Apple Return / Refund / Exchange Policies

Synopsis

For fastest service, obtain a Return Material Authorization over the phone before attempting to return a product to a retail store. There is a $400 handling fee for abuse of DOA return, but this is assessed only in extraordinary circumstances.

Policy Statement

Return and Refund Policy

If you are not satisfied with your Apple purchase of a product, please visit online Order Status or call 1-800-676-2775 for a Return Material Authorization (RMA).

For iPhone returns, please refer to the iPhone Return Policy section below. For eligible Mac, iPad, iPod, and third-party products, you have up to 14 calendar days from the time you receive your item(s) to initiate a return. Personalized iPods (e.g., engraved or customized in any way) may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless such product is Dead on Arrival (see the section below for more detailed information on such Dead on Arrival products). If the item is returnable and you send it back to us unopened in the original box, Apple will offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. You must return the product to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation, and registration that shipped with the product.

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:

  1.        Personalized products, such as engraved iPods and iPads
  2.        Opened memory
  3.        Opened software*
  4.        Electronic Software Downloads
  5.        Software Up-to-Date Program Products (i.e., software upgrade subscription product)
  6.        Apple Gift Cards
  7.        Apple Gift Packaging (origami style gift box with ribbon and greeting card)
  8.        Apple Developer Connection Products (Membership and Technical Support)

*You may return software after rejecting the licensing terms, provided the software is not installed on a computer. However, software that contains a printed software license may not be returned if the seal or sticker on the software media packaging is broken.

Note: Apple recommends that you (1) use a carrier that offers shipment tracking for all returns and (2) either insure your package for safe return to Apple or declare the full value of the shipment so that you are completely protected if the shipment is lost or damaged in transit. If you choose not to (1) use a carrier that offers tracking or (2) insure or declare the full value of the product, you will be responsible for any loss or damage to the product during shipping.

iPhone Return Policy

If you are not fully satisfied with your iPhone purchase, you can return your undamaged iPhone to the Apple Online Store within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Please visit online Order Status or call 1-800-676-2775 to request a return. The iPhone must be returned in the original packaging, including any accessories, manuals, and documentation.

Service Cancellation

If your iPhone is returned to our warehouse within 30 days from the date of shipment, your wireless service will be cancelled automatically and you will not be charged an early termination fee. You will be responsible for all applicable usage fees, prorated access charges, taxes, surcharges, or other charges through the termination date. Please contact your phone service provider for more information about applicable fees.

Dead On Arrival (DOA) Product: System Failure Out of the Box

An Apple-branded hardware product is considered DOA if it shows symptoms of a hardware failure, preventing basic operability, when you first use it after opening the box. If you believe that your product is DOA, please call AppleCare Technical Support at 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) within 30 calendar days of the invoice date. AppleCare Technical Support will determine whether the product is DOA and offer you the following options:

  • Replacement: Apple, at its expense, will ship another of the same product. AppleCare Technical Support will put you in touch with an Apple Store Customer Service Representative who will arrange for replacement and the DOA product’s return.
  • Service: You may have the product repaired. However, once you choose that option, you may not request replacement of the product.

If AppleCare Technical Support determines that a returned product is not DOA, Apple will apply Apple’s standard product warranty to the product. Further, if AppleCare determines that you have misrepresented a returned product’s condition and that the product is not DOA, Apple may impose a $400 handling fee.

This DOA policy applies only to Apple-branded hardware products currently offered at the Apple Store. As new products are offered, Apple reserves the right to determine whether or not this policy applies. This DOA policy does not apply to third-party products that do not bear the Apple brand name. You must call the manufacturer directly with any third-party product issues.

APO/FPO Addresses: If you’re an APO/FPO customer and you’re outside the domestic delivery area, the standard Apple Return and Refund Policy applies — with the exception that you’re responsible for shipping the product back to a state-side return address, plus handling, customs, and inventory liability. Since you’re responsible for the safe delivery of any product you’re returning to Apple, we recommend that you insure it against loss.” – Apple web site

Quick Facts

Time Limit

 14 days / 30 days iPhone

Receipt Required

 No

Restocking Fee

 None

Refund / Exchange

 Refund or exchange at customer’s option

Original Packaging Required

 No

Probability of Success

 Medium

Conditions

  • Personalized iPods (e.g., engraved or customized in any way) may not be returned for refund or exchange under any circumstances unless such product is Dead on Arrival
  • If the item is returnable and you send it back unopened in the original box, Apple will offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. You must return the product to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA
  • All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation, and registration that shipped with the product
  • You may return software after rejecting the licensing terms, provided the software is not installed on a computer. However, software that contains a printed software license may not be returned if the seal or sticker on the software media packaging is broken
  • If you choose not to (1) use a carrier that offers tracking or (2) insure or declare the full value of the product, you will be responsible for any loss or damage to the product during shipping

Exceptions

  • Personalized products, such as engraved iPods and iPads
  • Opened memory
  • Opened software
  • Electronic Software Downloads
  • Software Up-to-Date Program Products (i.e., software upgrade subscription product)
  • Apple Gift Cards
  • Apple Gift Packaging (origami style gift box with ribbon and greeting card)
  • Apple Developer Connection Products (Membership and Technical Support)

More Information

  1. Sales and Refund Policy on the Apple website
  2. iTunes Store