Apple makes some of the best phones on the planet. Maybe you want a different color than the one you have, though. Possibly you’ve decided you want a different model.
What can you do with a newly purchased iPhone? In general, most retailers offer a 14-day iPhone return policy.
Read on to learn more about different return policies and how to get the money back from your iPhone purchase.
The Terms of iPhone Return
Unless otherwise specified, brand-new iPhones can be returned for their full value when you bring one back within 14 days of purchase.
You’ll need everything that you got when you bought your iPhone. That includes the box, cords, adapters, and all documentation you received with it.
Each retailer is different. You may or may not need a receipt. For example, if you bought the iPhone from Apple, they’ll have a copy of your transaction on hand.
You must return the phone to the same retailer. That means you can’t return one you bought from AT&T to Apple, or any other entity other than the one where you purchased it.
Finally, your iPhone must be in like-new condition. It should still function as normal, not be damaged, or have any other software or hardware issues.
If you are returning the device because of a manufacturing defect, that will fall under AppleCare. The same rules apply, except that you’ll have the option of either a replacement iPhone or a refund.
Now, let’s take a look at the iPhone return policies of major retailers.
Apple’s iPhone Return Policy
You can either ship your iPhone to Apple or bring it to a brick-and-mortar Apple Store for a refund. Even if you purchased your iPhone online, you can still bring it into any Apple Store and vice versa.
Apple’s policy is the same as above, 14 days, undamaged, and repackaged. However, Apple does have a special holiday return policy:
- Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 4th, 2022, and December 25, 2022, may be returned through January 8th, 2023.
- All purchases made after December 25, 2022, are subject to the Standard Return Policy.
We are past those dates now, so you can’t take advantage of the most recent holiday return policy. However, this policy is more or less the same every year.
You should keep this in mind. If you want a little more flexibility with your return, consider buying your iPhone during the holiday season at the end of 2023.
Just make sure to check the exact dates that apply on the Apple website when the next holiday season approaches.
Amazon’s iPhone Return Policy
For the most part, other retailers besides Apple have a similar iPhone return policy. Amazon is a little more confusing, though.
Amazon sells iPhones in two different ways. It sells “renewed products.” In that scenario, it allows certified sellers to unload iPhones through the platform. Amazon also sells Apple devices through a partnership with Simple Mobile.
For Simple Mobile iPhones, the return policy is essentially the same: 14 days, like new, repackaged. Some phones may be eligible for 30-day returns. Check the fine print when you make a purchase through Simple Mobile to see whether your particular device applies.
For Renewed iPhones, you have more flexibility:
- Products on Amazon Renewed are backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee where it’s specifically mentioned on the product detail page. With this guarantee, you’re eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receiving the product if it doesn’t work as expected.
- Amazon Renewed products can be returned within 90 days of receipt of shipment and qualify for free return shipping. If your return is not the result of an Amazon error or defect, Amazon will not refund the original shipping fees.
- Amazon Renewed products sold by third-party sellers follow the standard 30-day Amazon return policy.
Carrier iPhone Return Policies
All four major carriers, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, have similar return policies. You have 30 days to return your iPhone with any of them, with the exception of T-Mobile, which only gives you 20 days.
You will need your receipt if you decide to take advantage of this policy. You’ll also have to pay a restocking fee of $50 in most instances.
Be sure to check carrier early termination fees as well. They can be as high as $325 in some cases.
Swappa’s Return Policy
Swappa allows individual resellers to set their own return policies. If you bought an iPhone from a Swappa merchant, you’ll need to check directly with them to find out long you have.
Swappa uses PayPal for payments, which provides payment protections. If you’re having issues with a seller on this platform, see whether PayPal’s return policy can help you.
Other Major Retailers
Best Buy follows a similar 14-day, like new, repackaged iPhone return policy. Target gives you 15 days. Walmart give you 30.
GameStop offers a 7-day return policy for pre-owned items and a 30-day exchange for them.
How to Best Use the iPhone Return Policy
Savvy shoppers use the iPhone return policy to their advantage. You might purchase a new model and try it out. If you find that you’re not happy with it, you can always return it before the designated window closes.
You can also sell your used device to Buyback Boss. Click here to see how much we’ll pay for your old one, then put the money we give you toward the purchase of a new one. Try it out now!
Head on over to the Buyback Boss Blog to learn more about iPhones, Apple, and more. Learn how to upgrade your iPhone or fix a quickly draining iPhone battery.
