Quick answer: most items can be returned to Apple within 14 days. 4 exceptions below can shorten or change that.
Free shipping: Free, no minimum · Returns: 14 days
We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It never changes what we report. How we make money.
We read Apple's policy pages ourselves and last checked them on October 13, 2026. Every rule below links to its source.
Apple return policy at a glance
| What you bought | Return rule |
|---|---|
| Most items | 14 days |
| Apple Gift Cards | Not returnable |
| ZEISS prescription optical inserts | Return through your Order Listing page or 1-800-MY-APPLE within 14 days, not to a store |
| Products bought from other retailers | Return to that retailer |
| Ten or more of the same product | Return to the Apple Store where you bought them |
How returns work at Apple
- Return or exchange within 14 days of the date you receive the product from Apple, with a receipt, in original condition with all parts and packaging.
- Online returns include a free carrier pickup, or you can return to an Apple Store.
- Gift receipt returns get an Apple Gift Card. Approved refunds are issued within 10 business days to the original payment method.
- Apple may refuse a return if security features are switched on and cannot be turned off. Returning a device does not cancel your wireless service.
Can you return to Apple without a receipt?
Return or exchange within 14 days of the date you receive the product from Apple, with a receipt, in original condition with all parts and packaging.
See how other stores handle it in our no-receipt returns guide.
Free shipping at Apple
Standard delivery is free on all Apple online orders, with no minimum.
- Faster delivery costs extra (shown at checkout); free next-day and two-hour delivery is available for eligible items.
- Online orders ship only to U.S. addresses. In-store pickup needs a photo ID and the order number.
More detail, including how much you need to add to your cart: Apple free shipping.
Does Apple price match?
If Apple lowers the price of an Apple-branded product within 14 calendar days of when you received it, you can ask for the difference at an Apple Store or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, within 14 days of the price change. Apple does not match other retailers.
- Not covered: limited-time price reductions and special sales events such as Black Friday.
- Limited to 10 units of a product.
Full rules: Apple price match policy.
How Apple compares
Apple's standard 14-day window is shorter than most: 213 of the 229 stores we track with a fixed window give you longer. See every store side by side in our return window comparison.
Other electronics stores:
- Best Buy return policy: 15 days, shipping free at $35
- Newegg return policy: 30 days, shipping not listed
- Guitar Center return policy: 45 days, shipping not listed
- GameStop return policy: 15 days, shipping not listed
Sources
We took every rule on this page from Apple's own website and checked it on October 13, 2026. Policies change, sometimes without notice, so confirm on Apple's site before you rely on a deadline.
- https://www.apple.com/legal/sales-support/sales-policies/retail_us.html
- https://www.apple.com/shop/help/shipping_delivery
Spotted a change? Tell us and we will recheck it. Past changes are in our policy change log.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you have to return something to Apple?
14 days for most items. Exceptions include: Apple Gift Cards: not returnable; ZEISS prescription optical inserts: return through your Order Listing page or 1-800-MY-APPLE within 14 days, not to a store; Products bought from other retailers: return to that retailer.
Can you return to Apple without a receipt?
Return or exchange within 14 days of the date you receive the product from Apple, with a receipt, in original condition with all parts and packaging.
Does Apple have free shipping?
Standard delivery is free on all Apple online orders, with no minimum.
Does Apple price match?
If Apple lowers the price of an Apple-branded product within 14 calendar days of when you received it, you can ask for the difference at an Apple Store or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, within 14 days of the price change. Apple does not match other retailers.
Does Apple extend returns for the holidays?
The Apple policy pages we checked on October 13, 2026 do not mention an extended holiday return window.
