// troubleshooting guide · pika

Pika Top-Up Credits Not Working in iOS App or API

Status
Ongoing
platforms:
Web, iOS, API
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
3
Method
how we research
Share

RUNBOOK · pika/top-up-credits-not-working4 FIXES

// quick answer

Pika's top-up credit packs only work in Pika Create on pika.art and in MCP (pika.art/mcp). They can't be used in the iOS app, the Pika API Club or old.pika.art, so they look 'missing' there.

Most likely fix: Use the credits on pika.art

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Use the credits on pika.art

    1. 01Generate in Pika Create on pika.art in a browser (works on iPhone Safari too)
    Did this fix it?
  2. FIX 2Use MCP if you work from an AI assistant

    1. 01Top-up credits work with pika.art/mcp since October 19, 2026
    Did this fix it?
  3. FIX 3Buy API access separately

    1. 01The Pika API Club doesn't use Pika credits
    Did this fix it?
  4. FIX 4Check expiry

    1. 01Top-up credits expire 365 days after purchase
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Bought credits show on the web but not in the iOS app or API; balance looks different depending where you check.

Why it happens

  • C-01Restriction added September 23, 2026
  • C-02iOS app uses Apple purchases
  • C-03The API has separate billing from Pika credits

// this guide also covers

  • pika credits not showing
  • pika credits ios app
  • pika top up credits

Still not working?

If Pika keeps failing, you're not alone. See every Pika problem users report or the alternatives people switch to.

// We build software. Any software.

Paying for apps that don't quite fit? We build exactly what you need.

We're a small team of developers who build custom software fast. Not just tools like Pika: web and mobile apps, games, desktop software, AI tools, internal tools: whatever you have in mind. 50+ custom products built for clients so far, and we run our own products too: booking platforms, games, learning apps. See our work

  • Web apps & SaaS
  • Mobile apps (iOS & Android)
  • Games
  • Desktop software
  • AI tools & automations
  • Internal tools & dashboards
  • Client portals & booking
  • Your own version of any tool
  • ✓ Free 15-min call to scope it
  • ✓ Price agreed up front
  • ✓ Your data, your code

Watch Pika Get an email when its price changes, it has an outage, or we publish a new fix. No spam.

Fixed it? Share this guide

The same problem in other apps

All plan limits, paywalls & watermarks guides →

Other Pika errors

All 12 Pika errors and fixes →