subscription not recognized in app Apple refuses refund

Question

Level 1

4 points

subscription not recognized in app Apple refuses refund

Hello,

Two days ago I purchased a 12-month subscription to an app via the Apple Subscriptions page. However, the app does not recognize the purchase, I can’t see or use the subscription.

I tried everything to use it, but I can’t. I tried to reach the developers several times from different channels, and no response!

I reported to Apple and they refused to refund. So right now I paid for annual subscription and have nothing. What should I do?

iPhone 15, iOS 18

Posted on Oct 4, 2025 10:54 AM

Reply

Answer 1

brbo

Level 8

38,347 points

Oct 5, 2025 2:06 AM in response to betul144

Thank you kindly for looking through those suggestions, and for your reply.

As we are all Apple users, like yourself, in the community, we have no access to your accounts or details in order to assist in that way.

Your subscription may remain active in your account, if you have not cancelled it.

I understand you have reported this to Apple Support twice. However as you found nothing in the articles provided has helped you either, am wondering if you have tried, or might want to try, contacting the experts on the Billing and Subscriptions team, (online chat / phone / email etc.) using the website link provided, for any advice they may have to offer.

Else, if the developer has a website, you could likely find it by searching online. There may be instructions for the subscription access, or a support / help link on the website explaining how accessing the app's subscription is supposed to work.

Reply

Answer 2

brbo

Level 8

38,347 points

Oct 4, 2025 8:33 PM in response to betul144

Re: "subscription not recognized in app Apple refuses refund"

Seems Apple passed the payment to the vendor or developer for you, much as a bank would do, so Apple doesn't have your money to refund.

About purchases not billed through the App Store or the App Store’s In-App Purchase system - Apple Support

Some countries eg: India, or Europe and Japan, have particular requirements:

More info: About billing for Apple subscriptions and media products in India - Apple Support

or

About billing and purchases in Europe and Japan - Apple Support

_________________________________________

Re: I tried to reach the developers several times from different channels, and no response!

The best source of help for a product not made by Apple (a third-party product) is the company or person who made it—its vendor or developer: See Apple support's articles below for tips:

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

or

How to contact an app developer - Apple Support

_________________________

Re: I paid for annual subscription and have nothing. What should I do?

Maybe there's a website, an app, an online community of subscribers, or something similar.

Either find a way to download, make use of, or join the subscription you paid for,

View your purchase history for the App Store and other Apple media services - Apple Support

See how to: Redownload apps and games from Apple - Apple Support

and what to do:

If there’s an issue when you redownload apps, movies, or other content from Apple - Apple Support

or if you haven't already: you can cancel the paid-for subscription (ie: so you won't be charged the next year ?) What to do: If you want to cancel a subscription from Apple - Apple Support

____________

if you want to : You can report the issue you are having :

Eg: First: Find the URL for content to report a concern - Apple Support

and

See: How to report a problem : https://reportaproblem.apple.com/?s=6

______________________________________________

If needed: More info. / support / contact options etc.

Billing and Subscriptions Support website: Subscriptions and Billing - Official Apple Support

Reply

Answer 3

betul144 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 5, 2025 12:28 AM in response to brbo

Thank you for your response. However, none of the suggestions actually help with my situation.

I paid for a 12-month subscription through the App Store using my Apple Card, and I downloaded the app directly from the App Store. So the payment was made to Apple, not to an outside vendor - the money is still with Apple. (I am living in US by the way)

I already have the app in my phone but it does not recognize my subscription at all, and I have no access to what I paid for. I tried contacting the developers several times through every channel available (email, in-app form, social media), but I received no reply. I also found many users reporting the same issue.

I reported this to Apple Support twice, but the refund was refused, even though I have not received the service I paid for.

This is extremely frustrating. The suggestion to “find a way to use the subscription” or “contact the developer” doesn’t make sense in this context. I’ve already done that, with no result.

Please advise if you have any idea for what can actually be done in a situation where the app fails to deliver the paid service and the developer is unresponsive.

And again thank you for your time and helpful text.

Reply