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. Depending on your original form of tender, a check, wire transfer, or refund to your debit/credit card will be issued within 10 business days provided the returned item is in its original condition.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255507692
Returning opened store-bought Apple Watch - Apple Community
Apparently the returns policy for online purchases allows you to return opened products/watches within 14 days. My question: is there any chance of returning the watch and either getting a refund or a credit note for the full amount? ... watch return policy Hello...
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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 :/]

People also ask

Can I return an Apple Watch from the Edition collection?
You can return an Apple Watch from the Edition collection, but it’s a more involved process. It’s especially important that the watch is in original (read: NEW!) condition. Apple’s gonna put it to the test at one of their offsite facilities, so if there’s any damage or wear, they will catch it.
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thekrazycouponlady.com
thekrazycouponlady.com › tips › store-hacks › apple-return-policy
Apple Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know to Make Returns ...
What is the Apple holiday return policy?
Under the holiday return policy, any items purchased at the Apple Store between Nov. 3, 2023, and Dec. 25, 2023, could be returned any time through Jan. 8, 2024. For online purchases, as long as the received date was between Nov. 3 and Dec. 25, the same extended return window applied. All other terms and conditions of the regular return policy still apply during the holidays. And if you buy at any other time of year, you’re subject to the regular 14-day return window.
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thekrazycouponlady.com
thekrazycouponlady.com › tips › store-hacks › apple-return-policy
Apple Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know to Make Returns ...
Are there exceptions to the Apple return policy?
Yes, certain products aren’t covered by the Apple return policy — meaning you cant return them. We’ve already talked about opened software, but other things you cant return include: Apple gift cards Electronic software downloads Software upgrades App developer products Apple Print products
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thekrazycouponlady.com
thekrazycouponlady.com › tips › store-hacks › apple-return-policy
Apple Return Policy: Everything You Need to Know to Make Returns ...
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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...
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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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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251969370
Return item - Apple Community
I bought an Apple Watch, I have opened it will I still be able to return the item even if it is open? ... Yes, if you purchased it from Apple, as long as you return it within 14 days.
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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 - Not all return policies are created equal. If you bought your Apple Watch band from a retailer other than Apple, their rules apply—not Apple’s. ... If you plan to return through these retailers, make sure you read their fine print. Some may charge restocking fees or refuse returns on opened items.
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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
In the unlikely event 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. The product must be in its original condition with all of its included parts, ...
Find elsewhere
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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.
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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 - Other retailers' return policies may also vary. (Note that you are not talking to Apple here - this is a user-based technical support community). ... You have 14 days if you bought in from an Apple Store. ... Yes, you got 14 days and if there's no damages.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 250165861
I was wondering if i can return my apple … - Apple Community
Yes! If you purchased your Watch from Apple within the past 14 days, you can return it for a refund where you can put your refund towards the Cellular Model. If you purchased your Watch from someone besides Apple, it’ll be up to that stores return/refund policies.
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Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › wearable technology › smartwatches & accessories › all smartwatches › product details
Can you return an opened apple watch (just tried – Q&A – Best Buy
August 15, 2024 - Can you return an opened apple watch (just tried on for size comparison only) for a full – Learn about Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS) 44mm Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band - M/L - Midnight - (2022) with 0 Answers – Best Buy
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Apple
apple.com › help › returns & refunds
Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Education - Apple (CA)
Find out how you can return an item, how long the refund process takes, what to do if your invoice is not with your order, and much more.
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Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255504951
Can I return Apple Watch if opened? - Apple Community
Apple Watch Can I return my Apple Watch within 14 days without the box? My partner threw it out already unfortunately:( 811 1 ... Apple - Legal - Sales Policies - U.S. Retail Sales ... Apple generally offers returns within 14 days on hardware; if you bought it somewhere else, check the store's ...
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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 did bring the box, charger, etc. didn’t you?
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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.
If you purchase a product directly from Apple—online or in an Apple Store—the Apple website says: “You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.” Obviously, your return must include everything that come with the product, including the cables.
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Jump+
jumpplus.com › returns-and-refunds
Returns & Refunds Policy – Retail & Online | jump+
... For Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, iPod and related accessories simply return the unopened item with the original or gift receipt within 14 days of purchase in the original selling condition.
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MoneySavingExpert
forums.moneysavingexpert.com › consumer rights
John Lewis Twisting Returns Policy to Avoid Return of Apple Watch? — MoneySavingExpert Forum
July 23, 2020 - After speaking with John Lewis over the phone (after being hung up on twice), they claim that they can not accept the return for two reasons based on the wording of their returns policy: "Products that have been opened or unsealed (other than where necessary to inspect)" "Products that contain your personal data or have been manufacturer-registered"As far as I'm aware, for the first point, it's a legal right under the distance selling regulations (as it is also to not have to return products in original packaging) and was indeed necessary to inspect the product as it was purchased online without seeing it in-person and so it was needed to inspect it to determine that it had arrived intact and was a suitable size, which their terms also allude to but I'm told otherwise by the phone representative.