How to Gift a Game on Xbox (Microsoft Store Gifting Rules)
To gift a game on Xbox, find it in the Microsoft Store on your console, select the gift icon, pick a friend or type an email address, and pay. The person you send it to gets a code to redeem. The main rule: you and the recipient must be in the same country or region.
You can gift games, add-ons, and subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as long as the product page shows a Buy as gift option.
How to gift on your Xbox console
- Open the Microsoft Store on your Xbox and find the game.
- Select the gift wrap icon.
- Under “Buy as gift,” choose someone from your friends list or enter an email address.
- Choose a payment option and complete the purchase.
The recipient gets a message on their Xbox and an email at the address linked to their Xbox account. They select Redeem code to claim the game.
Other ways to send a gift
| Where | How | Send to |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox app on PC | Find the game, select …, then Buy as Gift | Friend or email |
| Xbox Store on the web | Open the … menu next to Buy, choose Buy as a gift, sign in, pay | Email only |
| Microsoft Store on Windows | Click the gift icon next to Buy, sign in, pay | Email only |
Gifting rules to know
- Same country or region. If the recipient lives somewhere else, they will see an error saying the code was bought in a different region.
- Some items cannot be gifted. Xbox Support says Fortnite V-Bucks, FC Points, and other virtual currencies cannot be sent as gifts.
- Gift limit. There is a limit on how many digital gifts you can send. If you hit it, you may have to wait up to 30 days.
- Not every game. If you do not see Buy as gift, that product cannot be gifted digitally.
- Kids’ accounts. If the recipient is a child, their content settings might block the download until a parent changes them.
Refunds and lost gift emails
If the gift does not show up within 12 hours, contact Microsoft Store Support. If the email was lost, open your order history, find the item, select View gift code, copy it, and email it yourself.
If the person already owns the game, they can pass the code on, or you can ask for a refund. Xbox Support says you must request a refund for an unredeemed gift within 14 days of buying it. Once the code is redeemed, it cannot be refunded.
Gifting a big new release?
Check the store page first to see if Buy as gift is offered, and confirm which edition your friend wants. Our GTA 6 pre-order bonus guide lists what the editions include. If you are gifting to someone on PC, see whether GTA 6 is on PC first.
FAQ
Can I gift an Xbox game to a friend in another country?
No. Xbox Support says givers and recipients must be in the same country or region. If not, you can return the gift for a refund.
How long do I have to refund a gift?
Request a refund for an unredeemed gift within 14 days of purchase. A redeemed gift cannot be refunded.
Can I gift V-Bucks or other game currency?
No. Xbox Support says virtual currencies like V-Bucks and FC Points cannot be sent as gifts.
Why can’t I send any more gifts?
You may have reached the digital gift limit. Xbox Support says you may need to wait up to 30 days.
Sources: Xbox Support: Gifting help, Xbox Wire: How to buy a digital game as a gift