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How to Get a Refund for App Store and iTunes Purchases

by Sajid Shaik
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When you buy an app from the App Store or iTunes that turns out to be subpar, you will be disappointed. However, Apple allows you to get a refund if you are unhappy with your iTunes or App Store purchase. Of course, there must be a sound justification for such a request. In this guide, we’ll explain how to request a refund on the App Store or iTunes and which purchases qualify for the refund.

Which Purchases Qualify for App Store and iTunes Refund

Not all App Store and iTunes purchases are eligible for a refund. Apps and games purchased from the App Store, movies, music, TV shows purchased from the iTunes Store, and any ebooks purchased from the Books Store are all refundable.

According to Apple’s refund policy, you may be eligible for a refund if:

  • The item was not delivered or did not work as expected
  • The item was not as described
  • You accidentally purchased the item
  • A minor purchased the item without your permission

In addition, you need to be a resident of the United Kingdom or some specific EU countries to take advantage of Apple’s 14-day money-back guarantee. You may be eligible for a refund if your purchase meets these criteria.

Here are some additional details to consider before requesting a refund from Apple:

  • You will not get a refund for in-app purchases or virtual items in games.
  • Apple’s subscription services, including Apple Music, Apple Arcade, etc., are non-refundable. You must cancel these subscriptions manually, or they will renew automatically.
  • You will not receive a refund if an app or game goes on sale after you purchase it.

If you’re trying to get the refund “ethically” without abusing this method, you won’t have any trouble claiming one.

Request Refund from App Store on iPhone and iPad

You can request a refund directly from App Store on your iPhone and iPad. Follow these simple instructions to learn how:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone/iPad.

2. Tap your Apple ID (profile picture or initials) on the top-right.

3. Select the Purchased option. If you’ve Family Sharing enabled, tap My Purchases.

Go to your Apple ID and then Purchases in App Store

4. Tap the app’s name for which you want to claim the refund.

5. Scroll down and select the Report a Problem option. It’ll redirect you to the website for claiming the refund on your default browser.

Select App to Restore and then Report a Problem option

6. Sign in to your Apple ID when prompted.

7. Tap on I would like to and choose the Request a refund option from the dropdown menu.

8. Hit Tell us more and select the reason for your refund.

Select I would like and choose then Request a Refund option and select the reason form the Tell us more dropdown menu.

9. Tap Next and then Submit when done.

Note: If the item is non-refundable, you’ll see the Submit button grayed out when requesting a refund on the App Store and iTunes.

Once the process finishes, you’ll receive an email with details of the refund and app and that your request is underway, and where you can track it.

Pro Tip: How to Stop App Store From Asking for Password on iPad

Request Refund for iTunes and App Store Purchases via Web

You don’t need an Apple device to request an App Store or iTunes refund. You can do so from the browser on any computer. Follow these simple instructions to do so:

1. Visit the Report a Problem website in the browser of your choice.

2. Login with your Apple ID if prompted.

Open Apple Report a Problem webite

3. Tap on I would like to and choose Request a refund from the dropdown menu.

4. Select Tell us more, then choose the appropriate reason for requesting the refund. Tap Next when done.

Select I would like to and choose Request a refund and then the reason of refund and hit Next

5. Select the app or item for which you want to claim the refund from the list.

6. Hit Submit when done.

Select the app for refund and select the Submit option

Once your request gets approved, you should receive an email from Apple on your registered Apple ID.

How to Check the Status of Your Claim

Once you request a refund, you’ll receive a link in your email to track your request. If not, here’s how you can track the status of your claim manually:

1. Open the Report a Problem website in your browser.

2. Tap the Check status of claims link.

Check status of claims in the Report a problem website

If the status says Refunded, you’ll receive the refund shortly. Otherwise, you’ll see the status Not eligible for refund.

Check the status of your claim if refunded or not

You can hit the arrow next to each date for the item’s details, and if it’s not eligible for a refund, you can click on Review decision to go through the decision again if you think it was a mistake.

FAQs

1. How long does it take Apple to process your refund claim request?

It takes around 48 hours for Apple to process your App Store or iTunes refund claim request. However, it may take longer to process your refund, depending on the payment method.

2. Does Apple refund back to the bank account?

Apple refunds back to the payment method you used when purchasing the item from iTunes or App Store within 30 or 60 days. However, you might need to add a different payment method if it gets declined.

3. Can you claim a refund request for in-app purchases/tokens?

Yes, you can claim a refund request for some in-app purchases and tokens, but not all. Since some games that rely solely on in-app purchases for revenue may be affected, many users might abuse this system to claim a refund after receiving the item.

Get App Store Refunds Easily and Ethically

This process allows you to receive refunds for your iTunes and App Store purchases. It’s best to get your refund as soon as possible when you realize your mistake. If delayed, your claim may get rejected. However, you mustn’t abuse this system. Otherwise, Apple may even suspend your account.

You can disable face id on the App Store while making purchases if you want. Not recommended if you have kids in the house though.

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