How to request a refund for a Google Play purchase
Request a refund for an app, game or in-app purchase on Google Play: the 48-hour window, what to do after, purchases by kids and unrecognized charges.
Google doesn't refund most purchases automatically, but there are clear exceptions. The key one is timing: within 48 hours of buying an app, game or in-app item, you can request a refund directly from Google. After that, it's up to the developer.
Your time limits
| Situation | Ask | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| App, game or in-app purchase | Google Play | 48 hours |
| More than 48 hours later | The app's developer | Their policy and applicable law |
| Purchase by a family member without permission | Google Play | As soon as possible |
| A charge you don't recognize | Google Play (unauthorized charge) | 120 days |
You can only return a given app for a refund once.
From your phone
- Open Play Store and tap your profile picture.
- Go to Payments & subscriptionsBudget & history.
- Tap the purchase and choose Request a refund or Report a problem.
- Pick a reason, explain briefly and submit.
On a computer, the path is the same at play.google.com. Google usually decides within one business day, up to four. Sending several requests for the same order doesn't speed things up.
After 48 hours
- On the app's page, scroll to Developer contact.
- Email them with the purchase date, order number (in Google's confirmation email) and your reason.
Purchases by children
Request the refund quickly and explain what happened. To prevent repeats, require authentication for all purchases in Play StoreSettingsAuthenticationRequire authentication for purchasesFor all purchases and set up parental controls.
Cancelling a subscription
Uninstalling an app doesn't cancel its subscription. Cancel in Play StoreprofilePayments & subscriptionsSubscriptions. You keep access until the end of the paid period.