Microsoft Lumia 70 Free App Credit: Real or Not?
Yes, Microsoft did offer a $70 (or equivalent) free app credit as an incentive to buy certain Lumia products, particularly during promotional periods. This credit was typically applied to the Microsoft Store, allowing buyers to purchase apps, games, music, and other digital content. The offer was not a permanent feature, but rather a limited-time promotion tied to specific Lumia models and regions.
Background: Why Microsoft Used App Credits
Microsoft launched the Lumia smartphone line after acquiring Nokia’s mobile division in 2014. The Lumia devices ran Windows Phone and later Windows 10 Mobile, which had a smaller app ecosystem compared to Android and iOS. To attract buyers, Microsoft often bundled incentives like the $70 app credit to make the platform more appealing. The credit was a way to soften the “app gap” criticism and encourage users to explore the Microsoft Store’s offerings.
The promotion was part of a broader strategy that included free Office 365 subscriptions, extra storage on OneDrive, and exclusive games. The app credit was usually announced in press releases and advertised on Microsoft’s official website, making it a legitimate, verifiable offer for eligible purchases.
How the Offer Worked
The $70 app credit typically functioned as a promotional code or was automatically added to the buyer’s Microsoft account after purchase. Here’s what you could expect:
- Eligibility: The offer applied to select Lumia models, such as the Lumia 950, 950 XL, and sometimes the Lumia 650, depending on the region and time.
- Redemption: You had to claim the credit within a certain period (often 30 days from purchase) and use it within a year.
- Usage: The credit could be spent on apps, games, music, movies, and in-app purchases from the Microsoft Store.
- Non-transferable: The credit was tied to the Microsoft account used during the redemption process, so you couldn’t sell or gift it.
For example, if you bought a Lumia 950 in the US during the holiday season of 2015, you might have seen a banner on the product page saying “Get $70 in Microsoft Store credit with purchase.” After activating the phone, you’d follow a link to redeem the credit.
Which Lumia Models Were Included
Not every Lumia phone came with the $70 credit. The promotion was mostly reserved for flagship models to justify their premium prices. Common models included:
- Lumia 950 and 950 XL (launched in late 2015)
- Lumia 650 (in some regions, with a lower credit like $30)
- Lumia 640 and 640 XL (occasionally, with smaller credits)
The credit amount could vary by model and region. For instance, some European promotions offered €60 instead of $70. Always check the specific offer terms at the time of purchase.
Comparing to Other Phone Promotions
Microsoft’s app credit was similar to promotions from other manufacturers but with a key difference: it was digital-only. For comparison:
- Samsung often bundled physical accessories like wireless chargers or AKG headphones with its flagships.
- Apple rarely offered direct cash incentives, preferring trade-in deals or free Beats headphones during back-to-school seasons.
- Google has offered Google Play credit with Pixel purchases, but usually in smaller amounts like $50.
Microsoft’s $70 credit was generous, but it was also a reflection of the platform’s need to entice users into its ecosystem. The credit couldn’t be used for hardware or physical goods, which limited its perceived value for some buyers.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
Several issues and myths surrounded this offer:
- Expiration confusion: Many users thought the credit expired after 30 days, but it was actually valid for 12 months from redemption.
- Regional restrictions: The credit was often only valid in the country where the phone was purchased, and using a VPN to bypass this could result in the credit being voided.
- Not automatically applied: Some buyers expected the credit to appear instantly, but it required manual redemption through a link or code sent via email.
- Misunderstanding about “free apps”: The credit was not a coupon for specific apps; it was a store credit that could be used on any digital content, including paid apps, but also music and movies.
A common misconception was that the credit was a scam or phishing attempt, because some third-party sellers advertised it without authorization. Always verify promotions on Microsoft’s official channels.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
If you bought a Lumia phone during the promotional window and missed the redemption, you might still have options. Here’s what to do:
- Check your email inbox (including spam) for a message from Microsoft with the subject “Your Lumia bonus” or similar.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account and go to the “Payment & billing” section to see if the credit is listed.
- Contact Microsoft Support with your proof of purchase and the phone’s IMEI number. They can verify eligibility and sometimes reissue the credit if it was never redeemed.
If you bought the phone second-hand, the original owner may have already redeemed the credit, so it’s unlikely you’ll get it.
Costs and Value Analysis
The $70 credit was essentially a discount on future digital purchases. To gauge its real value, consider that a typical paid app on Windows Phone cost $1-$5, a movie rental was $3-$5, and an album was $9-$12. With $70, you could buy:
- About 14 to 70 apps (depending on price)
- 14 movie rentals
- 6 to 7 full albums
However, the credit had no cash value and couldn’t be refunded, so it was only useful if you actually used the Microsoft Store. For users who primarily relied on free apps, the credit might have gone unused, making the effective value lower than the face value.
Alternatives and Current Status
Microsoft discontinued the Lumia line in 2017, and the Windows Phone platform is no longer supported. The $70 app credit offer is now obsolete. If you’re looking for similar deals today, consider:
- Carrier promotions: Many carriers offer gift cards or bill credits with phone purchases.
- Manufacturer trade-in programs: Samsung and Google often give high trade-in values that effectively reduce the cost.
- App store credit from other platforms: Google Play and Apple App Store occasionally run promotions where you get bonus credit for buying gift cards.
For Lumia owners still using their devices, the Microsoft Store is mostly defunct, but you can still download apps that were previously purchased. The credit itself is long expired, so there’s no way to use it now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get the $70 app credit if I buy a Lumia phone today?
No. The Lumia line is discontinued, and the promotion ended years ago. Any seller offering a “$70 app credit” with a Lumia purchase is likely referring to an outdated or fraudulent deal.
What could I spend the $70 credit on?
The credit was valid for digital content in the Microsoft Store, including apps, games, music, movies, TV shows, and in-app purchases. It could not be used for hardware, physical products, or services like Xbox Live Gold.
Did the credit work on Xbox or PC?
Yes, the credit was tied to your Microsoft account, so it could be used on any device where you signed in with that account, including Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, as long as the store was the same Microsoft Store.
How long was the credit valid after redemption?
Once redeemed, the credit was typically valid for 12 months. If you didn’t use it within that year, it would be removed from your account.
Was the $70 credit available in all countries?
No. The offer was region-specific and often varied in amount. For example, the UK might have offered £50, and Australia might have offered AUD 100. Always check local Microsoft promotions for exact terms.
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