How do I resolve a failed ChatGpt Plus upgrade on my iPhone with iOS 18.7.2, still on the free plan, and unable to receive a refund from Apple?

Logged into the ChatGpt App on my iPhone 13 PRO Max iOS 18.7.2, and clicked the Upgrade to ChatGpt Plus at £19.99 a month, been charged to AMEX card, BUT ChatGPT does not change, and still on the FREE plan.

I'm using a Gmail Account to login to ChatGpt, I've now waited over 5 days, and it's still states FREE!

Contact ChatGpt support, and received mixed responses, about going to Apple Support, and Requesting a Refund, because they cannot match the email address on the App Store Order to the Account.

I've done that, and Apple Support Rejecting the Refund, maybe I should have used 14 Day Withdraw, but I was being honest, and reported the App not working.

I Googled and Found many issues on OpenAI Forums, and Also here, and reported these in My Appeal, but I suspect that Apple Support is Full of BOTS/AI, and the Appeal was rejected - not it just states Final Decision - NAFF OFF!

So £19.99 out of pocket, with no ChatGpt Upgrade, not able to Request a refund via Crap Store, so other than raise it with AMEX for a Charge Back - anyone any other bright ideas ?

I've reboot phone, logged out of ChatGpt.

Nothing works, still stuck in Free plan mode.

I've sent all emails to ChatGpt, but I don't understand how this all works, if using a Gmail Account to Login to ChatGpt breaks and does not work when a Subscription is taken out then the App should be withdrawn, fixed, not just takes peoples money, it's no more than a SCAM, is it Apple or OpenAI ?

[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: ChatGpt App on my iPhone 13 PRO Max iOS 18.7.2 - Upgrade Fails - Still on FREE Plan - Apple Refused Refund!

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 29, 2025 9:11 AM

18 replies

FelipeV

Level 6

12,071 points

Nov 30, 2025 6:29 PM in response to einsteinagogo

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Scroll to connect with live support.

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

60,920 points

Nov 30, 2025 9:24 AM in response to einsteinagogo

einsteinagogo wrote:

tried that does not work, ChatGPT still states - FREE ! - OpenAi cannot find any email address, which I've shared with them, matches the order, and suspects it was a Apple Id, Generated email address, e.g. hidden email thing.

If you used Sign in with Apple/Hide My Email, it is a generated email address. After creating an account/signing in with your actual Apple Account, check for the option to Restore In-App Purchase within the ChatGPT app.

https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8346573-restoring-a-chatgpt-subscription-purchased-in-the-apple-app-store

So what's 14 Days Right of Withdrawl all about then ?

Some regions have legislation for a "cooling off" period or what is called "Right of Withdrawal" and Apple complies with regional laws where that may be an option. In other regions you can request a refund for that reason, but just like the other options, it will be Apple's determination whether it will be granted. Apple does not have a 14 day return policy, which is why you see some apps offer you a Free Trial and those are done by the developer of the app.

How do I contact Apple to get it Esclated ?

Contacting Apple is done here: Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

I would get any written communication that you have from Open AI showing there is no subscription to state your case to Apple.

Nov 30, 2025 9:31 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

"If you used Sign in with Apple/Hide My Email, it is a generated email address."

Didn't!

14 Days Right of Withdrawl - Refund in the UK - Q.E.D !

How do I resolve a failed ChatGpt Plus upgrade on my iPhone with iOS 18.7.2, still on the free plan, and unable to receive a refund from Apple?