How To Get App Refunds For iPhone And iPad Apps

Did you know that Apple allows users to request refunds for apps bought from its App Store? You wouldn’t think this is the case considering that the refund feature isn’t mentioned, nor is accessing it very obvious, but you’ll be happy to learn that you can request for a refund for an app.

How To Get App Refunds Using iTunes

1. Launch iTunes > Account > View My Account > Purchase History
2. Select See All
3. Choose the app that you want a refund for
4. Under the app click Report a Problem
5. Choose the option as to what might be wrong with the app and why you are asking for a refund.
   • I didn’t authorize this purchase – this can be used if you think your payment details/Apple ID might have been compromised.
   • Didn’t mean to purchase this item – can be used for accidental purchases of apps or in-app items. There have been instances in the past where some developers hide subscriptions in their apps that can sometimes result in users accidentally subscribing or making a purchase without meaning to.
   • Meant to purchase a different item
   • App fails to install or won’t download – in this particular instance, it seems that Apple will not process a refund. Instead it reads, “If you’re having issues with this app, please contact the app’s developer directly, they may have more specific troubleshooting steps for their app. Click on the App Site button to open the developer’s support page.”
   • App doesn’t work or behave as expected – You’ll get the same message as above. “If you’re having issues with this app, please contact the app’s developer directly, they may have more specific troubleshooting steps for their app. Click on the App Site button to open the developer’s support page.”
6. Fill out all the necessary information
7. Click Submit to send the report to Apple for processing

The refund process can sometimes take 3-5 days and you may or may not be contacted by Apple to further verify additional information to complete the process.

How To Get App Refunds Using Your iPhone And iPad

1. Launch your email app
2. Search for “Your receipt from Apple” to locate the receipt for the app you purchased
3. Open the email, scroll to the middle and select “Report a Problem”
4. You will then be taken to Apple’s website where you’ll have to select from a list of problems with the app
   • I didn’t authorize this purchase – this can be used if you think your payment details/Apple ID might have been compromised.
   • Didn’t mean to purchase this item – can be used for accidental purchases of apps or in-app items. There have been instances in the past where some developers hide subscriptions in their apps that can sometimes result in users accidentally subscribing or making a purchase without meaning to.
   • Meant to purchase a different item
   • App fails to install or won’t download – in this particular instance, it seems that Apple will not process a refund. Instead it reads, “If you’re having issues with this app, please contact the app’s developer directly, they may have more specific troubleshooting steps for their app. Click on the App Site button to open the developer’s support page.”
   • App doesn’t work or behave as expected – You’ll get the same message as above. “If you’re having issues with this app, please contact the app’s developer directly, they may have more specific troubleshooting steps for their app. Click on the App Site button to open the developer’s support page.”
5. Fill out all the necessary information
6. Click Submit to send the report to Apple for processing

For the most part refunding an app simply because “you did not like it”, or because you “only needed to use it the one time” might not be approved by Apple and thus your request for a refund could potentially be denied.

However this is also determined by where you stay, for example, if you’re living in Europe, due to EU laws, Apple has introduced a no-questions-asked 14-day refund window. However be careful when using this feature as Apple has been known to be blacklisting users who abuse the refund feature.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Cellphones, Tablets
Tags: Apps, iOS