iPhone 16 Pro Max Safe to return iPhone by mail (FedEx)?

[lowimpact]

I'm returning an iPhone 16 Pro Max that I purchased directly from Apple (unopened, no carrier, no applecare), I initiated the return process online and Apple sent me a FedEx return label. Normally I would return such a high value item in person, but I've been really unwell this past week.

Should I be concerned about returning this item via FedEx - ie. could damage, loss, or theft in transit impact my refund?

 

[nburwell]

You should be okay. But I would take pictures of you putting unopened phone back in the shipping box to show as proof in case the device is stolen en route back to Apple. I usually do this when sending high value items back so that I can cover myself in case something happens.

 

[Apple_Tiger]

Also don’t put those in the fedex dropbox. Always take it to your local fedex ship and print center and always take a receipt. when I returned apple products via shipping it back I had no issues with fedex delivering them.

edit: I meant don’t. Not do.

 

[hovscorpion12]

For returns I do typically recommend in store. if the store won't take it, then i say ship.

 

[lowimpact]

Did a bit more research and going to share for anyone else who finds this thread. Apple uses FedEx for return (and repair) shipping and the most common risks seem to be:

(1) Drop package in FedEx Drop Box, package disappears / isn't scanned in
(2) Drop package at FedEx On Site (eg. walgreens), package is stolen by employee before FedEx handoff
(3) Drop package at FedEx Ship Center (actual FedEx location), package is stolen by employee
(4) Package begins FedEx shipment journey and is damaged / lost / stolen during transit

Then it's up to the customer to escalate with Apple until they get an acceptable resolution. Generally, it's possible to get a refund from Apple and Apple takes the issue up with FedEx. If you don't escalate the issue with Apple and get a resolution in a timely fashion though (<30 days) Apple can choose not to provide additional support (ie. not provide a refund / not follow-up with FedEx). It did seem like as long as you were timely in following up with Apple and comfortable escalating when necessary that Apple will (usually) provide you with a refund in cases when FedEx is at fault for return / repair shipment handling.

In the end I chose to return the phone in person to the Apple store. Personally I really didn't want to deal with additional unexpected stress if something did happen either immediately after handing off the package to FedEx or during shipment.

 

[Jackbequickly]

You should not drop it in a drop box! Needs to go to FedEx and get a receipt with the box weight on it. Take images of the phone, both side and how it is boxed.

 

[lowimpact]

You should not drop it in a drop box! Needs to go to FedEx and get a receipt with the box weight on it. Take images of the phone, both side and how it is boxed.

100%. I would never put something expensive in a drop box. Or to put it another way I would always get a receipt for an expensive item after handing it off. The issues listed in my previous comment are just a list of the more common ones other folks seem to run into.

 

[Apple_Tiger]

Did a bit more research and going to share for anyone else who finds this thread. Apple uses FedEx for return (and repair) shipping and the most common risks seem to be:

(1) Drop package in FedEx Drop Box, package disappears / isn't scanned in
(2) Drop package at FedEx On Site (eg. walgreens), package is stolen by employee before FedEx handoff
(3) Drop package at FedEx Ship Center (actual FedEx location), package is stolen by employee
(4) Package begins FedEx shipment journey and is damaged / lost / stolen during transit

Then it's up to the customer to escalate with Apple until they get an acceptable resolution. Generally, it's possible to get a refund from Apple and Apple takes the issue up with FedEx. If you don't escalate the issue with Apple and get a resolution in a timely fashion though (<30 days) Apple can choose not to provide additional support (ie. not provide a refund / not follow-up with FedEx). It did seem like as long as you were timely in following up with Apple and comfortable escalating when necessary that Apple will (usually) provide you with a refund in cases when FedEx is at fault for return / repair shipment handling.

In the end I chose to return the phone in person to the Apple store. Personally I really didn't want to deal with additional unexpected stress if something did happen either immediately after handing off the package to FedEx or during shipment.

Definitely not 1 or 2. I never had issues with number 3 and have always dropped mine off at my nearest FedEx ship and print center. I also don’t use those brown boxes, they are easy target as most would know what’s inside. I simply just buy my own boxes in white at Target and package it. never had a single issue with that.

yes if you are overly concerned and scared and worried about it being stolen/ damage, best option imo is to returned directly at the Apple Store within the 14 day window. Now if it’s an online order, you technically have additional 14 days, so realistically have 28 days. You just need to initiate the return don day 14, which gives you additional 14 days for apple to receive it. This won’t work directly in store as they only allow 14 days

 

[menist]

I had my return stolen before back in 2021. I took lots of picture of it and had the drop off receipt. Filed a claim with FedEX, they admitted that it was either lost or stolen, but claim still got denied, stating per contract, I cant file a claim or whatever. Contacted Apple and a couple days later got a full refund.

If you live near a Apple store, just take it there. If you have to ship it, put it in a discreet box, like a Amazon box.

 

[JPack]

Obviously visit Apple Store if possible.

If using a courier, drop it off at the main hub (usually near airport) if possible. Higher security and less touches along the way means reduced likelihood of theft.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

If the courier is organised by Apple via the return process, it becomes the courier and Apples responsibility once it leaves you and you have a receipt of collection. If it gets lost or stolen, you are not liable whatsoever if there is proof of the return.

 

[Royksöpp]

If possible put that box in another box. I don’t trust FedEx. They know what an iPhone shipping box looks like.

 

[Momof2.1107]

I’m glad I read this thread because I never thought to use a different box instead of the box Apple supplies. I always return in person, but it’s good to do that if I have to return via shipping.

 

[itrimble1]

Obviously visit Apple Store if possible.

If using a courier, drop it off at the main hub (usually near airport) if possible. Higher security and less touches along the way means reduced likelihood of theft.

I attempted to do this yesterday to my local store on Baton Rouge Mall of Louisiana. I had my new phone and the young girl would not take my return since I had a chosen return by mail. Was she in the wrong ? I

 

[JPack]

I attempted to do this yesterday to my local store on Baton Rouge Mall of Louisiana. I had my new phone and the young girl would not take my return since I had a chosen return by mail. Was she in the wrong ? I

I remember doing that a few years back but the store was able to override it and allow for in-store return.

 

[jimmy_uk]

I've had successful returns to Apple UK with UPS and also had stolen/lost returns. I find Apple air on the side of protecting themselves first, so they initiate an investigation before offering a refund.

I've had to chase Apple believing the issue is now between them and UPS as I can prove I upheld my part of the contract and have proof of return. Investigation takes too long and I've never found out what went wrong (or how it was resolved) but have received my refund eventually.

It's very stressful when you're dealing with high-value returns so I always make returns to a store now.

I've had the same issue with Google and Parcel Force - in that case, the returns delivery driver tried to hide the phone under his truck seat (they are not allowed to carry packages in the cab). I found this out as I was allowed to speak directly with the courier depot.

 

[jimmy_uk]

I attempted to do this yesterday to my local store on Baton Rouge Mall of Louisiana. I had my new phone and the young girl would not take my return since I had a chosen return by mail. Was she in the wrong ? I

As mentioned, the postal return could have been cancelled and then an in-store return initiated. Sadly, sometimes staff default to the "I don't know how to do this because I've never done it" mode rather than seeking a solution. I work with people like this.....