Apple Return Policy [US]: A Simple Guide to Returning Your Apple Stuff

Apple has a return policy that allows customers to return most items within 14 days of receiving them. Whether you bought an iPhone, MacBook, Apple Watch, or accessories, it’s important to know the rules, conditions, and steps to return a product. In this article, we break down everything you need to know in simple terms.

Quick Overview of Apple Return Policy

Here’s a summary of Apple’s return policy in an easy-to-read table:

Standard Return Policy

Apple allows returns within 14 days from the date you received your product. However, keep these points in mind:

• The product must be in original condition with all included accessories and packaging.
• You need a receipt or proof of purchase.
• Apple does not accept returns for items bought from other retailers (you must follow the retailer’s return policy).
• If you paid with cash over $750, Apple will issue a refund via check within 10 business days.
• If you return an item purchased with an Apple Gift Card, the refund will be issued as an Apple Gift Card.

Non-Returnable Items

Certain items cannot be returned, including:

• Opened software (unless uninstalled and the seal is intact):  If you’ve opened a software package, you usually can’t return it unless the software is defective.
• Electronic software downloads: Software you download directly to your computer can’t be returned
• Apple Gift Cards: Once you buy a gift card, it’s yours to keep (or give away!)
• Apple Developer products (such as memberships and WWDC tickets)
• Software Updates: These also can’t be returned.

How to Return an Item

There are two ways to return an item to Apple:

Return by Mail

1. Sign in to your Apple account and go to your Order Listing.
2. Select the item you want to return and click Start a Return.
3. Follow the instructions and print the return label.
4. Pack the item in its original packaging and attach the shipping label.
5. Drop off the package at the carrier’s location or schedule a pickup.

💡 Tip: If returning a Mac, use the original packaging for safety.

Return In-Store

• Bring your item to any U.S. Apple Store.
• A specialist will process your return and issue a refund.
• If you ordered as a business, contact Apple’s Business Team for returns.

Puerto Rico Special Requirement: If returning an item worth over $2,500, additional export declaration steps are required.

Refunds

Once Apple receives your return, the refund process starts immediately. The refund method depends on how you paid:

• Credit/Debit Card: Refund issued to the same card within 5 business days.
• Apple Gift Card Purchases: Refund issued as an Apple Gift Card.
• Apple Account Balance: Refund issued back to the Apple Account.

For cash purchases over $750, Apple will mail a check within 10 business days.

Exchange Policy

Apple allows exchanges at any U.S. Apple Store, provided the item is available.

🚨 Exceptions: Personalized items (e.g., engraved iPads, AirPods) and custom-configured Macs cannot be exchanged. They must be returned for a refund.

Special Return Rules

iPhone and iPad Returns (Wireless Service Cancellation)

• Returning an iPhone or iPad does not automatically cancel your wireless plan.
• Contact your wireless carrier to cancel the service and avoid extra charges.

ZEISS Optical Inserts

If you’ve purchased ZEISS Optical Inserts for your Apple Vision Pro, here’s what you need to know:

• Prescription Inserts: These are custom-made and can’t be returned to an Apple Store. Apple will accept returns on behalf of ZEISS within 14 days of receiving them. To return, sign in to your Order Listing page or call 1-800-MY-APPLE.
• Reader Inserts: These can be returned to an Apple Store location within 14 days of receiving them. You can also return them by signing in to your Order Listing page or calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.

Gift Returns

If you received an item as a gift, you can return it and get an Apple Gift Card instead of a refund to the original payment method.

How to Return a Gift

1. Visit Apple’s Gift Returns page and enter the product serial number or order number.
2. Follow the instructions and print the return label.
3. Ship the item back to Apple or return it at an Apple Store.

Price Adjustments

If Apple lowers the price of a product within 14 days after you received it, you can request a refund of the price difference.

• Exclusions: Special sales events (e.g., Black Friday) do not qualify.
• Limit: Price adjustments apply to only 10 units per product.

FAQs

Summary

Apple return policy is simple but strict. You have 14 days to return most products, and refunds are issued quickly. However, some items cannot be returned, and returning an iPhone or iPad does not cancel your wireless plan. Always keep your receipt and return items in their original condition.

For more details on their return policy, visit Apple’s Returns & Refunds page or contact 1-800-MY-APPLE.