A process for purifying difluoromethane, which comprises subjecting a mixture comprising difluoromethane and hydrogen fluoride to extraction treatment with at least one extractant selected from the following (a) and (b) to separate it by liquid separation into an extractant layer comprising the difluoromethane and the extractant as the main components, and a hydrogen fluoride layer comprising the hydrogen fluoride as the main component, and separating the difluoromethane from the extractant layer: (a) Dichloromethane (b) Chlorofluoromethane.