Apple's refund window and what qualifies

Apple offers refunds within 14 days of purchase for most items bought directly from Apple — whether through their website, app, or physical store. The item must be unused and in its original packaging. This applies to hardware like iPhones, Macs, and iPads, as well as AppleCare+ protection plans purchased at the same time as the device.

Apps and in-app purchases have a different path: you can request a refund through your iTunes or App Store account within 90 days, though Apple reviews each request individually. Digital content like music, books, and movies is generally non-refundable once downloaded, but you can still submit a request and explain why you want it back.

If you bought from an Apple reseller or carrier (like Verizon or Best Buy), their refund policies explore instead, not Apple's. Check the receipt to see who the seller was — it will say "Sold by" followed by the company name.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple refunds hardware within 14 days if it is unused and in original packaging, but you must start the process through your account or by contacting Apple Support.
  • App Store and iTunes refunds go through your account settings under "Purchase History" and require you to select the specific item and reason.
  • If you bought from Best Buy, Verizon, or another reseller, their return policy applies, not Apple's — check your receipt to confirm who sold it.
  • Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days after approval, but the time varies depending on your bank or payment method.

Starting a refund request for hardware

Go to support.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Select "Purchases" from the menu, then find the device or AppleCare plan you want to return. Click "Report a Problem" next to the item. You will see a dropdown menu asking why you want a refund — choose the reason that matches your situation, such as "I don't want this item" or "The item arrived damaged."

After you submit the reason, Apple Support will review it. If approved, you will receive an email with return shipping instructions and a prepaid label. Pack the item in its original box with all accessories and documentation, then drop it off at the carrier location listed in the email. Do not ship it without the label — Apple will not cover the cost, and you may not receive a refund.

Keep the tracking number from the carrier until the refund appears in your account. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days after Apple receives and inspects the returned item, but some banks take longer to post the credit.

Requesting a refund for apps and in-app purchases

Open the App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Tap or click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Purchases." Find the app or in-app purchase you want to refund — you may need to scroll or search for it. Tap or click the three dots next to the item, then choose "Report a Problem."

A form will open asking you to describe the issue. Be specific: if the app crashed, say so; if you bought something by accident, explain that. Apple's review team reads these descriptions and uses them to decide whether to approve the refund. Vague reasons like "I changed my mind" are less likely to be approved on the first request, though you can still try.

Apple will email you within 48 hours with a decision. If approved, the refund goes back to your original payment method. If denied, you can request it again, but Apple will likely reach the same conclusion unless you provide new information about why the app did not work as described.

What to do if Apple denies your refund

If your refund request is denied, you have one more option: contact Apple Support directly through support.apple.com or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE. Explain your situation to the representative — sometimes a human review produces a different outcome than the automated system.

Be ready to describe the problem in detail. If the app did not work, explain what happened and when. If you bought something by accident, say so honestly. Representatives have discretion to approve refunds that the system rejected, especially if this is your first request or if you have been an Apple customer for a long time.

If Apple still refuses, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. This is a last resort and may affect your ability to use Apple services in the future, but it is an option if you believe the charge was unauthorized or the product was misrepresented.

Refunds for AppleCare+ and other protection plans

AppleCare+ purchased with a device follows the same 14-day window as the hardware itself. If you return the device, the AppleCare plan is refunded automatically as part of the same transaction. If you bought AppleCare+ separately after the device purchase, you have 30 days to return it for a refund, as long as you have not filed a claim.

Once you file a claim under AppleCare+ — meaning you have already used it to repair or replace something — the plan becomes non-refundable. The coverage is considered used at that point, even if you only used part of the benefit.

Refunds when you bought from a carrier or reseller

If your receipt shows "Sold by Verizon," "Sold by Best Buy," or another company name, that retailer's return policy applies. Apple will not process the refund. Return the item to the store or carrier where you bought it, following their timeline and conditions.

Most carriers and large retailers offer 14 to 30 days for returns, but some have shorter windows. Check your receipt or the retailer's website for their specific policy. If you no longer have the receipt, contact the store directly — they can look up the purchase using your phone number or email address.

How long refunds take to appear

After Apple approves your refund, the money goes back to your original payment method. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund typically appears within 5 to 10 business days, though your bank may take additional time to post it. If you paid with Apple Gift Card balance, the refund goes back to that balance when ready and is available to spend right away.

If more than 10 business days have passed and you do not see the refund, contact your bank or card issuer — sometimes refunds are processed but take longer to show up in your account. You can also contact Apple Support with your refund confirmation number to verify that the refund was sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an iPhone if I opened the box but did not use it?

Yes, as long as you are within 14 days of purchase and the device is in its original packaging with all accessories. "Unused" means the device has not been activated or set up — opening the box does not disqualify you. If you powered it on or connected it to a network, it may still be refundable, but Apple will inspect it when it arrives.

What if I bought an app and it does not work on my device?

Report the problem through the App Store using the "Report a Problem" option next to the purchase. Describe what happens when you try to use it — whether it crashes, does not open, or does not work as described. Apple reviews these reports and often approves refunds for apps that genuinely do not function, even after 90 days if the problem is clear.

Do I have to pay for return shipping?

No. Apple provides a prepaid shipping label with your refund approval. Use only that label — if you ship the item without it or use a different carrier, Apple will not cover the cost and may not process your refund. Keep the tracking number until the refund appears in your account.

Can I get a refund if I bought AppleCare+ and already used it once?

No. Once you file a claim under AppleCare+, the plan is considered used and becomes non-refundable. You can only return it within 30 days of purchase if you have not filed any claims yet.

What if my refund does not show up after two weeks?

Contact your bank or card issuer first — refunds are sometimes processed by Apple but take longer to appear in your account depending on your financial institution. If your bank confirms they have not received it, contact Apple Support with your refund confirmation number and ask them to verify the refund was sent.