Google Play Store refund: Get your money back for app purchases

Many of us will have bought something from the Google Play Store, whether games, useful-looking apps, films or books. The purchase is not always worthwhile if, for example, the app description is deceptive or the app turns out to be not so useful after all. Or perhaps a family member, such as your child, has bought something by mistake. It happens.

But not all of us know that you can get a refund for (mis)purchases in the Google Play Store. Below we will explain what options you have to obtain a refund.

The following requirements apply in order to apply for a refund on Google Play or to be entitled to a refund if you are located in the UK or the European Economic Area:

1. Proof of purchase must have been made on Google Play.
2. The purchase must have been made on 28 March 2018 or later (since then the guidelines for refunds apply)
3. The period of the purchase must fall within the time frame of a possible 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. In the case of apps and in-app purchases, the purchase must have been made in the past two hours, unless the app is faulty, misleading or no longer available.
5. If unauthorised third parties have purchased content with your account or credit via Google Play, the transaction must be reported to Google within 120 days.

For users located outside the European Economic Area or the UK, you can request a refund for unauthorised transactions within 120 days, for apps and in-app purchases made within the last 48 hours, and for some 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 via Google Play?

There are different refund methods depending on the case:

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

If a purchase was accidentally made by a friend or family member using your account, Google recommends requesting a refund on the Google Play website. You will need to fill out the appropriate form there.

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

If an app or app content does not work properly or does not match the description on Google Play, it is best to contact 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 app “Google Play Store”. There, go to your profile, then to Payments & subscriptions and then Budget and history. Then select the purchase you want to have refunded. Then go to View for more details. There you can Report a problem and request a refund.

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How long does the refund via Google Play take?

It usually only takes a few days to process the case. The refund itself via Google Play can take between one day and one month after completion, depending on the payment method. If you have used Google Play credit for the purchase, the refund is usually the quickest. Purchases made by credit card or mobile phone provider can take much longer.

Once you have requested a refund, you can check the status of your request.

Note: 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 have not protected your account with authentication, no refund can be guaranteed.

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