Buy online UK return to Apple retail shop?

[UKmacman]

Can anyone clarify the situation in the UK. A couple of years ago I bought an iPhone from Apple online and had an issue which meant I needed a replacement phone and the retail Apple shop said as I bought it online I have to return and replace it online.

Is this still the case or can I return/replace an online bought phone in the retail store.

Reason being if I ever need to have a replacement I don’t want to have to wait for a collection and replacement phone and would rather just go into a shop.

 

[maka344]

This has changed and can be refunded in store.

 

[rcp27]

While not in the UK, on the two occasions I’ve needed something to get fixed with iDevices I had no issues at the local apple store. One was an iPhone 5 I bought through my phone network (I dropped it, broke the screen, had to pay for a fix) and the other was an iPad 2 I bought from a 3rd party reseller (wouldn’t recharge when plugged in, they confirmed the fault and replaced it in the spot at no cost). On both occasions they never asked where I bought the devices and I never volunteered the information.

 

[KrisLord]

I swapped out my iPhone X case that had been ordered online.

They need the online order number, they process a return against that and then a new order for the replacement item.

I think they needed a bank card or Apple Pay from me but the card wasn’t charged....

 

[bearington]

I've previously returned online purchases in store, no problem 🙂

 

[UKmacman]

I've previously returned online purchases in store, no problem 🙂

And if they need to do a swap due to a fault they can also do this in the shop?