Request a refund directly through your Apple account within 90 days of purchase
Apple processes refunds through your account settings, not through the app developer. You can request money back for an app, in-app purchase, or subscription within 90 days of the charge date. Apple does not may provide approval, but most refund requests for unused apps or accidental purchases go through without pushback.
The refund goes back to the payment method you used — your credit card, debit card, Apple Gift Card balance, or carrier billing account. It typically appears within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer to post the credit to your account.
Key Takeaways
- You have 90 days from the purchase date to request a refund through your Apple ID account settings.
- Refunds go back to the original payment method and take 5 to 10 business days to appear, depending on your bank.
- Apple approves most refund requests for apps you have not used or purchased by accident, but will deny repeated refund requests on the same app.
- If you bought an app on someone else's device using their Apple ID, you cannot request the refund yourself — the account holder must do it.
- Subscriptions can be cancelled and refunded the same way, but only if you cancel before the next billing date.
How to request a refund on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Open the App Store app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Tap Purchases, then My Purchases. Find the app or in-app purchase you want to refund and tap it. Tap Report a Problem, then choose the reason — most commonly "I would like a refund for this purchase" or "This app does not work as described."
Write a brief explanation in the text box if you want to. Apple reads these, and a clear reason (such as "I purchased this by accident" or "The app crashes on startup") makes approval faster. Tap Submit. Apple will send you an email within 24 to 48 hours confirming whether the refund was approved.
If you cannot find the app in your purchase history because you deleted it, search for the app name in the App Store, tap the app icon, and scroll down to find a link that says "Report a Problem" or "I'd like to request a refund." This takes you to the same refund form.
Requesting a refund through the web or email
If you do not have access to an Apple device, go to reportaproblem.apple.com on any web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID. Find the purchase in your order history and click Report a Problem. Select your reason and submit.
You can also email Apple Support at support.apple.com and describe the purchase and why you want a refund. This route is slower — responses typically take 2 to 5 business days — but works if you have lost access to your device or forgotten your Apple ID password.
What happens to subscriptions and recurring charges
If you paid for a subscription (such as a premium version of an app or a service like cloud storage), you can cancel it and request a refund for the most recent charge. Go to Settings > App Store > tap your profile icon > Subscriptions. Find the subscription, tap it, and tap Cancel Subscription.
Cancelling stops future charges immediately. To refund the charge you just paid, use the "Report a Problem" method above within 90 days. If you cancel before the next billing date, Apple usually refunds the full amount of the charge you just made. If you cancel after the billing date has passed, you will not get a refund for that cycle, but you will not be charged again.
Why Apple might deny your refund request
Apple denies refunds when you have a pattern of requesting refunds on the same app or when the app has been heavily used. If you downloaded an app, used it for hours, and then requested a refund, Apple will likely deny it. The same applies if you have requested refunds on the same app multiple times in the past.
Refunds are also denied if you are outside the 90-day window. There is no exception to this rule — Apple does not extend the deadline for any reason. If you are past 90 days, your only option is to contact the app developer directly and ask them to process a refund on their end, though most developers do not handle refunds outside Apple's system.
What to do if your refund request is denied
If Apple denies your request, you can appeal. Go back to the same purchase in your account and tap Report a Problem again. This time, write a detailed explanation of why you believe you deserve a refund — for example, "The app crashes every time I open it" or "I was charged twice for the same purchase." Apple reviews appeals, and some are approved on the second try.
If the appeal is denied and you believe the charge was fraudulent or unauthorized, you can dispute it with your credit card company or bank. Contact your bank's fraud department and provide them with the charge date, the app name, and the amount. Your bank can reverse the charge, though this may result in Apple restricting your account from future purchases.
Refunds for apps purchased on someone else's device
If a family member or friend purchased an app on their device using their Apple ID, and you want a refund, only the account holder can request it. You cannot request a refund for a purchase made under a different Apple ID, even if you are using the device.
If you share an Apple ID with family members, make sure everyone knows this before purchasing apps. If a child made an unauthorized purchase on a family account, the account holder can request a refund by following the same steps above and explaining the situation in the problem report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Apple app refund?
Apple sends an approval or denial email within 24 to 48 hours. The refund itself takes 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account after approval, depending on your bank. Some banks hold refunds for an additional 1 to 3 business days before posting them.
Can I get a refund if I bought an app years ago?
No. Apple's 90-day refund window is firm. Purchases older than 90 days cannot be refunded through Apple's system. Your only option is to contact the app developer directly, though most do not process refunds outside of Apple's platform.
What if I was charged for an app I never downloaded?
Report it as a problem immediately through your purchase history. Explain that you did not authorize the purchase. Apple usually refunds accidental or unauthorized charges within 24 to 48 hours. If denied, contact your bank to dispute the charge.
Do I lose the app after I get a refund?
Yes. Once a refund is approved, the app is removed from your device and you lose access to it. You can re-download it later if you change your mind, but you will have to pay for it again.
Can I refund an in-app purchase separately from the app itself?
Yes. In-app purchases (such as coins, levels, or premium features) can be refunded independently of the app. Use the same "Report a Problem" method and select the specific in-app purchase. The app itself stays on your device.