Where to start: Apple's refund window and what it covers

Apple offers refunds within 14 days of purchase for most items bought through the Apple Store, the App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and other Apple services. The 14-day period starts from the date of purchase, not the date you open the box. Refunds are processed back to your original payment method — the card you used, your Apple account balance, or your carrier billing if that's how you paid.

Not everything qualifies. Opened or used software, apps, and in-app purchases are generally not refundable once downloaded. Hardware like iPhones, Macs, and iPads can be returned if unopened or if opened but unused. AppleCare+ coverage can be cancelled for a refund if you haven't made a claim. Gift cards and store credit cannot be refunded.

If you're outside the 14-day window, you may still have options depending on what you bought and why — but you'll need to contact Apple directly rather than use the automated refund process.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 14 days from purchase to request a refund through your Apple account or by contacting Apple Support directly.
  • Unopened hardware and unused subscriptions are refundable; downloaded apps and software are not.
  • Refunds go back to your original payment method, which can take 3 to 5 business days to appear in your account.
  • If you bought through the App Store or iTunes, you can request a refund without contacting Apple first by using the "Report a Problem" tool in your purchase history.
  • For purchases outside the 14-day window, contact Apple Support with your receipt and reason; they may approve refunds for defective items or billing errors.

Refunding an app or in-app purchase through the App Store

If you bought an app or made an in-app purchase and want your money back, the fastest route is Apple's "Report a Problem" tool. Go to your Apple ID account settings, select "Purchase history," find the item, and click the three dots next to it. Choose "Report a Problem" and select the reason — usually "I would like a refund for this purchase." Apple will ask you to describe why, and you can be brief: "Didn't work as expected" or "Charged by mistake" both work.

Apple's system will usually process your request within 24 to 48 hours. You'll get an email confirmation, and the refund appears in your account balance or on your card within 3 to 5 business days. You do not need to contact support first; the automated system handles most app refunds without human review.

If you've already deleted the app, you can still request a refund. The refund is tied to the purchase record, not to whether the app is installed.

Refunding hardware or unopened products

For iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, and other hardware bought from Apple, you have 14 days to return it unopened or unused. If you've opened the box but haven't activated or used the device, Apple will usually accept the return. Once a device is activated or used, the return becomes harder — you may be offered a repair or replacement instead of a refund.

Start by contacting Apple Support through the Apple Support app, the website, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Have your receipt or order number ready. If you bought in a physical Apple Store, you can also return the item there with your receipt. If you bought online, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Once Apple receives and inspects the returned item, the refund is processed to your original payment method.

If the device is defective or stopped working within the return window, Apple is more likely to approve a refund even if it's been opened. Describe the problem clearly when you contact them.

Refunding subscriptions and services

Subscriptions to Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, and other Apple services can be cancelled at any time, but refunds depend on when you cancel. If you cancel within 14 days of starting a subscription, you get a full refund. After 14 days, cancelling stops future charges but does not refund what you've already paid.

To cancel and request a refund, go to your Apple ID settings, select "Subscriptions," find the service, and tap "Cancel Subscription." If you're within the 14-day window, you'll see a refund option. If you're outside that window and believe you were charged in error or the service didn't work, contact Apple Support with your receipt and explain the issue — they may approve a one-time refund as a courtesy.

AppleCare+ is different: you can cancel it within 30 days of purchase for a full refund if you haven't filed a claim. After 30 days, cancellation stops future charges but does not refund past payments.

Contacting Apple Support when the automated process doesn't work

If you're outside the 14-day window, the item was purchased more than 90 days ago, or the automated refund tool didn't resolve your issue, you'll need to contact Apple Support directly. You can reach them through the Apple Support app, the website at support.apple.com, by phone at 1-800-MY-APPLE, or by starting a chat session online.

Have your receipt, order number, and a clear explanation of why you want a refund. If the item is defective, describe the problem. If you were charged twice, show both charges. If you bought something by mistake, say so. Apple Support can see your purchase history and account, so they'll verify the details quickly.

Refunds approved by support staff usually take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account, longer than automated refunds. If you paid by credit card, the refund shows as a credit on your next statement. If you paid with Apple account balance, the money returns to your balance immediately.

What to do if a refund is denied

If Apple denies your refund request, ask support to explain why in writing. Common reasons for denial are: the item was purchased more than 90 days ago, it was used or activated, or it was a digital product that was downloaded and consumed. If you believe the denial is wrong — for example, if the item is defective or you were charged in error — ask to escalate the case to a senior support specialist.

Keep records of all communication with Apple, including order numbers, dates, and the names of support staff you spoke with. If you paid by credit card, you also have the right to dispute the charge with your card issuer if Apple won't refund it. Contact your bank or credit card company and explain the situation; they can open a dispute on your behalf, though this process takes longer and may result in Apple closing your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Automated refunds through the App Store usually appear within 24 to 48 hours. Refunds processed by Apple Support staff take 5 to 10 business days. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit on your next statement, not as a separate deposit. Bank processing can add another 1 to 3 days.

Can I get a refund if I bought an app and then used it?

No. Once you download and open an app, it's considered used and is not refundable. The same applies to in-app purchases. If the app doesn't work as described or is buggy, describe the problem when you request the refund — Apple may approve it as an exception, but it's not may provide.

What if I bought something as a gift and the recipient wants to return it?

The person who made the purchase must request the refund, not the recipient. If you bought a gift card or app as a gift, you'll need to contact Apple Support with your receipt. Refunds for gifts go back to the original payment method, not to the recipient's account.

Can I return an iPhone I bought at an Apple Store to a different location?

Yes. Any Apple Store can process a return for you, even if you bought it elsewhere. Bring the device, the original box if you have it, and your receipt or proof of purchase. If you don't have the receipt, Apple can look up the purchase using your Apple ID or the card you paid with.

What happens if I request a refund and then change my mind?

Once a refund is processed, you cannot cancel it. If you change your mind after requesting a refund but before it's completed, contact Apple Support immediately — they may be able to stop it if it hasn't been sent to your bank yet. After the refund reaches your account, you would need to repurchase the item.