How to address unauthorized purchases on my Apple Account?

To request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple click on this link --> Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

The people responding on this support forum are users like you. We have no special access to Apple information or your accounts, so unfortunately all we can do is guide you to the information Apple does provide. Here's the U.S.A. version of Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions - Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple You can see if the terms are different for where you live by clicking on this link Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple select your location and then your language.

Note this as your starting point when asking for a refund:

- "All Transactions are final."

I understand this as meaning Apple is starting from a point where any refund is considered an exception. Apple may provide a refund but can also simply say no without having to provide a reason.

You mention some time has passed since these purchases were made. That may work against you. Remember that Apple has to take your word for this and they also have to make sure people don't abuse the system by using something for a long time and then asking for a refund.

Apple’s position appears to be that people need to be proactive with purchases, canceling subscriptions at least 24 hours before trials end, and ensuring that others are not able to make purchases on a user’s account. Note that if you allow another person access to purchasing on a device, or through Family Sharing if you are the Organizer, you are taking responsibility for things they do. Apple offers these proactive features:

On your device you can use Screen Time to prevent unintentional or unauthorized purchases from the App Store, in-app, and other Apple services. —> Use Screen Time to turn off in-app purchases on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Also on your device, require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases —> Require a password for purchases in the App Store and other Apple services - Apple Support

Use Screen Time as part of parental controls on your child's iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch —> Use parental controls on your child's iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If a child made this purchase on their device, consider activating Ask To Buy—> Approve what kids buy with Ask to Buy - Apple Support

Use Guided Access to permit a person to only use a single app —>

Lock iPhone to one app with Guided Access - Apple Support

Learn how to ⇢ Request a Refund.

NOTE: Refunds are not guaranteed, they are the exception.

According to Apple:

If your refund is approved, the funds are applied to the same payment method that you used to buy the item.

Here's how long it takes for a refund to appear on your account or statement:

Store credit—It might take up to 48 hours to see the refund in your Apple Account balance.

Mobile phone billing—It might take up to 60 days for the statement to show the refund. Processing time might be affected by your carrier. You can contact your carrier for an update.

Credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Apple Cash, and all other payment methods—It might take up to 30 days for the statement to show the refund. If you don't see the refund after 30 days, contact your financial institution.

Note—Once a decision has been made on your refund request, you will get a follow up email from Apple.

Learn how to ⇢ Check Refund Status.

Final Note:

I have written a detailed user-tip on this subject that goes into greater detail.

See ▶︎ Request A Refund for more.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉