How do I request a refund for an unexpected App Store or Google Play charge?
Answer
Check whether the charge says Apple, App Store, iTunes, Google Play, or Google. Then use that store's official purchase history and report a problem or request a refund page—do not use random refund links from texts or calls.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Never give card numbers, remote-access codes, or one-time passcodes to someone who calls or texts offering a refund.
Follow these steps
Identify Apple versus Google Play
Read the exact merchant wording on the bank or card charge. Note whether it references Apple/App Store/iTunes or Google Play/Google.
You should see: You know which store's refund process to use.
Find the purchase in store history
For Apple, open reportaproblem.apple.com or Purchase History in media/purchases settings. For Google Play, open play.google.com/store/account and check Order history.
You should see: You locate the matching purchase, subscription, or in-app charge.
Submit the official refund request
Choose Report a Problem (Apple) or Request a refund (Google Play), select the item, and explain that the charge was unexpected or unauthorized if that applies.
You should see: The store accepts the request and shows a pending or decided status.
Cancel the subscription if it is still active
In Apple Subscriptions or Google Play Subscriptions, cancel any active plan you do not want so another charge does not occur while the refund is reviewed.
You should see: The subscription shows canceled or set to expire at the end of the paid period.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The merchant name on the bank or card statement (Apple, Google Play, or a specific app) and the matching purchase in store purchase history
Before you change anything: Screenshot the charge amount, date, and merchant name. Confirm which email or Apple ID / Google account is on the phone. Do not share card numbers or one-time codes with unexpected callers offering a refund. Cancel any unwanted subscription after you identify it so it does not renew again.