Referral codes are a popular feature in many apps and online platforms, especially in apps that offer coins or points as a reward system. Whether you’re signing up for a social growth app like TopFollow, a finance app, or a game, referral codes are used to encourage users to invite others in exchange for bonuses—usually in the form of coins, credits, or free features. In these apps, this kind of code is often referred to as a coin referral code, since it directly affects how many coins or points a user earns.
If you’re signing up and forget to enter a referral code, you might wonder what happens next. Do you lose the rewards? Can the code be added later? What about the person who referred you—do they still get credit? These are common questions that can make a difference in how you experience the app and how you benefit from its features.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happens when you forget to enter a referral code during signup, what your options are afterward, and how different apps handle this situation.
Why Referral Codes Matter
Before diving into what happens when a referral code is skipped, it’s important to understand why referral codes exist in the first place. Referral codes are part of a user acquisition strategy. Apps want more users, and they know people are more likely to try something if it comes recommended by a friend. So, they reward both the inviter and the new user.
Typically, when a referral code is entered during signup:
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The new user gets free coins or starting credit.
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The referring user receives a bonus for bringing in someone new.
This two-way benefit creates a win-win scenario and motivates people to share the app with others. That’s why many users want to make sure they don’t miss the chance to enter a referral code when signing up.
What Happens When You Forget to Enter the Code
1. You Miss Out on the Bonus
In most apps that use coin systems—like TopFollow, GetInsta, or similar platforms—you will miss your one-time signup bonus if you forget to enter the referral code during registration. The app assumes you’re not part of any referral chain and does not apply any bonus to your account.
For example, if the app normally gives 300 free coins to users who enter a referral code during signup, you will not receive those coins if you skip that step. Since most of these apps allow users to grow their profiles using coins, that bonus can make a real difference, especially early on.
2. Your Referrer Doesn’t Get Credit
The person who gave you the referral code likely shared it because they were hoping to receive some reward too—often in the form of coins or a percentage of your activity. If you forget to enter their referral code, they don’t receive anything. The app has no way of linking your account to theirs unless the code is entered correctly and at the right time.
3. You Might Not Be Able to Add It Later
Unfortunately, most apps lock the referral process to the signup phase. Once you’ve created your account without entering the code, you may not get another chance. That means no option in settings, no second opportunity, and no way for the app to verify the missed referral.
However, a few apps do allow late code entry—usually within a limited timeframe (e.g., 24–48 hours)—but these are rare and often require you to contact customer support or access a special “Referral” tab in the app.
Can You Still Enter the Code After Signup?
The ability to add a referral code after signup depends entirely on the app’s design and policies.
Common Outcomes:
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Most apps do not allow late entry.
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Some apps allow code entry within a specific time window (e.g., 1 day).
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A few apps allow code entry under the “Invite” or “Referral” section post-signup.
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Contacting support may sometimes help, but it’s not guaranteed.
If the app doesn’t support late code entry, the only possible workaround is to:
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Create a new account using a different email address or phone number.
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Uninstall and reinstall the app (if it allows account resetting).
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Use a different device if the app uses device-based identification.
Tips to Avoid Missing Referral Code Entry
To prevent missing your chance to enter a referral code in the future, consider the following:
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Prepare Before Signup
Ask the person who referred you for the code before downloading or opening the app. -
Look for the Referral Field
During registration, slow down and check carefully for a field labeled “Referral Code,” “Invite Code,” or “Promo Code.” -
Use Trusted Sources
If you don’t know anyone with a code, many online forums and communities share working referral codes. Just make sure they come from active users or official partners. -
Take Screenshots
If you believe you entered a referral code but didn’t receive the bonus, screenshot the process and reach out to the app’s support team. They may honor it if you acted in good faith.
Final Thoughts
Forgetting to enter a referral code during signup usually means missing out on free rewards for both you and the person who referred you. Most apps don’t allow codes to be added later, so it’s important to enter them correctly the first time. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s a lost opportunity—especially if the bonus involves valuable coins or features.
If you’ve already missed the chance, check if the app has a referral section in its settings or contact support politely. Otherwise, consider starting over with a new account if you’re determined to take advantage of the referral system.