Just like when you buy a physical product, it is also possible to get a refund for digital goods. With the Google Play Store, which includes apps, games, movies, books and more. We show you how to get your money back.
The Google Play Store has a number of different refund policies for the different products that are sold. Apps and games are refundable within the first 48 hours. Digital content such as music, movies and books may be refundable after 48 hours.
The easiest and fastest way to get a refund for an app or game is to do it within two hours of purchase. One thing to keep in mind is that you can only get a refund for an app or game once. If you pay for it a second time, you cannot get your money back.
Get an instant refund for an app or game
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While you’re still in that two-hour window, you’ll see a “Refund” button. Tap it.
A message will be asked if you are sure you want to refund the purchase and delete the app. Tap “Yes” to continue.
That’s all there is to it. You will be immediately refunded to the payment method you used to make the purchase.
Refunds after the two hour period
Getting a refund after the initial two-hour window is a bit more difficult. To be eligible, it must be less than 48 hours from the date of purchase of the app or game. This also includes in-app purchases.
For this method, we need to visit the Play Store website in a web browser. Visit the Google Play website, go to your account page and select ‘Order History’.
Find your purchase in the list and select ‘Request a refund’ or ‘Report a problem’.
A popup will appear with a drop-down menu labeled ‘Select an option’. Click on it and select the option that suits your situation.
Depending on your choice, you will see some information about Google’s refund policy. Since we are out of the two hour window for a full refund, we need to fill out the form. Describe your situation in the text box below and tap ‘Send’.
A message explains that you will receive an email about the refund decision within 48 hours. Please note that refunds after the two hour window are not guaranteed.
Refunds for Movies, TV Shows, Music and Books
Refunds for movies, TV shows, music, and books from Google Play are even more difficult. Refund period and policies differ depending on the content type.
Movies and TV shows
- You can request a refund within seven days, as long as you haven’t started watching.
- You have 65 days to request a refund if the movie or TV show is faulty.
Music
Books
- You can request a refund within seven days of purchase.
- You have 65 days to request a refund if there is a problem with the eBook.
- E-book bundles are refundable only as a bundle, not as single books.
- All e-book sales are final.
Audiobooks
- All audiobook sales are final unless you live in South Korea, in which case you have seven days from purchase to do so if you haven’t already listened to them.
- You can request a refund at any time if the audiobook doesn’t work.
With all these rules in mind, the process of applying for a refund is quite simple. First, visit the Google Play website in a web browser, go to your account page and select ‘Order History’.
Find the content you want to request a refund for and click on ‘Request a refund’ or ‘Report a problem’.
A popup will appear with a drop-down menu labeled ‘Select an option’. Click on it and select the option that suits your situation.
Depending on your choice, you will see some information about Google’s refund policy. Describe your situation in the text box below and tap ‘Send’.
Refunds for digital content are not guaranteed. You can expect a message from Google within 48 hours of your request being submitted.
In general, the sooner you can make a decision about getting a refund, the better your chances of success are. Hopefully you can get your money back and spend it on a better purchase!
