How to fix my giftcard from saying not activated

An Xbox or Microsoft gift card that shows “not activated” was never properly activated at the retailer’s checkout. Activation can only be done (or corrected) by the store that sold it or by working with that store’s support; it cannot be activated directly through Microsoft.

Practical steps:

1. Confirm how the card was purchased
   • If it was bought in a physical store, the cashier must scan and activate it at purchase.
   • If that step failed, the code will show as “not activated” when trying to redeem.
2. Try redeeming online once more
   • Go to the official redeem page: Redeem Code.
   • Sign in with the correct Microsoft account.
   • Carefully enter the code again to confirm it still shows as not activated.
3. Contact the retailer (required for activation issues)
   • Only the retailer can fix an unactivated card or issue a replacement, because they control the point-of-sale activation.
   • Your relative (or whoever has the receipt) should contact the store’s customer service with:
     • The physical gift card
     • The purchase receipt
     • Any error message shown when redeeming
   • If in-store return is not possible, use the retailer’s online or phone support and provide photos of the card and receipt if requested.
4. If the card was bought from Microsoft Store
   • If the gift card was purchased digitally from Microsoft (not a third-party store), check the email that contains the code and then redeem it at Redeem Code.
   • If it still fails, contact Microsoft Customer Support and provide order details.
5. Keep in mind
   • Microsoft account balance is non-transferable and must be redeemed directly to the intended Microsoft account.
   • If the card remains unactivated, Microsoft cannot convert it into balance or refund it; that must be handled by the seller.

Once the retailer correctly activates or replaces the card, redeem it again at the redeem site and the full amount will be added to the Microsoft account balance for use in Microsoft Store or Xbox.

References:

• Redeem a gift card or code to your Microsoft account
• Add money to your Microsoft account
• Microsoft gift cards terms and conditions
• Learn about Microsoft Rewards