How to request a Stadia refund — before it's too late

Google’s cloud gaming service Stadia has only been around for a few years, since the end of 2019. Sadly, the search giant has decided to phase out Stadia, mentioning the platform will stop operating after January 18, 2023. But what will happen to all the Stadia purchases we’ve already made? It turns out Google will be offering refunds for most purchases. Let’s get into the details.

Read more: Is shutting Stadia down the right decision for Google?

Is google giving refunds to stadia customers?

Google will be offering refunds for hardware purchases made from the Google Store, as well as game titles and in-game purchases made through the Stadia Store. Here’s what the search giant has to say about the topic:

What about hardware bought outside the Google Store?

Stadia hardware was available from a bevy of online and physical stores. We understand why many of you are probably worried, as Google seems to be pretty hush about how third-party retailer refunds will work.

We’re not sure if third-party retailer refunds will happen, or how they will work, but Google has mentioned there will be no physical refunds. This will be done entirely online.

Still, there might be a way to request refunds for Stadia items bought outside the Google Store. We’ll have to wait and see how the system will work.

Also consider: The best gaming controllers 

Will all Stadia purchases be refunded?

So far, Google’s been very concise about its refund process information. All we know is that Stadia devices and equipment purchased from the Google Store will get a refund. This includes devices like the “Stadia Controller, Founders Edition, Premiere Edition, and Play and Watch with Google TV packages.”

Google also mentions games and add-ons from the Stadia Store will be refunded. That one’s pretty straightforward.

Which Stadia products or services won’t get refunded?

The only we’re sure not to get a refund on is Stadia Pro subscriptions. This service offers upgrades like 4K, HDR, and 5.1 surround sound support. Additionally, subscribers get access to a library of games. Its subscription nature entails you paying for a service, as opposed to a product. This means you technically don’t own anything, so there is nothing to refund. And subscribers can continue enjoying the service until Stadia is slashed for good.

How to request a stadia refund

As mentioned above, the exact process to get all your Stadia refunds is unknown. We can tell you how to request a refund through Google’s and Stadia’s return policies, though. Doing this could help if you made any recent purchases, and would rather not deal with the long wait to get a refund.

Returning hardware

The Google Store has a 15-day return period. You can start the process from the Order History page. You can check the return period from there, and contact the Google Store to begin the process.

Returning games and add-ons

If you want to return any Stadia Store purchases, you have 14 days from the purchase date to do so. Another limitation is that the game can’t have more than two hours of playtime across all accounts (personal or family).

Request a refund using Stadia.com:

1. Go to Stadia.com and sign into your account.
2. Click on your Stadia avatar.
3. Select Stadia settings.
4. Go into Purchases & subscriptions.
5. Go to the Transaction history section and select the item you want to return.
6. Select Request Refund and follow the instructions.

Request a refund using the Stadia app on mobile:

1. Open the Stadia app.
2. Tap on your Stadia avatar.
3. Hit Purchases & subscriptions.
4. Go to the Transaction history section and select the item you want to return.
5. Select Request Refund and follow the instructions.

If you’re having any other issues, Google suggests you reach out to its customer support page.

How long will it take for me to get my money from Stadia?

Google has promised to process all Stadia shutdown refunds before the January 18, 2023 cut-off date. That said, once the transaction is processed, how long it takes for the money to get to you depends on the payment method. Let’s take a look at Google Stadia’s processing times.

Europe and UK refund times:

• Credit or debit card: Three to five working days.
• Google Play balance: One working day.
• PayPal: Three to five working days.
• iDEAL: One to 10 working days.
• My paysafecard: Three to five working days.

Rest of the world:

• Credit or debit card: Three to five working days.
• Google Play balance: One working day.
• PayPal: Three to five working days.

Stadia alternatives

There are some good Stadia alternatives, and the competition is probably rejoicing right now. Some of the cloud gaming services we recommend are NVIDIA GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Now, Amazon Luna, and Shadow.

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