Google Play Store Refund: Get your money back on app purchases

Many of us will have bought something from the Google Play Store at some point, whether it’s games, useful-looking apps, films or books. The purchase is not always worth it if, for example, the app description is misleading or the app turns out to be not that useful. Or maybe a family member, like your child, accidentally bought something. It happens.

But not everyone knows that you can get a refund for (mis)purchases in the Google Play Store. Below we explain what options you have to get money back.

The following requirements apply to request a refund on Google Play or to be entitled to a refund if you are in the United Kingdom or the European Economic Area:

1. Proof of purchase must be made on Google Play.
2. Purchase must have been made on March 28, 2018 or later (refund guidelines apply since then)
3. The purchase period must fall within the time frame of any refund. This may vary depending on the type of purchase (e.g. 7 days for books, films and series or 14 days for digital services).
4. For apps and in-app purchases, the purchase must have been made within the last two hours, unless the app is defective, deceptive, or no longer available.
5. If unauthorized third parties have purchased content using your account or credits through Google Play, the transaction must be reported to Google within 120 days.

For users outside the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you can request a refund within 120 days for unauthorized transactions, for apps and in-app purchases made in the last 48 hours, and for certain other types of content, such as books and films within 7 days of purchase. Full details are available here.

How do I request a refund through Google Play?

Depending on the case, there are different refund methods:

• Choice 1: Refund via Google Play website
• Choice 2: Refund via Google Play Store
• Choice 3: Contact the app developer
• Option 4: Request a refund via Google Assistant (only available for devices set to US English)

If a purchase was accidentally made by a friend or family member using your account, Google recommends that you request a refund on the Google Play website. There you must fill in the appropriate form.

If someone used your credit card or other payment method to make a purchase on Google Play, that purchase must also be reported on the website within the time period mentioned above.

If an app or app content doesn’t work properly or doesn’t match its description on Google Play, we recommend contacting the app developer first. You can then request a refund via the website or the store.

To request a refund for in-app purchases, you need to go to the “Google Play Store” app. Go to your profile there and then to Payments and subscriptions and then Budget and history. Then select the purchase you want to have refunded. Then go to Display for more details. There you can Report a problem and ask for a refund.

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How long does the Google Play refund take?

Usually the case takes only a few days. The refund itself via Google Play can take between one day and one month once completed, depending on the payment method. If you used Google Play credits to make the purchase, the refund will usually be the quickest. Purchases made through a credit card or cell phone carrier can take much longer.

After you request a refund, you can check the status of your request.

Remark: Google refunds many purchases as a gesture of goodwill. If you have not taken reasonable precautions to protect your account from unwanted purchases, for example if you have shared your password or failed to secure your account with authentication, no refund can be guaranteed.

For subscriptions, only a partial refund can be made if the subscription has already been used. The remaining amount will then be refunded pro rata.