What is Amazon Renewed?

When you shop for refurbished devices online, there’s a good chance you check manufacturer sites as well as conventional retailers. However, Amazon has its own refurbished shopping section, Amazon Renewed, and it just may offer some significant discounts if you don’t insist on brand-new technology. We’ll explain what Amazon Renewed is, the products it offers, and the service you can expect.

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What is Amazon Renewed?

At its heart, Amazon Renewed is a shopping destination for refurbished, used, and open-box products available at lower prices than entirely new versions. Most of them are consumer electronics such as computers, games, smartphones, tablets, and TVs. However, you’ll find products from a range of other categories, including home appliances, lawn and garden care, office equipment, sports goods, and even automotive care items.

If you’re lucky, the prices can sometimes drop further through virtual coupons. You have to “clip” these coupons yourself, but they can make a product worthwhile if you’re otherwise hesitant about buying.

Amazon organizes the Renewed page into sections to help you find what you’re looking for. You can browse by category, by brand (such as Apple or Vizio), by coupons, and by featured deals. You’ll sometimes see themed shopping, such as back-to-school laptops.

What quality can I expect from Amazon Renewed products?

Like many companies offering refurbished products, Amazon and its partners inspect renewed items to ensure they work properly and are free of serious cosmetic flaws. These should look as good as new from 12 inches away. You may see minimal scratching or dents. Amazon guarantees a battery capacity of 80% or higher. The retailer will make it clear if there are any exceptions.

You may need to buy extra items, depending on your needs. Wireless devices don’t ship with headphones. Furthermore, included accessories aren’t guaranteed to be the official ones, but will be fully functional. You may also get a generic box instead of retail packaging.

Amazon also offers Renewed Premium products. Amazon will label these higher-tier devices as such, and they guarantee a “like-new” experience and look. Mobile devices with a battery also get at least 90% capacity, and the full satisfaction guarantee is extended to a full year (as opposed to 90 days). However, Amazon Renewed Premium products may still come with a generic box and accessories.

What kind of service and support can I expect?

Amazon won’t provide technical support on par with the manufacturer if you need help with a renewed product, but they offer some assistance if you’re unhappy.

If you aren’t happy with an item, you can arrange for a free return or replacement within 90 days of receipt. Renewed Premium products get a full year. Additionally, Amazon will provide a full-year warranty on any refurbished Amazon devices.

If you have any problems with a product, you can ask Amazon support for help either by phone (1-800-362-5703) or by clicking the Get Product Support button next to the item on the Your Orders page.

There are some things Amazon won’t cover. The support guarantee doesn’t address damage from accidents; you’ll need insurance for that. You also won’t get help for stolen items. Renewed products cost less in part due to the reduced support, and you should shop accordingly — a brand new product may be wiser if you want a standard warranty and the customer service to match.

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FAQs

While Amazon is a great place to get refurbished devices, there is a bevy of other online retailers where you can find them too. You can even find some brick-and-mortar stores, too. We have a guide of the best refurbished phone stores, both online and physical.