Where to request a refund and what Apple's policy actually covers

Apple's refund policy depends on what you bought and how you bought it. For apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions bought through the App Store or iTunes, you have 14 days from purchase to request a refund directly from Apple. For physical products — iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods — you have 14 days to return them unopened or in original condition to an Apple Store or through Apple's website. If you bought from a third-party retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, their return policy applies instead, not Apple's.

The fastest route is the one that matches where you made the purchase. If you bought an app or subscription through your Apple ID, go through your Apple ID settings. If you bought a device at an Apple Store, return it to that store. If you bought through a retailer, contact that retailer first — they handle the refund, not Apple.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions have a 14-day refund window when bought through Apple's platforms, requested through your Apple ID account settings.
  • Physical devices like iPhones and MacBooks can be returned within 14 days if unopened or in original condition to an Apple Store or through Apple's website.
  • Purchases from third-party retailers like Best Buy or Amazon follow that retailer's return policy, not Apple's.
  • Refunds for apps and subscriptions process within three to five business days after approval; device refunds take longer depending on shipping and inspection.
  • If Apple denies your refund request, you can appeal once through your Apple ID account or contact your payment method's issuer (credit card company, bank) to dispute the charge.

How to request a refund for apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions

Log into your Apple ID account on any device or at appleid.apple.com. Go to your purchase history, find the item you want refunded, and select "Report a Problem." Choose the reason — you can say the app didn't work as described, you didn't mean to purchase it, or you were charged twice. Apple will ask you to describe what happened in a text box. Be specific: if the app crashed, say when and on what device. If you were charged twice, provide the dates. If you changed your mind, say so — Apple often approves these within 14 days of purchase.

Submit your report and wait for Apple's response, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If approved, the refund goes back to your original payment method — the card or account you used to buy it. If you used an Apple Gift Card, the money returns to your Apple ID balance. If denied, you get one chance to appeal by replying to Apple's email with more detail about why you think the refund should be granted.

How to return a physical device to Apple

If you bought an iPhone, MacBook, iPad, or other device directly from Apple within the last 14 days and it is unopened or in original condition, you can return it in person at an Apple Store or by mail through Apple's website. Go to apple.com/returns, enter your order number, and follow the prompts. Apple will either email you a prepaid shipping label or direct you to your nearest store.

For in-store returns, bring your device, original packaging, and receipt or proof of purchase. The staff will inspect it — they check for physical damage, whether the seal was broken, and whether all original items are included. If it passes inspection, they process the refund immediately to your original payment method. For mail returns, pack the device securely, use the label Apple provides, and track the shipment. Once Apple receives and inspects it, the refund processes within five to seven business days.

What happens if Apple denies your refund

Apple's system automatically denies refunds outside the 14-day window, for devices that show signs of use, or for apps where you have already used the service substantially. If your request is denied and you believe it should not have been, you can reply to Apple's denial email with additional information — for example, if the device arrived damaged, include photos. Apple reviews appeals but does not always overturn the initial decision.

If Apple will not budge, you have a second option: contact your credit card company, bank, or payment service (PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.) and file a dispute or chargeback. Explain that you requested a refund from Apple and were denied, and describe why you believe the charge was unauthorized or the product was not as described. Your payment issuer will investigate and may reverse the charge on your behalf. This process takes two to four weeks but does not require Apple's approval.

Refunds for subscriptions and recurring charges

If you were charged for a subscription you did not want — a trial that converted to a paid plan, a renewal you forgot about, or a charge you did not authorize — you can request a refund for that specific charge through your Apple ID. Go to your purchase history, find the subscription charge, and report it as a problem. Explain that you did not intend to renew or that you cancelled but were still charged.

Apple will refund that one charge if you are within 14 days of the purchase date. To stop future charges, you must also cancel the subscription itself in your Apple ID settings under Subscriptions. Cancelling the subscription does not automatically refund past charges, so do both: request the refund for the charge you want back, and cancel the subscription to stop future ones.

Refunds for purchases made by someone else on your account

If a family member, child, or someone with access to your device made a purchase without your permission, you can request a refund by reporting it as unauthorized. Go to your purchase history, find the charge, and select "Report a Problem." Choose "Unauthorized Purchase" and explain who made it and when you discovered it.

Apple will refund unauthorized purchases more readily than buyer's remorse cases, especially if the purchase was made by a child. After the refund is processed, change your Apple ID password and enable two-factor authentication to prevent future unauthorized charges. If you have a child's account linked to your family group, you can also adjust spending limits or require approval for purchases.

Refunds from third-party retailers

If you bought an Apple product from Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, or another retailer, Apple does not process the refund — the retailer does. Return the item to that retailer following their return policy, which often differs from Apple's. Best Buy typically allows 15 days for unopened devices and 14 days for opened ones. Amazon's window is usually 30 days. Walmart varies by product.

Check the retailer's website or receipt for their specific return window and condition requirements. Some retailers require the original packaging; others do not. Some charge a restocking fee for opened devices; Apple does not. Contact the retailer's customer service or visit a store to start the return. The refund goes back to the payment method you used at that retailer, not through Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I already downloaded and used the app?

Apple may still refund you within 14 days if you report a problem with how the app works — crashes, doesn't match the description, or charged you twice. If you simply changed your mind after using it, approval is less certain but still possible. Submit your request and explain the issue; Apple reviews each case individually.

How long does it take to see the refund in my account?

For apps and subscriptions, refunds typically appear within three to five business days after approval. For physical devices, it takes longer — usually five to seven business days after Apple receives and inspects the returned item. If you used a credit card, the refund shows as a credit on your next statement. If you used an Apple Gift Card, the balance updates in your account within 24 hours.

What if I lost the receipt or order number?

You do not need a physical receipt. Log into your Apple ID account and view your purchase history — it shows every purchase tied to that account with dates and amounts. Find the item you want to refund and report the problem from there. If you cannot find it in your history, contact Apple Support with the email address associated with your account and the approximate purchase date.

Can I return a device if I opened it but didn't use it?

Apple's policy requires devices to be in original condition, which usually means unopened. If you opened the box but never turned it on and all original items are still inside, some Apple Stores may accept it, but it is not may provide. Call your local Apple Store before going in, or start a return through apple.com/returns and describe the condition — Apple will tell you whether it qualifies.

What if I paid with a gift card and want a refund?

The refund goes back to your Apple ID balance as store credit, not back to the original gift card. You can then use that balance for future purchases. If you want cash instead, you cannot get it directly from Apple, but you can use the balance to buy an Apple Gift Card and sell it, though you will likely lose some value in the transaction.