How do I get a refund for my child's in-app purchases?

For Apple, visit reportaproblem.apple.com within 14 days and select the purchases you want refunded. For Google Play, open the app and go to your purchase history, or visit the Google Play refund page. Both companies are generally sympathetic to parents where children have made purchases without authorisation, especially for larger amounts.

Can I prevent all in-app purchases on my child's device?

Yes. On iPhone and iPad, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases and set In-App Purchases to 'Don't Allow'. On Android, open Google Play, go to Settings > Authentication > Require authentication for purchases and select 'For all purchases through Google Play on this device'.

Important

My Child Has Run Up a Large In-App Purchase Bill

You have received a large or unexpected bill from Apple, Google, or another app store, or noticed multiple in-app purchase charges on your bank statement that your child has made without your knowledge.

Finding a large unexpected bill from in-app purchases can be stressful, but this is one of the most common issues parents face with children's device use. Many apps and games are deliberately designed to encourage spending, and children often do not understand the real value of the money involved. Stay calm — in many cases, you can obtain a full or partial refund, and there are simple steps to prevent it happening again.

What to do now

Review the Charges

Check your bank statement and app store purchase history to understand the full extent of the spending. Note which apps the purchases were made in, the dates, and the amounts. Look for any recurring subscriptions as well as one-off purchases.

✗ Do not: Do not immediately cancel your payment card, as you may need the transaction records for your refund request.

Talk to Your Child

Have a calm conversation about what happened. Many children genuinely do not realise they are spending real money, especially when purchases are made with in-game currency. Understand how it happened rather than assigning blame.

Request a Refund

For Apple: visit reportaproblem.apple.com and select the purchases for refund. For Google Play: open the Google Play app, go to your purchase history, and request a refund within 48 hours, or use the Google Play refund form. For other platforms, check their refund policies. Refunds are more likely when purchases were made by a child without authorisation.

Disable Future Unauthorised Purchases

Enable purchase authentication on all devices. On Apple: require a password or Face ID for every purchase. On Google Play: set authentication for all purchases. Remove saved payment methods from your child's device and consider using prepaid gift cards instead.

Set Up Spending Controls

Use family sharing features to require approval for all purchases. Apple's Ask to Buy and Google's Family Link purchase approvals ensure no money is spent without your explicit permission.

What not to do

✗Do not punish your child harshly — the apps are designed to encourage spending and children are particularly vulnerable to these tactics.
✗Do not ignore recurring subscriptions. Cancel them immediately to prevent further charges.
✗Do not assume a refund is impossible — both Apple and Google regularly refund unauthorised purchases by children.

Preserving evidence

Why this matters

If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.

•Save screenshots of all purchase confirmations, receipts, and bank statements showing the charges.
•Keep records of your refund requests and any responses from the app store or developer.

How to talk to your child

✓Explain how in-app purchases work in simple terms — that virtual coins, gems, and upgrades cost real money, even though they do not feel like it.
✓Agree on ground rules together, such as always asking before making any purchase, no matter how small.
✓Use this as a positive learning experience about money and digital literacy rather than a punishment.