How do I get a refund on an Apple store purchase?

Can I get a refund on anything I buy from the Apple store?

Yes, Apple has a return and refund policy that allows customers to return most products purchased directly from Apple within 14 calendar days from the date of delivery for a full refund. This includes purchases made online, over the phone, or in an Apple retail store.

What types of products are eligible for a refund from the Apple store?

Most Apple products are eligible for a refund within the 14 day return window, including:

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • MacBook
  • iMac
  • Apple Watch
  • AirPods
  • HomePod
  • Apple TV
  • Accessories like cases, cables, headphones

There are a few exceptions to Apple’s return policy:

  • Gift cards – opened or unopened gift cards cannot be returned
  • Software – software purchases can only be refunded within 90 days of purchase if unopened
  • AppleCare+ – AppleCare+ plans after 30 days can only be cancelled, not returned for a refund

But most hardware products and new unopened software are eligible for a full refund when returned within 14 days of receiving your order.

How do I request a refund from Apple?

There are a few different ways to request a refund on an Apple purchase:

Online purchase refund

If you placed your order on apple.com or using the Apple Store app, you can request a return and refund directly online:

  1. Go to apple.com and click on your Apple ID in the top right corner
  2. Select ‘Purchase history’
  3. Find the order with the item you want to return and select ‘Return or replace items’
  4. Choose the item(s) you want to return, select a reason code, and confirm your return request

Apple will provide a prepaid shipping label to return the item at no cost. Once the return is received and inspected at the warehouse (usually within 1-2 weeks), a refund will be issued to your original payment method.

Apple retail store purchase

For items purchased at an Apple retail store, you can return the product to any Apple store for a refund within 14 days of purchase. Bring the item with your receipt and original packaging to the store and let a staff member know you want to return it. The refund will be issued back to your original payment method.

Apple phone sales refund

If you purchased an Apple product over the phone through Apple phone sales, you can call 1-800-MY-APPLE to request a return and refund:

  1. Call 1-800-692-7753
  2. Provide the order number, item(s) to be returned, and reason code
  3. Apple will email a prepaid shipping label to use for the return
  4. Once received and inspected, refund will be issued to original payment method

How long does an Apple refund take?

In most cases, Apple issues refunds within 1-2 weeks of receiving the returned item at the warehouse and inspecting it.

Here is the typical Apple refund timeline:

  • 1 day – Request refund and set up return delivery
  • 3-7 days – Apple receives and processes the return shipment
  • 1-5 days – Apple inspects the return
  • 1-7 days – Refund is issued to the original payment method

So in total, it generally takes 10-20 days from initiating a return to seeing the refund on your account or credit card statement.

Apple states refunds can take up to 14 calendar days after the returned items are received and inspected. If you don’t see the refund within 3 weeks, you may want to contact Apple support for an update on the status.

Can I return part of my order or do I have to return everything?

With Apple online orders, you can choose to return specific items from your shipment while keeping other items. For example, if you ordered an iPhone, case, and cable – you could decide to only return the case if you ended up not liking it.

When requesting the return online, you simply select only the item(s) you want to send back from your order.

For in-store purchases, you can also return individual items from your original transaction. Bring the item(s) you want to return with the original receipt.

So you do not need to return the entire order if you only want a refund for a portion of the purchase. Apple allows partial returns on orders.

What condition does the item need to be returned in?

For a full refund, items should be returned to Apple in new unused condition along with all original parts, manuals, and accessories that shipped in the original packaging.

Some general guidelines on condition of returns:

  • Item should be undamaged and in working order
  • Original packaging, manuals, accessories must be included
  • Seals on software, film, or packaging should not be broken
  • Item should not have been activated or registered
  • No alterations made to the product

The item will be inspected upon return and a refund may be denied if it is not in as-new resalable condition according to Apple’s terms. So be sure to pack items securely and include all components when returning.

Will I have to pay any fees for returning an item?

Apple does not charge any restocking or return fees as long as each item is returned undamaged with original accessories and packaging within 14 days of delivery.

You do not have to pay for return shipping – Apple will provide a prepaid shipping label via email so returns can be sent back at no cost.

And once received and inspected, a full refund is issued, so there are no deduction fees taken out.

As long as you adhere to the return policy, there are no fees or penalties for returning most Apple products within 14 days of receiving your online order or retail store purchase.

Can I get a refund for a customized or built-to-order Mac?

For customized Mac computers ordered online from the Apple Store that are built-to-order with specific component selections (processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, etc), returns are handled on a case-by-case basis:

  • You can request a return within 14 days, but refund eligibility will depend on inventory and resellability.
  • Standard returns and refunds are not always guaranteed for custom built-to-order Macs.
  • Apple will evaluate the return request and may offer repair, replacement, or partial refund instead.
  • Return costs may also be deducted if condition means the Mac has to be scrapped.

So while you can request a return on a custom Mac order, the refund policy is more restrictive and Apple may decline a full refund if the specific configuration means the computer cannot be resold as new.

How is a refund issued when returning an Apple product?

When you return an eligible Apple product within the 14 day return window, a full refund will be issued back to the original payment method used to place the order.

Refunds to credit/debit cards

For orders paid for by credit or debit card, the refund will be issued back to the same card used at the time of purchase. It typically takes 1-7 days after the returned item is received for the refund to post to the account.

Refunds to Apple Gift Cards

If the order was paid for using an Apple Gift Card, the refund will be credited back to that gift card.

Other payment methods

For returns of items purchased through installment plans, approved financing, or other payment methods, the refund timeframe may vary but will be credited to the original payment account.

You will receive a notification from Apple when the return has been processed and refund has been issued. If you paid with something other than a debit/credit card, the notification may include additional steps needed to access the refunded amount.

Can I exchange an item instead of requesting a refund?

Yes, Apple also allows exchanges for a different product or color/capacity as an alternative to just requesting a standard refund on a return.

To exchange an online purchase:

  1. Start a return request and select the item you want to exchange
  2. Choose if you want a different color, capacity etc if exchanging for the same item
  3. Or select the completely new replacement item you want
  4. Apple will ship the exchange order and email a return shipping label
  5. Send back the original item within 14 days using the provided label

For retail purchases, take the item and receipt back to the Apple Store. Let a specialist know you want to exchange the item and they will assist you in finding a replacement product.

Exchanges allow you to get a different Apple product rather than just getting a refund on the return. And the 14 day return window still applies from original purchase date.

What if my Apple product is defective?

If your Apple product is defective, damaged, or develops an issue that makes it inoperable within the 1 year standard warranty period, you can take advantage of Apple’s warranty service instead of just requesting a standard return.

Apple may provide one of a few resolution options if a product is found defective within warranty:

  • Repair – Item may be repaired using new Apple parts
  • Replace – Item will be replaced with a new or refurbished version
  • Refund – Full refund if no repair or replacement options are available

Contact Apple Support to troubleshoot the issue on an in-warranty product. If a hardware defect or other warranty-covered issue is confirmed, Apple will advise on next steps for repair, replacement, or refund.

What should I do if my Apple purchase arrives damaged or faulty?

If you receive an Apple product that seems to have damage or a defect right out of the box:

  1. Contact Apple Support within 14 days of receiving the delivery and explain the issue.
  2. Be prepared to provide your order number and describe the damage or defect.
  3. Apple will determine if a replacement, return for refund, or other resolution is appropriate.
  4. Do not attempt to return the damaged item on your own without contacting Apple first.

Notify Apple as soon as possible upon receiving a damaged or faulty new product, so the issue and options can be documented by support. This also helps prevent return fraud and ensures the fastest resolution.

Can I get a refund on opened software or video games?

Apple has a more restrictive policy on returns of opened software:

  • Software can only be returned for a refund within 90 days of purchase from Apple.
  • The software or app must be unopened and sealed in original packaging to qualify for a refund.
  • Once software packaging and seals are broken, only exchanges for identical software are allowed.
  • Open software cannot be returned for a refund under normal policy.

So you would only be able to get a refund on software if the original packaging and seals have not been opened yet. This mainly applies to physical discs – downloads would fall under standard 14 day return policy.

Can I return an Apple product purchased from a third-party retailer?

Apple’s standard return policy only applies to products purchased directly from Apple – either online, over the phone, or at an Apple retail store location.

Returns and refunds for Apple products purchased from third-party retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, mobile carriers, or other authorized resellers will be subject to the return policy of that specific retailer.

You would have to check with the store or site where you purchased the Apple product to see what their eligibility requirements are for returns and exchanges. Apple cannot process returns or administer refunds for products purchased through other retailers.

What is Apple’s price adjustment policy if an item goes on sale?

Apple does not offer price adjustments if an item you purchased goes on sale or gets discounted shortly after your purchase.

However, Apple does have a price match policy at the time of purchase:

  • Apple will match a lower price if found at another authorized retailer.
  • Must be the exact same item in stock and new condition.
  • Excludes special deals, open-box items, refurbs, used.
  • You have to ask for the price match at time of purchasing.

So if buying directly from Apple, you can request they match a current lower published price. But if a product later goes on sale after your purchase, unfortunately no price adjustment is provided.

Can I return educational purchases from the Apple Education Store?

Yes, products purchased from Apple’s Education Store for students, teachers, and schools follow the standard 14 day return policy.

Educational discounted purchases can be returned for a refund as long as they meet the regular eligibility requirements, including:

  • Returning within 14 days of receiving shipment
  • Item is undamaged and unused with original packaging
  • Education discount will be deducted from the refund amount

Just note that the educational pricing discount amount will be subtracted from the refund credit since that discount was applied at the time of initial purchase. Aside from that, education purchases can be returned just like regular Apple Store orders.

Conclusion

In summary, Apple provides a 14 day return window for requesting a refund on most products purchased directly from Apple online, over the phone, or at an Apple retail store location. To be eligible for a return, items must be unused and undamaged with all original components and packaging intact.

Apple will provide pre-paid shipping labels to make returns easy and does not charge restocking fees as long as the 14 day policy conditions are met. Refunds are typically issued within 10-20 days after Apple has received and processed the return shipment.

Knowing the ins and outs of Apple’s return and refund policy makes it easy and hassle-free to get your money back if you change your mind or receive a defective or damaged product from Apple. Just be sure to thoroughly check your item within 14 days and promptly contact Apple if any issues come up.

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