Problems with in-app purchases

With some apps, you can buy additional content or services within the app. We call these "in-app purchases." Examples include a powerful sword in a game, a key that unlocks more features of an app, or virtual currency used for purchases.

If your in-app purchase doesn't show up, doesn't work or won't download, you can:

  • Troubleshoot the issue on your own.
  • Contact the developer for support.
  • Request a refund.

If you're trying to make an in-app purchase but the transaction is declined or the payment won't go through, try to fix payment issues on Google Play.

Troubleshoot the issue on your own

If these steps don't fix your issue, contact the developer. It's the developers' responsibility to offer support for their apps and to make sure they work well for you.

Check your connectivity

Force stop, then reopen the app or game

If you haven't received an in-app item you bought, try closing and restarting the app or game you're using.

  1. On your device, open the main Settings app Settings.
  2. Tap Apps or Manage applications (depending on your device, this may be different).
  3. Tap the app you used to make your in-app purchase.
  4. TapForce stop.
  5. Re-open the app you used to make your in-app purchase.
  6. Check if your item has been delivered.

Check the payment went through

Restart the device

Sometimes restarting the device can help fix in-app purchase issues. To restart:

  1. On your mobile device, hold down the power button.
  2. Tap Power off or Restart (depending on your device this text may be different).
  3. If needed, hold down the power button again to turn the device back on.
  4. Wait for the device to start back up.
  5. Re-open the app or game and check if the in-app purchase has been delivered.

Update the Play Store app

Make sure date and time are correct

If you have recently changed the date and time on your device, make sure the date and time are correct:

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open your device's Settings app Settings.
  2. Tap Date & time.
  3. Look for "Automatic date & time" and "Automatic time zone" and check if they're switched on or off. Then follow the relevant steps below.

If "Automatic date & time" and "Automatic time zone" are turned off

  1. Turn on both the date & time and time zone settings.
  2. Wait a few minutes, and check to see if your problem is fixed.
  3. If it's not, try restarting your device and check again.

If "Automatic date & time" and "Automatic time zone" are switched on

  • If both of these settings are on, the date and time probably isn't your issue. Check your connectivity and restart your device, or try the other troubleshooting steps.

Contact the app's developer for support

If you're still having issues with an in-app purchase and want to give feedback or get help, you can contact the app's developer.

The app developer is the best place to:

  • Get help to fix an issue with an app or game.
  • Learn more about using an app.
  • Get an in-app purchase added to your account.
  • Ask about an in-app purchase that wasn't delivered.
  • Get help with username and password sign in problems for specific apps.

Find app developer contact info.

Request a refund

Depending on the details of your purchase and issue, you may be able to get a refund. Find more information on returns and refunds on Google Play.

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