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How to get a refund on apps you buy from Google Play

Published May 28th, 2014 12:00PM EDT
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As crucial as apps have become to the mobile experience, people still often balk at the idea of paying for mobile applications. Spending $7 on a cup of coffee that lasts 15 minutes is no problem, but spending even $1 on an app that might dramatically improve one’s life is somehow a far more difficult commitment. People will work past their hesitations as time moves on but in the meantime, convincing people to spend money on mobile apps can be a tough sell.

It might be somewhat easier, however, when Android users realize that they can easily get a refund on apps that don’t live up to their expectations.

Many people know that app purchases can be refunded within 15 minutes of their initial download, but what happens if you need longer than that to decide whether or not an app lives up to its promises? CNET recently put together a nice simple guide that explains how to easily get a refund on an app after the 15-minute trial period is over.

The process involves visiting the Google Play store from a web browser on your computer and then finding the app purchase listed in your orders. Then, the “I’d like to request a refund” option allows you to submit a formal refund request, which typically takes about 48 hours to process.

Remember, this option should be used sparingly. Developers work hard on their Android apps and abusing this system has a direct impact on their income.

For the complete guide with illustrations showing exactly how the process works, visit the link below in our source section.

Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 15 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.