Considering the sheer number of apps and services available through the Google Play Store, it's hardly surprising that sometimes you will want a refund. Perhaps an app you bought doesn't work, or maybe you simply got a nasty case of buyer's remorse. Either way, you'll want that money back in your pocket promptly.

But where do you start? Google isn't famed for its customer service, and some app developers are unresponsive. Thankfully, the Google Play Store refund process is fast and straightforward, as long as you know where you stand.

Here's everything you need to know about Google Play Store's refund policies and how to request a refund.

What Is the Google Play Store Refund Policy?

Google is reasonably flexible with refunds. The refund will go to your original payment method. You can request a Google Play refund directly through Google if:

  • The purchase was accidentally made by a friend or family member using your account.
  • You don't recognize the purchase and it wasn't made by you or anyone that you know. If this applies to you, skip to the "How to Report a Fraudulent Google Play Purchase" section below.
  • It's been less than 48 hours since you bought an app or made an in-app purchase.

That 48 hour timeline can differ depending on the type of content you purchased, the reason for your refund, and your country (you can change your Play Store country, if needed). For example, you can request a refund for a defective movie or TV show via Google Play Movies & TV within 65 days, while you have 120 days for unauthorized purchases.

If you give your account or payment details to someone else, appear to be abusing the policies (i.e., constantly buying and refunding apps), or don't protect your Google account with authentication, Google usually won't issue a refund. Additionally, if you get a refund, repurchase the item, and then request another refund, Google won't oblige.

To see the full details of Google's refund policies, refer to the Google Play refund policy page.

How to Refund a Purchase on the Google Play Store

How you apply for a refund depends on how quickly you begin the process. If you do it within the first two hours of making a purchase, you apply via the Google Play Store app on your device. If you're between two hours and 48 hours, you need to use an online form.

Request a Refund Using the Play Store App

Submitting a request through the Play Store app is the easiest and fastest way of getting your money back. This is only possible if it's been less than two hours since your purchase.

  1. On your phone, open the Play Store app.
  2. Navigate to the store page of the app you wish to refund.
  3. Select Refund.
  4. A prompt appears to confirm your request and to inform you that the app will be uninstalled. To confirm, select Request refund.
  5. Beneath the app's name, you should see the message Refunding. This should take a few moments, after which your refund is complete.

Request a Refund Using the Online Form

If it's been longer than two hours since you made your purchase, but less than 48 hours, you can use an online form to request your refund. You should also use this form for in-app purchases and subscriptions. It's also useful if the app has been removed from the Play Store.

To begin, go to Google's refund request page and click Request a refund. This will walk you through a form where you will need to choose your account, the purchase you wish to refund, the reason for requesting a refund, and other details.

Alternatively, go to your Google Play order history and click Request a refund next to the purchase. Choose your refund reason, add any details required, and click Submit.

You'll usually get a decision within one working day, though it can take up to four. You'll receive all updates on the refund process through the email linked to your Google account.

Request a Refund by Contacting the App Developer

What happens when you miss the 48-hour deadline? If the app is truly broken, you should still use the form method detailed above because it's possible that Google will make an exception and issue a refund.

For other situations, the decision on whether to issue a refund rests with the app's developer. You'll need to contact the developer and discuss your problem. If your issue is a technical one, they might provide support to help you resolve it. Be aware that the developer is under no obligation to reply to you, let alone offer a refund, so be gentle.

google play developer contact

You can find the developer's contact details on the app's Play Store listing. Search for the app in question and select Developer contact. Here, you'll find contact information like a website, email, and address.

How to Report a Fraudulent Google Play Purchase

If you notice a charge for a Google Play purchase you don't recognize, you should report this via Google's unauthorized transaction form. Provide the payment method, details about the purchase, and describe the issue.

Before doing this, Google warns to "check whether a family member or friend used your payment method to make the purchase [because] they can lose the ability to pay using Google after your claim is verified."

You have 120 days from the transaction charge to submit this form. Once done, Google will review your claim and issue a refund if it agrees that the purchase is fraudulent. You can also go to the form to check your claim status or view your claim history.

Improve Your Google Play Experience

Getting refunds can always be a minefield, but Google's system works well if you act quickly—you can get an immediate refund without waiting for anyone to review your request.

Now that you know all about Google Play refunds, it means that you can experience apps stress-free. If something doesn't work, or isn't up to scratch, you can get your money back in a flash. Just make sure not to abuse the system, else you could find your refund privileges revoked.