How to Gift Xbox Game Pass

Gifting an Xbox Game Pass subscription is one of the smartest presents you can give a gamer. Whether they’re into epic RPGs, intense shooters, or family-friendly adventures, Game Pass unlocks a massive library of games across consoles, PCs, and even cloud devices. Forget last-minute socks or awkward gift cards – giving Game Pass is like handing over a golden ticket to gaming paradise. And the best part? It’s surprisingly straightforward once you know the routes available. Let’s break down exactly how you can gift this gaming goodness, making you the ultimate hero in your friend or family member’s gaming story.

Method 1: The Direct Digital Gift (Via Microsoft Store)

This is the most integrated way to gift Game Pass directly through Microsoft’s ecosystem. Think of it like sending a digital gift wrapped in virtual paper, delivered straight to their inbox.

1. Pick Your Platform: You can do this directly from your Xbox console, the Xbox app on your Windows PC, or via the Microsoft Store website in your web browser. The process is very similar across all three 3.
2. Find Game Pass: Head to the Microsoft Store. Search for “Xbox Game Pass Ultimate” (the top-tier subscription including console, PC, and cloud gaming, plus online multiplayer and EA Play) or the standard “Xbox Game Pass” for Console or PC, depending on what you want to gift and what they play on.
3. Hit “Buy as Gift”: This is the magic button. On console, look for the gift wrap icon next to the purchase option. On PC (within the Xbox app or Microsoft Store app) or the web store, you’ll often find a “…” (ellipsis) menu next to the buy button. Click that and select “Buy as Gift” 36.
4. Choose Your Recipient: A window will pop up. You can either:
   • Select a friend directly from your Xbox friends list (if they are already on it).
   • Enter the email address associated with their Microsoft/Xbox account.
   • Crucial Note: The recipient must be in the same country/region as your Microsoft account. Gifting across different regions isn’t supported 3.
5. Checkout: Proceed to payment. You can use your credit/debit card, PayPal, or Microsoft account balance. Once purchased, the digital gift is on its way!
6. Delivery: Your friend will receive notification messages: one directly on their Xbox console (if they have one) and another email sent to the address you specified. This message will contain clear instructions or sometimes even a direct link to redeem their gifted subscription 3.

Method 2: The Digital Code (Retailer Purchase)

This is the classic, flexible option. You buy a digital code from a reputable retailer, and then you deliver that code to your giftee. They redeem it on their Microsoft account.

1. Where to Buy: Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and even Microsoft’s own online store sell digital codes for Game Pass subscriptions (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, even occasionally 12 months). Look specifically for “Xbox Game Pass Ultimate,” “Xbox Game Pass for Console,” or “PC Game Pass” digital codes 911.
2. Purchase: Select the subscription type and length you want to gift. Complete the purchase using your preferred payment method on the retailer’s site.
3. Receive the Code: Almost instantly (or within a short processing time), you will receive the unique 25-character alphanumeric code. This will be displayed on the retailer’s website after purchase, sent via email, and sometimes even visible in your order history on their site. Important: The code itself is the gift. Keep it safe until you give it away! 9
4. Gift the Code: Now, present this code to your friend or family member! This is where you get creative:
   • Email/Text: Simply forward the email containing the code or copy/paste it into a message. Add a personal note!
   • Print it Out: Make a physical “gift card.” Write or print the code nicely on a piece of paper or card.
   • Use a Greeting Card: Slip the code inside a birthday or holiday card for a personal touch.
   • Third-Party Delivery Services: Some retailers offer options to schedule an email delivery for a specific date (like a birthday).
5. They Redeem: Your giftee redeems this code on their Xbox console, PC via the Microsoft Store app, Xbox app, or directly on the Microsoft Redeem website (microsoft.com/redeem) following the standard redemption process 5.

How Your Friend Redeems the Gift (Either Method)

Once your giftee has their notification (Method 1) or the physical/digital code (Method 2), here’s what they do:

1. On Xbox Console:
   • Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
   • Go to Store.
   • Press the View button (small button with two squares) to open the side menu.
   • Select Redeem.
   • Enter the 25-character code carefully and select Next. Follow any final prompts 5.
2. On Windows PC (Microsoft Store App):
   • Open the Microsoft Store app.
   • Click on their profile picture in the top-right corner.
   • Select Redeem code or gift cards.
   • Enter the code and hit Next 5.
3. On Windows PC (Xbox App):
   • Open the Xbox app.
   • Click on their gamerpic in the top-left corner.
   • Go to Settings.
   • Select Redeem under “Redeem a code”.
   • Enter the code and select Next 5.
4. Via Web Browser:
   • Go to the official Microsoft redeem page: microsoft.com/redeem.
   • Ensure they are signed in with the Microsoft account they want to apply the subscription to.
   • Enter the 25-character code and follow the instructions 5.

After successful redemption, the subscription time is instantly added to their existing membership. If they were new to Game Pass, their adventure into the vast library begins immediately!