Cancel an app purchase from the Google Play Store: Here's how

If you bought an app in the Google Play Store that you didn't want, you can cancel the purchase. We'll show you how to cancel payment in the Play Store and undo the download.

The payment process in the Google Play Store

Whether by credit card or with the help of a new gift card - the payment process in the Play Store is the same. Simply select the app, choose the payment method and download the respective app. If the purchase through the Internet browser works just as well as on the mobile device, reimbursement via the latter is much easier. But be careful: you only have two hours to return the product after the purchase.

Google Play Store: App purchase cancellation via Android smartphone or tablet

Refunding a purchase directly on the smartphone or tablet is very easy:

1. Open the Google Play Store and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines on top of each other).
2. Tap "My Account" and look for the app you want to return in the order history.
3. The "Refund" button is located directly in the upper part of the screen. Tap it.
4. After a short confirmation, which you answer with "Yes", the purchased app is uninstalled from your device and the payment is canceled.

After the 2-hour period: cancel Google Play Store purchase in the browser

The return via web browser is only worthwhile for complaints that occur outside the 2-hour window. If you have noticed a relevant error after using the app for a long time, you can request Google's payment back in exceptional cases:

1. Visit the Google Play website and log in with your data.
2. Select the "My account" item in the bottom left. The most recently purchased app should appear at the top of the list.
3. Click the three dots to the right of the app you want to cancel. The "Request a refund" option opens.
4. Now you have to choose your reason for the refund and briefly describe it in your own words. Google then checks whether you can get your money back.