This is not an unusual situation when your kid buys a video game by accident. This is actually much more common than you think! Unfortunately, it’s something that many parents have already experienced, especially if their kids are young. Sometimes, just by registering on Steam, Apple, or PlayStation and having an added payment method, everything can happen in seconds. Is it a situation that you are experiencing? Or, are you afraid that it will happen even if you have installed parental control? We got you! Here is all the information you need to know to request a Steam refund, an Xbox refund, an Apple refund, or a PlayStation refund.
When you open your account statement, you realize that a purchase has been made from a video game platform. Unfortunately, your kid has probably made a manipulation by mistake, and now you have an unwanted video game in your wallet.
It can be quickly expensive when your kids play online, especially if you don’t know how to play video games. Insidious purchases are easily spotted when you are an adult. But this is not as easy as we think when you are just a kid. For this reason,
you should be wary of in-game purchases on platforms such as Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo. And this is the same for mobile download platforms, such as the Apple Store and Google Play.
If your child goes to one of these platforms and an account is already open, they are likely to make an unwanted purchase. And often, this same account has a registered credit card, which makes it even easier for them to buy online. Yes, this is quite convenient when you are an adult because you don’t need to have your credit card next to you when you make a purchase online. But obviously, this is not the same for your kid. And this is actually the same scenario if your child uses a console and your credit card is pre-registered in settings. It will be very easy for him to buy something without realizing it!
Obviously, this is very frustrating for parents, as it is difficult to protect your bank account from unwanted manipulation. An in-game or in-app purchase is quickly made if your payment method is already registered. And often, you don’t even have time to interfere.
So what should you do?
The good news is that many video game platforms have responded to demands. And now,
offer robust parental controls. Thanks to this feature, parents can learn how to use the controls and make age-appropriate adaptations. This means,that even to buy something, they will need your agreement first.
Parental control provides structure and guidance for you and your child. It can be to regulate playing time, limit exposure to inappropriate content, manage in-game “purchases”, or even friend access. A great feature to protect your child from unwanted content and conversation.
You have just received a notification that your child has accidentally purchased a video game? Don’t worry, it is possible to request a refund. Here is all you need to know.
Luckily, the majority of video game platforms accept a refund for games you don’t like or didn’t want to buy. Of course, there are some requirements that are necessary in order to be eligible for a refund.
- You need to make a request under 14 days after the purchase;
- The game shouldn’t be played for more than 2 hours
But be aware that some platforms, such as PlayStation, don’t even accept any refund if the game has been played or streamed. As for the Apple Store and Google Play, the apps and games can only be refunded if the request is made within 48 hours following the purchase.
Would you like a refund? Here is a step-by-step guide for each platform.
A Steam refund: the procedure is quite easy since you just need to go to
help.steampowered.com/en/ and initiate a request. Of course, you need to be eligible, so make sure you are!
A Xbox refund: you need to
send a request for refund to the support department. Once again, it is necessary to do it within 14 days after the purchase.
A PlayStation refund: before sending a request for refund, you need to be eligible. And then you can
contact the PlayStation support department directly. Bear in mind that you should not play on the game; otherwise, you can’t be refunded.
A Nintendo refund: unfortunately, it is not possible to get a refund from Nintendo. This is the only platform that doesn't accept refunds.
The support page explains that parental control can be set on their game consoles, which you can use to make your own purchasing decisions.
And what about mobile download platforms?
For an Apple refund, you need to register on
reportproblem.apple.com. Then, you click on “I'd like to”, and choose “Request a refund.” You will have to select the Request your Google Play refund reason you want a refund. And that’s it! You will receive an answer within 24–48 hours.
For a Google Play refund, it is possible to do it within 48 hours after the purchase. You just need to go to the
refund page and place your request.
Of course, getting a refund for an accidental purchase is always great. But being able to avoid this situation in the future is even better. Here are our best tips to avoid this.
Parental control is essential on gaming platforms, or even just on the internet. Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo allow parents to easily configure parental control and help them to better manage their children’s online activity.
So, how do you configure it ?
- Go to your account;
- Click on “Family Management”;
- Select your child’s player account;
- Enable parental controls on this account.
Then, you can adjust access to the games and other features, such as game time limits, but also in-app purchases.
Of course, for more security, it is possible to
add a password or even a PIN code. This allows you to increase the security of online purchases. So your child will still need your agreement to purchase a video game or app. This is another way for you to keep an eye on their activity and expenses from your payment method.
Adding parental control is certainly a good idea. You have, indeed, the assurance of
security and better supervision for your children. But it can also be a great opportunity for you to review your online payments.
You usually add your credit card to pay online? Why not replace it with a
prepaid gaming card? You don’t have your bank account and even protect yourself against online piracy. The prepaid gaming cards work as a regular credit card except that
they are not linked to your bank account, and they have a limited amount available. This is a great way for your kid to be more self-reliant and have better- “controlled” spending habits. When there are no more funds available on it, no more expenses can be made!
Buy a prepaid gaming card
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