When you lose your iTunes gift card or damage it accidentally you can get really frustrated. You may scratch off the code by mistake, lose the receipt, or misplace your card somewhere and never find it again. You might think that you can just replace your card or get a refund. But the real process is more complicated than you think.
In this article you will get to know everything about how you can easily recover your lost or damaged iTunes gift card without having to go through much trouble. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily buy Apple iTunes gift card from LootBar.
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What Happens If the Card Is Damaged
Buying cards with scratched or missing codes is very common. Usually in these cases you should contact Apple Support, especially if you can’t read the code. If you are lucky, you can get the code by showing the bill. However, if your card is too damaged then Apple Support may instruct you to go to the retailer where you bought the card from.
If you do get help from Apple Support you will still need some things like receipt, serial number and clear photos. Keep in mind that in these types of cases the only place where you will get some real help is Apple Support. So, try to cooperate with them and give them whatever details they need without any delay.
What Happens If the Card Is Lost
When you lose your iTunes card the situation gets a bit more complicated. If someone else finds it and uses the redeem code before you then Apple cannot restore the balance. Usually when you contact Apple Support they will tell you to contact the retailer from whom you bought the card. However, when you go to the retailer they often ask you to contact Apple Support again. This loop goes on and you might get tired after a point.
If you are lucky and you have lost your card but the code has not been redeemed yet, then Apple can help you out. In that case you have to give them your receipt and serial number of your card. Without these you won’t be able to get back your card.
What If You Purchased the Card Online
If you bought your iTunes gift card then the whole process will change. Some retailers might be able to help you out if you have the order details and the code has not been redeemed yet. However, you will still need to contact Apple Support. If they can verify the card using the serial number then they might be able to help. But if they cannot confirm the card’s activation status or validity then they will send you back to the retailer. To avoid these situations always try to buy gift card iTunes from the trusted source.
What To Do Next
By now you know what the consequences are if you lose or damage your iTunes card. Let us talk about what you should do if you face such a situation:
- Collect Your Receipt: This is the most important requirement. Apple will most probably not help you if you cannot provide a proper receipt.
- Check Whether the Card Has Been Redeemed: Try redeeming the card using your Apple ID. If you receive an “already redeemed” message, take a screenshot and include this when you contact support.
- Photograph Everything Clearly: Take clear photos of the front and back of the card, the damaged area, serial number and receipt. If your images are blurry then Apple Support may reject them.
- Contact Apple Support: Use Apple’s gift card support channels via phone or chat. They may send your case to the Gift Card Team, who will examine your photos, receipt, and serial number.
- Wait for Apple’s Assessment: If Apple verifies that the card is valid, unused, and simply damaged, they may issue a replacement code. If verification fails, Apple may tell you the card is invalid and ask you to contact the retailer.
- Contact the Retailer: You may or may not get help from the retailer. Some retailers may not give you any assistance because you have involved Apple Support.
Common Reasons for Declination
There are a few reasons why retailers or Apple Support may decline your request.
- Someone has already redeemed the card before you.
- The card was not activated properly at the store.
- Apple is unable to verify the code or serial number because of physical damage.
- The receipt does not match Apple’s system records.
- Photos are unclear or missing.
- You bought the card from an unauthorized or unreliable seller.
- Too much time has passed since purchase.
Strategies For Successful Recovery
- Act quickly before activation or retail records become harder to verify.
- Provide high-quality photos of everything.
- Keep your receipt safe at all times. Without it Apple may not help you.
- If your card was from a third-party store you might have to go back to that store.
- Upload documents exactly as the support team instructs.
- If you get a replacement code then redeem it immediately to avoid further issues.
- From next time try to buy directly from Apple or redeem your gift card immediately after you buy it.
Conclusion
If you lose or damage your iTunes gift card then don’t get frustrated or worried. Keep your receipt, take clear photos, and contact Apple Support as quickly as possible. If your card is valid and someone else has not redeemed it yet then you might be able to get a replacement.
