Is an Enter Code feature allowed in apps

Question

Created Apr ’21

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I have seen many apps (I can name a dozen or so) that are live on the App Store that have a Enter Code section. Where you can enter promo codes to then get discounts in the app, credits or wallet credit.

For example some online food delivery apps. They send out free promo codes to users via email or SMS. users then enter them in the app to get some benefit.

So bearing this in mind and the relevant guidelines:

3.1.1 Gift cards, certificates, vouchers, and coupons which can be redeemed for digital goods or services can only be sold in your app using in-app purchase
3.1.1 If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase. Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, etc. Apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.

You would think that this kind of feature is allowed as long as you are not actually selling these codes outside the app. But I have been told otherwise. I have been told i am not allowed to have an Enter Code or Coupon button in my app.

Why is this?

So in my app user clicks Coupon button and asked to enter a code. Once entered they receive free in app credits, to use only in the app itself for certain features that use credits.

We post these promo codes on social pages or email them to users for free. We do not sell these promo codes etc..

So why am I being told i cant have this feature in my app?

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Answer 1

rizbituk OP

Apr ’21

As no bothered to reply (but thanks for taking the time to read the thread) Il add my answer.

You CAN use promo codes in the way that Uber Eats or Just Eat use where users can enter promo codes to redeem against real physical goods purchases.

So if the code gives them 25% discount on clothes or food purchases from the app, it is allowed as long as those codes are free and not sold outside the app.

if the codes are used to unlock features in the app or give a user extra lives in a game then as its digital only products its not allowed, even if the codes are free.

Hope that helps others.

1

Answer 2

JohnHBitheads OP

Nov ’24

thanks for your update

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