Apple vs Best Buy Return Policy

Apple

• Product must be in its original condition.
• All included parts, accessories, and packaging must be returned.
• Activation Lock must be disabled.

Best Buy

• Standard members: most products can be returned within 15 days of receipt
• My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members: 60-day return window on most products
• Activatable devices (cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, cellular wearables): 14 days for ALL membership tiers
• Verizon activatable devices: 30-day return window for all customers
• Major appliances: 15 days from delivery for all membership tiers
• Items must be in like-new condition with all original packaging, manuals, cables, and accessories included
• Apparel must be unworn, unwashed, with tags attached
• Missing packaging or components may reduce refund amount or result in denial
• Serial numbers must match invoices
• Health items that contact bodily fluids cannot be returned once opened

Apple

• Opened software with a printed license.
• Electronic software downloads.
• Software upgrades.
• Apple Gift Cards (includes previous generation Apple Store Gift Cards and App Store and iTunes Gift Cards).
• Apple Developer products.
• Products purchased through other retailers must be returned to those retailers.
• Returns only accepted in the country where purchased.
• Engraved items can be returned for a refund but generally not exchanged in-store.
• Custom-configured Macs cannot be exchanged in-store.
• ZEISS Optical Inserts - Prescription may not be returned to an Apple Store location.

Best Buy

• Restocking fee — $45: activatable devices (cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, cellular wearables), excluding prepaid phones
• Restocking fee — 15%: drones, digital cameras, camera lenses, camcorders (including action cameras), electric bikes, electric mopeds, premium scooters, super scooters, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, leg and body recovery systems, projectors, premium cold tubs, saunas, special-order items
• Restocking fee waived: if item is unopened, or if purchased and returned in AL, CO, HI, IA, MS, OH, OK, SC (and where otherwise prohibited by law)
• Non-returnable (final sale): custom/personalized products, non-subscription digital content, prepaid cards and third-party gift cards, vehicle key fobs, memberships and completed services, trading cards, items with 300+ watt-hour capacity, golf carts, UTVs, plumbing items, opened health-related products, opened SIM kits, LEGO products, consumables (ink, fuel, filters, batteries, supplements), delivered standby generators
• AppleCare+ plans: can be cancelled within 30 days for a full refund minus any service already provided; after 30 days, prorated refund based on unexpired coverage minus service value; AppleCare+ is excluded from holiday return extensions
• Holiday decorations (artificial trees, lights, etc.): must be returned within 15 days of purchase, not eligible for holiday extension
• Items with missing or altered serial numbers: not returnable

Apple

• Original payment method.
• Apple Gift Card for returns with a gift receipt or Apple Account balance (if unable to refund to account).
• Mail a refund check for cash or cash equivalent over $750.

Best Buy

• Original payment method (standard for all returns)
• Credit card refunds: 7-10 business days
• Debit card refunds: up to 10 business days (bank-dependent)
• PayPal refunds: 3-5 business days
• Gift card balance refunds: 2-3 hours to 1 business day
• Store credit/check: same day to 2 business days
• Cash refunds over $800: issued by check
• Check payment refunds over $250: issued by check
• Debit cards without major network logos: refund issued by check
• Gift card purchases: refund credited back to gift card
• Shipping fees only refunded if Best Buy made an error or the product was defective upon arrival

Apple

• Returns can be initiated online.

Best Buy

• Online purchases can be returned in-store with packing slip or order confirmation email plus photo ID
• Mail-in returns: log into Best Buy account, select item to return, print prepaid UPS label, pack securely with all original contents and packing slip
• Drop off at any UPS location with the prepaid label
• Tracking provided via email for mail-in returns
• Return shipping is free via the prepaid label for standard returns

Apple

• Returns can be made at any Apple Store.

Best Buy

• Bring item with all accessories, manuals, and original packaging to the customer service desk
• Provide receipt, order confirmation, or other proof of purchase
• Present valid photo ID (Best Buy tracks returns and may deny excessive returns)
• Purchases can be found using My Best Buy account, the credit card used, or photo ID

Apple

• Returns with a gift receipt will be offered an Apple Gift Card.

Best Buy

• With a gift receipt: Best Buy issues store credit for the item's purchase price
• Without proof of purchase: returns may be declined
• Store credit issued at lowest 30-day sale price if purchase cannot be verified

Apple

Not available

Best Buy

• My Best Buy (free tier): 15-day return window on most items
• My Best Buy Plus ($49.99/year): 60-day return window on most items; extended 60-day price match window
• My Best Buy Total ($179.99/year): 60-day return window on most items; free return shipping on mail-in returns; extended 60-day price match window; Geek Squad protection included
• All tiers: activatable devices are limited to 14 days (no extension for paid members)
• All tiers: major appliances are limited to 15 days from delivery
• All tiers: Verizon devices get 30 days

Apple

Not available

Best Buy

• Contact Best Buy immediately if items arrive damaged
• For major appliances: inspect during delivery and note any damage before signing
• Defective final-sale items may qualify for repair, replacement, or other support through manufacturer warranty
• Defective items within the return window receive standard return processing (no restocking fee)
• Geek Squad protection (for Total members) covers accidental damage beyond the return window

Apple

Not available

Best Buy

• Best Buy will match a lower price found at Best Buy (in-store, online, or app) during the return and exchange period upon request
• Standard members: 15-day price match window
• My Best Buy Plus and Total members: 60-day price match window
• Best Buy also matches prices from qualified competitors at the time of purchase (Amazon, Apple.com, Walmart, and others)
• Price match items must be new, identical (brand, model number, color), and immediately available
• Excluded from price matching: open-box items, clearance items, refurbished products, Marketplace products, deal-of-the-day or limited-quantity offers
• Updated effective January 16, 2026

Apple

Not available

Best Buy

• Exchanges follow the same timeframes and conditions as returns
• Same-item defective exchanges are fastest when done in-store with available stock
• Upgrades to higher-priced models require paying the price difference
• Activatable device exchanges still subject to 14-day window and potential $45 restocking fee

Apple

• Apple offers a more generous return period during the holidays.
• For returning ten or more of the same product, you must return to the Apple Store where purchased.
• Returning the device does not cancel your wireless plan.
• Apple can usually look up your purchase even without a receipt.

Best Buy

• Best Buy tracks return behavior and may deny returns for suspected abuse or excessive return patterns
• Returns without receipt may be denied or limited; taxes and fees may not be fully refunded
• Open-box, clearance, refurbished, and pre-owned items are generally returnable within standard timeframes if complete and in original condition
• Open-box items are excluded from price match policy
• Factory-reset and account removal required before returning activatable devices
• Verizon activatable devices have a unique 30-day window regardless of membership tier