How to return an item on Amazon, whether you purchased it yourself or received it as a gift

• You can return Amazon items you've ordered or been gifted, as long as your return meets certain qualifications.
• Amazon lets you process returns from the "Your Orders" section of the website or mobile app, or from the Online Returns Center.
• In most cases, you need to process your Amazon return within 30 days.
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Amazon makes it easy to buy any kind of item with just a couple clicks. But, if you've ever ordered or received an Amazon item that didn't work out, you can just as easily return it.

You can return items you've ordered on Amazon from the "Your Orders" page on the website or mobile app. To return a gift you've received from Amazon, you'll need to go to the Online Returns Center and enter the order number from your gift receipt.

How to return Amazon items

If your item is eligible for a return, start the return process by signing into your account on the Amazon website, or opening the Amazon Shopping mobile app. You can navigate directly to the Returns Center, or start from the Amazon homepage.

1. On the Amazon website homepage, click "Returns & Orders" in the top-right corner. On the Amazon Shopping mobile app, click the three horizontal lines.

2. You'll be taken to a page that displays all your past orders. On a computer, click the "Return or replace items" button to the right of the order. On the mobile app, tap the arrow ">" button, then tap "Return or replace items."

3. On the next screen, check the box next to the item(s) you want to return. Choose a response in the drop-down under "Why are you returning this?" Depending which return reason you choose, you may be required to enter additional information in a text box that appears.

4. Hit the yellow "Continue" button. On the next screen, you may be given the option to exchange your item for another, or the option to have the cash refunded directly to you.

5. Make your choice, then hit the yellow "Continue" button. You'll be prompted to print a return label. You'll also need to choose whether you want to drop your re-packaged return at a UPS location or schedule a pickup. Note that UPS pickups are free if the error was Amazon's, but these will have an added cost if the error was yours.

How to return a gift on Amazon

Don't worry, this process is discreet and easy, as long as your gift giver thought to include a gift receipt.

1. Go to the Amazon Online Returns Center and find the "Gift Returns" section near the center of the page.

2. Enter the "Order number" from your gift receipt and click "Search." Note that if the item was not marked as a gift by the sender, you may be out of luck, but you can reach out to customer service for help.

3. Click the checkbox next to the item(s) you wish to return from the gift, choose a return reason, then hit "Continue."

4. Choose the return method you wish to use: UPS pickup, drop off, or Amazon Locker.

5. Select how you wish to receive your refund: cash directed to a card you have on file or credit to future Amazon purchases.

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