Steam Refunds Explained: 14 Days, Two Hours and the Exceptions
Steam's standard refund rule is 14 days and under two hours of play. See how it differs for DLC, pre-orders, bundles and gifts, then follow Steam's request steps.
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Bought a Steam game and decided it is not for you? For a standard game or software purchase from the Steam Store, Valve’s published rule is to request a refund within 14 days and with less than two hours of playtime. Both conditions apply. Steam Support says playtime includes online, offline and shared-library play. If you miss either limit, you can still submit a request, but approval is not guaranteed.
That rule is only the starting point: downloadable content, pre-orders, bundles, gifts and in-game purchases have different conditions. This guide follows Valve’s Steam Refunds page, which lists 23 April 2024 as its last update, and Steam Support’s request instructions.
For a standard game, both limits must be met
The 14-day window runs from the purchase date. The playtime condition is strictly less than two hours; at two hours exactly, you no longer meet the published standard condition. Steam counts online, offline and shared-library time, so switching between offline play or another library does not reset the clock.
If you know you want to return the game, submit the request before another test session pushes you over the limit. If you have already passed 14 days or two hours, Valve says you can still ask it to review the purchase. That is an option to explain your situation, not a promise that Steam will approve it.
Check the purchase type before using the standard rule
Downloadable content
Steam Store DLC generally has its own 14-day window from the DLC purchase and a two-hour limit on the underlying game since you bought that DLC. The DLC must not have been consumed, modified or transferred. Some third-party DLC cannot be refunded, such as content that irreversibly changes a character; Steam says those exceptions should be marked on the Store page before purchase.
Pre-orders and games you can play early
You can request a refund for a pre-purchased game any time before its release. After release, the usual 14-day period begins on the release date, and the less-than-two-hour playtime limit applies. If the game is available to play before its release date, including through Early Access or Advanced Access, that playtime still counts toward the two-hour limit.
Bundles
Steam’s policy allows a refund for the full bundle when the combined usage of its items is under two hours and none of the items have been transferred. A bundle that contains non-refundable DLC or an in-game item may not qualify; Steam says it will show whether the bundle is refundable during checkout.
Gifts
An unredeemed game gift can be requested for a refund by the purchaser, subject to the standard time and playtime conditions. If the recipient has already redeemed it, they must first start the refund process and approve removing the game from their account. The original purchaser then submits the refund request.
In-game purchases and purchases made elsewhere
In-game purchases in Valve-developed games can be refunded within 48 hours if the item has not been consumed, modified or transferred. A third-party developer may enable the same option; Steam says it will identify eligible items at purchase. Otherwise, in-game purchases in non-Valve games are not refundable through Steam.
If you bought a Steam key or Wallet card from a third-party shop, contact that seller. Valve says it cannot refund purchases made outside the Steam Store. Steam hardware, Wallet funds, subscriptions and video content have separate terms, so do not assume that the game rule applies to them.
If the game went on sale after you bought it
Steam does not refund the difference in price. If the purchase still meets the standard refund conditions, you can request a refund and buy the game again at the sale price. Valve’s policy says it does not consider that an abuse of refunds when you immediately repurchase the title at the lower price.
How to request a Steam refund
- Go to Steam Help and sign in to the account that made the purchase.
- Open Purchases and select the game or software.
- Choose the purchase problem that best describes what happened, then select I’d like to request a refund.
- Complete the form, choose the original payment method or Steam Wallet if offered, and submit the request.
- Keep the confirmation email. Steam Support says it will also email you when the request has been processed.
For a redeemed gift, the recipient must approve the refund and removal first; the purchaser then submits their own request. Follow Steam’s gift refund instructions for that path.
The quick decision
For an ordinary Steam Store game, check the purchase date and total playtime: within 14 days and below two hours. If the purchase is DLC, a gift, a bundle or a pre-order, read that item’s separate condition before deciding. Then submit through Steam Help as soon as you know you want a refund.
Steam’s policy page also links to separate information for EU consumers. Local statutory rights can depend on where you live, so consult the regional terms that apply to your purchase.
If you are comparing shared purchases for your household, see our guide to how many copies a Steam Family needs .
