I’m reaching out here in the hope of finding some guidance or assistance from anyone familiar with Google Play and subscription-related issues.
The Issue:
I purchased a ChatGPT Plus subscription via Google Play on Jan 5, 2025, but the subscription has not been activated on my ChatGPT app. It’s been 6 days. Despite extensive communication with both Google Play support and OpenAI support, I am stuck in a loop with no resolution.
Details of the Case:
- Google Play’s Standpoint:
- Google Play has denied my refund request, stating that the purchase falls under the app developer’s jurisdiction.
- They claim to have no access to the subscription details as they only serve as a payment platform for third-party apps.
- Upon asking for escalation details, the support team ended the chat without resolving my concerns.
- OpenAI Support’s Standpoint:
- OpenAI has been responsive but unable to find any subscription linked to my account.
- They’ve mentioned that they cannot process a refund as the subscription falls under Google Play’s jurisdiction.
- They also suggested reaching out to Google Play for a refund, but Google Play has already refused.
- Relevant Details:
- The email address used for the purchase on Google Play and the email address associated with my ChatGPT account are the same.
- This is not my first subscription; I used ChatGPT Plus in 2024 (via Google Play Billing) for around 3-4 months with no issues.
Actions I’ve Taken:
- Reached out to both Google Play support and OpenAI support multiple times.
- Requested a formal letter or statement from OpenAI to assist with the refund process. OpenAI has stated they are unable to provide one.
- Attempted all troubleshooting steps suggested by both parties.
How This Affects Me:
I cannot access the service I paid for or receive a refund. I was also considering upgrading to ChatGPT Pro, but with my money stuck and no resolution in sight, I’m hesitant to proceed further.
My Ask:
- Has anyone faced similar issues with Google Play?
- Are there any escalation paths that I can follow to resolve this issue?
- Any advice on how OpenAI and Google Play might coordinate in such cases would also be helpful.