Where to request a refund depends on what you bought and how you paid

Apple handles refunds differently depending on whether you bought an app, a subscription, in-app content, or a physical device. Most refunds go back to your original payment method — the card, PayPal account, or Apple Gift Card balance you used to buy it. The fastest route is usually the App Store or iTunes settings on your device, but some purchases require you to contact Apple Support directly.

The window to request a refund is typically 14 to 90 days from the purchase date, depending on what you bought. Apps and in-app purchases have a 14-day window. Subscriptions can be cancelled anytime, but refunds for recent charges depend on whether Apple considers the charge accidental or the service unusable. Physical products like iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watch devices have a 14-day return window for unopened items or 15 days for opened items in some regions.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps and in-app purchases can be refunded within 14 days of purchase through the App Store on your device or through your Apple ID account settings.
  • Subscriptions can be cancelled anytime, but refunds for recent charges depend on whether the charge was accidental or the service failed to work.
  • Physical Apple products like iPhones and Macs have a 14-day return window if unopened, or 15 days if opened, depending on your region and retailer.
  • Refunds return to your original payment method, whether that was a credit card, PayPal, or Apple Gift Card balance.
  • If your refund request is denied, you can appeal through Apple Support or dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer.

Refunding apps and in-app purchases through the App Store

Open the App Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap or click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Purchases." Find the app or in-app purchase you want to refund and tap or click it. Select "Report a Problem" or "Report an Issue." Choose the reason — most commonly "I would like a refund" or "This app no longer works on my device." Apple will ask you to describe the issue in a text box. Be specific: if the app crashes, say when it crashes; if it doesn't do what the listing promised, describe what it does instead.

Submit your report. Apple reviews it and sends you an email within 24 to 48 hours. If approved, the refund processes back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days. If denied, the email will explain why — usually because the 14-day window has passed or because you have a history of frequent refund requests.

If you cannot access the App Store report tool, go to reportaproblem.apple.com on a web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID, find the purchase, and select "I would like a refund." The process is the same from there.

Cancelling and refunding subscriptions

You can cancel a subscription anytime through your Apple ID settings. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name at the top, select "Subscriptions," find the subscription you want to cancel, and tap "Cancel Subscription." On Mac, open System Settings, click your name, select "Subscriptions," and click the minus button next to the subscription. On a web browser, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, scroll to "Subscriptions," and click "Manage" next to the one you want to cancel.

Cancelling stops future charges immediately. Refunds for charges you have already paid depend on the reason. If you cancelled within 14 days of the charge and the subscription has not been used, Apple will usually refund it. If you cancelled because the subscription did not work as described, you can request a refund through the same report-a-problem tool used for apps. If you cancelled outside the 14-day window, Apple typically will not refund the charge, but you can ask Apple Support to review your case.

Returning physical Apple products

Physical devices — iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, and other hardware — have a return window that varies by region and retailer. In the United States, Apple's standard return period is 14 days for unopened items and 15 days for opened items. In the European Union and some other regions, the window is 14 days regardless of whether the device was opened. If you bought from an Apple Store, return the device with its original packaging and all accessories. If you bought from another retailer, check that retailer's return policy first — it may be different from Apple's.

Refunds for returned devices go back to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days after Apple receives and inspects the device. If the device shows signs of damage or heavy use beyond normal wear, the retailer or Apple may deduct a restocking fee before issuing the refund. Devices with cracked screens, water damage, or missing parts are typically not refundable.

What to do if Apple denies your refund request

If Apple denies your refund request, you have two options: appeal to Apple Support or dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer. To appeal, go to support.apple.com, select "Billing & Subscriptions," and choose "Request a refund." Explain why you believe the denial was incorrect. Apple Support will review your case and respond within a few business days. Mention specific details: the exact date of purchase, what the problem was, and any steps you took to resolve it.

If Apple Support upholds the denial, you can dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company. Call the number on the back of your card and tell them you want to dispute a charge from Apple. Provide the transaction date, the amount, and a description of the issue. Your bank will open a dispute and contact Apple for documentation. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days. Be aware that disputing a charge may result in your Apple ID being flagged or restricted from future purchases until the dispute is resolved.

Refunds for Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other Apple services

Subscriptions to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ can be cancelled anytime, but refunds work the same way as other subscriptions. Cancel through your Apple ID settings, and you will not be charged again. If you want a refund for a recent charge, use the report-a-problem tool and explain why — for example, if the service was unavailable or did not work on your device for a significant period.

For Apple One bundles (which combine multiple services at a discount), cancelling the bundle stops all services in it. You cannot refund part of a bundle; you either keep it or cancel it entirely. If you want to keep some services but cancel others, you will need to cancel the bundle and then subscribe to the individual services you want to keep.

How refunds are processed and when they appear

Refunds return to your original payment method. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund appears as a credit on your card statement within 5 to 10 business days. If you paid with PayPal, the refund goes back to your PayPal account within 3 to 5 business days. If you paid with an Apple Gift Card, the refund is added back to your Apple Gift Card balance immediately and appears in your account settings right away.

The timeline depends on your bank or payment provider, not Apple. Some banks process refunds faster than others. If a refund does not appear within 10 business days, contact your bank to confirm they received it. Provide them with the refund confirmation email from Apple as proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refund an app I bought more than 14 days ago?

Not through the standard report-a-problem tool. However, if the app stopped working or does not work on your current device, you can contact Apple Support and request an exception. Apple occasionally approves refunds outside the 14-day window if the issue is recent or the app has a widespread bug. Go to support.apple.com and describe the problem in detail.

What happens if I refund an app but still have it on my device?

The app remains on your device after the refund is approved, but you will not be able to update it. If you delete it, you cannot reinstall it without paying again. Some apps stop working after a refund, depending on how the developer built them.

Can I dispute an Apple charge with my bank if I have not tried asking Apple first?

Technically yes, but banks prefer that you try to resolve the issue with the merchant first. Contact Apple Support or use the report-a-problem tool before opening a dispute with your bank. If you skip that step, your bank may close the dispute and ask you to work with Apple instead.

Do I have to return the physical packaging to get a refund on an iPhone?

If you bought from an Apple Store, yes — bring the device with its original box and all accessories. If you bought from another retailer, check their policy. Some retailers require the original packaging; others do not. Contact the retailer before returning the device.

What if I accidentally bought an app for someone else's Apple ID?

You can only refund purchases made on your own Apple ID through the standard process. If the purchase was made on a family member's device but charged to your account, contact Apple Support and explain the situation. They may be able to reverse the charge and transfer it to the correct account, or issue a refund instead.