If you bought a digital game or app from the Microsoft Store or Xbox Store and you are not satisfied with it you may be wondering if you can get a refund. The answer is yes but there are some conditions and limitations that you need to know. In this article we will explain how to request an Xbox refund what are the eligibility criteria and how long it takes to process the refund.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that it depends on several factors such as the type of product the payment method and the bank. Generally speaking you can expect to receive an Xbox refund within 72 hours after submitting your request but it may take longer depending on your bank. Here is a table that summarizes the estimated time frame for different types of products and payment methods:
| Product Type | Payment Method | Estimated Time Frame |
| Digital games and apps | Credit card or debit card | 3-5 business days |
| Digital games and apps | Microsoft account balance | 24-48 hours |
| Single-use items (e.g. consumables in-game currency) | Credit card or debit card | 3-5 business days |
| Single-use items (e.g. consumables in-game currency) | Microsoft account balance | 24-48 hours |
| Pre-orders | Credit card or debit card | 3-5 business days |
| Pre-orders | Microsoft account balance | 24-48 hours |
Can I Get a Refund for Free Games on Xbox 360?
Yes, you can get a refund for free Xbox 360 games. However, there are certain guidelines and limitations to be aware of. Usually, refunds are only available within a certain time frame after purchasing the game, and the process may vary depending on the specific game and your region.
How to Request an Xbox Refund
To request an Xbox refund you need to follow these steps:
- Go to Order History and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Find the product that you want to return and select Request a refund.
- Fill out the refund form and provide the reason for your request.
- Submit your request and wait for a confirmation email.
You can also request a refund by contacting Xbox Support through chat or phone but this may take longer than using the online form.
Refund Eligibility
Not all products are eligible for a refund and there are some criteria that you need to meet in order to qualify for one. Here are some of the main factors that determine your refund eligibility:
- You must request a refund within 14 days of the purchase date.
- You must have less than 2 hours of playtime on the product.
- You must not have redeemed or used any single-use items (e.g. consumables in-game currency) that came with the product.
- You must not have violated the Microsoft Services Agreement or Code of Conduct.
These are the general rules but there may be some exceptions depending on the product and the region. For example some products may be eligible for a refund within 30 days if you are unsatisfied with the license agreement or warranty. You can check the specific refund policy for each product on its product page or in its terms of use.
Refund Limitations
Even if you meet the eligibility criteria there is no guarantee that your refund request will be approved. Microsoft reserves the right to deny refunds for any reason especially if they suspect that you are abusing the refund system. Some of the factors that may affect your refund approval are:
- The number and frequency of your refund requests
- The type and value of the products that you request refunds for
- The payment method that you used to purchase the products
- The region where you purchased the products
- The region where you request refunds from
If your refund request is denied you will receive an email explaining the reason for the rejection. You can contact Xbox Support to appeal the decision but there is no guarantee that they will change their mind.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Xbox refunds:
- Can I cancel a pre-order and get a refund?
A: Yes you can cancel a pre-order and get a refund as long as you do it before 10 days of the game’s release date. If you cancel within 10 days of the release date you may be charged and you will need to request a refund.
- Can I get a refund for a subscription service like Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold?
A: No subscription services are not eligible for refunds. However you can cancel your subscription at any time and prevent future charges.
- Can I get a refund for a gift card or a promotional code?
A: No gift cards and promotional codes are not eligible for refunds. However you can use them to purchase other products from the Microsoft Store or Xbox Store.
- Can I get a refund for a physical product like a console or a controller?
A: No this article only covers refunds for digital products. If you want to return a physical product you need to contact the retailer where you bought it and follow their return policy.
- Can I get a refund for a product that I bought from a third-party seller or website?
A: No this article only covers refunds for products that you bought directly from the Microsoft Store or Xbox Store. If you want to return a product that you bought from a third-party seller or website you need to contact them and follow their return policy.
- How can I check the status of my refund request?
A: You can check the status of your refund request by going to Order History and signing in with your Microsoft account. You can also contact Xbox Support to get more information about your refund.
Conclusion
Xbox refunds are possible but they are not always easy to get. You need to meet certain criteria and follow certain steps to request a refund. You also need to be patient and wait for the refund to be processed and credited to your account. If you have any questions or issues with your refund you can contact Xbox Support for assistance. We hope this article helped you understand how long Xbox refunds take and how to request one.