Returning something to Walmart shouldn’t be a guessing game. Whether you bought the wrong size, received a damaged item, or just changed your mind, this 2025 guide covers the full Walmart return policy — including refund deadlines, online vs. in-store differences, non-returnable items, and what happens if you don’t have a receipt. We’ve stripped out the jargon so you can return with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
- Electronics and select tech items have a 30-day window.
- Major appliances must be returned within 2 days (online purchases).
- Wireless phones must be returned within 14 days.
What is the Walmart Return Policy?
Standard Return Timeframes
The Walmart return window is 90 days from the date of purchase for most items. However, there are exceptions based on product type and purchase method:
PRODUCT CATEGORY | STANDARD RETURN WINDOW |
Most items | 90 days |
Electronics & select tech | 30 days |
Drones | 14 days |
Major appliances | 2 days (online only) |
Wireless phones | 14 days |
Contacts, glasses, hearing aids | 60 days |
Perennials, shrubs, trees | 365 days |
Marketplace items | Varies by seller |
Notes:
- Original shipping fees are usually not refunded unless the return is due to Walmart’s error or a defective item.
- Refunds may be issued as store credit or gift card if the original payment method is unavailable.
- Some refunds (especially without a receipt) may take longer to process.
Item Conditions and Eligibility for Return
To qualify for a return, items must generally meet the following conditions:
- Unworn, unwashed, and with original tags (for apparel and accessories)
- Original packaging and all accessories (for electronics, appliances, and toys)
- Unopened and unused (for consumables and personal care items)
- Defective or damaged items can often be returned even if opened, but must be reported promptly
Certain categories, like groceries and fresh flowers, are covered by Walmart’s Fresh Guarantee and can be refunded or exchanged if not satisfactory.
Walmart is the largest private employer in the world, with over 2.1 million associates globally — more than the populations of several countries.
Proof of Purchase and What to Bring
Walmart accepts several forms of proof of purchase:
- Original receipt (paper or digital)
- Order confirmation email (for online purchases)
- Packing slip or shipping invoice
- Gift receipt
- Loyalty program account lookup (if you used your Walmart account)
No Receipt?
If you’ve lost your receipt, bring a government-issued photo ID. Walmart can often look up your purchase using your payment method, phone number, or email. If verified, you may receive store credit or a gift card instead of a cash refund.
Final Sale and Non-Returnable Items
Some items are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged under any circumstances, except if defective:
- Prepaid phone cards
- Customized or personalized products
- Opened software and video games
- Certain clearance and “Customer Value Program” (CVP) items marked “ALL SALES FINAL”
- Perishable goods (unless covered by Fresh Guarantee)
- Gift cards
- Alcohol and tobacco (subject to state laws)
- Opened medical equipment and funeral products
Always check the product listing or ask in-store if you’re unsure about an item’s return eligibility.
How to start a Return at Walmart
In-Store Return Process:
- Bring the item and proof of purchase to any Walmart location.
- Visit the customer service desk.
- Present your item, receipt, and ID (if needed).
- Choose a refund or exchange.
Online Return Process:
- Log in to your Walmart.com account.
- Go to your order history and select the item to return.
- Follow the prompts to initiate the return.
- Print the prepaid return shipping label (if eligible).
- Package the item securely and drop it off at the specified carrier, or return it in-store.
Mail-In Returns for Non-Online Purchases:
Contact Walmart customer service to request a return authorization and shipping instructions
Walmart Refund Policy
PRODUCT CATEGORY | STANDARD RETURN WINDOW |
Most items | 90 days |
Electronics & select tech | 30 days |
Drones | 14 days |
Major appliances | 2 days (online only) |
Wireless phones | 14 days |
Contacts, glasses, hearing aids | 60 days |
Perennials, shrubs, trees | 365 days |
Marketplace items | Varies by seller |
Notes:
- Original shipping fees are usually not refunded unless the return is due to Walmart’s error or a defective item.
- Refunds may be issued as store credit or gift card if the original payment method is unavailable.
- Some refunds (especially without a receipt) may take longer to process.
“When I shop at Walmart, I see America. Not just products — but people of every background. That’s powerful.”
— Shaquille O’Neal, Athlete & Entrepreneur
Full Policy Breakdown
- Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
- Electronics and select tech items have a 30-day window.
- Major appliances must be returned within 2 days (online purchases).
- Wireless phones must be returned within 14 days.
- Holiday purchases (Oct 1–Dec 31) can be returned until Jan 31.
- Items must be in original condition, unworn, and with all accessories/tags.
- Original receipt is preferred, but returns may be possible with valid ID.
- Online purchases can be returned in-store or by mail using a prepaid label.
- Third-party marketplace items follow the seller’s return policy.
- Certain items (prepaid cards, personalized goods, some clearance items) are final sale.
- Refunds are issued to the original payment method when possible.
- Refund processing times vary by payment type (up to 30 days for some).
- Shipping fees are typically non-refundable unless Walmart is at fault.
- Defective or damaged items can often be returned even if opened.
- Store credit or gift card may be issued if no receipt is provided.
Walmart Return policy FAQs
What is the Walmart standard return window for most items in 2025?
Most items can be returned within 90 days of purchase.
What is the Walmart return policy for electronics and tech products?
Yes, electronics must be returned within 30 days and include all accessories and packaging.
How do Walmart returns work without a receipt?
Yes, but you’ll need a government-issued photo ID. Refunds may be issued as store credit or gift card.
What is the process for returning Walmart.com orders?
Initiate the return through your Walmart.com account, print the prepaid label, and ship the item, or return it in-store.
Which items are non-returnable at Walmart?
Yes, including prepaid phone cards, personalized items, certain clearance/CVP items, and opened software.
How long does Walmart take to issue a refund after a return?
Refunds are usually processed within 10 business days for credit/debit cards, but may take up to 30 days for some payment types.
Does Walmart refund shipping charges on returned orders?
Shipping fees are generally non-refundable unless the return is due to Walmart’s error.
How do returns work for Walmart Marketplace or third-party sellers?
Contact the seller through your Walmart account and follow their specific return policy.
Can I exchange a product at Walmart instead of getting a refund?
Yes, most items can be exchanged within the return window.
How does Walmart handle returns for defective or damaged items?
Defective or damaged items can usually be returned or exchanged, even if opened. Report the issue as soon as possible.