With over 500 million units sold and shipped over the last 10 years, the Apple® iPad is a once-in-a-generation bit of gadgetry.
The popular US store, Target, sells the full range of Apple iPad tablets; including the pro version, the slim line air model, and the iPad mini as well.
If you’ve purchased an iPad from Target but no longer want it; perhaps it was an unwanted gift, it doesn’t pack the performance you’d hoped for or maybe it’s developed a fault, then you will want to know what Target’s returns policy is and what you need to do next.
To help you out with that we’ve explored Target’s returns policy for iPads in detail and will bring you up to date with what the returns window is, whether you need a receipt, how to return your iPad, and much more.
We’ve even performed a handy comparison with Target’s competitors to see how their policy holds up across the board.
Keep reading to learn more…
What is Target’s Returns Policy for iPads: In Short
Target’s returns policy for electronics is usually 30 days but this is reduced to 15 days for Apple® products including the iPad (but excluding iPhones). Return your iPad within that window for a full refund or exchange.
How to Return Your iPad to Target?
You can return your iPad to Target either in-store or online.
To return it in-store, you will need to take your iPad back to the store you purchased it from within 15 days with the packaging and receipt and present it to the help desk for a full refund or exchange.
You can also return your iPad in-store if you purchased it online. Remember to take your invoice for your purchase with you.
The easiest way is to dig your invoice out from your incoming emails on your mobile phone and present your phone to the help desk.
If you would rather return your iPad online you need to start the online returns process.
To do this:
- Access your Target account
- Locate your purchase history from the menu
- Locate your iPad order
- Pick either the fix an issue or return option
- Print off the return label and drop the iPad at your local UPS or print off the barcode and return your iPad in-store
Will Target Charge me to Return My iPad?
No, you won’t be charged to return your iPad. The returns label provides free returns delivery.
However, you may have additional charges to pay if you fail to return accessories like charging cables etc…
Target doesn’t charge a restocking fee like some stores so you won’t have to pay any administration costs to return your iPad.
Can I Return an iPad to Target Without a Receipt or Proof of Purchase?
When you make your return you should visit the store with either a receipt or invoice/barcode both of which are accessible within your Target account and in the Target app.
If you don’t have your receipt, then you should take along the card you purchased on and Target will attempt to look up your order.
They can do this if you paid on the following cards:
If you are unable to provide proof of purchase (receipt/invoice/barcode) or the credit/debit card you purchased your iPad on, then Target will refund through a “merchandise return card” for you to purchase something else in-store.
How Long Will it Take for Target to Refund a Returned iPad?
If you return your iPad in-store and seek a refund to the credit/debit card you paid on, then it will take up to 5 business days for the refund to be processed.
Obviously, it may take longer depending on your bank and card provider.
If you return your item using the UPS drop off then allow 7-10 business days to allow time for Target to receive your return, process it, and make the refund.
If you do return your iPad in-store then you do have several options as to where you want your refund to be credited. These options are set out below:
I Don’t Have the Box, Packaging, or Accessories – Can I Still Return an iPad to Target?
Target’s official policy is that you should return your iPad with all of the packaging and its contents including the box, accessories like chargers etc.. and the iPad itself.
If you’re missing the box or accessories then we’d recommend calling ahead to discuss this with Target as you may have more of an issue, especially if it’s key accessories that you’re missing such as charging cables etc…
You can do this by phoning Target. Contact numbers are found in their online help center.
Can I Return an iPad to Target Outside the Returns Window?
If you’re outside of Target’s returns window then we’d recommend discussing this with Target’s helpful staff using the numbers provided at the help center (see above).
You may get lucky if the 15 days have only just lapsed as there’s invariably some leeway when you discuss returns with a company.
If your iPad has developed a fault then we’d recommend returning it to your local Apple store.
Apple provides a 1-year warranty on its iPads and options to either take your iPad to one of its stores or to ship it to its repair center.
You can do this through Apple’s service and repair webpage.
However, bear in mind that if you are out of warranty Apple repairs are not cheap:
If you’re outside of the 1-year warranty that Apple provides, then check your home insurance or other policies in case they include accidental damage or refund cover.
Another option is to simply sell your iPad. Apple products generally depreciate much slower than many other brands and you’ll probably get a good price for a used unit and even cash for spares or parts if your iPad is broken.
How Does Target’s iPad Returns Policy Compare?
If you’ve not yet purchased your iPad yet and are shopping around then it might be useful to see what returns policies other stores provide.
We’ve looked into this for you to help you decide where’s best to buy from:
| Store | iPad Returns Policy |
| Walmart | Within 30 days of purchase |
| Costco | Within 90 days of purchase |
| Best Buy | Within 14 days of purchase |
| Amazon | Within 30 days of receipt or shipment |
Together with Best Buy, Target’s returns policy for iPads is pretty much bottom of the pile with Costco’s returns policy being far and away the best.
Related Article:
Target Toy Return Policy
Final Thoughts
Target’s iPad returns policy is fairly measly at only 15 days and is only beaten by Best Buy for the shortest returns window amongst its competitors.
However, Target does provide free returns delivery and they are normally a decent company to deal with when it comes to returns.
If you’re outside of the 15-day window, then you’ve still got other options including relying on Apple’s 1-year warranty if your product is defective or broken.
The good news is that iPads are known for their robustness and faultless operation for the most part as you would expect with most of Apple’s products.
However, if you’re simply returning your iPad to Target for reasons other than it being defective, then you’ll need to act quickly as 15 days isn’t a long returns window at all.
If you are outside Target’s returns window, you’ll probably get close to the purchase price of the iPad if you list it on somewhere like eBay.
