Quick Answer
Unfortunately, you cannot directly return music purchased on iTunes. However, you may be able to request a refund within 90 days of purchase depending on the circumstances. iTunes has a no return policy for music, but exceptions can be made case-by-case.
Can I Get a Refund for iTunes Music Purchases?
While iTunes does not allow returns of music purchases, you can request a refund within 90 days under certain conditions:
- Accidental purchase – If you accidentally bought a song, you can ask for a refund.
- Technical issues – If there were technical problems downloading or playing the music, a refund may be issued.
- Fraudulent charges – If someone made purchases on your account without authorization, you can get those charges reversed.
To request a refund from iTunes, you need to contact Apple customer support by phone, email, or live chat. You’ll need to provide details on your purchase and the reason you are seeking a refund.
If approved, Apple will credit the amount back to your original payment method. Keep in mind that refunds can only be made within 90 days of the original transaction.
Why Doesn’t iTunes Allow Music Returns?
iTunes does not allow returns of music purchases because once you download a song, you have access to it indefinitely. This makes music different than physical products that can be returned if unwanted.
Here are some key reasons why iTunes does not offer returns on music:
- Music files are digital – Once downloaded, copies of the music exist on your devices. This makes returns impractical compared to physical items.
- Instant access – You immediately get access to the music upon purchase, so there is no return window needed.
- Risk of piracy – Allowing returns could enable people to download songs and make unauthorized copies before returning.
- Clarity for sellers – A no returns policy gives clear terms to artists and labels providing their music.
Virtually all digital music stores have similar no returns policies for these reasons. Of course, customers can preview song samples beforehand to evaluate purchases.
What Are Some Alternatives to Returning iTunes Music?
While you can’t directly return iTunes music, here are some options if you are unsatisfied with a purchase:
- Request a refund – As mentioned, you may qualify for a refund depending on the circumstance.
- Resell or gift unused songs – Use third-party sites to resell gift cards with unused music credit or gift songs to others.
- Exchange for other items – Some apps allow exchanging iTunes credit for Amazon or other gift cards that you can use.
- Sell the device – You can sell your iPhone or iPod with the unused music to recover some value.
Checking for refund eligibility or reselling unused credit are likely the best options. While not as convenient as returns, they can potentially recover some value from unwanted iTunes music purchases.
Are There Any Exceptions to the No Returns Rule?
Generally speaking, iTunes does not make exceptions to their no returns rule for music. However, there are certain limited cases where you may get an exception:
- Erroneous charges – If you were charged multiple times incorrectly for the same purchase, you can get refunds to reverse the error.
- Unauthorized minor purchases – Parents can request refunds for charges made by minors without authorization.
- Terms violations – If the music sold violates iTunes terms (e.g. explicit content incorrectly tagged), a refund may be issued.
- Apple courtesy refunds – On very rare occasions, Apple support may issue one-time “courtesy refunds” if you politely explain the situation.
Aside from isolated exceptions like these, the iTunes no returns policy is nearly universally enforced for music. So it’s best to choose your purchases carefully rather than rely on the ability to return songs later.
How Can I Get the Most Value from iTunes Purchases?
To maximize the value you get from the music purchased on iTunes, here are some tips:
- Research before buying – Preview samples and read reviews to ensure you’ll enjoy the music before purchasing.
- Only buy albums/songs you love – Stick to purchasing full albums or individual songs you know you’ll listen to repeatedly.
- Use Wish List – The Wish List feature lets you flag songs to consider buying later after more deliberation.
- Upgrade with bundled deals – Take advantage of bundle deals that give you albums + bonuses at a discount.
- Redeem gift cards – Using iTunes gift cards from rewards programs or as gifts helps reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Being a savvy shopper is key to maximizingsatisfaction with iTunes music purchases given the no returns policy. Following these best practices will help you avoid buyer’s remorse and repetitive skipped tracks.
What if I purchased the wrong song by mistake?
If you accidentally purchased the wrong song on iTunes, here are some steps you can take:
- Request a refund – Contact Apple support within 90 days and explain it was an accidental purchase. They may refund your money.
- See if you still like the song – Listen to the song with an open mind, you may end up enjoying it.
- Gift the song – You could gift the accidentally purchased song to a friend or family member who may enjoy it.
- Exchange credits – Some third party sites let you exchange iTunes credits for Amazon or other gift cards to get value.
- Resell the credit – Use sites like CardCash to sell your iTunes gift card balance and recover some of the cash value.
While inconvenient, taking proactive steps like these can help resolve accidental music purchases on iTunes. Just act quickly if requesting a refund, as the eligibility window is only 90 days.
What if my child accidentally bought songs without permission?
If your minor child accidentally purchased iTunes songs without your authorization, you can take these steps:
- Request refunds – Contact Apple support explaining the situation to get the unauthorized charges reversed.
- Remove payment methods – Take your payment methods off your child’s iTunes account to prevent further unauthorized purchases.
- Activate restrictions – Use parental restrictions on the account to block purchases or require authorization for purchases.
- Deauthorize the device – Temporarily deauthorize computers/devices to suspend your child’s iTunes access.
- Gift or resell – Unused iTunes credits from reversed charges can be gifted or resold to recover value.
Apple is generally good about refunding unauthorized minor purchases, but may have limits after multiple requests. Preventative measures like parental controls and deactivated payments are best to avoid repeat situations going forward.
What are some key factors when requesting iTunes refunds?
If you need to request a refund from iTunes for an unsatisfactory music purchase, keep these key factors in mind:
- Act quickly – Refunds can only be issued within 90 days of the original transaction.
- Provide documentation – Have the receipt or transaction ID number ready to help support your request.
- Give clear reasons – Explain in detail why you are requesting the refund to boost approval chances.
- Be polite – Angry or threatening language is likely to get your request denied.
- Use best contact method – Phone or live chat have the highest success rates vs. email.
- Allow time – It can take up to 5 business days to process iTunes refund requests.
- Accept gift card refunds – Refunds are typically issued to iTunes gift cards, not back to your original payment method.
Following these tips will give you the best shot at getting an iTunes refund approved if you have a valid reason and are within the 90 day window.
Can I return iTunes music I redeemed as a gift?
If you redeemed an iTunes gift card to obtain music that you now wish to return, unfortunately you still cannot directly return music purchases to iTunes.
However, you may have some other options:
- Request refund – If within 90 days, explain it was a gift redemption and see if Apple will make an exception.
- Re-gift the credit – You can regift the iTunes credit to someone else by transferring the gift card.
- Resell the credit – Use sites like CardCash to sell any remaining gift card balance to recover some value.
- Exchange for different gift card – Some third party sites let you exchange iTunes credit for an Amazon or other gift card instead.
- Buy alternate items – Use the credit to purchase apps, games, movies, or other iTunes content.
Unfortunately, the iTunes no returns policy still applies. But leveraging the unused gift credit in one of these alternative ways can help reduce the loss from unwanted music gift redemptions.
Conclusion
The iTunes no returns policy for music purchases is broadly enforced, with only limited exceptions made in special cases like accidental purchases or unauthorized charges. While you cannot directly return iTunes music, you can take other steps like requesting refunds in eligible cases, reselling gift credits, exchanging for different cards, or repurposing the credit. With no returns allowed, it’s critical to research purchases in advance and redeem gift cards thoughtfully to maximize satisfaction. Following the tips in this article will help you avoid situations where you might wish you could return iTunes music after the fact.