How to Get a Refund on Google Play (for Apps, Games, Books, and More)

1. Who Can Get a Google Play Refund?
2. How to Get a Refund on Google Play: 4 Options
3. Google Play Refund: What Happens Next
4. If Your Google Play Refund is Denied
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes you buy an app that you soon realize isn't what you expected—perhaps you didn't know how many in-app purchases you would have to make, or maybe you found a free app that does exactly what you need. In some cases, maybe your child inadvertently (or purposely) purchased the latest game and kept spending more money within the app itself. Whatever the case, the result is the same—you need to get a Google Play refund for an app you don't want. 

Who Can Get a Google Play Refund?

It's important to note that you won't be able to get a refund on just any purchase from the Google Play Store. However, it's generally pretty easy to get a Google Play Store refund if: 

• You bought the app within the last 48 hours
• You made an in-app purchase within the last 48 hours
• You purchased movies, music, books, or other content

Refunds on Apps, Games, and In-App Purchases

As long as it's still within the 48-hour window of when you bought the app or made the in-app purchase, it's generally pretty easy to request a refund from Google. However, if it's been longer than 48 hours, you'll need to contact the app developer. 

Google Play Refund on Movies and TV Shows

You can request a Google Play Store refund on a movie or TV show as long as you haven't started watching it and it's within 7 days of purchase. 

If the TV show or movie doesn't work or is unavailable, you have 65 days to request a refund. 

Music

You can't get a refund on music subscriptions bought through the Google Play Store. You can cancel your subscription and have access to it until it expires, but you won't get your money back. 

You can, however, get a refund on individual songs or albums as long as you haven't played or downloaded them. You have 7 days to request a refund.  

Google Play Books (E-Books and Audiobooks)

You can request a refund if any of the following scenarios apply:

• You bought an e-book less than 7 days ago
• The e-book is defective (you have 65 days to request a refund)
• You bought a bundle and haven't downloaded or exported any of the books (you have 7 days to request a refund)
• Any of the books in a bundle don't work (you must request a refund for the affected books within 180 days)
• Your audiobook doesn't work (request a refund at any time)

Note that you can only get a refund for audiobooks or e-book rentals if the files don't work. 

News

You can only get a refund for a Google Newsstand item if the issue is defective or you can't access it for any reason. 

If you have a subscription, you can get a refund if:

• You can't access the content
  OR
• You cancel within 7 days of subscribing

Note that Google will not refund subscriptions that have already ended. 

How to Get a Refund on Google Play: 4 Options

There are three different ways to request a refund from the Google Play Store: 

• From Google Play
• By completing the online form
• From the Google Play website
• Ask the app developer

Note that if you request a refund after 48 hours, you'll need to contact the app developer. 

1. Easiest Way to Request a Google Play Refund

You can request a refund by completing the steps on Google Play. First, find the app within the Play Store and hit the "Refund" button. Then, hit the "Request refund" option on the next pop-up screen. 

In some cases, the refund will happen immediately, and the app will be uninstalled from your device. In other cases, it may take up to 4 business days for Google to decide whether or not you can get a refund or not. 

2. Request a Refund via the Online Form

You can also request a refund from the Google Play store by following the steps online.

First, you'll need to confirm which account you're requesting a refund for. From there, you'll be given a list of purchases that qualify for a refund (i.e., were made within the last 48 hours). 

If you're not shown an option for a refund on either of these two methods, you'll need to ask for a refund via the Google Play website, Google Assistant, or by asking the app developer. 

3. Request a Google Play Store Refund via the Google Play Website

1. Visit the Google Play website from a computer.
2. Go to your Order History. 
3. Find the app or purchase you made that you want to request a refund for.
4. Choose "Request a refund." (If you have a problem with your purchase, choose "Report a problem.”)
5. Complete the form, noting that you'd like a refund. 
6. Wait for the refund decision, which can take up to 4 business days (but will usually come through within 15 minutes). 

4. Request a Refund from the App Developer

There are a couple of reasons why reaching out to the app developer is your best option.

• You want a refund because you made an in-app purchase that isn't working or wasn't delivered (you may be able to get a refund, or the developer may fix the issue for you). 
• It's been more than 48 hours since you made the purchase. 

To contact the developer:

• Open the Google Play Store app.
• Find and tap the app to see more information. 
• Tap "Developer contact" (you'll need to scroll past the reviews).
• You'll see the developer's website and contact information. 
• Email the developer outlining your issues and let them know you'd like a refund. (Remember to tell them which app you're having problems with.)

There is no guarantee that you'll receive a refund, but most developers should respond within 3 business days. 

Google Play Refund: What Happens Next

If your refund is approved, you'll get an email notification, and the amount charged will be refunded to the payment method you used. Note that the refund may take some time to reach your account. You can check the status in your Google payments profile.

Once the refund is approved, the app, movie, book, or in-app purchase will no longer be available to you. For example, if your refund for an app is approved, the app will automatically be uninstalled from your device. 

Check Your Google Play Refund Status

If you're waiting for Google to make a decision on your refund, you can check the status within your Google Play account. 

When You'll Get Your Google Play Store Refund

If your refund is approved, it'll still take some time to reach your account. The timeline for receiving your refund will depend on how you purchased it in the first place. 

If Your Google Play Refund is Denied

If you receive notification that your refund request is denied, this means it doesn't meet Google's Refund Policy. If you haven't done so already, contact the app developer and ask for a refund. You may not meet the app developer's refund requirements either, but it's worth a try. 

If you were requesting a refund because of a faulty app or product, leave a negative review within the Play Store. Negative reviews can help in some cases as developers don't want their star rating to go down.