Verizon gives you 30 days to return or exchange a phone, but charges a flat $50 restocking fee on wireless devices — and if you bought from an independently owned Authorized Retailer rather than a corporate store, a different policy may apply entirely.
The Restocking Fee Doesn't Depend on the Phone's Price
Verizon's own support page confirms the $50 device restocking fee is flat, whether you're returning a budget Android phone or a top-tier iPhone. It's waived if the box's plastic seal is still fully intact, if the phone arrived dead-on-arrival or defective, or for purchases made in Hawaii, where state law prohibits the fee. Accessories never carry a restocking fee, only phones and other wireless devices do.
Corporate Stores vs. Authorized Retailers
As covered in Verizon's holiday hours article, many locations carrying the Verizon name are independently owned Authorized Retailers rather than Verizon corporate stores. Verizon's own return policy explicitly notes that an Authorized Retailer may have its own separate return and exchange rules — check your receipt to see where you actually bought the device before assuming Verizon's standard 30-day policy applies.
| Return window |
30 days from purchase, for wireless devices and accessories bought from a corporate Verizon store |
| Device restocking fee |
$50 flat fee plus applicable tax, regardless of phone price (waived in Hawaii by state law) |
| Restocking fee waived |
If the plastic seal on the box is fully intact and undisturbed, or if the device is dead-on-arrival or has a hardware defect |
| Accessories |
No restocking fee applies |
| Exchanges |
One exchange permitted per item; shipping charges may apply to exchanged merchandise |
| Condition required |
Like-new condition, with original packaging and receipt |
| Authorized Retailer purchases |
May follow a completely different return policy set by the independent retailer, not Verizon's own rules |
Returning a phone does not automatically cancel your service plan — you need to separately contact Verizon to end your account, or you may keep incurring charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you have to return a phone to Verizon?
30 days from the date of purchase, for devices and accessories bought from a Verizon corporate store.
Does Verizon charge a restocking fee?
Yes, a flat $50 fee (plus tax) on wireless devices, regardless of the phone's price, except in Hawaii where it's prohibited by law.
How do I avoid Verizon's restocking fee?
Keep the box's plastic seal fully intact and unopened, or the fee may apply. It's also waived for dead-on-arrival or defective devices.
Does Verizon's return policy apply to every Verizon store?
No. Independently owned Authorized Retailers may have their own separate return policy instead of Verizon's standard 30-day rule — check your receipt.
