How to redeem an app promo code

Feb 17

MongoGeneral Tech, iOS Apps , , , , , , , No Comments

I continue to be amazed at how many people simply have no idea how to use promo codes for iOS apps, even when told it is the same exact way you would redeem an iTunes gift card.  Regardless, I’m tired of sending the same instructions over and over again, so will explain how to redeem app promo codes in this post, and hopefully save another developer from having to do the same.

From your iPhone/iPod/iPad:

Step one: Open the app store app

App Store Icon

Step 2: Tap featured on the bottom tab bar, and if it isn’t already selected, tap either “New” or “What’s Hot” on the top tool bar.  Then scroll to the bottom, and tap “Redeem”.

Redeem promo code step 2

Step 3: Enter your promo code!

Redeem promo code step 3

One you have submitted your code, the app will automatically download to your iOS device.  The app will usually install to the first available space you have on the device OTHER than the first page.  So, if you have an open spot on page 2, then it will be there, if page 2 is full, then it will be on 3, etc etc.

If you entered a code from an iTunes gift card instead of a promo code from a developer, then the sum of that giftcard will be applied to your iTunes account, which you can then use to buy some cool apps.

From iTunes

If you happen to be at your computer with promo code (or iTunes gift card) in hand, you can also enter it in iTunes.

Step 1: Open iTunes, and click “Store”

iTunes Store

Step 2: Find the “Quick Links” section on the right hand side of the iTunes app, and click “Redeem”

iTunes Menu

Step 3: Enter you code, and click Redeem

iTunes Redeem

This will start downloading the app if it was a promo code, or apply the cash value to your iTunes account if it was a gift card.  The only drawback about doing it this way for promo codes, is that you have to sync your device with iTunes before it will be installed on your device, which kinda sucks.  The easiest way by far for promo codes is to enter the code on your device.

UDID Tool for iOS

Dec 16

MongoiPhone, Software Development , , , , , , No Comments

If you ever want to work with an iOS developer in order to beta test their application, the first thing they will most likely ask for is the UDID of your device.  The UDID is a unique id that is on every iOS device.  Developers needs this ID in order to provision your device for a special “pre-release” ad-hoc build.  Getting the UDID of the device is not hard, but the typical way of getting it involves plugging your device into your computer, launching iTunes, etc etc.  Luckily, there are a ton of apps in the app store that are both free and can grab that ID for you.  I’ve looked at a number of them, and most either contain ads (really? for a one time use app?), or have other features you don’t need or care about.  After all, I just want the damn UDID to send to the developer after all.

After doing some searching and testing a number of apps, I ran across an app  (appropriately named “UDID Tool“) that met all my requirements:

  • Straight and to the point, show’s me the UDID immediately, no having to tap another button to get it
  • Can send an email with the UDID from the app OR copy to the clipboard
  • Clean interface, not something I’d be hesitant or embarrassed to send to a client.
  • Designed to run on the iPhone, iPod, and the iPad

While true, an iPhone app can run on the iPad, it sure is nice to have an app that is already designed for the iPad and not look like crap when blown up to 2x.  The other big thing for me was to have an app free of branding, spam, ads, etc that I could send to potential beta testers or clients, and this app fits the bill.  It’s clean, looks like a tool, and does exactly what it advertises, and is free.

If you are in need of a tool to send to beta testers, or are a beta tester that needs a quick way of finding your UDID to send to the developer, this is the tool for you.

You can download UDID Tool from Apple’s app store by clicking this link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/udid-tool/id377602501?mt=8