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How to Get a Refund on PlayStation and Xbox Games

Both major console stores review refund requests case by case rather than approving them automatically β€” knowing what improves your odds saves time.

  1. Check what makes approval more likely

    Requests are far more likely to be approved if you have not downloaded or streamed the content, or have barely played it. Cancelling a pre-order before release is usually refunded in full with no reason required.

  2. Request through the PlayStation Store

    On PlayStation, check your order history on the PlayStation Store website or the support site, then submit the refund request form for that purchase.

  3. Request through your Microsoft account

    On Xbox, go to the order history at account.microsoft.com, select the purchase, and submit a "Request a refund."

  4. Wait for an individual review

    Neither platform auto-approves refunds β€” each request goes through individual review, and you will be notified of the outcome by email.

  5. Watch out for limits on repeat requests

    Requesting refunds too often can lower your approval rate over time or lead to restrictions on future requests, so apply thoughtfully.

Playtime is the biggest factor

Both the PlayStation Store and the Microsoft Store treat little or no playtime as a strong signal that the purchase was not really used, which raises the chance of approval. If you have logged significant hours, the platform generally assumes normal use and may deny the request. Cancelling a pre-order before its release date is the one clear exception β€” that is refunded in full almost automatically, without needing a specific reason.

If you access games through a subscription

If you play through a subscription library such as PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, an individual game refund does not apply, because you never purchased that specific title outright. Instead, manage the subscription itself β€” pause or cancel it if you no longer want access, or check the subscription tier that unlocks the games you actually play. If you separately buy a game or add-on with real money while subscribed, that individual purchase can still be refunded through the normal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pre-ordered game always refundable before release?

On most platforms, cancelling a pre-order before release is refunded in full with no reason required, but once the game is released and some time passes, the normal refund conditions apply instead.

Can I get a refund for a game I access through a subscription?

Content you play through a subscription like a game-pass library is not an individual purchase, so it is not eligible for its own refund β€” you cancel the subscription itself instead.