Bought an app, uninstalled it and automatically got a refund - how to disable?


Question

Few hours ago I bought an app on Google Play Store that I don't need at a moment, but it looked handy and was on sale. I have installed it, fiddled with it for a few minutes and then uninstalled it. As soon as it finished uninstalling, I got an email that my order was cancelled and refunded. The app isn't in my library anymore and I can buy it again.



I don't remember it happening previously when I uninstalled apps just after buying, so it looks like this automatic cancellation was introduced recently. (Or perhaps it's configured per app by developer?)




  • Can I opt out of this feature and not get refunds automatically?

  • Is there any official statement from Google that such feature was enabled?


Answer

It's an old question but here is what I could find






You may get an automatic refund if you uninstall a paid app shortly after first buying it. If you want to reinstall the app, you'll have to buy it again and you will not be eligible for a refund on that purchase.




(Emphasis added)




  • That explains why you got a refund and IMO, it has nothing to do with an app being on sale. It's applicable to paid apps.


  • Google doesn't define shortly (I couldn't find)


  • I couldn't find anything that one can opt out to prevent this happening, so don't be in a tearing hurry to uninstall paid apps (you have 48 hours to claim a refund - see this answer)


  • As per this blog, if you purchase but don't download the app, you can circumvent the immediate - uninstall - refund



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