Apple's refund window and what it covers

Apple offers refunds within 14 days of purchase for most items bought directly from Apple — whether through their website, app, or physical store. The 14-day window starts the day you buy, not the day you receive it. Refunds cover the full purchase price plus any applicable taxes, and Apple returns the money to your original payment method.

What qualifies for a refund depends on what you bought. Apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions have different rules than hardware. A physical device like an iPhone or Mac qualifies if it's unused and in original packaging. An app purchased on the App Store has a different path entirely — Apple doesn't handle that refund the same way.

If you bought from a third-party seller — Best Buy, Amazon, a carrier like Verizon — Apple's refund policy doesn't explore. You'll need to contact the seller directly. The same applies if you bought a gift card; Apple doesn't refund those.

Key Takeaways

  • Hardware refunds require the device to be unused and in original packaging, and you have 14 days from purchase to request one.
  • App and in-app purchase refunds go through the App Store and use a different process than hardware — you request a refund directly in the app settings.
  • Subscription refunds depend on when you cancel: canceling before the first charge means no refund needed, but canceling after means you may get a prorated refund for unused time.
  • If you bought from a retailer or carrier instead of Apple directly, contact that seller — Apple's refund policy only covers purchases made through Apple's own channels.
  • Refunds return to your original payment method and typically process within 5 to 10 business days after Apple approves the request.

How to request a refund for hardware

For an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, or other physical device, start at apple.com/support or open the Apple Support app. Select "Purchases" and then "Return or refund." You'll need your order number, which is in your confirmation email. Apple will ask why you want to return it — the reason doesn't disqualify you as long as you're within 14 days and the device is unused.

If you bought in a physical Apple Store, you can return the device there instead. Bring your receipt or proof of purchase. The staff will inspect the device to confirm it's unused and in original condition, then process the refund on the spot or within a few days depending on your payment method.

Once approved, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack the device in its original box if you have it, or use the packaging Apple provides. Drop it off at any UPS location or schedule a pickup. Once Apple receives and inspects it, the refund posts to your original payment method — usually within 5 to 10 business days.

Refunds for apps and in-app purchases

Apps and in-app purchases work differently because they're digital and non-returnable in the traditional sense. Instead, Apple lets you request a refund directly through your device. On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, select "Media & Purchases," then "Purchase History." Find the app or purchase, tap it, and select "Report a Problem." Choose "I would like a refund" and explain why.

Apple reviews the request — usually within 48 hours — and either approves or denies it. You won't get a choice of refund method; the money returns as App Store credit, which you can use to buy other apps or make in-app purchases. If you need the refund as actual money back to your card or bank account, you'll have to contact Apple Support directly and explain your situation, though this is less common.

The window for app refunds is shorter and less formal than hardware. Apple doesn't publish an exact important date, but refund requests made within a few days of purchase are more likely to be approved. Requests made weeks later are rarely approved unless there's a clear problem — the app crashes, doesn't work as described, or contains a bug.

Subscription refunds and cancellations

If you subscribed to something through Apple — Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud storage, or a third-party app subscription — the refund rules depend on whether you've been charged yet. If you cancel before your first billing date, there's nothing to refund; the subscription straightforward doesn't start. If you cancel after being charged, Apple may refund the unused portion of your current billing period.

To cancel a subscription, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name, select "Subscriptions," find the subscription you want to cancel, and tap "Cancel Subscription." Apple will ask if you want to keep the service until the end of the current billing period or cancel when ready. If you cancel when ready, you lose access right away but may receive a prorated refund for the days you didn't use.

Refunds for subscriptions are not automatic. After you cancel, check your account to see if a refund appears within a few days. If you were charged for a subscription you didn't authorize, or if you believe you were overcharged, contact Apple Support with your receipt and explain the issue.

What to do if Apple denies your refund request

If Apple denies a refund request, you'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include: the device shows signs of use, the app was purchased more than a few days ago, or the purchase was made through a third party. You can appeal the decision by contacting Apple Support directly through their website or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE.

When you contact support, have your order number and receipt ready. Explain your situation clearly — if the device arrived damaged, if the app genuinely doesn't work, or if you were charged without authorization, provide those details. Support agents have some discretion to approve refunds even after an initial denial, especially if there's a legitimate problem with the product.

If Apple still refuses and you believe the charge was unauthorized or fraudulent, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. This is a last resort and can take weeks to resolve, but it's an option if Apple won't budge and you have a valid reason to believe the transaction was improper.

Refunds for purchases made through carriers and retailers

If you bought an iPhone through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another carrier, or through Best Buy, Amazon, or Walmart, Apple's refund policy doesn't explore. The carrier or retailer sets the return window and conditions. Most carriers offer a 14-day return period for devices, but some offer 30 days. Retailers vary widely — Best Buy typically allows 15 days, while Amazon's return window depends on the seller.

Check your receipt or the retailer's website for their specific policy. Return the device to the same place you bought it, in the same condition as when you purchased it. The retailer will process the refund, which may take longer than an Apple refund because it has to go through their system and then back to your payment method.

If you're unsure whether you bought from Apple directly or a third party, check your confirmation email. It will say "Apple" if you bought from Apple, or the retailer's name if you didn't. You can also log into your Apple ID at appleid.apple.com, go to "Purchase history," and see where each purchase came from.

Refunds for gift cards and store credit

Apple does not refund gift cards or store credit under any circumstances. Once purchased, a gift card is final. If you received a gift card and want to return it, you'll need to contact the person who gave it to you — they may be able to return it to the retailer where they bought it, depending on that retailer's policy.

If you have store credit from a previous return or refund, that credit can only be used to buy from Apple. It cannot be converted back to cash or transferred to another payment method. Use it within a reasonable timeframe; Apple doesn't publish an expiration date, but credits can become inaccessible if your account is inactive for an extended period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an Apple device if I opened the box but didn't use it?

Apple's policy requires the device to be unused, but opening the box doesn't automatically disqualify you. If the device is still in its original condition — no scratches, no set up, no signs of handling — you're likely fine. However, if you opened it and then changed your mind, Apple may deny the return if they determine it shows any signs of use during inspection.

What if I bought an app by mistake and want my money back when ready?

Request a refund through the App Store as soon as possible. Go to Settings, tap your name, select "Media & Purchases," then "Purchase History," find the app, tap it, and select "Report a Problem." The sooner you request it, the more likely Apple will approve it. Refunds for accidental purchases are usually approved within 48 hours if requested within a day or two of purchase.

Do I have to return the device in its original box to get a refund?

You don't have to use the original box, but the device must be in original condition. If you have the original box and packaging, use them — it protects the device during shipping and makes inspection easier. If you don't have the original box, Apple will provide a prepaid shipping label and instructions for safe packing.

How long does it take to see a refund after I ship the device back?

After Apple receives your device, they inspect it and process the refund within a few business days. The refund then posts to your original payment method, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days depending on your bank or card issuer. In total, expect 2 to 3 weeks from the time you ship it back to when the money appears in your account.

Can I get a refund if I bought AppleCare+ with the device?

If you return the device within 14 days, AppleCare+ is also refunded. If you keep the device but want to cancel AppleCare+, you can do so through Settings or by contacting Apple Support. Canceling AppleCare+ within 30 days of purchase usually results in a full refund; after 30 days, refunds are prorated based on how much of the coverage period remains.