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A report published on April 22, 2014 said Google was refunding people who bought the removed Virus Shield app and giving them $5 in Google Play credit. That was a historical, purchase-related report—not evidence of a current offer for all Google Play users. If you bought the app, check the email and Google account associated with that purchase for any account-specific notice; the available sources do not confirm who qualified or whether a credit was issued to a particular buyer.
What the Google Play credit report refers to
The headline claim traces to a The Register report dated April 22, 2014. It said Google was refunding purchasers of the removed Virus Shield app and issuing them $5 in Google Play credit. The report attributed its information about the credit to Android Police; it was not a direct Google announcement.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Google Play gift code | $200.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Google Play gift code | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Google Play gift code | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Google Play gift code | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Google Play gift code | $200.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The report does not establish that every purchaser received credit, identify all eligible accounts, or specify a redemption deadline. It also does not show that Google is making the same offer now.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhat to do if you bought Virus Shield
- Check the inbox for the email address associated with the Google account used to buy the app, including spam or junk folders. Look for an account-specific message about a refund or Play credit.
- Sign in to the Google account used for the purchase and review any available purchase or account notices. Checking a different Google account may not show information tied to the purchase.
- If you find a notice but cannot tell whether it applies or how to use it, contact Google Play support while signed in to the purchasing account. The historical report does not provide eligibility terms or a claim process.
If you did not buy Virus Shield, this 2014 report gives no basis to expect a credit. The sources available do not establish a current general Google Play credit offer or whether any particular person received the historical credit.
#1 Best Overall
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards. Good for use on the US Google Play Store only. Terms apply - see below.
- Google Play gift codes can be used on the Google Play Store, the official app store for Android, to purchase apps, games, and more.
- To redeem, enter code in the Play Store app or play.google.com.
- Endless games to explore: Find and play old and new favorites – from mind-bending puzzles to epic quests and more.
- Just the app you’re looking for: Millions of apps means millions of ways to get things done, learn something new, and maybe even meet someone special.
Google Store credit is not Google Play credit
Google’s Google Store credit guidance says recipients get a confirmation email when Store credit is issued. The same page says Google Store credit cannot be used for purchases on Google Play, so it does not confirm the terms or status of the 2014 Play credit.
Google Play’s terms say content and feature availability varies by country and that prices and availability may change before purchase. Those general terms do not establish the historical credit’s regional scope or anyone’s eligibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards. Good for use on the US Google Play Store only. Terms apply - see below.
- Google Play gift codes can be used on the Google Play Store, the official app store for Android, to purchase apps, games, and more.
- New finds, old favorites, one card. Choose a unique gift card design featuring your favorite games or apps. This card can also be used for anything else on Google Play. There’s something for everyone, so find what’s yours. Go Play.
- Easy to use: With a Google Play gift code, you never have to worry about expiration dates or fees.
- Endless games to explore: Find and play old and new favorites – from mind-bending puzzles to epic quests and more.
Rank #4
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards. Good for use on the US Google Play Store only. Terms apply - see below.
- Google Play gift codes can be used on the Google Play Store, the official app store for Android, to purchase apps, games, and more.
- To redeem, enter code in the Play Store app or play.google.com.
- Endless games to explore: Find and play old and new favorites – from mind-bending puzzles to epic quests and more.
- Just the app you’re looking for: Millions of apps means millions of ways to get things done, learn something new, and maybe even meet someone special.
Rank #3
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards. Good for use on the US Google Play Store only. Terms apply - see below.
- Google Play gift codes can be used on the Google Play Store, the official app store for Android, to purchase apps, games, and more.
- To redeem, enter code in the Play Store app or play.google.com.
- Endless games to explore: Find and play old and new favorites – from mind-bending puzzles to epic quests and more.
- Just the app you’re looking for: Millions of apps means millions of ways to get things done, learn something new, and maybe even meet someone special.
Rank #2
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards. Good for use on the US Google Play Store only. Terms apply - see below.
- Google Play gift codes can be used on the Google Play Store, the official app store for Android, to purchase apps, games, and more.
- To redeem, enter code in the Play Store app or play.google.com.
- Endless games to explore: Find and play old and new favorites – from mind-bending puzzles to epic quests and more.
- Just the app you’re looking for: Millions of apps means millions of ways to get things done, learn something new, and maybe even meet someone special.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
