How to request a refund from Duolingo if you paid through Apple Pay
If you bought a Duolingo subscription or in-app purchase through Apple Pay and want your money back, you need to request the refund through Apple, not through Duolingo directly. Apple handles all refunds for purchases made on iPhone, iPad, or Mac — Duolingo cannot process them on their end. The process takes a few minutes and usually results in a decision within 48 hours.
You have 14 days from the date of purchase to request a refund through Apple's system. After 14 days, Apple rarely approves refunds unless there is a clear problem — like being charged twice or a subscription that kept renewing without your consent. If you are past the 14-day window, you can still try, but your chances are lower.
Key Takeaways
- Apple processes all refunds for Duolingo purchases made through Apple Pay; Duolingo cannot issue refunds directly.
- You have 14 days from purchase to request a refund through Apple's system, and decisions usually come within 48 hours.
- Use the App Store app on your device or visit reportaproblem.apple.com to start a refund request.
- If Apple denies your first request, you can appeal once, but providing a clear reason (like accidental purchase or subscription issues) improves your chances.
- Canceling your Duolingo subscription does not automatically refund past charges — you must request the refund separately.
Request a refund through the App Store app on your device
Open the App Store app on the iPhone, iPad, or Mac where you made the purchase. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Purchases." Find Duolingo in your purchase history and tap it. Look for the transaction you want refunded — it will show the date and amount — and tap "Report a Problem."
A menu will appear asking why you want a refund. Choose the reason that matches your situation: "Accidental Purchase," "Subscription Issues," "App or In-App Purchase Not as Described," or "Other." Be honest about your reason. If you accidentally bought a subscription, say so. If the app stopped working or you were charged twice, explain that. Apple's system is designed to catch patterns of abuse, so people requesting refunds for legitimate reasons are usually approved.
After you select your reason, you can add a brief note explaining what happened. Keep it short and factual — "I did not mean to purchase this" or "I was charged twice on the same day" works better than a long complaint. Submit the report and wait for Apple's response, which typically arrives within 48 hours by email.
Request a refund through Apple's website if you do not have the device
If you no longer have access to the device where you made the purchase, go to reportaproblem.apple.com on any computer or phone. Sign in with the Apple ID you used for the Duolingo purchase. You will see a list of your recent transactions across all Apple services.
Find the Duolingo charge and click "Report a Problem" next to it. The same menu of reasons will appear. Select the one that fits your situation and add a note if needed. Submit the report the same way you would through the App Store app. Apple will send you an email within 48 hours with a decision.
What to do if Apple denies your refund request
If Apple rejects your first request, you can appeal once. When you receive the denial email, it will include a link to submit an appeal. Click that link and explain your situation again, this time with more detail if possible. If you were charged twice, for example, mention the exact dates and amounts. If the subscription renewed without your knowledge, explain that you did not authorize the renewal.
Apple's appeals team reviews these cases separately from the initial decision, so providing new information or clarifying your original reason can change the outcome. However, if Apple denies your appeal, that is usually final — you cannot request a third review through the same system.
Cancel your Duolingo subscription to stop future charges
Requesting a refund for a past charge is separate from stopping future charges. If you have an active Duolingo subscription through Apple Pay and want to cancel it, you must do that in the App Store settings — the refund request alone will not cancel the subscription.
Open the App Store app, tap your profile icon, and select "Subscriptions." Find Duolingo and tap it. You will see your renewal date and price. Tap "Cancel Subscription" and confirm. This stops future charges immediately. Any refund you requested earlier is handled separately and does not depend on whether you cancel the subscription.
Reasons Apple usually approves or denies refunds
Apple approves most refunds within 14 days if you have a clear reason. Accidental purchases — like tapping the wrong button or a child making a purchase — are approved frequently. Subscription issues, such as being charged after you thought you canceled or being charged twice in one billing cycle, are also usually approved. If the app genuinely did not work or was not what you expected, that reason works too.
Apple denies refunds more often if you are outside the 14-day window, if you have requested many refunds in a short time, or if your reason is vague. Saying "I changed my mind" after 14 days is rarely approved. Requesting refunds for multiple purchases in the same week can trigger a review that results in denial. If you have a legitimate reason and are within 14 days, your chances are good — but Apple reserves the right to deny any request.
Contact Duolingo support if the problem is with the app itself
If you are requesting a refund because Duolingo is not working — like lessons not loading, progress not saving, or features you paid for being unavailable — you can also contact Duolingo's support team directly. They cannot issue refunds, but they can sometimes fix the underlying problem, which might make you want to keep your subscription.
Open Duolingo, go to the settings menu (usually a gear icon), and look for "Help" or "Contact Support." Describe the technical issue clearly and include what device you are using and when the problem started. Duolingo's team typically responds within a few days. If they fix the issue and you no longer want a refund, you can withdraw your refund request through Apple before it is processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I am past 14 days?
Apple rarely approves refunds after 14 days, but you can still request one. If you have a strong reason — like a subscription that kept renewing without your consent or a charge that appears fraudulent — mention that specifically in your appeal. Being past 14 days does not automatically disqualify you, but it makes approval less likely.
Will requesting a refund cancel my Duolingo subscription?
No. A refund request only returns money for a past charge. Your subscription will continue to renew and charge you unless you cancel it separately in the App Store's Subscriptions section. Cancel the subscription first if you do not want to be charged again.
How long does it take to get the refund money back?
Apple usually makes a decision within 48 hours of your request. Once approved, the refund appears in your Apple account within a few days. If you paid with a credit card or debit card linked to Apple Pay, the refund goes back to that card and may take 3 to 5 business days to show up, depending on your bank.
What if I was charged twice for the same purchase?
Request a refund for the duplicate charge immediately through the App Store or reportaproblem.apple.com. In your reason, clearly state that you were charged twice on the same day for the same subscription or purchase. Include both transaction dates if possible. Double charges are usually approved for refund quickly because they are clearly an error.
Can I request a refund if someone else used my account?
Yes. If a family member or someone with access to your device made a purchase without your permission, request a refund and explain that in your reason. Mention that you did not authorize the purchase. Apple takes unauthorized purchases seriously, especially if they happen repeatedly, and will usually approve a refund in this case.