First identify the offer: a game or subscription bundled with an Xbox console is usually claimed through Digital Direct; a Game Pass benefit is claimed through the Xbox app or console’s Benefits area and may need to be activated inside a supported game. Digital Direct requires no code, and claimed content is delivered to your console’s digital library. A benefit is not necessarily a full game or a permanent game licence.
Identify which Xbox offer you have
Check where the offer came from and what it promises before trying to redeem it. “Included with this Xbox” points to a Digital Direct offer attached to a console. A Game Pass benefit is a separate offer, often an in-game item or other perk. Xbox’s general pages describe different claim flows for these offer types, so do not treat them as interchangeable.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vrrAVO+zL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MEiiMQqmL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y+LDLtBFL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y0U46RO7L._SL160_.jpg)
|
$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
- Digital Direct: a digital game, subscription, or other content included with an eligible console. Xbox says, “With Digital Direct, no codes are required.” Xbox Digital Direct details.
- Game Pass benefit: an offer found in the Benefits area that may need to be claimed by launching a supported game. Follow the requirements shown for that specific benefit. Xbox Game Pass benefits.
Claim a Digital Direct offer included with your console
During console setup
- Set up the console while signed in to the Microsoft account that should receive the offer.
- When the included games, subscriptions, or other digital content appear during setup, select Claim it.
- After claiming, look for the content in My Games & Apps, in the digital library on the console.
If you skipped the offer during setup
- On the console, open Settings > Account > Included with this Xbox.
- Review the offer shown there and follow the on-screen instructions to claim it.
- Check My Games & Apps for the claimed content.
Xbox states that a Digital Direct offer is attached to the first Microsoft account that redeems it. Confirm you are using the intended account before claiming; the general Digital Direct instructions do not describe a way to move an entitlement to another account.
Claim a Game Pass benefit
Benefits are accessed from different places depending on the device. Xbox’s general instructions point to these areas:
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- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
- Xbox console: the Benefits button on Home or the Game Pass section.
- Xbox PC app: the Benefits button on Home or the Game Pass tab.
- Xbox mobile app: the Benefits button.
- Open the Benefits area and select the offer you want.
- Read that offer’s eligibility, supported game, platform, and setup requirements, then complete the specified steps.
- When required, launch the supported game on an Xbox console, PC, or other supported device to complete the claim or make the benefit available.
Some offers require linking an Xbox profile to a separate game account. For example, in a March 26, 2025 announcement about benefits for free-to-play games, Xbox instructed members to link the relevant accounts where applicable and then launch the participating game through Xbox on PC or console. That example is not a universal requirement; use the instructions for the individual benefit. Xbox Wire announcement, March 26, 2025.
Install a claimed game, or access an in-game benefit
For a Digital Direct game
Claiming adds the eligible content to the console’s digital library. Open My Games & Apps, find the game, and use its available install or download option if it is not already installed. Xbox’s general Digital Direct instructions establish where claimed content is delivered, but do not specify a universal download sequence for every game or console state.
Rank #2
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
For a Game Pass benefit
A benefit may be an in-game item or other perk rather than a full game to download. Follow the offer’s instructions and launch the named supported game if required; the general benefits guidance does not establish one installation process for every benefit. Check the benefit description to see whether a separate game download is needed.
Check the offer’s terms before you claim
Xbox’s general instructions do not establish a universal catalogue, region list, eligibility rule, claim deadline, or platform for every offer. These details can differ, so use the terms shown on the offer itself. Before redeeming, check:
Rank #3
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
- Whether the offer is Digital Direct or a Game Pass benefit.
- Which console, PC, mobile app, or supported device can be used to claim or access it.
- Which Microsoft account receives it and whether a separate game account must be linked.
- Any regional eligibility or claim deadline stated in the offer.
- Whether the result is a game in your digital library or a benefit accessed inside a supported game.
The benefits described in a March 2025 announcement document offers available at that time; they do not establish what is currently available. Check the offer displayed in your account for current terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the offer is missing or will not claim
Start with the offer-specific instructions and confirm you are signed in to the right Microsoft account. For Digital Direct, check Settings > Account > Included with this Xbox; for a Game Pass benefit, return to the Benefits area and review its requirements, including any game-account link or supported-game launch step. If the offer still does not appear or claim, consult Xbox Support and the offer’s own terms. The general guidance does not establish one troubleshooting fix for every missing or failed offer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
Rank #4
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
