemed code
  • Your Microsoft account email
  • Proof of purchase

Also Read: Sell Xbox Gift Card in Nigeria

FAQs About Xbox Gift Card Errors

1. Why isn’t my Xbox code working even though I entered it correctly?

Even if your code is correct, issues like region mismatches or temporary server problems block redemption. Double-check the card’s region, confirm it was activated at the store, and try redeeming at redeem.microsoft.com.

2. Can I fix a gift card that was scratched too hard?

Yes. If some of the code is still visible, try guessing the missing parts. If it’s unreadable, take a clear photo and contact Xbox Support along with your proof of purchase. This is why it’s smart to buy from trusted platforms like Nosh, where you always get official, fully activated codes.

3. I redeemed a code, but my Xbox balance didn’t update. What now?

First, check your order history to see if the card shows up there. If it does, then your balance may update after a while. If not, contact support with your code, account details, and receipt.

5. Can Xbox gift cards expire?

No, Xbox gift cards don’t expire once activated, but codes that are never properly scanned at checkout may become unusable. So always keep your receipt and redeem the card as soon as possible to avoid issues.

Final Thoughts on Xbox Gift Card Errors

As you’ve seen in this guide, most Xbox gift card issues you experience, from region locks to inactive codes, have straightforward fixes. With the right steps, you can solve nearly every Xbox gift card problem on your own.

To avoid these problems in the future, always buy from trusted platforms. Nosh is a secure and convenient option for getting official Xbox gift cards that work. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll always know what to do when something goes wrong. Now go enjoy your games.