SubsHow to get a refund for an App Store subscription
Apple handles refunds for anything you paid for through the App Store, including in-app subscriptions. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, choose “Request a refund”, pick a reason, select the charge and submit. Apple reviews each request and usually updates you within 24 to 48 hours. Developers can't issue App Store refunds themselves. Cancel the subscription too, or it will renew.
Who can refund you
If the charge on your statement says APPLE.COM/BILL, Apple took the payment and only Apple can refund it. The app's developer can't see your card or reverse an App Store charge, so emailing them won't get the money back.
If the charge shows the company's own name (for example, you subscribed on their website), ask the company for the refund. A short, polite email that states the charge date and amount works best; Subs can write one for you.
Request a refund on reportaproblem.apple.com
- Go to reportaproblem.apple.com in any browser, including Safari on your iPhone.
- Sign in with the Apple ID you used for the purchase.
- Under What can we help you with? choose Request a refund.
- Choose the reason that fits best, then tap Next.
- Select the subscription charge and tap Submit.
If a charge isn't listed as eligible, Apple won't accept a refund request for it online. You can still contact Apple Support.
Choosing a reason
| If this happened | Choose the option about |
|---|---|
| You forgot to cancel a trial or didn't mean to renew | Not intending to buy or renew the item |
| A child or someone else bought it | A purchase made without your permission, for example by a family member |
| The app didn't work or wasn't as described | The item not working or not matching its description |
| You don't recognise the charge | An unauthorised or unknown purchase |
Apple's exact wording varies by country and changes from time to time. Pick the closest match and be honest; you don't need to write a long explanation.
How long it takes
Apple usually sends an update by email within 24 to 48 hours. Approved refunds go back to the original payment method; card refunds can take several business days to appear, and some banks take longer. You can check the status by signing in to reportaproblem.apple.com again.
Don't forget to cancel
A refund doesn't always stop the subscription. Cancel it in Settings › [your name] › Subscriptions so it doesn't renew next month. See how to cancel a subscription on iPhone.
To avoid needing refunds at all, set reminders before renewals and trial end dates. Subs reminds you before every charge and shows each app's cancel steps in one tap.
Request an App Store refund
- Open Report a Problem. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com in a browser.
- Sign in. Sign in with the Apple ID you used to pay.
- Choose Request a refund. Under “What can we help you with?”, choose Request a refund.
- Pick a reason. Select the reason that fits best and tap Next.
- Select the charge and submit. Choose the subscription charge and tap Submit. Apple will email you with the result.
Frequently asked questions
Can the app developer refund an App Store subscription?
No. Payments made through the App Store are handled by Apple, and only Apple can refund them. Request it at reportaproblem.apple.com.
How long does an Apple refund take?
Apple usually updates you within 24 to 48 hours. After approval, the money goes back to your original payment method, which can take several business days to show up.
Is there a time limit for App Store refunds?
Apple doesn't publish a fixed window, but requests made soon after the charge are more likely to be accepted. Request as soon as you notice an unwanted charge.
Does a refund cancel my subscription?
Not necessarily. Cancel it separately in Settings › [your name] › Subscriptions so it doesn't renew.