Verizon Return Policy: 30-⁠Day Window, $50 Restocking Fee & Refunds

Verizon's return policy is short on time and long on fine print: you get 30 days, but a restocking fee, promo chargebacks and your service contract can all change what you get back. Here's how it works, based on Verizon's own support pages ¹.

How long do you have to return to Verizon?

Wireless devices and accessories bought from Verizon can be returned or exchanged within 30 days of purchase ¹. You qualify for a Verizon return or exchange if you bought from:

• verizon.com or the My Verizon app ²
• Verizon Customer Service by phone ²
• A Verizon store ²

If you bought at a non-Verizon retail location (an Authorized Retailer), that retailer may have its own return policy ¹, and Verizon says you must make the return or exchange at that location ². Check your receipt to see which one you bought from ¹.

Don't miss the deadline: merchandise returned after the return period – even by mistake – gets no refund, and Verizon won't send it back to you ¹.

The $50 restocking fee

A $50 restocking fee (plus any applicable taxes) applies to any return or exchange of a wireless device, excluding Hawaii ¹. When Verizon accepts a return within the return period, it refunds your purchase price, subject to that fee ¹.

Condition rules and exchanges

• All merchandise must be in like-new condition and come with the original receipt ¹.
• You can make one exchange ¹. Return everything – device, charger, battery, instructions and any other components – in the original box ¹.
• Verizon can decline a return or charge a fee for missing items, or for items it finds damaged or in need of service ¹.
• Shipping charges may apply to exchange merchandise Verizon sends you ¹.
• If you're exchanging a device that has a Verizon line, send the old one back after you've activated the new device ².

How to return a Verizon phone or accessory

In My Verizon: go to your Orders page, select View details next to the order, then choose Return or exchange and pick your items ². Mailed returns go in the original packaging and shipping carton with your receipt, and you attach the prepaid shipping label ². If you lost the label, start the return from the Orders page again to print a new one ². Exchanging an accessory online has two extra conditions: you must have been a Verizon account holder for at least 60 days, and your account balance can't be more than $24.99 ². If you don't meet them, ask about the exchange at a Verizon store instead ².

In a store: if you bought in a Verizon store, you can return to any Verizon store ¹, and eligible merchandise can also be returned or exchanged at a Verizon store ².

Before you hand over a phone:

1. Turn off Find My iPhone / the Find My app, or Find My Device on Android ².
2. Back up anything you want to keep – once the device is returned, the data can't be recovered ¹.
3. Restore the device to factory settings and delete personal data ².
4. Keep or destroy your SIM card and any SD card to protect sensitive information ¹.

When will you get your refund?

Verizon issues the refund once it receives the complete, undamaged equipment in like-new condition ²:

Purchases paid with a gift card are refunded to a gift card ¹. If the device box has no UPC, your refund is reduced by any mail-in rebate that was available when you bought it ¹.

Promotions, trade-ins and BOGO deals

• Trade-in value: Verizon charges back any promotional trade-in value if you return the promotional device or exchange it for another device ¹.
• Buy one, get one: returning only one of the items cancels the offer, and a charge for the promotional benefit appears on your next bill ¹.

Read the terms of the specific promotion before returning anything you got on a deal.

Canceling your service

A return and a cancellation are separate steps. Returning merchandise doesn't end your service – you must call Customer Service ¹. A few costs to know:

• Activation Fee: still owed unless you cancel within 3 days of activation ¹.
• Early Termination Fee: return the device within the 30-day period to avoid any applicable Early Termination Fee on a line with a minimum term ¹. Cancel after 30 days but before the term ends, and the fee applies ¹.
• Security deposit: returning it may take 30 to 60 days ¹.

These termination rules don't apply to Prepaid Plan customers ¹. For prepaid, Verizon doesn't refund service costs once a refill card is bought, the account is initialized, or plan fees are paid ¹.

What can't be returned

• Gift cards, except as required by law ¹
• Opened software bought separately – exchange only for the exact same item at a Verizon store, no refund ¹

Quick tips

• Check your receipt first: Verizon or Authorized Retailer decides where you return ¹.
• Budget for the $50 restocking fee on any device return or exchange ¹.
• Call to cancel the line – the return alone won't do it ¹.
• Keep the original box, receipt and every accessory together until the 30 days pass ¹.