Where to start: Apple's refund request process
Apple handles refunds through your account on their website or through the App Store and iTunes Store apps, not through a phone number you call to request money back. You start by going to your purchase history, finding the item you want refunded, and selecting "Report a Problem" next to it. Apple then reviews your request and either approves the refund or asks you questions about why you want it back.
The process is faster if you know which purchase you're disputing and have your Apple ID ready. If you bought something on the web, you use appleid.apple.com. If it was an app, in-app purchase, or subscription, you use the App Store app on your device or the iTunes Store website.
Apple does not issue refunds by phone or email unless you've already started a case through their system and they contact you. Calling Apple Support can help you understand why a refund was denied or walk you through the steps, but the actual refund request happens in your account.
Key Takeaways
- Refund requests go through your Apple ID account, not through a phone call or email to Apple.
- You find the purchase in your history, select "Report a Problem," and explain why you want the refund.
- Apple typically responds within a few days to a week, though some cases take longer if they need more information from you.
- If your refund is denied, you can contact Apple Support to ask why and whether you can appeal.
- Refunds for apps and in-app purchases usually process within 5 to 10 business days after approval.
How to request a refund through your Apple ID account
Log into appleid.apple.com using your Apple ID and password. Click "Purchase history" on the left side of the page. Find the item you want refunded—you can search by date or scroll through your list. Click the three dots next to the purchase and select "Report a Problem."
A form appears asking you to choose a reason: the app didn't work as described, you didn't mean to buy it, the app is broken or doesn't work, or another reason. Pick the one that fits your situation. Then write a short explanation in the text box—Apple reads these, so be specific about what went wrong rather than just saying "I changed my mind."
Click "Submit." Apple will review your request, usually within a few days. You'll get an email at your Apple ID email address telling you whether the refund was approved or if they need more information. If approved, the money goes back to your original payment method—the card you used, your Apple account balance, or your phone bill, depending on how you paid.
Requesting a refund through the App Store or iTunes
On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app. Tap your profile picture in the top right corner, then tap "Purchases." Find the app or in-app purchase you want refunded and tap it. Tap "Report a Problem" at the bottom of the screen.
On a Mac, open the App Store app, click "Account" in the top menu, then "Purchase History." Find the item, click the three dots next to it, and select "Report a Problem."
On a Windows PC or Android device, you cannot request an Apple refund directly—you have to use appleid.apple.com instead. The same process applies: log in, find the purchase, and report the problem.
What happens after you submit a refund request
Apple's system sends your request to a review team. They look at your reason, your purchase history, and how long ago you bought the item. Most decisions come back within three to five business days, though some take up to a week or longer if Apple needs to investigate.
If Apple approves your refund, you'll see a message saying so in your email. The money typically appears in your account within 5 to 10 business days, depending on your bank or payment method. If you paid with a credit or debit card, your bank may take a few extra days to process the credit.
If Apple denies your request, the email will explain why. Common reasons include: you've already received a refund for that item, you've requested too many refunds recently, or the purchase was too long ago (Apple's general policy is 90 days, though they sometimes make exceptions). You can reply to the denial email to ask for more details or to appeal.
Contacting Apple Support if your refund is denied
If your refund request was denied and you want to push back, contact Apple Support through appleid.apple.com. Click "Contact Support" at the bottom of the page, then choose "Billing & Subscriptions" or "App Store" depending on what you bought. You can start a chat, schedule a call, or request a callback.
When you contact them, have your order number ready and explain why you think the refund should be approved. Apple Support can sometimes override a denial or escalate your case to a manager. They cannot force a refund, but they can review your situation and may find that you do may have access to.
If you paid with a credit card and Apple won't refund you, you also have the option to dispute the charge with your credit card company. This is a last resort and can affect your relationship with Apple, but it's available if you believe the charge was unauthorized or the product was not as described.
Refunds for subscriptions and recurring charges
If you're being charged for a subscription you no longer want, the fastest way to stop future charges is to cancel the subscription itself, not to request a refund. Go to appleid.apple.com, click "Subscriptions," find the one you want to cancel, and click "Cancel Subscription." This stops future charges immediately.
If you want a refund for charges you've already paid, you can still report a problem for those past charges. Go to your purchase history, find the subscription charge, and select "Report a Problem." Explain that you want to cancel and request a refund for the most recent charge or for all charges since a certain date.
Apple is more likely to refund a recent subscription charge if you cancelled within a few days of being billed. If months have passed, they may deny the request, but it's worth asking.
What to do if you can't find your purchase in your history
If you bought something but can't find it in your purchase history, it may have been bought on a different Apple ID. Check whether you have more than one Apple account—some people create a new one without realizing they already had one. Log out and try logging in with a different email address or phone number you've used with Apple.
If the purchase was very old (more than a year), it may have scrolled out of your visible history. Use the search or filter options to look by date or by the app name if you remember it.
If you still can't find it, contact Apple Support and give them the date you think you made the purchase, the name of the app or item, and the payment method you used. They can search their records and help you locate the transaction so you can request a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Apple take to refund money?
Apple usually decides on your refund request within three to five business days and sends you an email. Once approved, the money appears in your account within 5 to 10 business days. If you paid with a credit card, your bank may take a few extra days to post the credit.
Can I get a refund if I bought an app more than 90 days ago?
Apple's standard policy is to refund purchases within 90 days. Older purchases are usually denied, but you can still request one and explain your situation. Apple sometimes makes exceptions if the app stopped working or if you have a good reason for the late request.
What if I accidentally bought something and want my money back right away?
Submit your refund request as soon as possible through your Apple ID account. The sooner you report it, the more likely Apple is to approve it. Accidental purchases are one of the most common reasons Apple approves refunds, especially if you request it within a few days.
Can I call Apple on the phone to request a refund?
You cannot call to request a refund directly. All refund requests go through your Apple ID account online. You can call Apple Support to ask questions about a denied refund or to get help navigating the process, but the actual request must be submitted through your account.
What if I paid with a gift card instead of a credit card?
If your refund is approved, the money goes back to your Apple account balance, not to the original gift card. You can then use that balance to buy other apps, subscriptions, or content from Apple, or you can contact Apple Support to ask about converting it to a different form of payment.