How to Get a Refund for iTunes or App Store Purchases

When you buy a physical item that you don't want or isn't quite right, you can usually return it to the store and get your money back. When the purchase is a digital download from the iTunes Store or App Store, getting a refund is less common. iTunes and App Store refunds aren't guaranteed, but we show you how to request one.

How to Get an iTunes Refund on a Computer

If you buy something you already own, that doesn't work, or that you didn't mean to purchase, you may have a good case for getting an iTunes refund. In that situation, follow these steps on your computer to ask Apple for your money back:

1. If you're running macOS Catalina (10.15) or higher, the process is slightly different. In that case, use the Apple Music app (iTunes has been discontinued). In that, select Music > Preferences, and check the box next to Show iTunes Store. Then click iTunes Store in the left sidebar. Skip to step 3.

2. Open iTunes and click Store to go to the iTunes Store.

3. Click Account. Then, sign in with your Apple ID and password when prompted.

4. On the Account Information screen, go to the Purchase History section and click See All.

5. Scroll through your purchase history. Locate the item you want a refund for, then click More.

6. In the expanded listing, click Report a Problem.

7. Depending on the version of iTunes you're using, this will either open your default web browser or continue in iTunes. Either way, the steps are the same.

   On the Report a Problem screen, click the Choose Problem drop-down menu and click I'd like to request a refund.

8. In the Describe this problem text box, enter the reason you're requesting the refund, then click Submit.

You won’t get an immediate answer. In a few days, you'll receive either the refund, a request from iTunes Support for additional information, or a message denying the refund request.

How to Get an iTunes Refund on an iPhone or iPad

Whether you are requesting an iTunes Store or App Store refund on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you make the request in your Purchase History. On the iOS devices, the process is different from the one on the Mac. Here's what to do:

1. On the iOS device, open Safari, then go to reportaproblem.apple.com. Sign in with your Apple ID.

2. On the Report a Problem screen, tap the I'd like to drop-down menu and tap Request a Refund.

3. Tap Tell us more and tap the reason for the refund.

4. Tap Next.

5. Review the items available for refund and tap the one you want to request the refund for.

6. Tap Submit.

The more you request refunds, the less likely you are to get one. Everyone makes the occasional incorrect purchase, but if you regularly buy things from iTunes, then ask for your money back, Apple notices a pattern and begins to deny your refund requests.