Requesting a refund for unauthorized App Store purchases

To request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple, click here → Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

You may wish to read Apple's refund information in section B of Legal - Apple Media Services - Apple

Hopefully you can get your refund, but Apple’s position appears to be that people need to be proactive about purchases, ensuring that others are not able to make unsanctioned purchases on a user’s account. 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 features to help you avoid this situation:

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 as part of Family Sharing, 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

This support article explains how to check the status of a refund for apps or media content that you bought from Apple, and how long it takes to receive a refund if you are granted one --> Check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

After you request a refund you'll receive a status update by email within 48 hours. IF your refund is approved (with a few exceptions Apple does not automatically grant refunds), the funds are applied to the same payment method that you used to buy the item. How long it takes for a refund to appear on your account or statement depends upon the payment method used:

● 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."

Since the article specifically says "statement", which for me is the thing that arrives monthly in my mailbox, I wonder if you check your daily card transactions if you might see it earlier?

For apps and media you can also sign into https://reportaproblem.apple.com to check if the status of your item is "Refunded".

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! 👋🏼😉

You can try reportaproblem.apple.com. You are responsible for all billing on your account; don't give your device to anyone.