Audible guide · Updated November 2026
How to Return an Audible Book (2026)
Can’t stand the narrator, or bought the wrong book? Audible lets members return audiobooks bought with a credit and get the credit back, up to 365 days after purchase. Here’s how to do it, what you get back and what to do if Audible says your book is not eligible for return.
By Peter Clemens · Originally published September 2020 · Updated November 2026
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The quick answer
You can return an Audible book if you’re an active member on a credit plan, you bought the book with a credit and it’s been less than 365 days. You’ll get the credit back to spend on another audiobook.
How to return an Audible book
There’s no return button in the Audible app, so you’ll need to use the Audible website. It takes about a minute.
1. On a computer
- Sign in at audible.com.
- Select your name at the top of the page, then Account details.
- Select Purchase history.
- Find the book and select Return this title.
- Choose a reason and confirm. The credit goes back into your account right away.
2. On your phone
- Open your phone’s web browser (not the Audible app) and sign in at audible.com.
- Tap the menu, then your name.
- Tap Purchase history.
- Tap Return this title next to the book.
- Choose a reason and confirm.
3. If Apple or Google bills your membership
If you signed up for Audible in the App Store or Google Play, Audible can’t process the return for books from that membership. Request the return through Apple or Google’s customer service instead.
Once the return goes through, the book is removed from your library. If you change your mind later, you’ll need to buy it again.
Why does Audible say “Not eligible for return”?
If you see Not eligible for return next to a book in your purchase history, it’s usually one of these reasons.
Swipe to see the full table →
| Reason | What to do |
|---|---|
| You paid with a card | Only books bought with a credit can be returned. If you bought one by mistake, contact Audible, but a refund isn’t guaranteed. |
| It’s been over 365 days | The return window has closed, so the book can’t be returned. |
| Your membership isn’t active | Returns are only for active members. If you’ve cancelled, you can’t return books. |
| Apple or Google bills you | Request the return through the App Store or Google Play. |
| It wasn’t bought with a credit | Free titles and books from the Plus Catalog didn’t use a credit, so there’s nothing to give back. |
| You’ve made a lot of returns | Audible can limit returns if it thinks the policy is being overused. Contact Audible to ask. |
Select why? next to the message to see the reason. If you think it’s a mistake, select Contact us to reach Audible customer service.
Credit or cash: what you get back
When you return a book you bought with a credit, you get 1 credit back, not money. Credits from returns expire 12 months after they’re added back to your account, whatever type of credit you originally used, so spend it on your next book.
Books paid for with a credit or debit card haven’t been returnable online since October 2022. That’s a good reason to use credits for books you’re unsure about and save cash purchases (often during Audible sales) for books you know you want.
How many Audible books can you return?
Audible doesn’t publish a limit. The return policy is there so you can take a chance on a new narrator or story, or fix a book you bought by mistake. It isn’t meant as a way to listen to several books with one credit.
If Audible thinks you’re returning too many books, it can limit or remove your ability to make returns. To stay on the safe side, return a book as soon as you know it isn’t for you, rather than after you’ve finished it, and listen to the sample before you buy. For more ways to pick well, see my Audible tips.
Return books before you cancel
Returns only work while your membership is active. If you’re planning to cancel, return any books you don’t want first, then spend your credits. Unused credits are lost when your membership ends, but the books you’ve bought are yours to keep.
When you’re ready, here’s how to cancel Audible or pause your membership.
Audible returns: common questions
Can you return Audible books?
Yes. If you’re an active member on a credit plan, bought the book with a credit and it’s been less than 365 days, you can return it on the Audible website and get the credit back.
Can I get a refund for an Audible book?
If you paid with a credit, you get the credit back, not cash. Books paid for with a card can’t be returned online. If you bought one by mistake, contact Audible customer service.
How many Audible books can you return?
Audible doesn’t publish a limit, but it can limit or remove your ability to make returns if it thinks you’re returning too many books.
Can I return an Audible book in the app?
No. The Audible app doesn’t have a return option. Use the Audible website on your computer or in your phone’s web browser.
Why is my Audible book not eligible for return?
Usually because you paid with a card, it’s been more than 365 days, your membership isn’t active, Apple or Google bills your membership, or you’ve made a lot of returns.
Do returned Audible credits expire?
Yes. A credit you get back from a return expires 12 months after it’s added to your account.
Can I return Audible books after I cancel?
No. Returns are only for active members, so return any books you don’t want before you cancel, then spend your credits.
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I am a member. I bought a language series and needed a different one. I was able to return two books as described above. I contacted customer service and the rep said they can return 3 additional books per day (not sure of the limit).
Hi there,
Just so you know, as of October 2022 you can only return Audible titles that were purchased with credits. The customer service rep just informed me that the change was made as a result of changes with Google Play and Apple’s policies.
It’s a fantastic service, I really love this policy
I usually exchange 4 books a year without any problems, although I am going to try more
Some books I really don’t like, so I hope I don’t need to keep them
I read listen to an enormous amount of audiobooks and after returning quite a few, audible makes it difficult, so much for risk free exchange.