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I recently terminated my AT&T Wireless contract to switch to another provider.
To my surprise, after a few days, I received a huge bill stating that I had not returned the AT&T equipment.
So, I went through the terms and conditions and realized that certain equipment like TV receivers, routers, and others must be returned after canceling AT&T service.
The only way to save yourself from paying any extra charge incurred by AT&T is by timely returning their equipment.
Most people do not enjoy reading the long documents provided by the company.
Hence, I have detailed all the nitty-gritty of the process in this article.
You can return AT&T Equipment by mail, delivering it to FedEx or UPS, or you can go to any AT&T center using return kits. You will have to pay a $150 per unit fee for not returning equipment on time.
This simple article will help you understand AT&T’s termination and return policies.
Why You Should Return your AT&T Equipment
If you do not return your equipment within the provided time frame, a $150 per unit equipment fee will be applied to your account or credit card.
AT&T recommends that you begin your return within 10 days of termination of services to avoid being charged for unreturned equipment while it is en route.
If your AT&T gadget does not meet your expectations, you only have 30 days from the day the equipment was received to return it.
To avoid being charged the entire price, you must return your equipment if any of the following circ*mstances occur:
- AT&T service was recently canceled or terminated.
- Wanted to exchange faulty equipment.
- Received advice from an AT&T person to return the equipment.
AT&T Equipment you Should Return
AT&T provides all the devices and accessories needed for setting up the system.
However, you should be aware that not all equipment may be returned to the vendor.
You pay an upfront cost for some of the equipment that belongs to you.
Items from AT&T You Need To Return
- If the remote control is broken, it can be returned.
- Power wires that are damaged
- TV receivers not purchased more than two weeks ago
- Routers
Non-Returnable Items
- WiFi extenders, Ethernet cables, and other items that may be used without AT&T services.
- The satellite and its components
- Backup battery
- Any other item that you have owned for more than 14 days from the day of purchase.
AT&T Equipment Return Procedure
By Mail
AT&T advises returning your equipment by mail and delivering it to FedEx or UPS in particular.
You don’t need to package the equipment if they want you to use UPS or FedEx; you only need to visit a FedEx or UPS facility with the unboxed equipment and your account.
In Person
You can also return your equipment in person if you want. Go to the nearest AT&T service provider and return the equipment.
Ensure you get a receipt to affirm it was returned within 21 days.
Where to Return AT&T Equipment
Keep a copy of your return receipt or tracking number when you drop off your equipment.
If you previously delivered the equipment to FedEx or UPS and are missing a reference number, simply return it and request a duplicate.
Via FedX or UPS
To return the equipment, you must go to a FedX office pack and ship location or a UPS store if you want to return your AT&T Wireless equipment through FedX or UPS.
Take your unboxed equipment as well as your account number. Your most recent bill will have your account number if you don’t already know it.
Your local FedEx or UPS location will then be able to return your equipment for free, and you’ll also receive a receipt for the returned items.
Via Return Kits
If AT&T has issued you a return kit, you must pack the returned items inside the kit and affix the prepaid mailing label to the box.
Remove any additional labels from the return kit and attach the pre-paid shipping label on top of the original one.
From there, all you have to do is submit your equipment to a local mail carrier or the post office, who will then transport your return to AT&T.
How to Track AT&T Equipment Return
If your delivery has arrived at the AT&T office, you can check its status using the tracking number. If you want further assistance, contact their customer service.
AT&T Equipment Return Window
You have 30 days from the time the equipment was received to return your AT&T device via mail if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
The original payment method is used to apply for refunds. Equipment returns forfeit any linked rebates.
If you are required to return AT&T equipment following the cancellation or termination of service, you have 21 days from the day of service termination to do so.
Otherwise, AT&T will charge you a substantial non-returned equipment fee.
What Happens if You Don’t Return Your AT&T Equipment?
According to AT&T’s return policy, you can be liable for “restocking fees,” which are the costs associated with putting replacement equipment back on the shelf.
The costs to which you could be responsible, according to AT&T, fall into two categories:
- The first is a charge for damaged property. If AT&T determines that you damaged the equipment in any way, they will charge you a fee for that particular equipment.
- A non-returned equipment fee is the second. In the event that AT&T does not receive your equipment back within 21 days, they will charge you the total sum.
Every piece of equipment you must return is essentially treated as one unit, and the corporation levies a $150 fee per unit.
Suppose you use AT&T as your internet service, you risk a $150 fee in case you don’t return the Wi-Fi Gateway and power cable within 21 days.
If you want to forgo these charges, you can check whether you are eligible for .
Returning AT&T U-Verse Equipment
If any of the following events occur, you must return your U-verse equipment to prevent being charged the full amount:
- U-verse service was recently canceled or discontinued.
- Received advice from an AT&T person to return equipment.
- Wanted to eliminate extra TV receivers and discussed returning with AT&T representatives.
- Wanted to exchange damaged equipment.
You can choose either option for returning your equipment:
- You can deliver your U-verse equipment to any participating ‘The UPS store’.
- In case the first option is inconvenient, you can also deliver U-verse equipment to any UPS shipping location.
AT&T Return Policy – The Fine Print
According to the fine print, AT&T will charge you not just for the equipment but also for the entire cost of placing fresh replacement equipment on the shelf.
If AT&T does not obtain your equipment back within 21 days, they will levy a sizable fee.
If they got the equipment after the stipulated 21-day period, they will reimburse your account within two months.
You should routinely follow up with them on this since sometimes they conveniently forget to do it.
Another fee mentioned in the fine print is the damaged equipment fee. If AT&T deems that you have in any way mishandled their equipment and damaged it, they will charge you a damaged equipment fee.
Contact Support
If you started your process online, the AT&T support team will check your application.
You can contact them on their website to start your process if that is not the case.
They will ask for your email and mail you the exact details about things you need to return, along with other instructions.
Final Thoughts
You can return AT&T devices post the termination of their wireless services within 21 days of the service change or disconnect date.
There are a few things to keep in mind before returning the equipment.
A damaged equipment fee is added to your bill if damaged equipment is returned.
Make sure you take a considerable number of pictures of your equipment. Attach the date and time stamp to confirm the damaged condition before it was returned.
The pictures will confirm that you are not returning a damaged item before shipping to AT&T. These will also secure you against mishandling by FedEx or UPS.
If you are using FedEx or UPS to return the equipment, then keep the reference number safe. The reference will help you not be billed against lost equipment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a return label from AT&T?
You can call AT&T to get a return label.
Do I have to return my AT&T modem?
You don’t have to return your AT&T modem purchased at the time of installation.
How much does it cost to return AT&T equipment?
If you do not return your equipment within the provided time frame, a $150 per unit equipment fee will be applied to your account or credit card.
Can I return AT&T equipment to the AT&T store?
Any AT&T device can be returned at their retail store.
