Receiving a Steam game as a gift can be exciting. However, what if the game ends up not being to your liking or you already own it? Thankfully, Steam offers the option to refund gifted games. Here is a detailed guide on how to request a refund for a Steam game gifted to you.
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Overview of Steam’s Refund Policy
Steam offers refunds on games based on the following criteria:
- The game was purchased directly from Steam less than 14 days ago
- The game has been played for less than 2 hours total
This refund policy applies to both games you purchase for yourself as well as gifted games.
Requesting a Refund on an Unredeemed Gift
If you have not yet redeemed a gifted game, requesting a refund is straightforward:
- Visit Steam Support and sign in to your account
- Go to Games and Software > The game you wish to refund
- Select “I’d like to request a refund for this gift”
- Check the box to allow the refund to go to the original purchaser
- Submit the request
Steam will process the refund within 7 days, crediting the original purchaser.
Requesting a Refund on a Redeemed Gift
If you have already redeemed a gifted game, you can still request a refund:
- Visit Steam Support and sign in
- Go to Games and Software > The game you wish to refund
- Select the issue you are having (e.g. “It’s not what I expected”)
- Choose “I’d like to request a refund”
- Check the box to credit the original purchaser
- Submit the request
The original purchaser can then visit Steam Support themselves to request the refund amount. As long as the game meets Steam’s criteria (less than 2 weeks old and under 2 hours playtime), they will receive the refund.
Getting the Most out of Your Steam Refund
Here are some tips to ensure you qualify for a Steam refund on gifted games:
Keep playtime low
Aim to play gifted games for under 2 hours until you decide if you will keep them. This gives you enough time to evaluate the game while remaining eligible for a refund.
Request refunds sooner rather than later
You only have 14 days from the date the game was purchased to request a refund. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Be honest when selecting a reason
Choose the refund reason that best explains why you are returning the game. This can help Steam improve recommendations.
Let the original purchaser know
If you return a gifted game, notify the person who gave it to you so they can request the refund amount from Steam.
Common Questions about Steam Refunds
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting refunds on Steam gifts:
Can I get a refund on DLC or in-game purchases that were gifted?
Yes, the same refund policy applies. As long as the content hasn’t been consumed, modified or transferred, and is less than 14 days old, it is refundable.
What payment methods does Steam use for refunds?
Steam can process refunds to your Steam Wallet, or back to the original payment method used, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, JCB, and PayPal.
Is there a limit to how many gifted games I can get refunds for?
No, Steam does not limit the number of refunds you can request as long as each request meets their criteria. However, refund abuse can get your account locked or banned.
How long does it take to get my Steam refund?
Steam aims to process refund requests within 7 days. Once approved, refunds can take up to another 7 days to appear in your Steam Wallet or payment method.
Can I refund bundle or special promotion games?
Yes, the same 14-day/2-hour policy applies. You will lose access to any extra bundled items, discounts, or benefits associated with the bundle.
Carefully going through the steps to request a refund is crucial to get your money back for a Steam gift. Just remember to act fast, limit playtime, and keep the original purchaser informed. With Steam’s user-friendly refund system, you can easily obtain a refund when gifted a game you don’t want.
