How to Get a Refund for Purchases on Steam

As the leading digital marketplace for PC games, Steam makes it easy for gamers to download and purchase thousands of titles. However, you will occasionally run into situations where you need to request a refund for a game or app on Steam, whether due to technical issues or simply not enjoying the game. Here is an expert guide to the process of getting your money back on Steam.

Steam‘s Refund Policy: The Basics

In June 2015, Steam implemented an official refund policy designed to give gamers a reasonable, no-hassle way to return titles that are not working or did not meet expectations. Here are the key details of the refund policy:

Time limit: You have 14 calendar days from the original purchase date to request a refund. For pre-ordered games not yet released, the 14 day window begins on the actual release date.
Usage limit: Games can be played for less than 2 hours. As long as you have accumulated under 2 hours of playtime since the purchase, you are still eligible for a refund.
Types of purchases: The policy applies to all games and software purchased on Steam, though there are some exceptions for external DLC content or in-game items. Hardware and accessories sold on Steam are covered under a separate return policy (more details below).
Reason for refund: Steam allows refunds for any reason – technical issues with the game, game not compatible with your system, accidental purchase, or simply not enjoying the game after trying it.
Refund destination: Money will be returned to your original payment method, often within 7 days but sometimes much sooner depending on your bank.
Quantity limit: There is technically no limit to the number of refund requests you can make, as long as each return meets the criteria above. However, submitting large volumes of refunds may trigger account limitations or reviews.

Having a clear understanding of the timeframes, usage limits and eligible refund reasons makes the actual refund process simple…

Step-by-Step: How to Request a Refund on Steam

Requesting a return for eligible purchases on Steam takes just a few minutes. While you can do this on the Steam website, it‘s easier to use the client. Follow the steps below:

Launch the Steam client on your computer and log in to your account. Locate and click "Help" menu at top.
Select "Steam Support" from the Help menu dropdown. This opens your account‘s Support hub.
Click "Purchases" followed by "View Complete Purchase History". Locate the individual game you wish to return.
Click the game title to open details, then select "I would like a refund"
Choose the reason for refund from menu and briefly explain if desired.
Click "I‘d like to request a refund" after reviewing guidelines.
Finally click "Submit Request" to complete the return process.

Once submitted, you‘ll receive a confirmation email from Steam Support and updates on the status as they review. Typically refunds are approved and issued back to your payment method within 7 days.

Tips to Avoid Needing Refunds

While Steam makes returns easy, it‘s ideal to avoid going through the refund process when possible. Here are some tips:

Check requirements first – Review the minimum and recommended system requirements before purchasing a game to ensure your PC can handle it.

Read recent reviews – Spend time going through recent user reviews to set proper expectations for gameplay, graphics or story quality.

Test performance ASAP – Download and launch games as soon as possible after purchasing. Identify any compatibility or performance issues within the 2 hour window.

Research common problems – If a game crashes immediately or has major glitches, search online to see if there are common fixes before assuming you need a refund.

Contact tech support – Steam offers tech support options alongside the refund process that may help you get a game working properly before returning it.

Following these guidelines will minimize the need to go through the return steps listed above. But when necessary, Steam does make it quick and convenient.

Steam Hardware and Accessories Return Policy

For gaming hardware and accessories sold directly by Steam, such as the Steam Deck or Valve Index VR kit, there is a separate return policy:

Full refunds are available on hardware up to 14 days after delivery of the item(s).
You will be provided with return shipping label and issued an Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number for sending back.
Once received and inspected, Steam will process refund to original payment method
Most hardware comes with a standard 1 year limited warranty as well

So for situations like a defective Steam Deck unit or simply deciding you do not need an accessory after ordering, Steam allows returns through the mail. Keep the 14 day delivery deadline in mind and do not open or use hardware until certain you want to keep it.

Follow the same process of submitting a return request on the Steam client or website, then carefully package and ship out the hardware using the provided label. Refunds are typically issued 7-10 days after Steam processes your return.

Common Situations for Steam Refunds

Wondering if your reason for seeking a refund will be eligible under Steam guidelines? Here are some of the most common scenarios:

Technical issues – Games that crash repeatedly, have significant graphics glitches, don‘t recognize controller input, or have other performance issues that make them unplayable on your PC should be eligible as long as other troubleshooting doesn‘t resolve.

Accidental/unauthorized purchase – If someone else accesses your account or you accidentally buy a game you did not intend to, explain the situation fully when submitting your refund request. Steam is generally understanding about mistakes.

Not enjoying game – Even if a game works perfectly fine from technical perspective, Steam allows returns if you simply do not enjoy the story, gameplay style or graphics after trying it out briefly. Just be sure to request the refund within 14 days and 2 hours of first launching.

For any of these situations, go through same return steps outlines above. Steam Support agents will manually review each refund request, so provide any necessary context.

Final Tips for Steam Returns

Getting a refund approval and your money back from Steam is typically quick and headache-free if you understand the limitations around days since purchase and playtime amounts. Here are a few final suggestions:

Don‘t wait until the 14 day deadline to request your refund – submit it as soon as you decide to return a game. Refunds late in the window take more time to process.
If over 2 hours but still within 14 days, try requesting a refund anyway with an explanation. Steam may grant exceptions for legitimate issues.
Keep an eye on the email address associated with your Steam account for updates from Support on the status of your return.
Be patient as funds can take 7+ days to appear back in your payment method, depending on your bank‘s processing times.
If you run into persistent issues getting a return approved, try reaching out to Steam Support through their contact form for human assistance.

Understanding Steam‘s generally hassle-free approach to game refunds takes the stress out of deciding to return a game that did not work out as expected. Follow the step-by-step process outlined above and pay attention to the key criteria around date of purchase and playtime. With the tips above, you‘ll have no trouble getting your money back from Steam.