A friend bought me a gift but it didn't work.

Hi, I hope you're doing great out there despite the issue that you're experiencing. I am an Independent advisor and I am here to help you in regards to your concern.

By didn't work, may I ask what exactly happen? Is it not showing on your end? If yes, For cases like this what we initially need to do is to quit the game and perform power cycle in that way once you launch the game your in-game data will just re-sync.

Kindly quit the game and follow the steps below before you re-launch the game.

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POWERCYCLE CONSOLE​​​

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1. Turn off your console by holding the Xbox button on the front of the console for approximately 10 seconds. The console will turn off. ​​​

2. Turn your console back on by pressing the Xbox button on the console or the Xbox button on your controller. ​​​

Hello. I'm experiencing the same issue. I gifted an Xbox friend a DLC from Dead By Daylight. They redeemed the code, and it took them to the Microsoft store after the redeeming action was complete. We have exited and restarted the game, and also did a power cycle on the console. Checking under manage game and add-ons for the game does not show the DLC I gifted them. Going to the DLC separately in the store on their account only gives them an option to buy it and does not show it owned. Checking within the game itself for the content also only gives them an option to purchase and does not show the DLC is owned. Re-trying the code sent to them says the code has been redeemed. Under my recent transactions under billing, I see that they redeemed the code. What's the next step?

Gift cards and gifts are region locked, meaning that can only be used in the region or country they were purchased in.

Your friend will just need to return the code from the place of purchase.

I’m not sure there is a legitimate way around the region lock.

Yes, there will always be print when you are buying anything to let you know about the region. Sometimes, with games as well, there will be print letting you know that this may not be available in all regions. Unfortunately he has to request a refund now
and repurchase the gift for you. This is in place because otherwise there are people in countries with higher taxes than the US that would always purchase their Xbox content through the US store if allowed (as the games etc are cheaper without the high taxes
added on), which sidesteps the tax laws in their own country, which is illegal for them to do.

Hello Vixen,

Here are two facts about most online game codes for consoles in 2019:

* They're tied to geographical regions and may only be redeemed in that region (i.e. North America, Europe, Africa, etc.).

* They cannot be refunded once purchased, especially at retail locations.

Fortunately, Microsoft allows you change the region on your Xbox account:

https://support.xbox.com/my-account/microsoft-account/update-microsoft-account-country-region

But you may still be restricted by geographical lookup of your IP address. In that case, you will need to use a VPN from the region you wish to redeem the code:

https://www.windowscentral.com/use-vpn-xbox-one

If neither of these work, there is a very small chance Ark/Studio WIldcard's customer service might credit your account. Please follow these instructions:

https://support.survivetheark.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000784588-How-to-Submit-a-Ticket

I hope this helps solve your problem.

Trying to circumvent the region lock, is not advisable as with the use of a VPN. These two methods can end up causing you a lot of issues.