In the first quarter of 2016, several apps and games in the Google Play Store reached 1.9 million. This is an incredibly massive number of applications present on a single platform. Android users have many choices for apps or games to use. Anyone can download any app and enjoy the fantastic features. Similarly, every user can uninstall any app at any time. We find this facility amazing when looking for free apps and games. But how many choices do we have when we purchase any app? Can we get a refund for an app bought from the Google Play Store? Or even for purchased games? Yes, we have specific ways to get a refund for an app purchased from the Google Play Store, though many users do not know. Here, we’ll explain all the possible ways to get a refund.
Ways to Get a Refund of an App Bought from the Google Play Store
In the business world, companies and organizations prefer to refund to avoid a bad image in the general public. However, this is not true when we look at Google’s policy. Google allows refunds for the apps within two hours of purchase. Here, we will explain four ways you can get a a refund for an app bought from the Google Play Store.
First Way: First 2 hours
The first 2 hours is the fastest and simplest method to get a refund from the Google Play Store. If you have purchased an app from the Play Store and, after using it, you find that it’s not what you desired or it’s not working correctly, then you can get a refund for the app. For that, follow the steps enlisted below:
- Go back to the Google Play Store.
- Navigate to the search bar and enter the name of the app you purchased.
- Locate the app. Then, you will find an option for “Refund” instead of the “Uninstall” button. Tap on it.
Google will compensate you shortly. You will be reimbursed only when you apply for a refund within 2 hours of purchase. If the time limit exceeds, the Refund button will be changed to Uninstall. In this process, the Google Play Store will ask no questions on the refund policy, but you should ensure that you do not install the same app more than once within 2 hours of the refund. Doing so might fail to entertain Google.
Second Way: The Developer Way
If you missed the time frame given by the First 2 hours refund policy, you don’t need to worry. There is still another way to get a refund. Google recommends buyers who want a refund contact the developers directly. To contact the developer, go to the purchased application page in the Play Store. The developer’s contact information will be at the bottom of the page. You must e-mail the developer with all the details about the faulty app. But before sending an e-mail, I recommend that you read the refund policy terms. You’ll find the refund policy terms on the developer’s or application’s website.
Various factors determine whether you should get a refund from the developer. Consider these factors carefully.
- Many developers do not accept refund requests for digital products like music, videos, or e-books. According to the developers, these products are significantly less likely to be faulty.
- You must prove to the developer that the app or game you purchased does not work or has some faults. If you succeed in convincing the developer, then there might be a possibility that the developer will grant you a refund.
- Developers may try to attract users to buy apps or games, even if they are faulty. So, it’s better to go through the reviews of desired apps to avoid hassle after purchase.
Third Way: The Google Way
Google itself issues refunds to the purchaser in some uncommon circumstances. It’s a lengthy process, but it is possible. Follow the steps enlisted below carefully:
- Go to Google Play Store.
- Log on to your Google Account. After successful login, click on “My Account“.
- Now, at the bottom, you should see the complete list of applications you have purchased.
- Navigate to the faulty application. Now, hover the mouse over the three dots. You’ll see an option “Report a problem“. Select it.
- A new window will be displayed. Here, you will see a drop-down list. Select “I’d like to request a refund“. It will ask you to give a valid reason for a refund. Describe your reason and then submit it.
Fourth Way: The Legal Way
If you have gone through any of the ways mentioned above but still haven’t gotten a refund or seen any response from Google or the developer for at least a week, you have a solid case to get your money back. All you have to do is to contact the concerned bank or your credit card company. You have to ask them to recover your money. You have to legally convince them that the application didn’t work correctly and that there was a breach of contract. You can show the screenshots of the purchased application with its flaws and the advertisement for this app as evidence. This will make your position strong. The whole process may take up to 120 days.
When your credit card company receives your documented proof, they will contact the credit card association and notify Google. The application developer will be instantly debited via their Google Wallet account if the chargeback is equal to or less than $10. If the chargeback is more than $10, then Google will inform the developer and request any information he wishes to contest the chargeback. It depends on the situation and whether the process needs correspondence between the buyer and the developer.
In such situations, Google reviews all the details and decides whether to challenge the charge back. If they find it a clear breach of contract, they will refund your money.
If you are still facing any problems regarding how to get a refund for an app bought from the Google Play Store, then let us know in the comments below. If you want any suggestions on what your next step should be, then leave us a comment.
