Where to request your refund depends on which store you bought the app from
App refunds go through the store where you made the purchase, not through the app developer. If you bought the app on Apple's App Store, you request the refund from Apple. If you bought it on Google Play, you request it from Google. Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, and other platforms each handle their own refunds. The store processes the refund back to your original payment method — usually your credit card, debit card, or account balance — within 3 to 5 business days after approval.
Most stores give you a window to request a refund: Apple allows 14 days from purchase, Google Play allows 48 hours. After that window closes, the store typically will not refund the purchase, though you can still contact them to explain your situation. Some stores will make exceptions if the app is genuinely broken or does not work as described, even outside the standard window.
Key Takeaways
- Request refunds through the store where you bought the app — Apple App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, or Samsung Galaxy Store — not from the developer.
- Apple gives you 14 days to request a refund; Google Play gives you 48 hours; other stores vary, so check your receipt or account settings for the important date.
- Refunds return to your original payment method and take 3 to 5 business days to appear after the store approves your request.
- If the app is broken or does not work as described, you can request a refund outside the standard window by explaining the problem to the store's support team.
How to request a refund on Apple's App Store
Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then tap "Purchases." Find the app you want to refund and tap it. Tap "Report a Problem" — this opens a form where you explain why you want the refund. Choose a reason from the dropdown: "Accidental purchase," "Does not match description," "Does not work," or "Other." Write a brief explanation in the text box if you choose "Other." Tap "Submit."
Apple reviews your request and sends you an email within 24 to 48 hours. If approved, the refund posts to your account when ready, though it may take several days to show up on your credit card or bank statement depending on your bank. If denied, the email explains why. You can request a refund again if your situation has changed or if you have new information about why the app does not work.
If you cannot access the App Store app, you can also request a refund through your web browser at reportaproblem.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID, find the purchase, and follow the same process.
How to request a refund on Google Play
Open the Google Play app on your Android device. Tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap "Manage my apps & games." Go to the "Manage" tab and find the app you want to refund. Tap it, then tap "Refund." Google asks you to confirm — tap "Yes" to complete the request. The refund processes when ready, and the app uninstalls from your device.
Google's 48-hour window starts from the moment you first opened the app, not from when you purchased it. If you opened the app and then waited a week to request a refund, you are outside the window. You can still contact Google Play support to request an exception, but approval is not may provide. Explain in detail why you want the refund — for example, if the app crashes on startup or charges you repeatedly without permission.
If you bought the app through a web browser instead of the app, go to play.google.com, sign in, click your profile icon, and select "Manage your Google Play account." Click "Purchases" and find the app. Click the three-dot menu next to it and select "Refund."
Refunds for apps bought on other platforms
Amazon Appstore gives you 48 hours to request a refund, the same as Google Play. Open the Appstore app, tap the menu icon, go to "My apps," find the app, and tap "Return." Amazon processes the refund to your Amazon account balance or original payment method within 3 to 5 business days.
Samsung Galaxy Store allows 30 days for refunds. Open the Galaxy Store app, tap your profile icon, go to "My apps," find the app, and select "Refund." The refund goes back to your original payment method.
If you bought an app through a third-party store or directly from a developer's website, you will need to contact the developer or store directly. Look for a "Contact us" or "Support" link on their website or in the app itself. Explain what went wrong and ask for a refund. Response times vary widely depending on the developer.
What to do if your refund request is denied
If the store denies your refund request, you can appeal. For Apple, reply to the denial email explaining why you still believe you deserve a refund. For Google Play, contact Google Play support through the app or at support.google.com/googleplay. Explain the problem in detail — for example, if the app crashes, describe exactly when it crashes and what device you are using.
If you paid with a credit card or debit card, you can also dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer. This is a last resort and can take weeks, but it is an option if the store will not budge. Your bank will ask you to explain why you are disputing the charge. Tell them the app did not work as described or that you did not authorize the purchase.
Refunds for in-app purchases and subscriptions
In-app purchases — like coins, gems, or extra levels — follow the same refund rules as the app itself. You request the refund through the same store where you made the purchase. Apple gives you 14 days; Google Play gives you 48 hours. The process is identical: go to your purchase history, find the in-app purchase, and request a refund.
Subscriptions are handled differently. If you want to cancel a subscription, you do not request a refund — you turn off the automatic renewal. On Apple, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, find the subscription, and tap "Cancel Subscription." On Google Play, open the app, tap your profile icon, go to "Manage subscriptions," find the subscription, and tap "Cancel subscription." You will keep access until the current billing period ends, then the charges stop. If you were charged for a subscription you did not want, you can request a refund for the most recent charge through the same process as any other purchase.
Why an app refund request might be denied
Stores deny refunds most often when you are outside the refund window. If you bought the app more than 14 days ago (Apple) or 48 hours ago (Google Play), the store will likely deny your request unless the app is genuinely broken. Some stores also deny refunds if you have requested many refunds in a short time — they may flag your account as high-risk.
If the app works but you straightforward changed your mind, stores are less likely to approve a refund outside their standard window. If the app crashes, does not open, or does not match its description, you have a stronger case for an exception. When you contact support, be specific: describe the problem, say what device and operating system you are using, and explain what you expected the app to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I already used the app?
Yes. Apple and Google do not require you to avoid using the app to get a refund. They care about whether you are within the refund window and whether you have a legitimate reason — accidental purchase, app does not work, does not match description. Using the app does not automatically disqualify you.
What if the app charged me multiple times by mistake?
Contact the store when ready and explain that you were charged multiple times. Provide your purchase history as proof. Stores usually refund duplicate charges quickly because they are clearly errors. If the store does not refund you, contact your bank and dispute the extra charges.
Do I lose the app after I get a refund?
Yes. After a refund is approved, the app is removed from your device and you lose access to it. You cannot use it anymore unless you purchase it again. On Google Play, the app uninstalls automatically. On Apple, you may need to delete it manually.
How long does a refund take to show up in my bank account?
The store approves the refund within 24 to 48 hours, but your bank takes an additional 3 to 5 business days to post it. So you might see the refund in your account within a week of requesting it, though it can take longer depending on your bank.
Can I request a refund if the developer is no longer updating the app?
Yes, if the app is broken or does not work on your device. An app being outdated is not usually a reason for a refund by itself, but if it crashes or does not function, you can request one. Explain the specific problem to the store's support team.