AT&T Return Policy: 14-⁠Day Window, $55 Restocking Fee & Exchanges

AT&T's return window for phones and other wireless devices is short, and the fine print on condition and fees matters. This guide covers devices bought directly from AT&T, based on AT&T's official Return & Exchange Policy page. For more AT&T guides, see the AT&T store page.

How long you have to return an AT&T device

If you bought your wireless device at att.com, over the phone with AT&T or at an AT&T branded store, you have 14 days to start a return or exchange ¹. The clock runs from the purchase date, or from the shipping date if the item was shipped ¹. Inside that window you get a full refund, less any applicable restocking fees ¹.

Business customers on a Corporate Responsibility User (CRU) account get longer: they can start returns up to 30 days after the purchase or shipping date ¹.

Where and how to return

You can return or exchange items once, either at an AT&T branded store or by mail ¹.

• In a store: bring the device to any AT&T retail store and an employee will process the return or exchange ¹.
• By mail: call 800.331.0500 within 14 days of the purchase or shipping date ¹. AT&T starts the return and emails you a prepaid shipping label to send the device back ¹.

Condition rules: what "like-new" means

AT&T only accepts devices in like-new physical and working condition, which means no physical blemishes, internal damage, screen damage or other external damage ¹. The return must include:

• All original components ¹
• The original packaging ¹
• The receipt or proof of purchase ¹

If anything is missing or the device isn't in like-new condition, AT&T may not accept the return ¹.

Restocking fees

When you return an item to an AT&T-branded retail store, you may be charged a restocking fee of up to $55 ¹. AT&T can also reduce your refund by the restocking fee amount ¹.

The one exception on the policy page: you won't be charged a restocking fee for an Apple device returned in unopened packaging ¹. If you think you might return an iPhone, keep the box sealed until you're sure.

How refunds work

Your refund, minus any applicable restocking fee, may be made through your original payment method, such as credit, debit or check ¹. It may take up to 2 AT&T bill periods to show up ¹.

Be aware that any promotions that were part of the original purchase are voided when you return ¹. If you got a deal tied to buying the device, returning it can cancel that deal.

Exchanging a device

You can exchange items for another device once within the return period ¹. Exchanges follow the same paths as returns: an AT&T branded store, or by mail by calling 800.331.0500 ¹.

If you bought an AT&T Certified Restored or AT&T Certified Pre-Owned device and want to swap it for a brand-new version of the same device, or for a different device, you'll pay the price difference between the two ¹.

Business lines with a term commitment

Corporate Responsibility Users with a term commitment should know that an exchange puts the line under a new service commitment ¹. The new term restarts from the date the new item is activated, which is also its purchase or shipment date ¹. The original activation date still applies for other purposes, such as the warranty period and calculating cancellation fees ¹.

Quick tips

• Mark the 14th day on your calendar; for shipped orders, count from the shipping date ¹.
• Keep every accessory, cable and the box: missing components can get a return refused ¹.
• Don't open a new Apple device until you're sure, since unopened Apple devices skip the restocking fee ¹.
• Returning by mail? Call 800.331.0500 early so the label arrives in time ¹.
• Compare other retailers' return rules in our returns guides.