Microsoft will refund your Game Pass subscription if you ask within 60 days of purchase, but the process and what you get back depends on how you bought it and whether you've used the service.
Game Pass comes in several forms — monthly subscription, annual subscription, or Game Pass Ultimate (which bundles Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Live Gold). Each one follows the same refund window: you have 60 days from the date of purchase to request your money back. Microsoft's refund system is automated for most requests, meaning you don't need to call anyone or explain why you want the refund.
The catch is that refunds work differently depending on where you bought the subscription. If you purchased directly from Microsoft through Xbox.com or the Xbox app, the refund goes back to your original payment method. If you bought it through a third party — Apple's App Store, Google Play, PlayStation Store, or a retailer — you'll need to contact that platform or retailer instead, because Microsoft doesn't handle those refunds.
Key Takeaways
- You have 60 days from purchase to request a refund directly from Microsoft if you bought the subscription through Xbox.com or the Xbox app.
- Refunds purchased through Apple, Google, PlayStation, or other retailers must be requested from that platform, not from Microsoft.
- The refund goes back to your original payment method, and Microsoft will process it within a few business days once approved.
- If you've redeemed a Game Pass code or gift card, you cannot refund it — only subscriptions purchased as recurring charges can be refunded.
Requesting a refund directly from Microsoft
Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in with the Microsoft account you used to purchase Game Pass. Navigate to your order history (usually under "Billing" or "Payments"). Find the Game Pass charge and select it. You'll see a "Request a refund" button if you're within the 60-day window. Click it, and Microsoft will ask you to confirm — you don't need to provide a reason.
Once you submit the request, Microsoft processes it automatically in most cases. The refund appears back on your original payment method within 3 to 5 business days. Your Game Pass access stops when ready when the refund is approved, even if your subscription hadn't expired yet. If you had an active Game Pass subscription running when you requested the refund, you lose access to the service right away.
Refunds for subscriptions bought through third-party platforms
If you purchased Game Pass through the Apple App Store, you need to request the refund from Apple, not Microsoft. Open the App Store app on your iPhone or iPad, go to your account settings, find the Game Pass subscription under "Subscriptions," and select "Report a Problem." Apple handles refunds for subscriptions purchased through their platform, and their window is typically 14 days, which is shorter than Microsoft's 60-day window.
Google Play refunds work similarly. Open the Google Play app, go to "Manage my subscriptions," find Game Pass, and select "Cancel subscription." Google offers a refund window of 48 hours for most subscriptions, though this can vary. PlayStation Store refunds for Game Pass are handled by Sony, and you'll need to contact PlayStation Support directly through their website or your console.
For any third-party platform, the refund goes back to the payment method you used with that platform, not to a Microsoft account. Processing times vary — Apple typically takes 5 to 10 business days, Google Play takes 3 to 5 business days, and PlayStation can take up to 30 days.
What happens to Game Pass codes and gift cards
If you purchased a Game Pass code from a retailer (physical or digital) and redeemed it into your account, Microsoft does not refund codes. Once a code is redeemed, it's considered used and cannot be reversed. The same applies to Game Pass gift cards — once someone redeems the code, the purchase is final.
If you purchased a code but haven't redeemed it yet, you'll need to contact the retailer where you bought it. Return policies for unredeemed codes vary by retailer — some allow returns within 30 days, others have different windows. Check your receipt or the retailer's website for their specific policy.
Refunds for Game Pass Ultimate and bundled subscriptions
Game Pass Ultimate bundles Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Live Gold into one subscription. If you request a refund for Game Pass Ultimate purchased directly from Microsoft, you get back the full amount you paid. The refund applies to the entire bundle, not individual components.
If you had an active Xbox Live Gold subscription before upgrading to Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft converts your remaining Gold time into Game Pass Ultimate time at a conversion rate (typically 1 month of Gold equals 1 month of Ultimate). When you refund Game Pass Ultimate, that conversion is reversed, and any remaining time goes back to Xbox Live Gold. This means you may end up with an active Gold subscription after the refund is processed.
What to do if your refund request is denied
Microsoft denies refund requests if you're outside the 60-day window or if your account shows signs of abuse — for example, if you've requested multiple refunds in a short period or if the account has been flagged for unusual activity. If your request is denied, you'll see a message explaining why when you try to submit it.
If you believe the denial is a mistake, you can contact Microsoft Support through their website. Have your order number and purchase date ready. Support can review your case, but they rarely overturn denials for requests outside the 60-day window. If you purchased through a third party and your refund was denied there, contact that platform's support team instead.
How to avoid needing a refund
Game Pass offers a free trial period — typically 1 month for new subscribers, sometimes longer during promotions. Use the trial to make sure the service works on your device and that the game library interests you before your paid subscription starts. You can cancel the trial anytime before it converts to a paid subscription, and you won't be charged.
If you're unsure whether Game Pass will work with your setup, check the system requirements on Xbox.com. Game Pass for Console requires an Xbox Series X, Series S, or Xbox One. Game Pass for PC requires Windows 10 or later. Game Pass Ultimate works on both, plus Android phones and tablets through cloud gaming. Testing during the free trial period is the safest way to confirm compatibility before committing to a paid subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I'm outside the 60-day window?
No, Microsoft's standard refund window is 60 days from purchase. If you're outside that window, you cannot request a refund through the automated system. Contact Microsoft Support if you believe there are extenuating circumstances, but refunds beyond 60 days are rare and not may provide.
What if I bought Game Pass as a gift for someone else?
If you purchased a Game Pass gift code, you can request a refund from the retailer where you bought it before the code is redeemed. Once the recipient redeems the code, the purchase is final and cannot be refunded. If you purchased Game Pass as a gift subscription (sending it directly to someone's account), contact Microsoft Support — they may be able to help depending on the circumstances.
Do I lose my games and saves when my Game Pass refund is processed?
Yes. When your refund is approved, your Game Pass access stops when ready, and you can no longer play Game Pass games. Games you own outright (purchased separately) remain on your console or PC. Game saves are preserved on Xbox servers, so if you resubscribe later, your progress is still there — but you cannot access it while Game Pass is inactive.
Can I refund Game Pass if I used it for only a few hours?
Yes. Microsoft does not track how much you've used Game Pass or require you to have used it minimally to may have access to for a refund. As long as you're within 60 days of purchase, you can request a refund regardless of usage. The refund is based on the purchase date, not on how much time you spent in the service.
What's the difference between canceling and refunding Game Pass?
Canceling stops your subscription from renewing at the end of the current billing period, but you keep access until that date. Refunding ends your access when ready and returns the money you paid. If you want to keep playing until your current subscription expires, cancel instead of requesting a refund.