How to Redeem a Promo Code for a Mac App Store App

August 8, 2026 · 4 min read · By Tulon

If a developer gave you a free promo code — for a review, as a supporter, or just as a gift — here's exactly how to redeem it on a Mac. The steps are the same for any Mac App Store app; this guide uses NetCheck as the live example.

Method 1: Redeem From a Link

Use this if the code you got came with a redemption link.

1. Install the app first

Get the free app from the Mac App Store before redeeming the code — the code just unlocks a paid feature inside an app you already have installed. If it's already installed, the App Store shows Open instead of Get.

NetCheck's Mac App Store page showing an Open button, confirming the app is already installed — "Open" instead of "Get" confirms the app is already on your Mac.

2. Open the redemption link

The developer's code comes with a redemption link that looks like apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&code=.... Open it in a browser on the same Mac you'll use the app on.

The page itself will look blank — that's normal. It's not a real webpage, just a quick handoff that redirects straight into the App Store app.

A browser window showing the redemption link in the address bar, with the code portion blurred, and a blank page below — The page stays blank on purpose — it hands off to the App Store automatically.

3. Confirm opening the App Store

macOS will ask whether to open the App Store app. Click Open App Store.

A macOS system dialog asking to open the App Store app, with an Open App Store button — Click through this system prompt to hand off to the App Store app.

4. Click Redeem

The App Store opens to a confirmation screen with the app and your code already filled in. Click Redeem Offer.

The App Store's Redeem Special Offer confirmation screen for NetCheck Pro, with a Redeem Offer button — The price shown here reflects your own App Store region — it may look different from this screenshot, and that's fine.

5. Done

The paid feature unlocks in the app right away. If it doesn't reflect immediately, just reopen the app.

NetCheck's menu bar popover showing a PRO badge next to Connected, with Pro features like Custom Probes, Network History, Speed Test, and Outage Alerts all unlocked — The PRO badge and unlocked Monitoring section confirm the code worked.

Redeeming a code for NetCheck specifically? Get the free app first, then follow the steps above.

Get NetCheck See all features

Method 2: If You Don't Have the Link, But Have the Code

Use this if you were just given the code itself, with no redemption link — or if the link method above doesn't work. You can redeem the same code manually from your Account page. The app doesn't need to be installed yet for this method either.

1. Open your Account page and click "Redeem Gift Card"

Click your name/profile icon in the App Store's bottom-left sidebar to open your Account page, then click Redeem Gift Card in the top-right.

The App Store's Account page showing the My Apps grid and a Redeem Gift Card link in the top-right — "Redeem Gift Card" sits in the top-right of your Account page.

2. Choose "Enter Code Manually"

A screen offers two options — scanning a physical gift card with your camera, or typing a code in by hand. Click Enter Code Manually.

A Redeem Gift Card screen with two options: Use Camera and Enter Code Manually — Skip the camera option unless you're scanning a physical gift card.

3. Type in your code and redeem

Enter the code in the Code field, then click Redeem.

The Redeem with Code screen with an empty Code field ready for manual entry — The feature unlocks the same way as before — same result as the direct-link method.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the link doesn't automatically open the App Store?

Use "Method 2: If You Don't Have the Link, But Have the Code" above — it gets you to the same result without relying on the link.

Do I need an Apple ID to redeem a code?

Yes — you need to be signed into the App Store with any Apple ID before redeeming. The code itself doesn't require a payment method on file.