TechGreatest
How To Get An iTunes Store Refund
A quick and easy to follow guide on how to get a refund from Apple’s iTunes store
Many people think that once you buy something from the iTunes Store–be it an app, movie, or book–there’s no way to get a refund. But that’s not exactly true. We’ve taken a look at Apple’s iTunes’ Store refund policies and show you how to get your money back for that crappy app.
“All Sales (Not Really) Final”
Media, unlike other types of items, have always had strict return policies around them in the real world. Once you’ve opened a CD or DVD your chances were gone of getting a refund for that item. The reasoning was that the retail store had no way of knowing if you had simply bought it to rip the content and then get refunded for the full price. When our media distribution went digital with the advent of the iTunes music store–and later–the movies, TV, books, and app stores–Apple followed in physical retailer’s footprints. While it’s easier to ensure that digital media bought through the iTunes Store isn’t as easy to copy as traditional media, the company has always had strict purchase terms in place. Matter of fact, the iTunes Store Terms and Conditions state that “all sales are final”.
The thing is, that’s not really true. It’s something the company says, but in reality they do have a refund policy in place. Matter of fact, I used it recently to get a refund on a movie I purchased after finding the movie did not include the iTunes Extras its description said it did. Here’s how I did it.
How To Get An iTunes Store Refund
1) In iTunes on your Mac or PC go to the iTunes Store and on the home screen click “Account” under the QUICK LINKS section.
2) You’ll be prompted to enter your password for the Apple ID which you are seeking a refund.
3) On the Account Information page that appears scroll to where it says Purchase History and click “See All”.
4) On the Purchase History screen you’ll see every single iTunes Store purchase you’ve ever made with that ID. Purchases are listed ten at a time and you can use the date drop down menus to jump to a certain timeframe or click the previous and next buttons to move through ten more purchases. Find the item you want to have refunded and then click the grey arrow next to it.
5) You’ll be taken to the listing for that specific purchase and on that screen you’ll see a Report A Problem button. Click it.
6) Once the Report A Problem button is clicked a Report A Problem text link will appear next to the item in question. Click that link. After clicking this link you’ll be taken from the iTunes Store to a page that opens in your web browser.
7) In your browser you might be asked to enter your Apple ID and password for confirmation. If so, do it. If not, skip to step 8.
8) Once on the Report a Problem webpage for the item you want a refund for select a reason there is a problem with the item from the Choose Problem drop down menu. You can also enter additional information in the box provided. When you are done click the Submit button.
What Happens Next
After you’ve submitted the item for refund it usually will take 12-24 hours to get an emailed reply from Apple. During this time a representative from the company will look at the item, your comments about it, and your explanation as to why you want a refund.
I most instances they are not legally required to give you a refund, but if this is your first refund request or you have a valid reason for requesting a refund the very first email you’ll get from Apple is usually one saying they’ve credited your account.
Note that the date you purchased the item is very important in Apple choosing whether to give you a refund or not. If you purchased an app or movie last week that you want a refund for Apple probably wouldn’t have a problem doing that. But a refund for any purchase over 90 days old is extremely rare.
And if you have a legitimate reason for your refund and the company feels like the experience has caused you undue trouble they’ll sometimes even give you a little extra something with your refund. For example, when I was refunded for the movie that didn’t have the stated iTunes Extras the iTunes Store Support Specialist also included a gift credit that enabled me to download one free TV show or music video. Pretty nice, Apple.
What Happens After The Refund
If your refund is approved and your iTunes account is credited the item in question (movie, app, book, whatever) will be removed from your devices and account and you won’t be able to redownload it without paying for it again.
EVEN MORE iPhone & iOS User Guides
Here’s a selection of some of our best iOS, iPhone and iPad user guides and features:
- How To Stop Your iPhone From Tracking You
- How To Make Your iPhone Faster
- How To Improve Your iPhone’s Battery Life
- How To Restrict In-App Purchases On Your iPhone/iPad
- Get iOS 8 Update On Your iPhone/iPad RIGHT NOW
- Lost Or Stolen iPhone? Here’s What You Need To Do
- How To Use Apple Earphones PROPERLY
Michael Grothaus
13:12, 21 Aug 2014