Can You Reverse PS Plus? A Comprehensive Guide to PlayStation Plus Refunds and Cancellations
Yes, you can reverse a PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) subscription under certain conditions. Specifically, you have the right to cancel your purchase of a subscription service and request a refund within 14 days from the initial transaction date, even if you have started using the subscription. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances involved, as the refund amount may be reduced to reflect your usage. This article delves into the specifics of reversing your PS Plus subscription, exploring the refund process, downgrades, and other related information to help you manage your subscription effectively.
Understanding the 14-Day Refund Window
What Does the 14-Day Refund Policy Entail?
PlayStation Store offers a 14-day refund window for all subscription purchases, including PS Plus. This means that from the moment you complete a transaction for a PS Plus subscription, you have two weeks to request a full or partial refund. This policy is in place to ensure customer satisfaction and flexibility. Importantly, this refund is not automatic, you must actively request it.
When is a Refund Not Possible?
While the 14-day window provides flexibility, there are some important caveats:
- Usage Impacts Refund Amount: If you’ve started using your PS Plus subscription, the refund you receive may be reduced pro-rata to reflect the duration you utilized the service. So, if you used a week’s worth of your subscription before requesting a refund, the amount returned would be reduced accordingly.
- No Refund After 14 Days: After the 14-day window, you generally cannot get a full refund, unless you have a specific case of faulty service, which would need to be raised with PlayStation Support.
How to Request a PS Plus Refund
Step-by-Step Guide
- Navigate to Support:
- On your PlayStation console, tap on Settings (gear icon).
- Scroll down to PlayStation Network and tap Support.
- This will take you to the PlayStation Support page on your console’s browser.
- Locate PS Store & Refunds:
- Tap on PS Store & Refunds.
- Then tap on Refunds.
- Next select Requesting a PS Store refund.
- Choose Purchase Type:
- Select the appropriate option for your purchase type, which would be Subscription.
- Request Refund:
- Tap on Request refund.
- Complete the process: Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your refund request.
What Happens After Requesting a Refund?
Once you submit your refund request, it will be reviewed by PlayStation Support. Refunds are processed within 5 business days after the return is received, and may take up to 7 business days to reflect in your account. Be sure to keep records of your requests.
Managing Your PS Plus Subscription: Downgrading and Cancellation
Downgrading Your PS Plus Subscription
If you have upgraded to a higher tier like PS Plus Extra or Premium but decide it’s not for you, you can downgrade back to a lower tier. When you do downgrade your membership level, the downgrade will take place on your next payment date. You will lose access to the benefits exclusive to your previous subscription plan once the downgrade is complete. For example, if you downgrade from PS Plus Premium to PS Plus Extra, you will no longer have access to cloud streaming or classic games.
Cancelling Your PS Plus Subscription
Cancelling your PS Plus subscription will not refund the unused time, but it will stop it from auto-renewing at the next billing date.
How to Cancel on a Console
- Go to Settings.
- Select Account Management.
- Choose Account Information.
- Select PlayStation Subscriptions.
- Select PlayStation Plus.
- Click Turn Off Auto-Renew.
How to Cancel on the PlayStation App
- Open the PlayStation app on your smartphone.
- Select the PlayStation Store tab under the Menu icon.
- Select Subscription Management.
- Next to PlayStation Plus, tap Turn Off Auto-Renewal.
Important Points to Remember
- Auto-Renewal: PS Plus subscriptions are set to auto-renew by default. To avoid unwanted charges, ensure you disable auto-renewal if you don’t plan to keep the subscription active.
- Access to Benefits: Even if you cancel, you retain all the benefits of your subscription until the end of your current billing cycle. You will not be automatically removed from the service once you cancel.
- PS Plus Collection: While the PlayStation Plus Collection was shut down on May 9, 2023, any games claimed before that date can still be played as long as the user has an active PS Plus subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a full refund for PS Plus if I haven’t used it?
Yes, if you request a refund within the 14-day window and have not used the subscription, you can receive a full refund.
2. What happens if I start downloading the free monthly PS Plus games and then request a refund?
If you start downloading or streaming any content, even the free monthly games included with your subscription, you may no longer be eligible for a full refund, as it constitutes ‘usage’ of the service.
3. Can I get a refund after 14 days if I haven’t used my PS Plus subscription?
No, generally, refunds are not available after the 14-day window.
4. How long does a PS Plus refund take to process?
Refunds are usually processed within 5 business days, and can take up to 7 business days to reflect in your account.
5. If I downgrade my PS Plus subscription, when does the change take effect?
The downgrade takes effect at your next payment date.
6. What happens to my free monthly games if I cancel my PS Plus subscription?
You will lose access to monthly games once your subscription expires. You will regain access to them if you resubscribe.
7. Can I reactivate my PS Plus subscription if I cancel it?
Yes, you can resubscribe at any time.
8. Is PS Plus necessary to play online games on PS4/PS5?
Yes, most online multiplayer games require an active PS Plus subscription.
9. Why did the price of PS Plus increase?
Sony cited that the price adjustment is necessary to continue bringing high-quality games and benefits to subscribers.
10. Will PS4 servers shut down soon?
Sony has not announced a shutdown date, and plans to continue supporting the PS4 until at least 2025.
11. What is the difference between PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium?
PS Plus Essential is the base tier offering online multiplayer access and monthly games. Extra includes the Essential benefits plus a large catalogue of PS4/PS5 games, while Premium includes Extra benefits plus classic games, cloud streaming, and time-limited game trials.
12. Can I request a refund if a game I bought with PS Plus is not working properly?
Yes, you can request a refund if a game is faulty, even if you have started downloading or playing it. This usually would have to be done after the 14 days for purchases.
13. Can I get a refund for PS5 games if I played them?
No, refunds are not generally available once a game has been downloaded or played unless it’s faulty.
14. What happens to cloud game saves if I downgrade from PS Plus Premium?
Cloud saves will be accessible if you have an active PS Plus subscription of any tier, otherwise, you will not have access. You must ensure you back-up these saves before cancelling your subscription.
15. If I purchase a PS Plus subscription through a third-party retailer, can I get a refund from PlayStation Store?
No, if you purchased a subscription through a third-party retailer, you must seek a refund through that specific retailer, not PlayStation. The 14-day refund period is specific to purchases made directly through the PlayStation Store.
By understanding the intricacies of the refund process, downgrades, and cancellations, you can manage your PS Plus subscription with confidence. Always keep track of your purchase dates and usage to ensure you can make the best decisions for your gaming needs.