For a refund, go through the store, not the game. On iPhone, request it at reportaproblem.apple.com. On Google Play, request it from your order history within 48 hours of buying, and after that, ask the developer. For a bug, contact the developer through the support link or email on the game’s store page, and include your phone model, system version, game version and the steps that cause the problem. Reviews are for other players, but developers read them too, and a specific one can get a bug fixed.
How to get a refund on the App Store #
Apple handles refunds for anything bought through the App Store, including in-app purchases:
- Go to reportaproblem.apple.com and sign in with your Apple Account.
- Tap I’d like to, then choose Request a refund.
- Pick the reason and tap Next.
- Choose the game, subscription or item, then tap Submit.
Apple says to allow 24 to 48 hours for an update on your request, and approved money can take longer to reach your payment method. If you can’t find the charge, search your email for Apple receipts to see which account made the purchase. A family organizer can request refunds for purchases made by family members. Apple’s refund help page has the details.
How to get a refund on Google Play #
- Go to play.google.com and sign in.
- Click your profile picture, then Payments & subscriptions, then Budget & order history.
- Find the purchase and click Report a problem.
- Choose the option that fits and say you want a refund in the form.
- Click Submit.
According to Google’s refund instructions, you’ll usually get a decision within a day, and it can take up to four days. If it’s been more than 48 hours since you bought it, contact the developer instead, since developers can issue refunds under their own policies. Report unauthorized charges within 120 days. Google also warns that it usually can’t refund purchases on an account whose details you shared with someone, and that sending several requests for the same purchase won’t speed things up.
What are good reasons for a refund? #
The stores decide case by case, and nothing is guaranteed. The reasons that usually get a sympathetic hearing:
- An accidental purchase, such as a mistap on a “buy” button.
- A purchase a child made without permission.
- An item you paid for never arrived in the game.
- The game or item doesn’t work as described.
If a child made the purchase, set up purchase controls afterward so it doesn’t happen again. On iPhone that’s Screen Time or Ask to Buy, and on Google Play it’s purchase authentication. Our guide to loot boxes and kids’ spending walks through both.
Try these fixes before you report a bug #
- Close the game completely and reopen it. Swipe it away in the app switcher, not just to the home screen.
- Restart your phone.
- Update the game and your phone’s system software. Many bugs are already fixed in a newer version.
- Free up storage. Games can misbehave when a phone is nearly full.
- Check your connection if the problem involves anything online.
Be careful with the classic “delete and reinstall.” For games that save only on your phone, deleting the app deletes your progress with it. If you’re not sure how a game saves, read how to transfer game progress first.
How to report a bug so it actually gets fixed #
Find the developer’s contact details on the store listing (the App Support or website link on the App Store, and the App support section on Google Play), or in the game’s own Settings or Help menu. Then include:
- Your phone model and system version, for example “iPhone 15, iOS 26” or “Pixel 8, Android 16.”
- The game’s version number, usually in the game’s settings or on the store page.
- What happened, and what you expected to happen.
- The exact steps that cause it. “It crashes when I open the shop right after a game over” is fixable. “The game is broken” isn’t.
- A screenshot or screen recording. A short video is often the quickest way to show a bug. Our guide to recording mobile gameplay shows how.
- Your player ID or username if the game has online accounts.
Keep it to one problem per message and stay polite. Small studios often answer emails themselves, and a clear report goes straight to the top of the pile.
Do app store reviews help? #
Yes, for other players, and often for the developer. Both stores let developers read and publicly reply to reviews. A review like “Crashes on the level 12 boss on a Galaxy S24 since the last update” tells the developer exactly where to look, while a one-star rant tells them nothing. If the developer fixes your problem, update your review. It helps the next person deciding whether to install.
Contacting the Flappy Kittens developer #
Flappy Kittens doesn’t sell anything in the game, since its shop runs on fish you collect while flying, so there are no in-game purchases to refund. For bugs or questions, email [email protected]. The developer usually replies within 24 to 48 hours. Include your phone model, system version and what happened.
One thing to know before you write: the game saves your high score, fish, cats and trophies on your phone, with no account. That means there’s no online account to restore if something goes wrong, and Reset Progress in the game’s settings can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions #
How long does an App Store refund take? #
Apple says you’ll get an update on your request within 24 to 48 hours. If it’s approved, the money can take extra time to show up on your card or account balance.
Can I get a Google Play refund after 48 hours? #
Not through the usual form. Contact the developer, who can refund under their own policy. Unauthorized charges can still be reported to Google within 120 days.
Can I get a refund for in-game currency I already spent? #
Sometimes, but it’s the store’s call. Repeated requests can be refused, and when a purchase is refunded the developer may take back the currency or items it bought.
What if my child bought something without permission? #
Request a refund through the store and choose the reason that fits. Then turn on purchase approval or authentication so every future purchase needs your OK.
Will the developer see my review? #
Yes. Developers can read every review on the App Store and Google Play and reply publicly, and many do.