Apple makes the best phones on the planet. But maybe you want a different color? Or a different model? What can you do with your 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 your money back from your iPhone purchase.
The Terms of Return
Unless otherwise specified, diPhone’s can return for their full value when returned within 14 days of purchase. You’ll need everything from when you bought your iPhone including 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. So you can’t return one you bought from AT&T to Apple.
Finally, your iPhone must be in like-new condition. It should still function as normal, not be damaged, or have other issues.
If you are returning because of a manufacturing defect, that will fall under AppleCare. The same rules apply except you’ll have the option of a replacement iPhone or a refund.
Now let’s take a look at the iPhone return policy of the major retailers.
Apple iPhone Return Policy
You can either ship your iPhone to Apple or bring it to an Apple Store. 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 15, 2019 and December 25, 2019, may be returned through January 8, 2020.
- All purchases made after December 25, 2019, are subject to the Standard Return Policy.
Apple’s iPhone return policy is the same every year. So keep this in mind. If you want a little more flexibility, consider buying your iPhone then.
Amazon iPhone Return Policy
For the most, all retailers have a similar iPhone return policy. Amazon is a little more confusing. Amazon sells iPhones in a unique way. Either sell “renewed products” acting as a platform for certified sellers. Or they sell 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 days so you should contact Amazon directly if yours is.
For Renewed iPhones, you have more flexibility:
- Products on Amazon Renewed are backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee where specifically mentioned on the product detail page. With this guarantee, you are eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receiving the product if it does not 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 defective, 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 Policy
All four major carriers—AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile—have similar return policies. You have 14 days to return your iPhone. You will need your receipt. And, you may have to pay a restocking fee of $50.
With AT&T, you can exchange your iPhone within 30 days of purchase. Be sure to check carrier early termination fees. They can run as high as $325 in some cases.
Swappa Return Policy
Swappa allows individual resellers to set their own policies. So you’ll need to check directly with them.
Swappa uses PayPal for payments so they provide payment protections. If you’re having issues with a seller check Paypal’s return policy too.
Other Major Retailers
Best Buy follows a similar 14-day, like new, repackaged iPhone return policy. Target and WalMart give you 15-days.
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. What they do is purchase a new iPhone and then use the 14-days (on average) as a window to sell their old iPhones and other devices. If they don’t sell it in that amount of time, they get a refund and hold onto their old phones. This is a good way to get a discount on your upgrade.
You can get much more security with Buyback Boss when you sell your phone. Instead, buy your new iPhone then click here to see how much we’ll buy your old iPhone for. We offer a 14-day price lock so you don’t have to worry about whether your phone will sell or not. 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 the iPhone battery. And discover a whole lot more. Check it out now!
