Quick answer: most items can be returned to Steam within 14 days. 5 exceptions below can shorten or change that.
Free shipping: Not listed · Returns: 14 days, under 2 hours played
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We read Steam's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
Steam return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 14 days |
| Must also have under 2 hours of playtime | See below |
| Subscriptions | 48 hours after purchase or renewal |
| In-game purchases | 48 hours in Valve games; not refundable through Steam in other games |
| A VAC ban on a game ends the right to refund it | See below |
| Steam hardware follows a separate hardware refund policy | See below |
How returns work at Steam
- Steam refunds games and DLC requested within 14 days of purchase with less than 2 hours of playtime.
- Pre-purchases: the 14 days start on the release date. Unredeemed gifts and unused Steam Wallet funds follow the same 14 days.
- Bundles qualify if total playtime across the bundle is under 2 hours.
- Refunds go to your Steam Wallet or the original payment method.
Can you return to Steam without a receipt?
Steam's return policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Keep your receipt or order email, and ask at the store before you count on a refund. Compare other stores in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at Steam
We could not confirm Steam's free shipping rules on its own pages, so we have left them out rather than guess. Compare the stores we could check on our free shipping minimums page.
How Steam compares
Steam's standard 14-day window is shorter than most: 213 of the 229 stores we track with a fixed window give you longer. See every store side by side in our return window comparison.
Sources
We took every rule on this page from Steam's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on Steam's site before you rely on a deadline.
Spotted a change? Tell us and we will recheck it. Past changes are in our policy change log.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you have to return something to Steam?
14 days for most items. Exceptions include: Must also have under 2 hours of playtime; Subscriptions: 48 hours after purchase or renewal; In-game purchases: 48 hours in Valve games; not refundable through Steam in other games.
Can you return to Steam without a receipt?
Steam's policy pages we checked do not spell out a no-receipt rule. Ask at the store first.
Does Steam extend returns for the holidays?
The Steam policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.