iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Sometimes. Microsoft has supported mobile operator billing for eligible Microsoft Store purchases in participating regions, but the option depends on your country, carrier and the checkout you are using. Xbox Wire announced the Xbox-specific rollout on October 31, 2016; that announcement is historical, not proof that every carrier and device combination still works today.
What Xbox Store carrier billing means
Carrier billing lets an eligible purchase be charged through a participating mobile operator. In Microsoft Store checkout, the payment method is called Mobile phone. The charge is handled through the selected operator rather than a card entered for that transaction. Whether you can use it for an Xbox purchase depends on the payment methods available to your account and storefront.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vrrAVO+zL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MEiiMQqmL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $10.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y+LDLtBFL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y0U46RO7L._SL160_.jpg)
|
$25 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
In its October 31, 2016 announcement, Xbox Wire said operator billing was available for Xbox One and, depending on location, in the Xbox app on Windows 10 devices and iOS and Android smartphones. That is the scope described at launch; it should not be read as confirmation of present-day availability across all those devices.
Which carriers and regions are listed?
Microsoft Support says mobile operator billing is offered in various countries and regions where a supporting operator is available, and cautions that payment methods vary by region. Its current support page lists the following operators. The list describes Microsoft Store mobile payment support generally; it does not establish that every entry works for Xbox purchases on every device.
#1 Best Overall
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
| Country or region | Operators listed by Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Austria | A1 Telekom; Hutchison 3G Austria; T-Mobile/tele.ring |
| Belgium | Base; Proximus |
| Canada | Telus |
| Czechia | O2; T-Mobile; Vodafone |
| Denmark | 3; TDC/YouSee; Telenor; Telia |
| Finland | DNA; Elisa |
| France | Bouygues Telecom; Orange; SFR |
| Germany | O2; Telekom Deutschland; Vodafone |
| Hungary | Magyar Telekom; Telenor |
| Italy | Wind Tre |
| Korea | Korea Telecom; LG U+; SK Telecom |
| Malaysia | Celcom; Digi |
| Netherlands | KPN/Telfort; Vodafone |
| Norway | Telenor/Talk more; Telia/OneCall |
| Poland | Orange; Play; T-Mobile |
| Singapore | M1 Limited |
| Slovakia | Slovak Telekom |
| South Africa | Vodacom |
| Sweden | 3; Tele2; Telenor |
| Switzerland | Sunrise; Swisscom |
| Taiwan | FarEasTone |
| Turkey | Turkcell |
| United Arab Emirates | Du; Etisalat |
| United Kingdom | EE; O2; Three UK; Vodafone |
These entries can change. Check Microsoft’s mobile operator billing instructions and country/operator list, then verify that your carrier supports the service for your account. Microsoft’s list alone does not guarantee that Mobile phone will appear at Xbox checkout.
How to set up mobile phone payment
- Start an eligible Microsoft Store purchase and sign in if prompted.
- Choose the option to add or change a payment method.
- Select Mobile phone, then choose your carrier from the offered list.
- Enter your mobile number and complete the SMS verification.
- Review the displayed terms and payment details before completing the purchase.
The available choices and labels may differ by region or checkout. Follow the terms and amount shown on your own screen before confirming.
Rank #2
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
What to do if Mobile phone is missing
If the payment method is not offered, do not assume that changing your account region will make it available. Microsoft says not all payment methods are supported in all regions. Confirm your account region and ask your carrier whether it participates in mobile operator billing for Microsoft purchases. Also check whether the option appears in the specific Microsoft Store or Xbox checkout you are using.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhat is not established about fees or availability
The Xbox announcement and Microsoft’s general support instructions do not provide universal fees, spending limits or a guarantee of current Xbox availability for every listed carrier, region and device. Check the terms and amount presented during checkout, and ask your carrier about any billing conditions. Xbox Wire’s original announcement likewise advised customers to check with their carrier about service availability and how to enable operator billing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
Rank #4
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Rank #3
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
