What is a CD key and how do you use it?

A CD key is the licence code that proves a game is yours. The name is a leftover from boxed games, but the job is the same: you enter the code on the right platform, the game lands in your library, and it stays there.

Where the code goes

Every platform has its own screen:

• Steam — Games menu → "Activate a Product on Steam".
• Epic Games — Account menu → Redeem Code.
• Ubisoft Connect — bottom-left menu → Activate Key.
• EA App — Menu → Redeem Code.
• GOG — the plus button, top right → Redeem code.
• Xbox / Microsoft — Microsoft Store → Redeem code.

Copy and paste rather than typing. Most rejected codes are not faulty codes; they are a zero read as an O, or a one read as an I.

Three things to check before buying

Platform. A Steam key will not work on Epic. The product page says which one it is for.

Region. Some codes only activate on accounts in certain countries. Where that restriction exists it is printed on the product page, above the buy box. If you are not sure, ask before buying — a code that does not match your region is not refundable, because the code itself is valid.

Edition. Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate are different products with different extra content.

How the code reaches you

The code appears on screen the moment payment clears, and it stays on the order page in your account permanently. It is emailed to you as well. Closing the page does not lose it.

Codes from stock arrive within seconds. Items drawn from a supplier occasionally take a few minutes; your order sits as "processing" and you are notified when it completes.

Never share the code

A CD key is single-use and belongs to whoever redeems it. Do not send yours to anyone — and we will never ask you for a code or a password.

If a code will not work, we wrote separately about what to do.