Not sure if you can return your Apple purchase?
Can you return an item to Apple? Check eligibility first
Apple Australia allows most items to be returned within 14 calendar days of receiving the product - no questions asked. The product must be in original condition with all packaging and accessories, and proof of purchase is required. Returns are only accepted for products bought directly from Apple Australia (online or in-store).
📦 You can use the product before deciding - just return everything in good shape.
🚫 Exclusions apply to digital goods, opened software, Apple Gift Cards, and Developer Program items.
✅ No restocking fees apply.
📜 Consumer rights under Australian law still apply beyond the 14 days for faulty or poor-quality products.
How to return an item to Apple
Returning your Apple product is simple:
- Online Orders: Log into Apple's Order Status, find your order, and hit “Return Items.”
- Package the Product: Include everything it came with: box, accessories, manuals.
- Free Pickup or Drop-Off: Apple arranges free courier pickup, or you can drop it at a local Pick-up Point.
- In-Store Purchases: Head to any Apple Store within 14 days with your item and receipt. Staff will process it on the spot.
- Need Help? Call 133‑622 to get support from Apple, a shipping label, or to arrange returns if you're stuck.
Apple return timeframes and item conditions
- Return Deadline: 14 calendar days from delivery or pickup.
- Condition Requirements: Product must be undamaged and include all accessories, manuals, packaging, and any promotional items.
- Data Removal: Erase your data and log out of iCloud before returning devices.
- Returns Must Be Local: You must return the item in the same country it was purchased.
- ❌ No restocking fees. Just make sure everything’s in the box.
Who pays for Apple return shipping?
💸 Apple covers all return shipping costs for eligible items.
- Free Courier Pickup: Apple’s partner will collect from your home or office at no cost to you.
- Drop-Off: Print your shipping label or let a local Pick-up Point do it.
- In-Store: No shipping fees at all, just return it in person.
- Original Delivery Fees: Only refunded if the return is due to Apple’s error.
- 📅 You typically need to return the item within 7 days of getting your return label.
Apple refunds after a return - how and when you’ll get your money back
Once Apple gets your item back, refunds are initiated immediately.
- 💳 Credit/Debit Cards: 3–7 business days.
- 🎁 Gift Cards: Refunded to your Apple Gift Card balance (email delivery).
- 💰 Cash/Bank Transfers: Bank details required. This usually takes up to 5 business days.
- 📲 Apple Account Balance: Refunded back to your Apple ID.
- 🧾 Financed Purchases: Refunds are sent to Latitude or other provider within days.
- 🔁 In-Store: Fastest refunds. Often same-day if paid by card.
Apple also provides an ARN for card refunds if your bank needs to trace it.
Apple cases submitted through Ajust
Apple flat-out refused my lawful refund without any explanation. Their support team dismissed me completely and didn’t offer any way to challenge the decision. I expected better accountability from a company like this. - Anh
I paid for the wrong repair after Apple’s advisor misbooked my service, even after I clearly asked for a front screen replacement. Fixing the mistake took hours, multiple advisors, and still ended with confusion about how to return the device. - Subodh
My left AirPod stopped working properly, and even after following all the troubleshooting steps, Apple made it really hard to get a replacement. It shouldn’t be this difficult to return a faulty product. - Sian
Customer experiences with Apple returns
👍 “No Fuss” – One customer returned and exchanged iPhones multiple times with zero hassle.
“Standing Your Ground” – A customer used their Australian Consumer Law rights to resolve a defect after 14 days.
Official Apple Returns Resources & Links
Apple Return FAQs
Can I return an Apple product after using it?
Yes, Apple lets you return used products within 14 days if they’re in original condition. As long as the item isn’t damaged and includes all packaging and accessories, light use is fine. This gives you time to test products without commitment, but don’t toss the box or lose your receipt.
What Apple items can’t be returned in Australia?
You can’t return digital items, opened software, Apple Gift Cards, or Developer Program products. Even if you’re within the 14-day window, these are excluded from Apple’s return policy. If your item is faulty, though, Australian Consumer Law still protects your rights.
How do I start an Apple return and who pays for shipping?
You can start online or in-store, and Apple covers return shipping for eligible items. For online orders, just log in to Apple’s Order Status page. Apple will arrange free pickup or let you drop it at a local point. In-store purchases? Just bring it back to any Apple Store.
How long does it take to get your refund from Apple?
Most refunds are processed within 3–7 business days once Apple gets the item. Card payments go back to your bank, gift card refunds land via email, and cash or bank transfers require your details. Refunds are often fastest when done in-store.
Every day you wait, your refund gets harder.
Don’t let the return window close. Let’s check if you’re still covered.