A key or code is only half of the purchase: it becomes a game once it is activated on the right account. Here is where to enter it on each platform, and what to check before you do.
Before You Redeem
- Check the platform. A Steam key will not work on Epic, and an Xbox code will not work on PlayStation. The product page shows which platform and store a key is for.
- Check the region. Keys and gift cards can be locked to a region. See Region Locks Explained for what the labels mean.
- Sign in to the account you want to keep the game on. Activation is permanent; a key cannot be moved to another account afterwards.
- Keep your receipt and order email until the game is installed and running.
PC Launchers
| Store | Where to redeem |
|---|---|
| Steam | In the Steam app, use Add a Game → Activate a Product on Steam, or sign in at store.steampowered.com/account/registerkey |
| Epic Games | Sign in to the Epic Games Store, open your account menu and choose Redeem Code |
| Ubisoft Connect | In the Ubisoft Connect app, open the menu and look for Activate a key |
| EA app | Open the menu in the EA app and choose Redeem code |
| GOG | Sign in and visit gog.com/redeem |
Consoles
| Platform | Where to redeem |
|---|---|
| Xbox | Visit redeem.microsoft.com, or use Redeem in the Microsoft Store on your console |
| PlayStation | In the PlayStation Store, open the menu at the top and choose Redeem Code, or use your account menu on the PlayStation Store website |
| Nintendo Switch | Open Nintendo eShop and choose Redeem Code, or use the Nintendo eShop website |
Codes are usually 16 to 25 characters. Look out for characters that are easy to confuse, such as 0 and O, or 1 and I.
If A Key Does Not Work
- "Already activated": contact the store you bought from straight away, with your order number. Do not keep retrying.
- "Invalid for your region": stop and contact the store. Changing your account region or using a VPN to activate can break platform rules and risk your account.
- Nothing happens: check that you are signed in to the right account, and that the platform's online services are working.
Keyper's Tip
Redeem soon after you buy. A key sitting unused in your inbox is the most common reason a problem is found too late to fix.