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What to do if…
you see app subscriptions or in-app purchases you did not start

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Stop more charges first: cancel any subscription you did not start, then request a refund through Apple or Google Play and secure the account used for the purchase. If money has already left your card, wallet, or phone bill, contact that payment provider and say the charge was unauthorized.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t wait for the next statement; recurring subscriptions can renew again.
  • Don’t just delete or uninstall the app; that usually does not cancel the subscription.
  • Don’t click refund links in surprise texts or emails; go directly through Apple, Google Play, your bank, your wallet provider, or your carrier.
  • Don’t delete receipts, emails, screenshots, or order numbers yet.
  • Don’t assume the phone itself is the only issue; the charge may come from another signed-in device, Family Sharing, a child’s device, a shared device, or a stored payment method.
  • Don’t keep using the same password if you suspect someone else got into the account.

What to do now

  1. Capture the details before changing anything. Screenshot the subscription list, purchase history, receipt, or bank line. Note the app name, date, amount, account email, and any order ID.

  2. Cancel the subscription so it cannot keep renewing.

    • iPhone or iPad: open Settings, tap your name, tap Subscriptions, choose the subscription, then tap Cancel Subscription if that option appears.
    • Android or Google Play: go to Subscriptions in Google Play, make sure you are using the correct Google Account, choose the subscription, then tap Cancel subscription.
    • If you cannot see it, check whether you are signed into a different Apple Account or Google Account.

  3. Check the purchase history for the account that was billed.

    • For Apple, check purchase history and any receipt email. Apple charges may appear as apple.com/bill or itunes.com/bill, and Family Sharing purchases can appear on the family organizer’s payment method.
    • For Google Play, check Payments & subscriptions and Budget & order history for the Google Account that may have made the purchase.

  4. Request the refund through the platform.

    • Apple: use reportaproblem.apple.com, choose Request a refund, select the app, subscription, or in-app purchase, and submit the request.
    • Google Play: use Google Play refund help or order history, choose Report a problem, select the reason, and submit the request.
    • Refunds are not guaranteed, but using the official platform route keeps the request tied to the purchase record.

  5. Secure the account used for the purchase.

    • Change the Apple Account or Google Account password to a new, unique password.
    • Turn on two-factor authentication if it is not already on.
    • Review signed-in devices and remove any device you do not recognize.
    • Check account recovery email addresses and phone numbers for anything unfamiliar.

  6. Contact the payment provider if the charge was unauthorized or keeps appearing.

    • Credit or debit card: call the card issuer or bank, say the charge is unauthorized, and ask about dispute steps, a replacement card, and blocking future recurring charges from that merchant.
    • PayPal or another wallet: report the unauthorized transaction inside the wallet account and secure that wallet login.
    • Carrier billing: contact your mobile carrier, dispute the phone-bill charge, and ask whether they can block third-party or premium billing.

  7. Check connected devices and family settings.

    • Ask anyone in your Family Sharing, Google family group, or household whether they recognize the purchase.
    • Check children’s devices or old devices that still use your payment method.
    • If a child or family member made the purchase by mistake, still cancel the subscription and use the platform refund route.

  8. Keep a simple log. Write down when you canceled, when you requested a refund, who you contacted, and any case numbers.

  9. Use identity theft recovery help only if the problem looks broader. If you also see unfamiliar accounts, password resets, new payment methods, or other signs that your personal information is being misused, use IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out the exact cause right now.
  • You do not need to factory reset the phone unless trusted support later points to a device-level problem.
  • You do not need to close every account today.
  • You do not need to decide whether this was fraud, a mistaken family purchase, or a billing mix-up before you stop renewals and secure access.

Important reassurance

Unexpected app charges are upsetting, but the first steps are clear: stop renewal, request the platform refund, secure the account, and involve the payment provider if money was taken without permission.

Scope note

These are first steps to limit further charges and preserve useful records. Later decisions may need help from Apple Support, Google Play support, your bank or card issuer, your wallet provider, your mobile carrier, or an identity theft specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or professional advice. Refund eligibility, dispute rights, and outcomes depend on the platform, payment method, timing, and facts of the charge.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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