Congratulations on getting a new cell phone! I’m sure you’re excited to start using it. But what if after a few weeks, you change your mind and want to return it? Don’t sweat it, returning phones to Amazon is pretty straightforward as long as you know their policies.
And I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know if you need to send that new phone back to Amazon. I’ll share tips based on my own experiences requesting Amazon refunds over the years.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How returning phones works with Amazon
- Rules around open box returns
- Time limits to act fast
- Refund methods and timing
- Third-party seller policies
- Restocking fee details
- Options beyond 30 days
- Prepaid phone return specifics
- Signs Amazon may reject a return
- And more Amazon phone return intel!
Let’s dive in…
Step-by-Step: How to Return a Phone Purchased from Amazon
Returning a phone bought directly from Amazon is pretty straightforward. Just follow these steps:
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Start the return online – Log into your account, go to Order History to find the phone order, and select “Return or Replace Items”. Amazon will generate a return shipping label you can print out.
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Pack up the phone carefully – Pop the phone back into the original box it came in, along with any included chargers, headphones, manuals etc.
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Print and attach the label – Print out the prepaid return shipping label from Amazon and tape it securely to the box.
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Drop it off – Take the box to the mailing service noted on your label, usually UPS. They’ll scan it and get it on its way back to Amazon.
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Get your refund – Once Amazon inspects the return and confirms everything looks good, they’ll process a refund within 1-2 weeks. It goes back to your original payment method.
Pro Tip: Double check that you’ve packed up all the original accessories before sealing up the return box! Amazon may reject returns missing items.
And that’s it! Amazon really aims to make returns hassle-free for customers.
Now let’s get into the finer print…
Can You Return an Opened Phone to Amazon?
Yep, you can return a phone to Amazon even if you opened the box and used the device.
Amazon’s policy allows returns on opened cell phones within 30 days of receiving your order. This gives you plenty of time to try it out.
Just make sure everything is in original condition with no scratches or damage. And all accessories that came with the phone originally need to be in the box too. So don’t lose that charger cord!
Handy Tip: You can sync your data and factory reset the phone before sending back. No need to worry about deleting personal info since Amazon will wipe the device when they get it.
Be Aware! Third-Party Seller Return Policies Vary
Heads up – the 30-day return window applies to phones sold and shipped by Amazon directly.
But there are also third-party sellers that list phones on Amazon. They can set their own return rules that differ from Amazon’s standard policy.
Before you buy, check who the seller is and look carefully at their listed return policy. You’ll see this on the right side of the product page or in the seller profile.
If their details are unclear, reach out and ask directly about returns before purchasing. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to send it back later.
Pro Tip: I try to buy phones shipped directly from Amazon when possible. That way I know the standard 30-day policy applies.
Here’s the Deal on Restocking Fees for Returns
If you return a phone within 30 days of receiving your Amazon order, you won’t pay any restocking fees. Amazon covers the costs.
But if you miss that 30-day window, Amazon could charge a restocking fee up to 20% of the phone’s price.
These fees offset the costs of processing an opened/used item for resale. Third-party sellers may charge restocking fees too.
However, if the phone arrives defective or damaged, there are no return fees – even for late returns. Amazon eats those costs since it’s their mistake.
Good to Know: Average return restocking fees tend to run 10-15% for phones based on reports, lower than the max 20%.
Options If You Missed the 30-Day Window
What if you really need to return your phone but it’s been over 30 days since you bought it on Amazon? Here are some potential options:
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Request a late return – Reach out to Amazon customer support, explain your situation politely, and ask if they can make an exception. No guarantees, but may be worth a shot!
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Resell it – Sites like Gazelle, Swappa, and Decluttr let you sell used phones at a discount. At least you recoup some cash.
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Trade it in – Amazon, carriers, and manufacturers often run trade-in promotions where you get credit towards a new phone.
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Donate it – Organizations like Cellphones for Soldiers will take your old phone and refurbish it for a good cause.
While not ideal, a little creativity can help if you’re stuck with a phone outside the 30-day window!
Refund Timing and Methods with Amazon
Once Amazon gets your return, you can expect a refund in your account within 1-2 weeks in most cases.
Here’s how refunds work for different payment methods:
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Credit card – Refund will post back to the same credit card used for purchase
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Debit card – Funds deposit back into your linked bank account
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Amazon gift card – Refund added to your Amazon gift card balance
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Cash – Original cash payment refunded as an Amazon gift card
Good to Know: Amazon refunds around $11 billion in returns annually! So they’ve got the process down pat.
If it’s been more than 2 weeks with no refund, I recommend getting in touch with Amazon customer service to track it down. There may be an error they need to fix.
What’s the Deal with Returning Prepaid Phones?
Returning prepaid wireless phones can be a bit trickier with Amazon. Here are some tips:
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Look for "refundable" prepaid phones – Some listings clearly state returns are allowed. These don’t require activation first.
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Buy locked rather than activated phones – Locked to a carrier but not activated lets you return if needed.
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Know third-party seller policies – Their rules may differ from buying directly through wireless providers.
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You’ll likely pay return shipping – Prepaid phone return labels often aren’t prepaid, so you cover costs.
While prepaid phone returns take more planning, choose carefully and you can minimize hassles.
Can You Return International Version Phones?
Some third-party sellers import international or “gray market” phones to sell on Amazon. But returning these phones comes with headaches:
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Usually can’t be returned unless defective – Against most sellers‘ policies
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Won’t fully work on US networks – Made for different regions
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No US manufacturer warranty support – International warranty only
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Return shipping to overseas sellers required – At your own expense
My advice? Avoid these gray market phones entirely since returns are tricky. Not worth the hassle!
Pro Tip: Carefully read listings for any mention of “international model” or non-US warranty. Red flags it’s a gray market import phone.
When Amazon Could Reject a Cell Phone Return
While Amazon aims for easy returns, some cases will lead them to reject a phone return and refund. Watch out for:
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Missing accessories – All original parts must be sent back too or risk rejection. Double check those cords and chargers!
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Physical damage – Even minor cosmetic issues can cause a rejection if the phone condition has changed.
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Water damage – Returns with any sign of water exposure will likely be rejected for safety reasons.
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No receipt or proof of purchase – Amazon needs purchase verification to accept a return.
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Counterfeit devices – Knockoff or clone phones violate trademarks so can’t be returned.
Meeting all the return criteria is key for a smooth refund process! It avoids headaches from rejections.
Top Tips for Stress-Free Amazon Phone Returns
Based on my own experiences, here are my tips for easy Amazon phone returns:
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Unbox and inspect immediately – Catch any damage or missing items right away within the 30-day window.
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Don’t lose the box or accessories – Much easier to repack everything neatly for a return.
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Note important dates – Mark your calendar when 30-days is up to avoid restocking fees.
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Take photos documenting condition – Protects you if Amazon wrongly rejects for “damage”.
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Read seller return policies pre-purchase – Avoid surprises down the road.
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Act quickly for refunds – Start the return process asap once decided for fastest processing.
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Be polite but persistent with customer service – They can help with exceptions if you ask nicely!
The Bottom Line
Hope this info helps explain Amazon’s cell phone return policies and provides some handy tips based on my own lessons learned.
The key points to remember are:
- Returns are allowed on opened phones within 30 days
- Keep every accessory or risk rejection
- Third-party sellers have separate rules
- After 30 days, restocking fees apply
- Prepaid and international phones are trickier
As long as you follow Amazon‘s guidelines, you should have no issues getting a refund for an unwanted phone. Just be sure to read all the fine print first!
Let me know if you have any other Amazon return questions. Happy phone shopping!
