Where to request your refund depends on what you bought and how you paid
Apple refunds work differently depending on whether you bought an app, a subscription, in-app content, or a physical device. Apps and digital content go through Apple's system directly. Physical products like iPhones or MacBooks may go through Apple or a retailer. The fastest path is usually to start where you made the purchase — Apple's website, the App Store, or a physical Apple Store — rather than calling your bank first.
Your bank or credit card company can reverse a charge, but that takes longer and may trigger a dispute that Apple has to respond to. If you contact Apple first and they approve the refund, the money reaches your account in three to five business days. If you dispute the charge with your bank instead, the process can stretch to 60 days or longer.
Key Takeaways
- Apps and in-app purchases refund through Apple's system within three to five business days if approved within 14 days of purchase.
- Subscriptions can be cancelled when ready, but refunds for the current billing period depend on your reason and how long you have owned the subscription.
- Physical devices bought from Apple have a 14-day return window; devices from retailers follow that retailer's return policy instead.
- Contacting Apple first is faster than disputing the charge with your bank, which can take 60 days or longer.
- You will need your receipt, order number, or the email address linked to your Apple ID to start a refund request.
How to request a refund for apps and in-app purchases
Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and tap your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Purchases, then find the app or purchase you want to refund. Tap the three dots next to it and select Report a Problem. Choose the reason — such as "Accidental purchase" or "App does not work as described" — and submit. Apple will review your request and email you a decision within 48 hours.
If you bought the app or content more than 14 days ago, Apple rarely approves refunds unless the app is broken or does not match its description. The 14-day window is firm for accidental purchases. If you are within the window and the reason is straightforward — you tapped buy by mistake, for example — approval is usually automatic.
You can also request a refund through Apple's website at reportaproblem.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID, select the purchase, and follow the same steps. This route works if you are on a computer or if the App Store method does not load properly.
Refunding subscriptions and recurring charges
Cancelling a subscription stops future charges when ready, but it does not automatically refund the current billing period. To cancel, open Settings on your device, tap your name, select Subscriptions, find the subscription, and tap Cancel Subscription. The service stays active until the end of the current billing cycle.
To request a refund for the current period, use the same Report a Problem method in the App Store. Explain that you want to cancel and receive a refund. Apple is more likely to approve this if you cancelled within a few days of the charge date. If you cancelled weeks into a monthly subscription, they may deny the refund but confirm the cancellation is in place.
If you were charged multiple times by mistake — the same subscription charged twice in one month, for example — report that as a billing error. Apple will investigate and refund the duplicate charge if they confirm it.
Returning physical devices and accessories
Apple devices bought directly from Apple.com or an Apple Store have a 14-day return window. You do not need a reason; you can return unopened or opened items as long as they are in resalable condition. Bring the device, original box, and receipt to an Apple Store, or start a return online at apple.com and print a prepaid shipping label.
Refunds for devices returned in-store appear in your original payment method within five to ten business days. Mail returns take longer — usually two weeks after Apple receives and inspects the item. If you paid with an Apple Gift Card, the refund goes back to your Apple Account balance instead of your card.
Devices bought from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or another retailer follow that retailer's return policy, not Apple's. Check the retailer's website or visit the store where you bought it. Apple cannot process returns for items you did not buy from Apple directly.
What to do if Apple denies your refund request
If Apple rejects your refund request, you have the option to dispute the charge with your bank or credit card company. Call the number on the back of your card and explain that you want to dispute a charge from Apple. Your bank will open an investigation, which typically takes 30 to 60 days. During that time, the charge remains on your account.
Provide your bank with any documentation you have: the receipt, your email correspondence with Apple, screenshots of the purchase, or proof that the app did not work. Banks are more likely to side with you if you can show you tried to resolve it with Apple first and were denied.
Be aware that disputing a charge can flag your Apple ID for fraud review. If your account is flagged, you may not be able to make new purchases until the dispute is resolved. For this reason, exhaust Apple's refund process before involving your bank.
Refunds for Apple One bundles and family plans
If you subscribed to Apple One — which bundles Apple Music, iCloud+, Apple TV+, and other services — you can cancel the entire bundle or individual services within it. Cancelling the bundle stops all services at the end of the current billing period. Cancelling one service keeps the others active.
To cancel, go to Settings, tap your name, select Subscriptions, find Apple One, and tap Modify. You can downgrade to a lower tier or remove individual services. If you want a refund for the current billing period, use Report a Problem in the App Store and explain why.
Family Plan members cannot request refunds directly — the organizer of the plan must do it. If you are a family member and want to stop paying, ask the organizer to remove you from the plan or downgrade the plan tier.
Timing and what to expect after you request a refund
After you submit a refund request through the App Store, Apple sends a confirmation email within 24 hours. The email will say whether the refund was approved or denied. If approved, the money goes back to your original payment method in three to five business days. If you paid with Apple Pay or a credit card, check your statement to confirm the refund posted.
If you paid with an Apple Gift Card or store credit, the refund amount goes to your Apple Account balance, not back to a card. You can use that balance for future purchases when ready, even if the refund has not yet appeared in your transaction history.
Do not request the same refund twice. If you submit a refund request and then dispute the charge with your bank before Apple responds, you may end up with a double refund, which Apple will ask you to return. Wait for Apple's decision first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I bought an app more than 14 days ago?
Apple rarely approves refunds beyond 14 days unless the app is broken or does not work as advertised. If the app stopped working after an update or the description was misleading, explain that in your report. Otherwise, the 14-day window is the standard limit.
What if I accidentally bought an app for my child?
Use the Report a Problem method in the App Store and select "Accidental purchase" as the reason. Mention that a child made the purchase. Apple often approves these quickly. You can also set up Screen Time restrictions to require a password before any purchase in the future.
Do I get a refund if I return a device without the original box?
Yes, but the device must be in good condition and you must have the receipt or proof of purchase. The original box is not required, though having it makes the return smoother. Devices with damage, cracks, or water damage may be denied or refunded at a reduced amount.
How long does a bank dispute take if Apple denies my refund?
Bank disputes typically take 30 to 60 days to resolve. During that time, the charge stays on your account. Your bank will contact Apple for their side of the story, so having documentation of your refund request and Apple's denial speeds up the process.
Can I get a refund if I changed my mind about a subscription after one day?
You can cancel the subscription when ready, but whether you get a refund for the current period depends on Apple's review. If you cancelled within a few days of the charge, mention that in your report. Refunds are more likely if you cancelled very soon after subscribing.