Redeeming a gift card with location problems

The error indicates that the service cannot confirm that the device is in the same region/market as the account when trying to redeem the reward. For Microsoft Rewards and related redemptions, location must match the account’s region and cannot be hidden or altered.

Based on the documented causes for similar issues, check the following on the Windows 11 device and in the browser (Edge):

1. Turn off VPNs, proxies, and anonymizers

• Disable any VPN, proxy, or similar software on the device and router.
• If using a corporate or school network that tunnels traffic through another country, switch temporarily to a standard home/mobile network.
• Using a VPN or appearing to be outside the current market is considered a violation of Microsoft Rewards program policy and can block redemptions.

2. Ensure the account region matches the physical location

• Microsoft Rewards points and redemptions must be used in the same region as the Microsoft account.
• If traveling or physically outside the account’s home country/region, redemption can fail with location-related errors. In that case, wait until back in the home region before redeeming.

3. Check that Windows and browser location services are accurate

• Make sure Windows location services are on and allowed for the browser being used.
• If on a network that uses an authenticated proxy (common in enterprises), geolocation can fail for IP/Wi‑Fi lookups on some Windows versions; in such cases, switching to a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot or home Wi‑Fi) can allow proper geolocation.

4. Confirm the phone/SMS verification requirements

• Microsoft Rewards may require SMS verification with a non‑VoIP mobile or landline number when redeeming.
• Ensure the phone number is not VoIP and has not exceeded the maximum allowed uses across multiple accounts.

5. Re‑submit the order after fixing location/network

• After disabling VPN/proxy and ensuring the device is on a normal local network with location services enabled, re‑submit the redemption.

If the above are all correct and the error persists, continue working with Microsoft Rewards support, as they must review the account and redemption on their side. The issue may be tied to how the system is reading the IP/location or to a policy block on the account or order.

References:

• How to redeem Microsoft Rewards points
• Learn about Microsoft Rewards
• Windows Location Provider fails the geolocation lookup in Windows 8.1