Understanding Walmart’s return policy can feel a bit complicated at times. Walmart hasn’t always spelled out their policy in the clearest terms, but they actually updated their return policy page recently to make things easier to understand.
Below, we’ll go over all of the latest details of the Walmart electronics return policy, which is a bit different than their standard 90-day return policy.
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Walmart Electronics Return Policy
In most cases, you have 30 days from your date of purchase to return electronics to Walmart for a refund or exchange. But in the case of cell phones purchased at Walmart, this return window shrinks to just 14 days.
That said, there are a few items that could be considered electronics that are allowed a longer return window. Most notably, video games are allowed a full 90 days for returns at Walmart. You can read more about Walmart’s video games return policy in our post here.
As with all items, electronics returned to Walmart are expected to be in like-new condition and accompanied by their accessories, original packing, and proof of purchase. They do not have to be unopened, but they should not be damaged or missing any pieces or parts.
However, if you purchase a drone at Walmart, it must be unopened and unused in order to qualify for a refund. Otherwise, your drone will only qualify for an exchange.
Limits and Exceptions
The limitations of Walmart’s electronics return policy are as follows…
- Returns must be made within 14 days or 30 days depending on the item
- Items must not be damaged
- In the case of cell phones and drones, items must not be opened or used
- Items must be accompanied by all of their original accessories
- Contract cell phones must be returned to the same store where they were purchased
Some electronics are only eligible for exchange at Walmart…
- Opened or used drones
- Opened or used unlocked wireless phones
- Opened or used electronic medical equipment (such as pulse oximeters)
There is a very small list of electronics which cannot be returned to Walmart, including electronic sex toys and breast pumps.
Receipts
Technically, Walmart requires receipts for returns. However, they can look up in-store transactions if you paid with a debit card or credit card, and they can look up online orders with a phone number or email address.
If you paid cash for an in-store purchase, you will need to provide your own sales receipt. If you cannot, then there is a chance that Walmart might still approve your refund request, but it’s up to the discretion of the store manager.
If Walmart grants you a no-receipt return, you may receive your refund in the form of a gift card. You will also be asked to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID, which Walmart will copy and keep in their records.
Walmart tracks customers who request no-receipt returns. There is no official limit to the number of no-receipt returns you can request at Walmart, but if you are suspected of abusing the privilege, you will be blocked from requesting future returns.
How To Return Electronics To Walmart
There are two basic ways to return items to Walmart–in person or through the mail.
All Walmart purchases can be returned in store (including online purchases), with the exception of Walmart Marketplace purchases. However, items purchased in store cannot be returned through the online returns process.
Returning Electronics Purchased In-Store
To return your item to a Walmart store in person, follow these steps…
- Gather your item, original packaging, original form of payment, and purchase receipt (if you have one)
- Visit your nearest Walmart location (if you are returning a contract cell phone, you will need to visit the same store where you bought it)
- Find the customer service desk and let someone there know you would like to return an item
- The employee will walk you through the rest of the returns process, including issuing your refund
Returning Electronics Purchased Online
If you purchased your item through Walmart.com or the Walmart app, you can start your return online if you’d rather not visit a store in person.
First, log into your Walmart.com account through your web browser or the Walmart app. Next, follow the steps below…
The return methods you will be offered include…
If you have questions about the returns process, contact Walmart’s customer service at 1-800-925-6278 (1-800-WALMART).
How Refunds Are Distributed
If you’re granted a refund for your return, how you receive your money will depend on how you paid originally.
If you paid in cash, you will receive your refund in cash. If you paid with a credit card or debit card, your refund will be credited directly to your bank account.
Cash refunds are the fastest way to get your money back. For items priced at less than $10, you can opt for a cash refund regardless of how you paid originally.
If you’re refunded to a credit or debit card, bank processing times will affect how long it takes for you to receive your funds. You may have to wait up to three business days to see the funds credited back to your account.
If you return your item through the mail, you may have to wait up to several weeks to receive your refund due to shipping and processing times.
FAQs
Does Walmart have a strict return policy?
Not really. While they do stick to certain rules, Walmart’s return policy is known for being fairly flexible and generous. They even offer refunds without receipts in many cases, which is often not the case at major retailers.
Does Walmart give you money for old phones?
Yes! By using an ecoATM at Walmart, you can recycle your old phone for money (as long as your phone is in decent condition). You can also earn Walmart gift cards in exchange for your old devices by using Walmart’s Gadgets for Gift Cards program. Read more about Gadgets for Gift Cards here, and learn how to use a Walmart ecoATM here.
How long do you legally have to return an item?
Laws don’t regulate product returns. Instead, rules for returns are set by the companies that sell the individual products. When returning items to Walmart, you generally have about 90 days to return your item, but electronics are limited to 30 days (14 days for cell phones).
Can you return opened Apple products to Walmart?
Yes. As long as you still have all of your original accessories (and your original packing ideally), you should be able to return your Apple product to Walmart even if it’s been opened.
