Money & billingPractical guide · updated for 2026
How to Request a Refund From the App Store or Google Play
Use the store's own refund form, not the developer's support inbox, because the store holds the payment. Explain what went wrong in one or two sentences and ask for a refund rather than a credit.
Have this ready
- The order number or receipt email
- A short description of what went wrong
- Any screenshots of the error or missing feature
Step by step
- 1Find the receipt in your emailed purchases or in the store's purchase history.
- 2Open the store's refund page for that specific order rather than the general support page.
- 3Choose the closest reason and describe the fault in plain facts, such as a purchase that never unlocked or a subscription you cancelled.
- 4Submit one request per order and note the case number.
- 5Avoid filing several duplicate requests, which can slow the review.
- 6Check the decision email within the stated window and reply once with evidence if it is refused.
- 7If the store refuses and the charge is on a card, you can ask your issuer to review it.
Want it done with you?
I can walk you through it in a Magic Box, show you the exact clicks, or do it with you and keep the recording. You log in yourself; I never see your password.
Common questions
Can I get a refund for an accidental purchase?+
Often yes, if you ask quickly and have not consumed the purchase. Say plainly that it was accidental and stop using the item.
Will refunding a subscription cancel it?+
No. Cancel the subscription separately in the store's subscriptions screen, otherwise it renews again.
Do I need to contact the app developer?+
The store processes the money, so start there. The developer can fix a fault but usually cannot issue the refund.