How To Refund Gifted Games On Steam

Gifted games on Steam can only be refunded by the original purchaser, not the recipient, and only if the game meets Steam’s standard refund conditions.

Ever received a Steam game as a gift that just didn’t quite hit the mark? It happens. Maybe your friend thought you’d love a certain title, but it turns out it’s not your cup of tea. Now you’re wondering how to refund gifted games on Steam. This can be a bit confusing, since it involves another person’s account and purchase history.
Fortunately, there’s a specific procedure.
We will guide you through this process and make sure that you know all the conditions for a successful refund.

How to Refund Gifted Games on Steam

So, someone gave you a game on Steam, and maybe it’s not quite what you expected. Maybe you already have it, or perhaps it’s just not your cup of tea. The good news is that Steam usually has your back! Steam offers a refund system, but when a game is a gift, things can get a little tricky. Let’s break down exactly how you can try to refund a gifted game on Steam.

Understanding Steam’s Refund Policy for Gifted Games

Steam’s refund policy is pretty straightforward, but there are a few important rules, especially when it comes to gifts. The core idea is that you can ask for a refund if you haven’t played a game for very long and you’ve bought it recently. But for gifted games, both you (the receiver) and the original purchaser play a part.

Key Elements of the Policy

• Time Limit: The refund request must be made within 14 days of the purchase date of the game. This is the date the game was bought by the person who gifted it, not the date you received it.
• Playtime Limit: You must have played the game for less than two hours. It’s not just about the total time you have played; it includes time while a game is running in the background, so closing the game properly is important.
• Who Makes the Request: The person who bought the game (the gifter) is the one who needs to initiate the refund. The refund doesn’t come to you directly as the gift recipient, but you are the central to the refund process.
• Condition of the game: Steam refund policy only allows refund for a game, when the game is in a condition that can be refunded. If the game is refunded, you won’t be able to play it again, unless you purchase the game again.

Why the Gifter Must Request the Refund

Think of it like returning a present to the store. The store gave the money to the person who bought the gift, not the person who received it. The same logic applies to Steam. Steam needs to refund the money to the original buyer, so they need to be the one who asks. This also prevents people from taking advantage of the gift system.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Refund for a Gifted Steam Game

Now, let’s see how this works in practice, with steps for you (the gift recipient) and for the person who bought you the game (the gifter).

Step 1: As the Gift Recipient – Confirming Eligibility and Contacting the Gifter

Before contacting the gifter, make sure to check a few things:

• Check the Date: If you received the game and you are not sure when was the date the game was gifted to you. Check for the details about game’s gifted date in your email account or Steam account, or directly ask to the person who gifted to you, they should have the history.
• Check Playtime: Check your Steam library to see how much time you have spent playing the game. Remember, it has to be under two hours.
• Be Prompt: If both of the above checks out, contact the person who gifted the game as soon as you can, as there is a limit to return it within 14 days of purchasing.

When you contact the gifter, explain nicely why you’d like to refund the game. They need to know because the refund will go to them. For example, instead of saying “I don’t like this game”, say “I realize I already have this game” or “This game doesn’t run on my PC as I thought it would”.

Step 2: As the Gifter – Initiating the Refund Request

Now, it’s the gifter’s turn to start the process. Here’s how they do it:

1. Go to Steam Support: Open the Steam app or visit the Steam website and log into the account that bought the game.
2. Navigate to Purchases: Click on “Help” then “Steam Support” at the top left of the Steam window. Then find the option of “Purchases”. In the support menu, they will see a list of recent purchases made.
3. Select the Gifted Game: Look through the list of recent purchases and select the gifted game. Sometimes this is done by selecting a game by clicking “I have question about this purchase”.
4. Choose the Refund Option: Now select the option “I would like to request a refund”, then it will take you to another page that says what needs to be followed in order to refund a game.
5. Explain the Reason: Steam will ask why the refund is being requested. Select the reason why you are refunding a game. The gifter should also say something about how the gift receiver did not like the game, and mention that it is within the playtime and time limits.
6. Submit the Request: After providing the reason, the gifter just needs to click to submit the request.

Step 3: Steam Processing the Refund Request

Once the refund request is sent, Steam reviews the request. It normally takes some time to get a response from the support team. Usually, if you followed all the right steps and the gift meet the criteria, your refund will be approved. You will receive a notification, in your email and in the steam account, about approval or rejection of refund. Once you get the confirmation of refund from steam, your refund is processed within a week. The refund typically goes back to the original payment method used by the gifter.

Step 4: The Refund Decision

After submitting the refund request, Steam will review the information. Generally, if the playtime and the time limits are followed, and the games are eligible, steam approves it and you will be issued a refund. But remember, Steam can also deny a refund if the request does not meet Steam’s requirements.

Things That Can Cause Refund Rejections

Steam is pretty good about refunds, but there are situations where you might not get one. Here are some reasons why a gifted game refund can be rejected:

• Exceeded Playtime: If you have played the game for more than two hours.
• Exceeded Time Limit: If the purchase was made more than 14 days ago, it doesn’t matter how much time you have played.
• Game is in violation: If the game refund is being rejected because of some violation of the Steam rules
• Too many Refund Request: If a Steam account makes too many refund requests. Steam might reject a request.
• The Game is not refundable: Sometimes steam does not allow the refund of some games. Usually those games are removed from the Steam store.

Handling Issues and Alternatives to Refunding

Sometimes, things don’t go smoothly. Here’s how to deal with problems and some other options.

What to Do if the Refund is Denied

If Steam denies the refund, don’t worry, the gifter can try again by selecting the option to “Ask Steam Support for Help”, and explain to them properly that you are eligible for the refund. In this, the gifter can give more reasons and ask why they rejected the refund. Sometimes a second attempt works. If not, you might have to accept that you won’t be able to get a refund.

Alternative Options Instead of Refunding

Sometimes, refunding is not the only option. Here are some things to consider:

• Try it Later: Sometimes a game might seem boring at first, try playing it later when you are in the mood.
• Ask for an Exchange: If possible, talk to the person who gifted you and see if they can buy another game you would like, instead of refunding.
• Play with Friends: Some games are more fun when you play with other people. If the game allows playing with friends, try it with some friends.
• Research Online: Sometimes you don’t understand a game at first, then try looking up on the web for tips and tricks, before thinking about refunding a game.

The Importance of Communication

When dealing with gift refunds, it is very important to communicate with the person who gave you the gift. Being open and honest can save you time and frustration, and avoid hard feelings. Clear communication between the receiver and gifter is key for a smooth refund process.

Quick Tips for Gifting Games on Steam

To prevent future issues, here are a few pointers for those who plan on buying gifts on Steam:

• Check the Wishlist: Before gifting, look at your friend’s wishlist to see the games they actually want.
• Ask First: Simply asking if they would want a particular game is always a good idea.
• Consider Game Preferences: Pay attention to what kinds of games your friend enjoys before selecting a game for them.
• Buy with Refunds in Mind: Be aware that not all gift recipients will like the game, and they may ask for a refund.

Table of Refund Eligibility

Navigating the refund system for gifted games on Steam doesn’t have to be difficult. By knowing the rules and following the right steps, you can handle any refund situation, with care and communication, and try to get the refund approved.

Refund a Gifted Game | Steam Guide | Updated

Final Thoughts

To refund a gifted game on Steam, the receiver must initiate the refund request. The gifter cannot do it directly. The game must be eligible for refunds, meaning less than two hours of playtime and within two weeks of purchase.

The receiver should navigate to their purchase history on Steam, find the gifted game, and submit a refund request. Steam support will then process it. Remember, ‘how to refund gifted games on steam’ always requires action from the recipient, not the person who gifted the game.