How do I request a refund for an unauthorized Apple App Store purchase?

Here's how to request an app or media refund from Apple (From: Request a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support - see the article for more detail.) If you bought this in the EU from a third party, see: About purchases not billed through the App Store or Apple In-App Purchase - Apple Support instead.

1. Sign in to https://reportaproblem.apple.com

2. Tap or click "I'd like to," then choose "Request a refund."

3. Choose the reason why you want a refund, then choose Next.

4. Choose the app, subscription, or other item, then choose Submit.

If you were charged for a subscription that you no longer want, you can also cancel the subscription using the directions in this article --> If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support

Read this support article for information about how long it takes to receive a refund (if you are granted one), and how to check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple --> Check the status of a refund for apps or content that you bought from Apple - Apple Support

Apple offers these features to help you avoid this situation in future:

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

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! 👋🏼😉

First check if you even will get a refund. 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".

If you need to contact Apple about this, click on this link --> https://getsupport.apple.com/?PGF=PGF63006&category_id=SC0060&symptom_id=23390 If that one does not work, try: Choose your country or region - Official Apple Support and choose a path that gets assistance from Apple staff. The people responding on this forum are users like yourself and can’t do anything more than advise you.

If you got an email receipt and there's a 'Report a Problem' link in it, use that; otherwise, click here and ask the iTunes Store staff for a refund.

The people on these boards are mostly other customers and can't grant one.

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Hey MeedumMadhara, I noticed you didn’t respond to my offer of help.

I just wanted to check in and see if you still need any support. No worries if you’ve got it handled! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian