Do you want a refund for an iTunes or App Store purchase (e.g. books, movies, apps or TV shows)? Apple’s terms and conditions say “all sales and rentals of products are final.” This means that Apple does not offer refunds.
But Apple may make exceptions if you have a valid reason. Apple’s policy states that:
“All Transactions are final. Content prices may change at any time. If technical problems prevent or unreasonably delay delivery of Content, your exclusive and sole remedy is either replacement of the Content or refund of the price paid, as determined by Apple. From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim.“
How to Get a Refund From Your App or Report a Problem With Your App Purchase
You might run into a situation where you’ve decided that the app doesn’t work for you and you want a refund. Unfortunately, there’s no “refund purchase” button to be found in the App Store. Instead, Apple makes the process a bit more convoluted, as it requires the refund to be reviewed. Here’s how you can get a refund for apps on the iPhone and iPad that you’ve purchased.
Sign in with the Apple ID used to purchase the app.
Tap on the drop-down box and select Request a Refund.
In the second drop-down box, select a reason for the refund.
Click the Next button.
Scroll until you find the app that you want to get a refund for.
Once the app is selected, tap the Submit button at the top of the webpage.
In the event that going through the steps above results in Apple telling you that you can’t request a refund, this could be a few reasons. The most likely reason is that the charge is still pending, meaning that Apple can’t even try to refund the charge yet. In order to get past this, you’ll just have to wait until after the charge goes through.
We aren’t exactly sure when Apple added this next method, but there’s another option for those who want to get a refund. Here are the steps that you’ll need to take:
Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap the Apps button in the bottom toolbar.
Scroll all the way to the bottom until you reach the QuickLinks section.
Tap either Report a Problem or Request a Refund.
Follow the on-screen steps to complete the process.
This may not look much different compared to following the steps listed above, but at least Apple has added a shortcut button that is accessible from the App Store itself. It’s worth pointing out that you can also reach out to the developer directly from the appropriate App Store listing, and then follow the on-screen steps to request a refund.
How to Check Refund Request Status
Now that you’ve requested a refund, you will be able to keep an eye on the status. Because this goes through a review process, there are different stages and steps that are taken in order to ensure that everything is on the “up and up”. After the refund has been requested, here’s how you can check the status:
Sign in with the Apple ID used to request the refund.
Tap Check Status of Claims.
Tap Pending in order to see the status.
Apple states that an update will arrive within 48 hours of the refund request being made. It also may take a bit longer for a decision to be made, depending on your history of refund requests, the app or service in question, and the time of the year.
Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the original editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
I have been having some serious issues with my iPhone these last 2 weeks. Apps appearing that I didn’t download, charges for apps I didn’t authorise. My contacts have disappeared, space on my phone has filled with no apparent reason or explanation. I requested refunds on apps that a few I had trialed and did not update for a subscription but it charged me anyway. I had to restore a backup the other night and a few apps were put back on my phone that were deleted and AGAIN I’ve been charged subscription !! Just out of control and has put me in some serious financial hardship. An app I don’t even have on my phone I was charged $108 in which case, my car repayment lapsed. This is the last iPhone for me, I’m going to switch to another brand, in discussions at work and with friends, no one else has these issues but anyone with App store does. Apple has refused a refund on an app I don’t use, didn’t authorise and have continuously explained was due to an icloud backup but still refusal. So thanks Apple, I was $40 short on my car payment, overdraw fee of $15 from my bank and $20 from Nissan Finance.The $60 was for my petrol to get to work. Thanks to you, I’ll probably have no job at the end of the week. Absolutely disgraceful service !!
We keep getting an email that our payment method for icloud has expired. When we click to pay the site is not found. Can you text or email a phone number for us to call and send new card information. The charge is .99 month for John’s phone. Thanks. It was coming out of a Capital One card. We need to give you updated card info.
I am a retired lady that is not up on the new gadgets that are out there. I called and ordered SPECTRUM TV and said I would need 4 receivers ..one for each TV. What I understood that I would get 4 boxes for 7.99 a month or I could purchase them for 187.00. I opted to pay 7.99..per month and I would install. WELL.I got 4 boxes .followed instructions… and could not understand why the remote was so tiny and worked like a phone. talked to 3 or 4 techs and explained this is not what I ordered. AND they said I am sorry…Apple Tv will not take back the equipment after it is opened. So…how was I to know that This wasn’t what I ordered. As I said I ordered SPECTRUM Tv.I thought it was some fancy way to have tv. I was not happy with the product that was sent the picture wasn’t clear….the picture would freeze or go black but the voice was there. NOW….I called again after 3 days and said what is wrong with this ..I found out I needed to get receivers from our local Spectrum office…and I did. But I can’t return Apple TV because they were open. Billed over 800.00
Please help me, on report a problem the gold pass that I wanted to be refunded shows it is refunded! but on my bank it is not refunded yet. please advise. Mike Yu
There are various waiting periods for refunds to process. Your refund likely falls in the 30 days window. So, first, wait that 30 days. If you continue to not see the refund, check it’s status (sign in to reportaproblem), then contact your bank AND contact Apple Apple
Here are the listed terms for refund transit
1) Apple/App/iTunes store credit: takes up to 48 hours to see the refund in your Apple ID balance
2) Mobile phone billing: take up to 60 days for the statement to show the refund
3) All other payment methods: takes up to 30 days for the statement to show the refund
Hi,
My 7 years old daughter has an IPad.
I have found that iTunes .com/bill charge me for a lot of purchases which bill to my credit card nearly £500.
I have no idea how is happen.
I will appreciate if you check it in good faith and sort the problem.
I have been very loyal apple customer for long time and a faith you will check it and refund the money which I can not afford.
Thank you
Oh no! Oh boy, this is every parents’ nightmare! Contact iTunes Store support immediately! Check Apple’s site for how to contact Apple (iTunes support) in your home country–Find and then click the Contact Apple Support at the bottom your country’s support page, then click iPad and select App Store, iTunes Store & Music > App Store, iTunes Account billing. Then choose a method of contact chat, phone, email. I personally love chat! It’s always manned and is very prompt. But select whatever you feel comfortable with.
Be honest and explain the situation and let them know these were NOT authorized purchases and that you would like a Refund for In-App Purchases made by a minor.
More than likely, they will send you a link to fill out some online form(s). You will need to submit all the order ID numbers for each unauthorized purchase. Find these in your iTunes billing history.
And moving forward, enable restrictions on your iPad so your child (or anyone for that matter) cannot purchase apps and such that you do not authorize.
Go to Settings > General > Restrictions
Tap Enable Restrictions
Create a 4 digit Restrictions passcode, re-enter your passcode to confirm (and write down this passcode–you need it to disable restrictions)
To disable purchasing, turn off iTunes Store, iBooks Store, Installing Apps, and In-App Purchases
Consider giving your daughter your iPad in Kids Mode which limits what a child accesses.
Alternatively, if only you (and not your child) know your iPad password, you can also require this password for all iTunes & App Store purchases.
Tap Settings > iTunes & App Store > Password Settings
Under Purchases and In-App Purchases, Tap Always Require
Under Free Downloads, toggle ON Require Password
When prompted, enter your password. Then tap OK
My goodness, I hope this is sorted out. Best of luck.
The refund option is ONLY good for Purchases within ~90 DAYS OR SO, so any in-app purchases LONGER than that MUST be reported separately but the comment box to Contact Apple Support is very limited so summarize it!
– This would be the case for any app which was upgraded from iOS 7 to iOS 8/9 so anyone that still uses iOS 7 may NO Longer have access to the app despite paying a LOT of money for those In-App purchases!
Other problems:
1. Apple does NOT state how refunds will be rewarded.
– Will credit be given over to your credit card that’s linked to your account?
– Will credit be returned to the iTunes credit within your account for which you’ve paid for an iTunes card to fund your purchases?
2. Merchant will Obviously fight you and say YOU, the user, are at fault!
– The ONLY recoures:
a) File ‘Report Problem’ to Apple
b) IF you used your credit card for the purchases, then contact the credit card company and file a Complaint to deal with the prior purchases
c) Find the company’s address and file complain in company’s state and your state with the Better Bus. Bureau and any Consumer Right’s Dept., if any.
d) Notify company of your actions to get any other responses and KEEP those responses ON FILE!
e) Leave Feedback on the company and app to let the world know NOT to deal with the company!
I have been trying to purchase coins from jackpot party casino slots! They refuse to give me a refund.im out quite a bit of money and for them to just refuse me a refund bothers me because,I live on a very tight budget.it makes me feel like I’ve been scammed.
i never confirm the subscription. i never even use it. id rather have my money back.
I have been having some serious issues with my iPhone these last 2 weeks. Apps appearing that I didn’t download, charges for apps I didn’t authorise. My contacts have disappeared, space on my phone has filled with no apparent reason or explanation. I requested refunds on apps that a few I had trialed and did not update for a subscription but it charged me anyway. I had to restore a backup the other night and a few apps were put back on my phone that were deleted and AGAIN I’ve been charged subscription !! Just out of control and has put me in some serious financial hardship. An app I don’t even have on my phone I was charged $108 in which case, my car repayment lapsed. This is the last iPhone for me, I’m going to switch to another brand, in discussions at work and with friends, no one else has these issues but anyone with App store does. Apple has refused a refund on an app I don’t use, didn’t authorise and have continuously explained was due to an icloud backup but still refusal. So thanks Apple, I was $40 short on my car payment, overdraw fee of $15 from my bank and $20 from Nissan Finance.The $60 was for my petrol to get to work. Thanks to you, I’ll probably have no job at the end of the week. Absolutely disgraceful service !!
We keep getting an email that our payment method for icloud has expired. When we click to pay the site is not found. Can you text or email a phone number for us to call and send new card information. The charge is .99 month for John’s phone. Thanks. It was coming out of a Capital One card. We need to give you updated card info.
I can’t tell why I am billed $7.70 every month. What was the purchase? How do I stop this bill?
I am a retired lady that is not up on the new gadgets that are out there. I called and ordered SPECTRUM TV and said I would need 4 receivers ..one for each TV. What I understood that I would get 4 boxes for 7.99 a month or I could purchase them for 187.00. I opted to pay 7.99..per month and I would install. WELL.I got 4 boxes .followed instructions… and could not understand why the remote was so tiny and worked like a phone. talked to 3 or 4 techs and explained this is not what I ordered. AND they said I am sorry…Apple Tv will not take back the equipment after it is opened. So…how was I to know that This wasn’t what I ordered. As I said I ordered SPECTRUM Tv.I thought it was some fancy way to have tv. I was not happy with the product that was sent the picture wasn’t clear….the picture would freeze or go black but the voice was there. NOW….I called again after 3 days and said what is wrong with this ..I found out I needed to get receivers from our local Spectrum office…and I did. But I can’t return Apple TV because they were open. Billed over 800.00
Please help me, on report a problem the gold pass that I wanted to be refunded shows it is refunded! but on my bank it is not refunded yet. please advise. Mike Yu
Hi Mike,
There are various waiting periods for refunds to process. Your refund likely falls in the 30 days window. So, first, wait that 30 days. If you continue to not see the refund, check it’s status (sign in to reportaproblem), then contact your bank AND contact Apple Apple
Here are the listed terms for refund transit
1) Apple/App/iTunes store credit: takes up to 48 hours to see the refund in your Apple ID balance
2) Mobile phone billing: take up to 60 days for the statement to show the refund
3) All other payment methods: takes up to 30 days for the statement to show the refund
Hi,
My 7 years old daughter has an IPad.
I have found that iTunes .com/bill charge me for a lot of purchases which bill to my credit card nearly £500.
I have no idea how is happen.
I will appreciate if you check it in good faith and sort the problem.
I have been very loyal apple customer for long time and a faith you will check it and refund the money which I can not afford.
Thank you
Hello Nur Mohamed,
Oh no! Oh boy, this is every parents’ nightmare! Contact iTunes Store support immediately! Check Apple’s site for how to contact Apple (iTunes support) in your home country–Find and then click the Contact Apple Support at the bottom your country’s support page, then click iPad and select App Store, iTunes Store & Music > App Store, iTunes Account billing. Then choose a method of contact chat, phone, email. I personally love chat! It’s always manned and is very prompt. But select whatever you feel comfortable with.
Be honest and explain the situation and let them know these were NOT authorized purchases and that you would like a Refund for In-App Purchases made by a minor.
More than likely, they will send you a link to fill out some online form(s). You will need to submit all the order ID numbers for each unauthorized purchase. Find these in your iTunes billing history.
And moving forward, enable restrictions on your iPad so your child (or anyone for that matter) cannot purchase apps and such that you do not authorize.
Go to Settings > General > Restrictions
Tap Enable Restrictions
Create a 4 digit Restrictions passcode, re-enter your passcode to confirm (and write down this passcode–you need it to disable restrictions)
To disable purchasing, turn off iTunes Store, iBooks Store, Installing Apps, and In-App Purchases
Consider giving your daughter your iPad in Kids Mode which limits what a child accesses.
Alternatively, if only you (and not your child) know your iPad password, you can also require this password for all iTunes & App Store purchases.
Tap Settings > iTunes & App Store > Password Settings
Under Purchases and In-App Purchases, Tap Always Require
Under Free Downloads, toggle ON Require Password
When prompted, enter your password. Then tap OK
My goodness, I hope this is sorted out. Best of luck.
Cheers,
Liz
The refund option is ONLY good for Purchases within ~90 DAYS OR SO, so any in-app purchases LONGER than that MUST be reported separately but the comment box to Contact Apple Support is very limited so summarize it!
– This would be the case for any app which was upgraded from iOS 7 to iOS 8/9 so anyone that still uses iOS 7 may NO Longer have access to the app despite paying a LOT of money for those In-App purchases!
Other problems:
1. Apple does NOT state how refunds will be rewarded.
– Will credit be given over to your credit card that’s linked to your account?
– Will credit be returned to the iTunes credit within your account for which you’ve paid for an iTunes card to fund your purchases?
2. Merchant will Obviously fight you and say YOU, the user, are at fault!
– The ONLY recoures:
a) File ‘Report Problem’ to Apple
b) IF you used your credit card for the purchases, then contact the credit card company and file a Complaint to deal with the prior purchases
c) Find the company’s address and file complain in company’s state and your state with the Better Bus. Bureau and any Consumer Right’s Dept., if any.
d) Notify company of your actions to get any other responses and KEEP those responses ON FILE!
e) Leave Feedback on the company and app to let the world know NOT to deal with the company!
I have been trying to purchase coins from jackpot party casino slots! They refuse to give me a refund.im out quite a bit of money and for them to just refuse me a refund bothers me because,I live on a very tight budget.it makes me feel like I’ve been scammed.