You can request a refund directly from Apple within 14 days of purchase, and most requests go through if the app hasn't been heavily used

Apple processes refund requests through the App Store, not through the app developer. You start in your Apple ID account settings, find the transaction, and request a refund. Apple reviews the request — usually within 48 hours — and either approves it or denies it. If approved, the money goes back to your original payment method: your Apple ID balance, credit card, or debit card, depending on how you paid.

The 14-day window is Apple's standard, but it's not a hard rule. Requests older than 14 days sometimes go through if you have a legitimate reason — the app crashes constantly, it doesn't match the description, or you were charged twice. Requests within 14 days are approved more often, especially if you've barely opened the app.

If Apple denies your request, you can appeal once. After that, your only option is to contact the app developer directly, though they have no obligation to refund you since Apple already processed the sale.

Key Takeaways

  • Request refunds through your Apple ID account settings under Purchase History, not by contacting the developer.
  • Apple reviews refund requests within 48 hours and approves most requests made within 14 days of purchase.
  • Refunds return to your original payment method — your Apple ID balance, credit card, or debit card.
  • If Apple denies your request, you can submit one appeal; after that, the developer is your only remaining option.
  • Apps that crash, don't work as described, or were purchased by accident have higher approval rates than apps you straightforward changed your mind about.

Step-by-step process to request a refund

Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap or click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Purchase History. Find the app you want to refund — you can scroll through recent purchases or search by name. Tap or click the three dots next to the app name, then select Report a Problem.

A form appears asking why you want a refund. Choose the reason that matches your situation: the app doesn't work, it doesn't match the description, you were charged by mistake, or you didn't mean to buy it. Be specific in the text box — "crashes on startup" or "charged twice for the same app" gets approved faster than "changed my mind." Submit the form.

You'll see a message saying Apple will review your request. Check your email (the one linked to your Apple ID) within 48 hours for Apple's decision. If approved, the refund appears in your account within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank.

What happens if Apple denies your refund request

Apple sends you an email explaining why the request was denied. Common reasons include: the app was purchased more than 14 days ago, you've used the app extensively, or the reason you gave doesn't match Apple's refund policy. You can reply to that same email with new information — for example, if you said the app crashes and Apple denied it, you can send a screenshot or video showing the crash.

You get one appeal. If Apple denies the appeal, the refund process is closed on Apple's end. At that point, you can contact the app developer directly through their website or support email, but they're not required to refund you since Apple already processed the original transaction.

Refunds for apps charged to a family member's account

If a child or family member made the purchase on a shared family account, the person who bought the app needs to request the refund — not the account owner. Go to Purchase History, find the transaction, and follow the same steps. If the person who made the purchase is unavailable, the account owner can contact Apple Support directly and explain the situation, though approval is less certain.

If the purchase was unauthorized — a child bought an app without permission — mention that in your refund request. Apple approves these more readily, especially if it's the first time you've reported unauthorized charges on that account.

How long refunds take and where the money goes

The refund itself appears in your Apple ID balance when ready after approval — you'll see it when you open the App Store. If you want to move that money to your bank account or credit card, you have to spend it on another app, in-app purchase, or Apple service, or request a separate withdrawal to your payment method (which varies by country and payment type).

If you paid with a credit or debit card, Apple can also refund directly to that card instead of your Apple ID balance. The card refund takes 5 to 10 business days because it has to go through your bank's processing system. Refunds to Apple ID balance are when ready.

Refunds for in-app purchases and subscriptions

In-app purchases — like coins, premium features, or one-time upgrades — follow the same 14-day refund window and the same request process. Find the app in Purchase History, tap the three dots, and report the problem. Subscriptions work differently: you can cancel a subscription anytime and get a refund for the current billing period if you cancel within 14 days of the charge date.

To cancel a subscription, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions, find the subscription, and tap Cancel Subscription. If you cancel within 14 days, you'll see a refund option. If you cancel after 14 days, the subscription ends at the next billing date but you don't get a refund for the current period.

What to do if you don't see your refund after approval

If Apple approved your refund but it hasn't appeared in your Apple ID balance or on your card after 10 business days, contact Apple Support. Have your refund confirmation email ready — it contains a reference number that speeds up the investigation. Apple can check whether the refund was actually processed and, if it wasn't, reissue it.

If the refund went to your Apple ID balance but you need it on your card, you'll need to request a separate withdrawal. This option is available in Settings > [Your Name] > Payment Methods, though it's not available in all countries and may have restrictions on how often you can withdraw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I've already downloaded and used the app?

Yes, but your approval chances are lower. Apple approves refunds for used apps if the app crashes, doesn't work as described, or was purchased by mistake. If you straightforward changed your mind after using it, approval is less likely. The less you've used it, the better your chances.

What if the app developer offers a refund directly instead of Apple?

Go through Apple, not the developer. Apple is the seller of record — they processed the charge and they handle refunds. If a developer offers a refund code or credit within their app, that's separate from an Apple refund and doesn't affect your ability to request one.

Do I lose access to the app after I get a refund?

Yes. Once the refund is approved, the app is removed from your device and you can't read it again without paying. If you change your mind later, you'll have to buy it again.

Can I request a refund for an app I bought years ago?

Apple's standard is 14 days, but older requests sometimes go through if you have a strong reason — the app never worked, it was charged twice, or you were hacked. Submit the request anyway and explain the situation. Approval is less certain, but it's worth trying.

What if my payment method is no longer active?

The refund goes to your Apple ID balance instead. From there, you can spend it on apps and services, or request a withdrawal to a current payment method if that option is available in your country.