Why do I keep getting charged for app features?

I downloaded a free app called "Holy Bible" in March 25, but Apple has repeatedly billed me for "unlocking features" without my consent. Each charge is $9.99 plus tax. I reported the issue, but my refund request was denied, and I’ve continued to ask for a refund......

The worst part is that Apple keeps billing me.... It’s a nightmare cannot be stopped! I am not "A Sleepless in Seattle", but now a helpless in NJ!

I’m also wondering if there is a way to contact a domestic customer service line in the U.S. for support?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 22, 2025 7:53 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 22, 2025 8:03 AM

Review and cancel your subscriptions here:

View or cancel app subscriptions on iPhone - Apple Support


You can also see your Purchase History here:

View your purchase history for the App Store and other Apple media services - Apple Support


The Holy Bible app contains in-app purchases/subscriptions and may have also offered you a free trial that would become a subscription if not cancelled. Any free trial/subscription made on your device requires you to double click the side button with the amount showing on the screen, followed by verification with FaceID/TouchID or Passcode. For a free trial, you will see the trial period and also the subscription you will be billed for if you do not cancel the trial at least 24 hours before the end date. It is not something that can be done by accident.


In most cases, purchases in the App Store are final since it does require this explicit authorization process, but at times Apple may offer a compassionate refund. It should never be expected though.


Please update what you have found out with the provided links. At any time you can contact Apple directly at:

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 22, 2025 8:03 AM in response to KrisLeighNJ

Review and cancel your subscriptions here:

View or cancel app subscriptions on iPhone - Apple Support


You can also see your Purchase History here:

View your purchase history for the App Store and other Apple media services - Apple Support


The Holy Bible app contains in-app purchases/subscriptions and may have also offered you a free trial that would become a subscription if not cancelled. Any free trial/subscription made on your device requires you to double click the side button with the amount showing on the screen, followed by verification with FaceID/TouchID or Passcode. For a free trial, you will see the trial period and also the subscription you will be billed for if you do not cancel the trial at least 24 hours before the end date. It is not something that can be done by accident.


In most cases, purchases in the App Store are final since it does require this explicit authorization process, but at times Apple may offer a compassionate refund. It should never be expected though.


Please update what you have found out with the provided links. At any time you can contact Apple directly at:

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


Apr 23, 2025 12:57 PM in response to KrisLeighNJ

Nope, it cannot be done without you knowing as it requires you to double click the side button with any charges showing clearly on the screen before they are authorized when using an in-app purchase that is managed by Apple.


As for what an app offers with in-app purchases, that is up to them on what features they want to make available and how much it would cost. Some apps will give you access to features through one time purchases for individual content, or subscriptions that will be renewed automatically depending on the length of time for the subscription.


You can view your Purchase History and view/cancel any subscriptions you have that are managed by Apple here:


If you do not see the subscription/purchase in those links, then that means that you have made a subscription with the developer of the app directly on their website and it is not being managed by Apple. Cancelling this type of subscription can only be done by using that website where it was started. More information can be provided on what you find out using those 2 previous links.


The first step is to cancel any subscription or future charges. After that is done you can write a review for the app in the App Store to alert other users about your experience and also report the app to Apple as a scam if you wish. You report the app to Apple by:

  1. Sign in to reportaproblem.apple.com.
  2. Tap or click "I'd like to," then choose "Report as a scam"


I searched for the app in the App Store, but there are many to choose from, so not sure which specific app you are referring to or who the Developer is.


Apr 23, 2025 12:12 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thanks for the info. I'm still confused about how the unlocking features of an App work. It seems like features can be accidentally unlocked without us knowing.

More important.....it doesn’t make sense for an app to "keep" unlocking features and charging $9.99 each time—it feels almost like a "scam". I've been charged three or more times a month for the same reason of "unlock features", and it's really frustrating.

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Why do I keep getting charged for app features?

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