Bought a game on Steam that didn’t live up to the hype? Or maybe it just doesn’t run well on your system? Good news: Steam makes it pretty easy to get your money back—as long as you follow a few basic rules.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you refund a game on Steam.
Why This Matters
Steam doesn’t require you to fight customer service or jump through hoops. As long as you meet the conditions, your refund is usually automatic. This helps you avoid wasting money on a game that doesn’t work or just isn’t for you.
What You’ll Need
- A Steam account (obviously).
- The game you want to refund must have been purchased within 14 days.
- You must have played it for less than 2 hours.
That’s it. If you meet those two conditions, you’re good to go.
Step-by-Step: How to Request a Refund on Steam
1. Open Steam Support
Go to help.steampowered.com and log into your Steam account.
✅ Tip: You can also get there by opening the Steam app, clicking your username in the top right, and selecting Account Details > View Purchase History.
2. Select the Game
Find and click the game you want to refund from your recent purchases.
If it doesn’t show up, it’s probably too old or doesn’t meet refund rules.
3. Choose a Reason
Steam will ask you why you want a refund. Common options:
- It doesn’t run on my computer
- I purchased this by accident
- I don’t enjoy the game
Pick the reason that best fits your situation.
4. Request a Refund
Click “I’d like to request a refund”, then choose:
- Where you want the money to go (Steam Wallet or original payment method).
- Confirm the refund request.
5. Wait for Confirmation
You’ll get an email confirming your request. Steam usually processes refunds within a few hours to a couple of days.
⏱ Tip: Refunds to PayPal or Steam Wallet are quick. Credit card refunds might take 5–7 business days.
What If You Miss the 14-Day or 2-Hour Rule?
You can still try. Steam says they may approve refunds that fall outside the official policy—especially if there’s a technical issue. Just explain the problem clearly when submitting your request.
Real-World Example
You bought a game during a sale, played it for 45 minutes, and it constantly crashed. You request a refund, explain the issue, and Steam approves it the same day. That’s typical if you’re within the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refund a game I bought as a gift?
Yes, but the recipient must not have redeemed it. If they did, they’ll need to request the refund.
Can I refund downloadable content (DLC)?
Yes, if it’s been less than 14 days and you haven’t played the base game for more than 2 hours after buying the DLC.
Can I abuse this system to try lots of games for free?
Not really. Steam tracks refund activity and may deny requests if they see abuse.
