google’s cloud gaming maintenance stadiums has only been around for a few years, since the end of 2019. Unfortunately, the search giant has decided to Phase out stages, stating that the platform will stop working after January 18, 2023. But what happens to all the Stadia purchases we’ve already made? It turns out that Google will offer refunds on most purchases. Let’s get into the details.
RAPID RESPONSE
You cannot yet request a refund for Stadia hardware or software. Google has announced that it will be giving money back for hardware purchases made through the Google Store. Game and in-game purchases from the Stadia Store are also refundable. All these details will be ironed out in time and future announcements will come before the closing date.
SKIP TO IMPORTANT SECTIONS
Does Google give refunds to Stadia customers?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Google offers refunds for hardware purchases made through the Google Store, as well as game titles and in-game purchases made through the Stadia Store. This is what the search giant must say about the subject:
We will refund all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, and all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia Store.google
What about hardware purchased outside of the Google Store?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Stadia hardware was available at many online and brick-and-mortar stores. We understand why many of you are probably concerned as Google seems to be quite quiet about how third-party refunds will work.
We’re not sure if refunds from third-party sellers will take place, or how they will work, but Google has said there will be no physical refunds. This will be done completely online.
Physical locations (Google Store, Best Buy, etc.) cannot process returns or refunds.google
Still, there may be a way to request refunds for Stadia items purchased outside of the Google Store. We’ll have to wait and see how the system works.
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Are all Stadia purchases refunded?
Until now, Google has been very concise about the information about the refund process. All we know is that Stadia devices and equipment purchased from the Google Store will be refunded. This includes devices such as the “Stadia Controller, Founders Edition, Premiere Edition, and Play and Watch with Google TV packages.”
Google also mentions spell and add-ons from the Stadia Store will be refunded. That one is quite simple.
Which Stadia products or services are non-refundable?
The only thing we know for sure that we won’t get a refund is Stadia Pro subscriptions. This service offers upgrades such as support for 4K, HDR and 5.1 surround sound. In addition, subscribers get access to a library of games. The subscription nature means that you pay for a service, as opposed to a product. This means that technically you don’t own anything, so you don’t have to pay anything back. And subscribers can continue to enjoy the service until Stadia is discontinued for good.
Request a stadium refund
As mentioned above, the exact process to receive all your Stadia refunds is unknown. However, we can tell you how to request a refund through Google’s and Stadia’s return policies. This can help if you’ve made recent purchases and prefer not to wait too long to get a refund.
Return hardware
The Google Store has a return period of 15 days. You can start the process from the Order History page. You can check the return period from there and contact the Google Store to start the process.
Recurring games and add-ons
If you wish to return Stadia Store purchases, you have 14 days from the date of purchase to do so. Another limitation is that the game cannot have more than two hours of play time for all accounts (personal or family).
To request a refund through Stadia.com:
- Go to Stadia.com and log in to your account.
- Click on you Stadia Avatar.
- Select Stadia Settings.
- Enter Purchases & Subscriptions.
- Go to the Transaction History section and select the item you want to return.
- Select Request a refund and follow the instructions.
To request a refund through the Stadia app on mobile:
- Open the stadiums app.
- Tap you Stadia Avatar.
- Touch Purchases & Subscriptions.
- Go to the Transaction History section and select the item you want to return.
- Select Request a refund and follow the instructions.
How long will it take to get my money from Stadia?
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Google has promised to process all Stadia shutdown refunds before the cut-off date of January 18, 2023. That said, it depends on the payment method how long it takes for the funds to reach you once the transaction is processed. Let’s take a look at Google Stadia processing times.
Refund times for Europe and the UK:
- Credit or debit card: Three to five business days.
- Google Play Balance: A workday.
- paypal: Three to five business days.
- iDEAL: One to 10 business days.
- My paysafe card: Three to five business days.
Rest of the world:
- Credit or debit card: Three to five business days.
- Google Play Balance: A workday.
- paypal: Three to five business days.
Stadia Alternatives
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Frequently Asked Questions
Google mentions that Stdia is shutting down because it hasn’t received the expected adoption.
Unfortunately, we don’t know what will happen to those who have purchased Stadia products from stores like Amazon, Best Buy, etc. More news on this should be available soon.
Google has committed to refund all Google Stadia purchases, including games and add-ons. This will happen before the service is closed for good, on January 18, 2023.
If you cancel your Stadia Pro subscription, you will lose all associated rights. This means you can’t play bundled games or enjoy extra features like 4K streaming.
Google mentions that you don’t have to return most hardware. The problem with the wording is that it can also mean that some of it has to be returned.
Google’s official closing day for Stadia is January 18, 2023. Until then, you can keep playing your games.