Steam's refund window and what it covers

Steam allows you to request a refund for most games within 14 days of purchase and as long as you have played for fewer than 2 hours. The refund goes back to your original payment method — the same card, PayPal account, or Steam Wallet you used to buy it. You do not need a reason to request one, though Steam asks you to pick a category (like "it doesn't run well on my computer" or "I changed my mind") when you submit the form.

Some purchases fall outside this window. DLC (downloadable content), in-game items, and season passes can be refunded under the same 14-day, 2-hour rule, but only if the base game itself has not been played for more than 2 hours total. Pre-orders can be refunded any time before release day. Bundles are treated as single purchases — if you return a bundle, you get back the full bundle price, not individual game prices.

Games that are free-to-play cannot be refunded, but you can refund cosmetics and battle pass purchases made within them using the same 14-day window. Refunds for games purchased during a sale are refunded at the sale price you paid, not the full price.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 14 days from purchase and must have played fewer than 2 hours to request a refund through Steam's website.
  • The refund returns to your original payment method, whether that was a credit card, PayPal, or Steam Wallet credit.
  • You do not need to provide a reason, but Steam will ask you to select a category when you submit your request.
  • Most refunds process within 5 to 10 business days, though some may take longer depending on your bank or payment provider.
  • Games purchased on sale are refunded at the price you paid, and bundles are refunded as a whole rather than broken into individual games.

How to submit a refund request

Go to Steam Support at help.steampowered.com and sign in with your Steam account. Click "Purchases" in the left menu, then find the game you want to refund in your purchase history. Click on the game title, then select "I would like a refund" at the bottom of the page.

Steam will show you the purchase date, how much you paid, and how many hours you have played. If you are within the 14-day and 2-hour window, you will see a button to continue. Click it, then choose a reason from the dropdown menu. The options include "It doesn't run well on my computer," "I changed my mind," "I found a bug or technical issue," or "Other." You can add a short note if you want, but it is not required.

After you select a reason and click "Request Refund," Steam sends your request to a review queue. You will see a confirmation message on screen and receive an email to your Steam account email address. Do not close the page until you see the confirmation — take a screenshot if you want proof that you submitted it.

What happens after you submit

Steam reviews refund requests automatically in most cases. If your request meets the 14-day and 2-hour requirements, it is usually approved within a few minutes to a few hours. You will receive an email saying "Your refund has been approved" and telling you where the money is going.

If Steam flags your request for manual review — which can happen if you have a history of many refunds or if the request looks unusual — it may take up to 7 days for a person to look at it. You will receive an email either approving or denying it. If it is denied, the email will explain why.

Once approved, the refund goes back to your original payment method. If you paid with a credit or debit card, it typically appears in your account within 5 to 10 business days, though some banks take longer. If you paid with PayPal, the money returns to your PayPal account in the same timeframe. If you paid with Steam Wallet credit, the money is added back to your Wallet when ready and you can see it in your account balance.

Refunds for games you cannot find in your purchase history

If you bought a game years ago and it no longer appears in your purchase history, you can still request a refund if you are within the window. Go to Steam Support, click "Games, Software, etc." in the "What can we help you with?" section, then select "I would like a refund." You will see a form where you can type the game name and the approximate purchase date.

Steam will search for the purchase and show you results. If the game appears, click on it and follow the same refund process. If Steam cannot find it, you may need to contact Steam Support directly by clicking "Contact Steam Support" at the bottom of the page and describing what you remember about the purchase.

When Steam denies a refund request

Steam denies refunds most often because the purchase is outside the 14-day window or you have played more than 2 hours. If either is true, Steam will not refund it, even if you ask multiple times. Playing the game for 2 hours and 1 minute disqualifies you, so the limit is firm.

Steam may also deny a refund if it detects a pattern of abuse — for example, if you regularly buy games, play them for under 2 hours, and refund them. In that case, Steam may decline future refund requests from your account. If you believe a denial was a mistake, you can contact Steam Support by going back to the refund request page and clicking "I'd like to appeal this decision," but Steam rarely overturns denials for time or playtime violations.

If you paid with a stolen card or through a fraudulent account, Steam will deny the refund and may restrict your account. If you used a legitimate payment method and believe the denial is wrong, explain the situation to Steam Support and they will review it.

Refunds for games purchased as gifts

If someone gave you a game as a gift and you want to refund it, you can request one through the same process — go to your purchase history, find the gift, and click "I would like a refund." The refund goes back to the person who bought it, not to you. They will receive the money in their original payment method.

If you bought a game as a gift for someone else and they want to refund it, they can request one from their own account. The refund will go back to you, the original buyer. The recipient does not need your permission — they can refund it on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refund a game if I have played it for more than 2 hours?

No. Steam's refund policy requires fewer than 2 hours of playtime. Once you cross 2 hours, you are no longer within the window, even if you are still within the 14-day purchase period. There is no exception for this rule.

What if my refund has not shown up after 10 business days?

Contact your bank or payment provider first — sometimes refunds take longer to process on their end. If it has been more than 10 business days and you still do not see it, go to Steam Support, find your refund approval email, and click "Contact Steam Support" to report the delay. Include the approval email and your transaction ID.

Can I refund a game and then buy it again at a lower price?

Yes. There is no rule against refunding a game and repurchasing it later, even at a sale price. However, if Steam detects a pattern of this behavior across many games, it may flag your account for review and deny future refunds.

Do I lose the game when ready after I request a refund?

No. You keep access to the game until the refund is approved. Once approved, the game is removed from your library and you can no longer launch it. If the refund is denied, nothing changes — you keep the game.

Can I refund a game on mobile or the Steam app?

You must request refunds through the Steam website at help.steampowered.com. The mobile app and desktop app do not have a refund request feature. Log in on a computer or phone browser to submit your request.