How Do I Request a Refund to a Gift Card from Google Play?

If you bought something from Google Play using a gift card, you can get a refund applied to your Google Play account if the company decides to authorize your refund. This is more likely if you make the refund request within the proper time frame. You can make the refund request on the Google Play website, using the Google Assistant, and possibly by contacting the developer.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Jul 13, 2023

If you purchased something on Google Play using a gift card and you need to return it, you need to know how to get a refund. You will not get a refund applied to your gift card because you have to redeem your Google Play gift card and have the balance applied to your account before you can use it. So instead, your refund will be applied to your Google Play balance.

Google Play Refund Policy

Google Play makes refund decisions on a case-by-case basis. In general, though, it will approve refund requests for apps and games that were purchased no more than 48 hours ago. E-books can be returned for a refund within 7 days of purchase, but that extends to 65 days if the e-book doesn't work. Movies and TV shows can be returned within 7 days if you haven't started watching them yet. That period extends to 65 days if the movie or show won't play.

How to Request a Refund on the Google Play Website

To make a refund request, follow these instructions:

  1. Go to the Google Play website.
  2. Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner.
  3. Click on Payments & Subscriptions.
  4. Click on Budget & Order History.
  5. Locate the purchase you want to return.
  6. Click on Report a Problem.
  7. Select a reason for the return.
  8. Fill out all the fields on the return request form.
  9. Click on Submit.

Once you submit the request, a Google Play representative will review it and make a decision about whether your purchase qualifies for a refund. Usually, this will take no more than 15 minutes or so. However, it can sometimes take up to 4 business days. After the decision is made, it will take 1 additional business day to actually issue the refund.

How to Request a Refund with Google Assistant

You can also request a refund with Google Assistant. Just ask it for a Google Play refund, and follow the prompts you are given.

How to Request a Refund From the Developer

If you need a refund for an app and it's been more than 48 hours since you bought it, you can try to get the developer to give you a refund. You can get contact information for the developer by opening the app detail page and scrolling down. The information is listed under the "Developer Contact" header.

Contacting Google Play

If you need help with your refund, contact a Google Play customer service agent by chat or phone to get it.

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
How Do I Request a Refund to a Gift Card from Google Play?

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