When Verizon Wireless began offering the iPhone, they reduced their return time for devices to 14 days, AT&T was more generous in the amount of time given to buyers in its return policy until recently.
AT&T has updated its device return policy, limiting the return period of 14 days to return a device for any reason or cancel service without paying an early termination fee (ETF).
Early termination fees have been get more and more expensive while data plans have become limited to usage based pricing.
AT&T customers have been receiving notices. The change to 14 days began on October 7.
AT&T customers will continue to have the option to update their voice and data plans at any time. The policy change won't affect select AT&T business customers, who will still have 30 days to return their devices and cancel their service.
All carriers require that the returned device must be in like-new condition with no physical or water damage and in the manufacturer's original packaging. You also must include original components including the device, battery, charger, manual, unopened software, and a copy of the invoice or receipt.
If anything is missing or the device is not in like-new condition, your return may not be accepted.
For AT&T tablets there is a 10% restocking fee but no restocking fee if the device is returned and an on open box. The restocking fee can be up to $35 or 10% of purchase price for accessories over $199. There is no fee if the box is returned unopened.
The ETF for AT&T smartphones is $325 minus $10 for each full month you complete under the service commitment.