How to get an app refund

You’ve probably downloaded several smartphone apps that you later decided were rubbish or which simply didn’t do what you expected.

When they’re free you probably don’t care. But when you’ve paid for an app that, say, repeatedly crashes your phone, then you’ll probably wish you knew how to get your money back.

So, in this guide we explain when you’ll be entitled to an app refund, and how to go about getting one.

Getting an iPhone app refund

With over 350,000 iPhone apps available for download from Apple’s App Store - some of which cost more than £50 - it’s not surprising that occasionally customers aren’t entirely satisfied with their paid-for apps.

Getting a refund on a paid-for app can’t be done from your iPhone, so start by booting up your PC and opening iTunes. Then follow these simple steps:

1. Click on your email address in the top right-hand corner of the screen (you may be asked to log-in again)
2. Click the “Purchase History” button
3. Open the purchase statement containing the download date of the app you want a refund on
4. Click the “Report a Problem” button, and then on the name of the paid-for app in question.

You’ll now need to fill out a form explaining why you want a refund on the paid-for app you downloaded. As long as your reason for a refund is valid, then the money should be credited back into your back account within seven days. Apple doesn’t offer a definition of what it classes as a valid reason, however.

Android Marketplace’s refund policy

The number of smartphones running Google’s Android operating system has grown rapidly in the last 12 months, so it’s only to be expected that some customers will demand refunds on paid-for apps downloaded via Android Market.

Google’s app refund policy is much simpler than Apple’s, but you need to be quick because Android Market only gives you 15 minutes from the time of download to return an app for a full refund.

To return an app for a refund from Android Market using your smartphone, simply:

1. Open Android Market, then open the “My apps” page and select the app you want refunded
2. Click on the “Uninstall & Refund” button - this must be done within 15 minutes of the app’s initial download.

Google’s a little vague about how long it takes for the refund to reach your bank account, though the Android Market website offers more detailed information about various circumstances in which a refund may be declined or delayed.

App refunds on Windows Phone 7 smartphones

The app Marketplace on Windows Phone 7 smartphones, such as the Samsung Omnia 7, doesn’t offer refunds on paid-for apps.

Microsoft’s website states: “All sales are final for applications sold through the Windows Phone 7 Marketplace. Developers should provide trial functionality for their apps so that users can trial use the apps.”

BlackBerry App World refunds

The good news is that if you’ve downloaded an app from the BlackBerry App World which you aren’t satisfied with then you may be eligible for a refund.

The bad news is that you’ll need to meet Digital River’s - the company that manages the BlackBerry App World - complicated terms and conditions before getting your money back.

Read more about the BlackBerry App World’s refund rules.

Nokia Ovi Store refunds

Provided you inform Nokia within 48 hours that the Ovi Store app you recently downloaded is faulty or doesn’t match your expectations, then you will receive a refund.

To apply for a refund on any Ovi Store app you first need to contact Nokia’s Customer Support.

Read more about Nokia’s Ovi Store refund policy.

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