If you bought it directly from Apple, you have 14 days from the purchase date to return it . I haven’t seen anything about what they do with the returns. I know they test them and, if good, use them as warranty replacements. Answer from Frank_Chance on reddit.com
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Apple
apple.com › help › returns & refunds
Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple
Apple Watch from the Edition collection may only be returned or exchanged if it’s in its original, undamaged and unmarked condition after passing inspection at Apple’s offsite facility.
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iPhone J.D.
iphonejd.com › iphone_jd › 2024 › 10 › apple-14-day-return.html
Apple’s generous 14-day return policy – iPhone J.D.
Although the normal return period is 14 days, Apple does often provide a more generous return period during the holidays. For example, any product purchased between November 3, 2023, and December 25, 2023, could be returned until January 8, 2024, a 66-day return period.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255486629
Can I still get a refund if I want to return Apple Watch
If you purchased your Apple Watch brand new from an Apple Store or Authorized Apple Retailer within the last fourteen days, you should be able to receive a refund. ... As long as there is no damage and you are within the return policy period (14 days with Apple.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/applewatch › how strict is apple's return policy regarding the condition of returned watches? (and what exactly do they do with the returned ones?)
r/AppleWatch on Reddit: How strict is Apple's return policy regarding the condition of returned Watches? (And what exactly do they do with the returned ones?)
September 25, 2020 -

Hi all

I tried out a Steel Silver for a couple of days to decide if I want it versus the Graphite. Both very beautiful watches but in the end I decided to return the Silver... however I can say without looking at it there's going to be micro-scuffs/scratches. It's just a fairly soft steel.

With that in mind, surely it's impossible to return a steel Apple Watch in pristine condition if you wear it for any amount of time? So is this one area where Apple especially lenient? Their shops are super bright so if they are being picky you can bet they'll spot something.

Second... Since many people are no doubt returning non-perfect devices what on earth does Apple do with them all? Surely they aren't resold as-is?

Thanks!

[UPDATE: I returned it yesterday. Guy barely looked at it. He explained they break it down and recycle. That's a shame :/]

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Apple
apple.com › legal › sales-support › sales-policies › retail_us.html
Apple Legal - Apple - Legal - Sales Policies - U.S. Retail Sales
... We believe you will be thrilled ... a product is not what you expected, you can return or exchange it with a receipt within 14 days of the date you receive the product from Apple....
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WizeBand
wizeband.com › apple watch bands fashion guide - wizeband blog › can i return apple watch bands after purchase?
Can I Return Apple Watch Bands After Purchase? | WizeBand
October 9, 2025 - We’ll walk you through Apple’s ... Apple denies your return. Apple allows returns for Apple Watch bands within 14 days if the band is in new condition....
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255507692
Returning opened store-bought Apple Watch - Apple Community
The manager at the store told her, however, that the watch couldn’t be returned as it had been opened. Apparently the returns policy for online purchases allows you to return opened products/watches within 14 days.
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Quora
quora.com › Can-I-return-my-Apple-watch-after-14-days
Can I return my Apple watch after 14 days? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): Depends on who you brought it from, conditions of sale, etc I had my first Apple Watch for only a few days. It drove me crazy - constantly alerting me - Breath now! Stand now! Walk now! Wipe your nose now! I hated it - a lot So I sold it on Trade Me (like eBay) - because it wa...
Find elsewhere
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 254821670
Apple Watch Return Policy - Apple Community
If your son wants a different color band, the watch AND the band will need to be returned and make sure you keep the original packaging as it must be in the original packaging WITH all accessories. You also have 14 days from date or purchase to return the watch/band for refund, then you can ...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/walmart › walmart won't accept an apple watch for return
r/walmart on Reddit: Walmart won't accept an apple watch for return
December 22, 2023 -

My son came home 2 weeks ago from his shopping trip. I then noticed he had an apple watch he was messing with. Well, long story short he got a lesson in why you don't buy yourself gifts before Christmas. He went in 2 days later to try to return it and they said they can't. It's been opened and out of the box for maybe 5 mins. He has the receipt.

Apparently he went to return it, they said is anything wrong with it. He said no, and they said it's not returnable.

I cannot find anything about apple products having a no refund. The most I can find is the 30day policy on electronics which states you can return if you are unhappy with your purchase.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Edit to clarify a few things.

  1. My son bought the watch not knowing I got him one for Christmas. I can't normally afford these types of gifts so he had no reason to suspect I had gotten him one.

  2. I bought the one I got in October on sale on Amazon. It is past the return date unfortunately.

  3. I understand if it can't be done, I am not trying to be difficult, or trying to scam walmart or anything. I am feeling (unreasonably I am sure, but none the less) guilty about the situation. It's out of my feeling bad that I am trying to figure it out. I should probably let him solve through this himself, he's 19 and these are life lessons he should learn. He already feels really bad about it lol.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/bestbuy › trying to return an apple watch w apple care purchased on 3/18/24, getting denied
r/Bestbuy on Reddit: Trying to return an Apple Watch w apple care purchased on 3/18/24, getting denied
April 4, 2024 -

As the title states I bought an Apple Watch 17 days ago? And I would like to return it but I guess Best Buy only has a 15 day return policy. I didn’t know this until today so I was hoping that to get the return somehow but the sales consultant just recommended that I “flip” the Apple Watch.

There’s nothing wrong with the watch, I just want my money back. It doesn’t serve the need that I wanted it for which is to track my workouts. When I track my workouts it doesn’t feel good so I want to return it.

I honestly think that it’s murder to have a 15 day return policy, it’s so damn short of a time frame.

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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255908392
What is the Apple Watch return policy? - Apple Community
If you bought it from Apple, they offer returns within 14 days in most countries, and longer during the Christmas holidays; otherwise, check the store's policy.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 8282463
Can I return an Apple Watch if I took off… - Apple Community
February 16, 2018 - For an Apple Watch that has been purchased directly from Apple, Apple's Standard Return Policy can vary by country, but is typically 14 days, including if the Apple Watch has been unwrapped and tried on.
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Quora
quora.com › Can-I-return-an-Apple-watch-without-a-receipt
Can I return an Apple watch without a receipt? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): Apple’s return policy is within 14 days. If you don’t have your receipt - but bought your Watch from an Apple Store, there should not be a problem. A Product Zone Specialist will the scan the serial number in the box - you ...
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ScreenRant
screenrant.com › home › tech › tech features › apple return policy: how long & what you need to know explained
Apple Return Policy: How Long & What You Need To Know Explained
May 28, 2022 - ... However, there are always going to be occasions when a return is needed. Apple’s standard return policy allows consumers to return a product for up to 14 days after purchase.
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The Krazy Coupon Lady
thekrazycouponlady.com › tips › store-hacks › apple-return-policy
Apple Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know to Make Returns at Apple - The Krazy Coupon Lady
January 4, 2024 - We’ve already talked about opened software, but other things you can’t return include: ... If you bought Apple refurbished products directly from Apple, yes, you can return them. But you have to request the return within 10 days of delivery. You ...
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 256011297
What is the return policy and restocking … - Apple Community
I added money to my Apple ID account and I wanted to purchase an Apple Watch for 9.99 a month but it won’t let me do and I was wondering if I could get a refund [Re-Titled by Moderator] 394 2 ... You can return purchases to Apple (made at the Apple Store or at apple.com) within 14 days.
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iPhone Life
iphonelife.com › how-to › shopping
Everything You Need to Know about Returning Apple Products
January 16, 2024 - According to Apple’s return policy, undamaged products are returnable within 14 days from the date you received them. You can only return products purchased from Apple.com or an Apple retail store.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 254478395
What is iwatch return policy when purchas… - Apple Community
Return policy for store-bought product Returns & Refunds talks about product purchased online from Apple. What about items bought in-store? Same 14 day return policy for an Apple watch? Thought I had 30 days when I bought my MacBook 2 years ago...?