Apple Return Policy: 14 Days From the Day You Receive It
By the Returns & Refunds team · How we research
Summary
- 14 days from the day you receive the product, whether you bought it in an Apple Store or online.
- Bring the product with all its parts, accessories, and packaging, plus the receipt or gift receipt.
- Gift receipt returns are refunded as an Apple Gift Card.
- Refunds are issued within 10 business days of an approved return; cash refunds over $750 come as a mailed check.
On this page (6 sections)
Apple’s return window is short: 14 days from the day you receive the product. That applies to Apple Store and apple.com purchases. If you bought from another store, that store’s policy applies instead.
Source: Apple’s US retail sales policy and returns and refunds help.
The rules
- Time limit: 14 days from the date you receive the product from Apple.
- Condition: original condition, with all included parts, accessories, and packaging.
- Proof: the receipt, or a gift receipt.
- Security: Apple can refuse a return if security features (like Find My) are on and can’t be turned off.
What can’t be returned
- Apple Gift Cards.
- Prescription ZEISS optical inserts can’t be returned to an Apple Store, but you can return them to Apple directly within 14 days.
How to return to Apple
- Before anything else, back up the device, turn off Find My, sign out of your Apple Account, and erase it.
- Start the return in one of three ways: from your order list on apple.com, at an Apple Store, or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.
- Pack everything that came in the box: cables, adapters, documentation.
Refunds
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Approved return | Refund or exchange within 10 business days, after any inspection |
| Paid by card | Back to the original payment method |
| Gift receipt | Apple Gift Card |
| Cash or cash equivalent over $750 | Refund check mailed within 10 business days |
| Paid with Apple Account balance | Back to the account balance, or as a gift card |
Bought it somewhere else?
An iPhone or AirPods from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, Amazon, or a carrier go back to that store under its rules. Target, for example, gives Apple products 14 days, and Best Buy gives phones 14 days. Our store return policy table compares them.
Warranty repairs work differently: Apple handles hardware warranty service no matter where you bought the product. Apple’s standard coverage is a one-year limited warranty, and you can check coverage with the serial number. See the warranty claim checklist.
If you lost the receipt
Apple emails a receipt for online orders, and for store purchases when you give your email at checkout. Online orders are also in your order list on apple.com. For an Apple Store purchase, search your email for the receipt first, then ask the store. Our guide to getting a copy of a lost receipt covers the rest.
Common questions
How long do you have to return something to Apple?
14 days from the date you receive the product from Apple. It needs to be in its original condition, with everything that came in the box, and you need the receipt or a gift receipt.
Can I return an opened iPhone or Mac to Apple?
Yes, within 14 days, as long as it's in its original condition with all its parts, accessories, and packaging. Turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple Account first; Apple can refuse a return if security features are still on and can't be disabled.
What can't you return to Apple?
Apple Gift Cards can't be returned. Prescription ZEISS optical inserts can't go back to a store but can be returned to Apple directly within 14 days.
Can I return an Apple product bought at Best Buy, Target, or Amazon to Apple?
No. Returns go back to the store you bought from, under that store's policy. Apple's 14-day policy covers purchases made from Apple. Warranty repairs, on the other hand, are handled by Apple wherever you bought the product.
How long does an Apple refund take?
Apple may inspect the returned product first. If the return is approved, the refund or exchange is issued within 10 business days. Cash or cash-equivalent refunds over $750 are sent as a check within 10 business days.
Related guides
We have no business relationship with the stores or brands on this page. Policies change without much notice, so check the store's own policy page before you count on a deadline. If something here is out of date, let us know.