When you shop on Amazon, you expect a seamless experience from the moment you place an order to the point of receiving your package. But what happens when you change your mind after initiating a return? Perhaps the item wasn’t as unsatisfactory as you thought, or maybe you found a way to fix the issue without sending it back.
Whatever the reason, you’re now in a position where you need to cancel your Amazon return, and you’re not sure how to proceed. Cancelling a return on Amazon might seem complicated, but it’s actually a straightforward process.
This article will guide you through the necessary steps to cancel a return and, if applicable, how to get a refund for your Amazon order. Whether you’re dealing with an Amazon Prime membership item, a standard purchase, or even a gift, you’ll learn how to do the cancellation and return process with ease.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor pending Amazon returns closely for cancellation opportunities.
- Cancel returns through the website or mobile app before the item ships.
- You cannot retroactively stop a return after sending the item back.
- Cancel Prime membership refunds within 3 days by undoing the cancellation.
What is Amazon’s Return Policy?
Amazon’s return policy is designed to be customer-friendly, offering a window during which you can return items you’re not satisfied with. According to Amazon, most items bought on Amazon can be returned within 30 days of receipt of shipment. However, there are exceptions and variations depending on the type of product and the seller.
Reasons for Canceling an Amazon Return
| Reasons | Description |
|---|---|
| Changed my mind | I no longer want the item. |
| Ordered the wrong item | I accidentally ordered the wrong item. |
| Item was damaged | The item was damaged when I received it. |
| Item is not as described | The item is not as described on the product page. |
| Other | Other reason for canceling the return. |
When Can You Cancel an Amazon Return?
You can only cancel an Amazon return when:
- You have not yet shipped the item(s) back to Amazon
- The return request is still open and pending
This means the return cancellation must happen during the window between requesting the return through Amazon and actually sending the product back.
Once the item ships back, Amazon considers the return final and processes your refund. At that point, you cannot retroactively cancel the return request.
How Long Does Amazon Give You to Return an Item?
Amazon sets return windows on a per-item basis. For most products, you have 30 days from delivery to initiate a return and send the item back.
Some categories have different return periods:
- Amazon Devices – 30 days
- Digital content – Varies
- Amazon Fresh/Pantry – 14 days
- Subscribe & Save – 60 days
Check your order confirmation email for your specific return deadline. As long as you cancel before this expires and prior to shipping the item, you can successfully stop the return.
How to Contact Amazon Customer Service
| Method | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1-888-280-3736 |
| Chat | https://www.amazon.com/Live-Chat/s?k=Live+Chat |
| [email protected] |
Cancel an Amazon Return via Website
If you requested a return through Amazon’s website, follow these steps to cancel it:
- Go to the Orders page and locate your return request.
- Select “Cancel return” or “Cancel selected items” to stop the process.
- Amazon will ask you to confirm cancellation and remove the pending return.
Once confirmed, Amazon will cancel the return, and you can keep the originally shipped items. The steps are quick and simple when caught in time.
Cancel a Return On Amazon via Mobile App
To cancel an Amazon return from your iOS or Android device:
- Open the Amazon app and tap the Returns icon.
- Find the pending return request and tap “Cancel return.”
- Confirm you wish to cancel this return to complete the process.
Following these fast mobile steps will instantly cancel your Amazon return through the app. Just be sure to act before the return window expires.
Cancel Amazon Return Timeframes by Category
| Product Category | Return Window |
|---|---|
| Amazon Devices | 30 days |
| Books | 45 days |
| Baby | 90 days |
| Clothing & Accessories | 30 days |
| Electronics | 30 days |
| Home & Kitchen | 30 days |
| Digital Content | Varies |
| Amazon Fresh | 14 days |
| Amazon Pantry | 14 days |
What If a Return Ships Before You Cancel?
If an Amazon return ships back before you can cancel it, the refund will automatically process. You cannot retroactively stop a return after sending the item.
In this case, you have two options:
- Keep the refund – Amazon will issue your refund per usual. If you still want the item, simply place a new order.
- Return again – Once you receive the unintended refund, make a new return request to send the item back again. Then place another order.
While not ideal, this lets you correct the situation if a return ships before you can cancel it. Just don’t forget to stop any unwanted returns before the shipment deadline.
Can You Cancel an Amazon Prime Membership Refund?
If you cancel your Amazon Prime membership within 3 days of enrollment, you can get a full refund of the annual fee.
To halt this Prime refund after cancellation:
- Go to Your Account › Prime membership.
- Find your cancellation confirmation and select “Cancel refund.”
- Amazon will stop the pending Prime refund and retain your membership.
By catching the cancellation in time, you can undo it and continue your Prime benefits uninterrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a refund after I cancel my Amazon return?
It typically takes 2-3 business days to process a refund after you cancel your Amazon return. You will receive an email notification once your refund has been processed.
How can I cancel a return request on Amazon?
To cancel a return request on Amazon, log into your Amazon account and navigate to the ‘Your Orders’ page. Find the order you wish to cancel the return for and select ‘Cancel return’. Remember, you can only cancel a return if Amazon hasn’t begun the return process, such as authorizing a refund or sending the return label.
How can I order and get a refund on Amazon if I change my mind about a purchase?
If you’ve placed an Amazon order and get second thoughts, you can request a refund by visiting the ‘Your Orders’ section of your account. Find the order you wish to cancel and select the ‘Cancel Items’ option. If the item has not yet shipped, the cancellation and refund will be processed. If the order has already been shipped, you might need to initiate a return through the Amazon Return Center once the item arrives.
What happens to my Amazon Prime membership if I frequently cancel orders or return items?
Cancelling orders or returning items does not directly affect your Amazon Prime membership. However, Amazon keeps track of customer activity, and excessive returns or cancellations could flag your account. It’s always best to cancel items you wish to cancel or return items according to Amazon’s return policy and in good faith. If you have concerns about your account activity, contact Amazon customer care for assistance.
What should I do if I want to return an item but I’ve already canceled the return?
If you’ve already canceled your return request but decide you still want to return the items to Amazon, you’ll need to visit the Amazon Return Center again and initiate a new return request. Make sure your item still falls within the return policy period and follow the prompts to print a new return label.
Is it possible to get a refund for items bought on Amazon without returning them?
Generally, to receive a refund, you must return the item to Amazon. However, Amazon offers a refund or exchange without a return in some cases, according to the nature of the product or issue. Always check with Amazon customer service through the Amazon app or website for your specific situation.
Can I cancel the return request on Amazon if I decide to keep the product?
Yes, you can cancel the return request on Amazon. To do this, go to ‘Your Orders’, find the order with the return request you want to cancel, and select ‘Cancel Return’. This option is only available if the return has not been processed by Amazon yet.
If I wish to cancel an item from my Amazon order, will the rest of my order still process?
Yes, if you wish to cancel only selected items from your Amazon order, the rest of your order will still be processed and shipped. To cancel a specific item, locate the order in ‘Your Orders’, and choose the ‘Cancel items’ option. Check the item(s) you wish to cancel and confirm the cancellation.
How do I know if I’m eligible to return an item I bought with Prime Video credit?
The return policy for items bought with Prime Video credit is similar to other Amazon returns. Check the order in your account and review the return policy details listed. If the item is eligible for a return, you can initiate the process through the Amazon Return Center. If you’re unsure, reach out to Amazon Customer Service for clarification.
Can I cancel an order on Amazon after it has already shipped?
Once an order has shipped, you won’t be able to cancel it directly through your Amazon account. However, you may refuse the package upon delivery or return it using the Amazon Return Center once you receive it. After Amazon receives the item back, they will issue a refund.
What to Do If You’ve Already Returned an Item That You Want to Keep
If you’ve already returned an item that you want to keep, you can contact Amazon customer service at 1-866-216-1072. They will be able to help you get the item back.
Can you cancel an Amazon return after getting refunded?
No, you cannot cancel an Amazon return retroactively after receiving the refund. At that point the return is completed. You would need to re-purchase the item if you still wanted it.
What happens if I return an Amazon item after the return window?
If you try to return an item after the return window expires, Amazon will reject the late return. Return requests must be initiated before the deadline based on your specific order.
How Can I Cancel a Return on Amazon?
To cancel a return on Amazon, you need to log into your Amazon account and navigate to the “Your Orders” section. Here, you can find the order you wish to cancel the return for and select the option to cancel the return request. This must be done before the item is shipped back or before Amazon processes the return.
Can I return just part of my Amazon order?
Yes, with Amazon you can initiate returns for just some items in an order while keeping the rest. When requesting the return, you simply specify which individual items to send back for refund.
Can I return to a different Amazon warehouse?
No, Amazon returns can only go back to the original warehouse that shipped the order. You cannot route returns to alternate Amazon warehouses.
How to Handle Accidental Return Requests
If you’ve accidentally requested a return, you can cancel this request by finding the order in your account and selecting the option to cancel the return. It’s important to do this quickly before any further processing occurs.
What to Do if You Can’t Cancel Your Return Online
There may be instances where the online interface doesn’t allow you to cancel a return. In such cases, reaching out to Amazon customer service is the best course of action. They can assist with the cancellation and advise on any subsequent steps.
How many times can you return items to Amazon?
Amazon does not impose a hard limit on the number of returns allowed per customer. However, excessive returns can trigger account reviews or bans based on suspected fraud or abuse.
How to Contact Amazon Customer Service for Return Issues
If you encounter issues with cancelling a return, Amazon customer service can be contacted through the Amazon app, website, or by phone. They can provide guidance and help resolve any problems.
Can you decline an Amazon return?
Yes, you can decline an Amazon return if you’ve changed your mind about it. You can do this by going to the “Your Orders” page on Amazon and clicking on the “Cancel return request” button next to the order you want to cancel the return for.
Can Amazon reverse a refund?
Yes, Amazon can reverse a refund if it was issued in error. However, they typically only do this if the refund was issued within 24 hours.
The Bottom Line
With Amazon’s wide return window, it’s common to second guess an initial return request and want to cancel. Thankfully, their process for stopping returns mid-process is quick and straightforward.
Just remember to act fast and cancel the return before shipping anything back to Amazon. This ensures you can painlessly halt the refund and avoid reshipping the order
