How to get a refund for a Kindle book purchase

Kindle Oasis 2019 long-term review
Kindle Oasis 2019 long-term review (Image credit: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)

While it may feel weird or disingenuous to "return" an e-book and ask for a refund (particularly after you've read some, or all, of it), it is totally legitimate and easy to do. Alternatively, you might have accidentally purchased a Kindle book and need to get your money back. Regardless of the reason, the process to request a refund is quick and straightforward and only takes a few taps or clicks once you've logged into your Amazon account. Next, we'll show you how to get a refund on an Amazon Kindle book purchase.

How to get a refund for a Kindle book purchase from your Kindle device

  1. From the Kindle home screen, tap on a book you want to purchase.
  2. Tap on the Buy button.
  3. Once the purchase has been confirmed, you'll see the option to cancel the order. Tap on the Cancel Order link.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

The download will be stopped or removed, and a refund will be added to your account.

Return Kindle Book Kindle 2

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

It's worth noting that you can only cancel an order from a Kindle device immediately after you purchased it. If you want to return the e-book and receive a refund later, you'll have to do that from the Amazon app or website.

How to get a refund for a Kindle book purchase from your Android device

  1. Open the Amazon app.
  2. Tap on the hamburger menu in the bottom right corner (3 lines).
  3. Tap on Orders.
  4. Tap on Filter.
  5. Tap on Digital Orders.
  6. Select the Order Date timeframe.
  7. Tap Apply.Source: Android Central

  1. Locate the Kindle book that you wish to return and tap on it.
  2. Click Return for refund.
  3. Tap on Choose a response.Source: Android Central

  1. Click on the response option that best fits your situation.
  2. Tap Submit.Source: Android Central

Now your errant Kindle book has been "returned," and Amazon will begin processing your refund. While I received my refund immediately, note that it could take as much as three to five days before you see the funds back in your account.

How to get a refund for a Kindle book purchase from the web

  1. From a web browser, log in to your Amazon account.
  2. Click on the Returns & Orders tab at the top right of the screen.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Click on Digital Orders.
  2. Locate the Kindle book that you wish to return and click on it.
  3. Click on Return for refund.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Click on Choose a response.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Click on the response option that best fits your situation.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Click Submit.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

That's it! Just like the app example, your refund request should be processed no later than three to five days after you hit that submit button.

Note that you have seven days to return a Kindle book and request a refund. After that time period, you may not be able to do so and will have to contact Amazon customer service (opens in new tab).

How to get a refund for an Audible audiobook purchase

There are two ways to refund or exchange an audiobook through Audible, and it depends on whether or not you have an Audible subscription or if you are not a member and purchased the audiobook outright.

For Audible subscribers:

  1. Either from the Audible app or website, go to your Purchase History page.
  2. Tap or click on the title that you wish to return.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Tap or click on Return this title.
  2. Select the reason why you want to return the book, and then tap or click Return.

You will then receive a refund to your Audible credits.

If you are a non Audible subscriber and purchased the book outright, you will receive a refund to your credit or gift card.

Note that Audible has a right to deny exchanges, refunds, or returns if it feels customers are abusing this privilege (though I've never heard of this happening). In addition, credit card refunds may take up to 10 business days to be processed.

Our top equipment picks

If you subscribe to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited plan, you can borrow and return from a selection of one million e-books and thousands of magazines and audiobooks — as many times as your heart desires!

Jeramy Johnson
Editor-in-chief

Jeramy is the Editor-in-Chief of Android Central. He is proud to help *Keep Austin Weird* and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.