How to Gift an iPad App

Want to make someone's day? Send them an iPad app

By

Updated on October 21, 2021

iPad
Macs

What to Know

Tap the App Store icon on the iPad Home screen. Locate an app to gift and tap its icon to open the information screen.
Select the blue circle with three dots or the Share icon depending on the iOS version. Select Gift App. Enter the recipient's information.
Add a message, choose a theme, specify a delivery date, and tap Buy in the confirmation screen.

This article explains how to give iPad apps as gifts using the App Store. It includes information on giving an App Store gift card when you don't know which apps to choose. The information in this article applies to iPads with iPadOS 13 or later or iOS 12.

How to Gift an iPad App

Gifting an App Store app is similar to buying an app for yourself.

On the iPad Home screen, tap the App Store icon.
Scroll through the App Store Today screen to see new and featured apps. If you have a specific app in mind or want more options, go to the bottom of the screen and tap Apps.

Need suggestions on what app to gift? Check out this guide to the best iPad games.
Select an app from the Apps screen by scrolling through it or using the search field. The apps that display Get next to them are free, although they may offer in-app purchases. Paid apps display the price next to the name.
Tap the app that you have decided to gift to someone to open its information screen.
Select the blue circle with three dots on the right side of the screen (in iOS 12) or the Share icon (in iPadOS 13 and later) to open a screen with the Gift App option.
Select Gift App to gift a paid app. If the app is free, select Share App. There is no Gift App option for free apps.
In the Send Gift screen, enter the recipient's email address in the To field and enter your name in the From field.
In the Message field, type a message.
Select the date you want Apple to notify your recipient of the gift, then tap Next.
In the Select Theme screen, choose a theme for your gift presentation, then tap Next.
In the Review screen, confirm the information and the price, then tap Buy to complete the gift order.
The recipient of your gift receives an email with instructions on how to download and install the app.

How to Send an App Store Gift Card From an iPad

For people who struggle with picking out an app for their friends or family members, there's always the Gift Card option.

Open the App Store, go to the bottom of the screen, then tap either Today or Apps. The gift card option is available from either screen.
Tap your photo or avatar in the upper-right corner of the screen.
In the Account screen, select Send Gift Card by Email.
In the Send Gift screen, enter the recipient's email address, your name, and a message.
Select the amount you want to send or tap Other to choose a different amount.
Select a different date if you don't want the gift card sent today, then tap Next.

If you select Other, the virtual keyboard appears, and you can enter any amount between $15 and $200.
In the Select Theme screen, choose a theme, which is personalized with your message, name, and gift amount. Tap Next.
In the Review screen, review the information, then tap Buy to complete the order.
Your recipient will receive an email on the date that you specified.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Tell us why!