Ineligible refund for multiple in-game purchases on old device

Hello apple and all. My younger brother used my old device to purchase multiple in-game top-up bundles/packages. I requested a refund, but Apple said I do not meet the eligibility requirements,and the final decision is in. So what should I do now? If it were just one accidental purchase, that would be fine, but a series of them, with the total value now ten times higher, is something I can't ignore. It's too much of a financial waste for me. I need a help!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Can’t refund

iPad mini

Posted on Sep 28, 2025 2:03 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 28, 2025 5:46 PM

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. Apple, however, does not have much on its criteria for refusing refunds. Here are two sections from 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.


- "All Transactions are final."

Apple appears to regard any refund as an exception. Apple may provide a refund, but can also simply say no without having to provide a reason. I understand this can be frustrating but by using the service you agree to the terms.


- "From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim." Remember that Apple has no way of removing a purchase from your device. They have to trust you are being honest when asking for a refund. It may be certain refund requests might be considered suspicious or excessive.

According to https://reportaproblem.apple.com/static/en-us/privacy.html , Apple uses an automated system to detect fraud. Your request may not have met the automated system’s criteria for a refund. If you feel you want to discuss a refund request with a person, try to contact an Apple representative by email —> “If you disagree with your final decision, contact dpo@apple.com “


If you wish to try a telephone or chat method, click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.


or:


"See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." Click here --> Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


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—intentionally or not—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 to manage 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


4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 28, 2025 5:46 PM in response to Yiang26

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. Apple, however, does not have much on its criteria for refusing refunds. Here are two sections from 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.


- "All Transactions are final."

Apple appears to regard any refund as an exception. Apple may provide a refund, but can also simply say no without having to provide a reason. I understand this can be frustrating but by using the service you agree to the terms.


- "From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim." Remember that Apple has no way of removing a purchase from your device. They have to trust you are being honest when asking for a refund. It may be certain refund requests might be considered suspicious or excessive.

According to https://reportaproblem.apple.com/static/en-us/privacy.html , Apple uses an automated system to detect fraud. Your request may not have met the automated system’s criteria for a refund. If you feel you want to discuss a refund request with a person, try to contact an Apple representative by email —> “If you disagree with your final decision, contact dpo@apple.com “


If you wish to try a telephone or chat method, click here --> Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support Select your country, then a product. If you don't see one that handles your issue then keep experimenting with selections until you reach one that gets you a chat session or a telephone call and get the representative to redirect you.


or:


"See a list of Apple phone numbers around the world." Click here --> Contact Apple Support - Apple Support


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—intentionally or not—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 to manage 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


Sep 28, 2025 2:14 PM in response to Yiang26

Thank you for replying with your concerns, Yiang26. 😉


Here at the Apple Support Community, we are volunteers (thoughtful Apple users) who share knowledge in an effort to help others, such as yourself.


We don’t have the power to look into accounts, make changes or reverse any refund decisions because we are not authorized by Apple.


Unfortunately, as Katana-San has pointed out, you have reached the final stage.


Apple’s decision is final and no one can change their decision or alter the Refund policy.


According to Apple:

All Transactions are final.

Content prices may change at any time.

If technical problems prevent or unreasonably delay delivery of Content, your exclusive and sole remedy is either replacement of the Content or refund of the price paid, as determined by Apple.

From time to time, Apple may suspend or cancel payment or refuse a refund request if we find evidence of fraud, abuse, or unlawful or other manipulative behavior that entitles Apple to a corresponding counterclaim.


Thank you! 👋🏼😉

Sep 28, 2025 2:08 PM in response to Yiang26

Hello~ Apple has the final say and refunds are never guaranteed. To prevent this in the future…


Require a password for purchases in the App Store and other Apple services - Apple Support


When someone is in procession of your iPhone and you have given them device unlocked or your credentials to do so Apple holds you responsible. Sounds like your younger brother owes you some money.


~Katana-San~

Sep 28, 2025 6:16 PM in response to Limnos

I just wanna take everybody out there to tell me there’s been nice to me and help me because I’m on disability. I have brain damage and seizures and all kinds of other health issues. I just want faith the community for being nice to me and helping me learn how to use the Apple guy I did not and I got a refund on all my purchases. I did not purchase anything if anything it was fraud and scammers out there. They got my information. I don’t know how they could’ve broke my password, but ain’t no way in **** they could have cause they’re too wrong to break is there I just want to say the community for helping me peace out the love and love peace

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Ineligible refund for multiple in-game purchases on old device

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