Best Buy TV Return Policy: Ultimate Guide for Easy Returns & Refunds 2026
Not all new TVs are perfect. Sometimes the TV screen is bigger than I thought, the picture quality of the TV is bad. The TV arrives damaged.Understanding the Best Buy TV Return Policy can help you deal with these problems before the return deadline passes.
For most products, Best Buy generally provides a 15 day return period. The period begins on the day you receive the product. Eligible My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members generally receive 60 days for most purchases.
TVs should be returned in like new condition with the items and accessories that came with them. You should also keep your proof of purchase and packaging while deciding whether the television is right for you.
For a wider overview of refunds, exchanges, and exceptions, read our Best Buy Return Policy guide.
How Long Do You Have to Return a TV to Best Buy?
The standard return policy at Best Buy is simple. If you buy a TV you have 15 days to return it. This policy applies to television purchases.
The return period starts when you receive the product.
For example, if you order a television online on Monday but it is delivered on Friday, the date you receive it is important when determining your return window.
Eligible Plus and Total members generally have a longer 60 day period for most products.
Check the return deadline shown with your purchase rather than estimating it yourself.

How Does the Best Buy TV Return Period Work?
The return policy for TVs at Best Buy is easier to manage when you test the television soon after receiving it.
Do not leave a new TV unopened for several weeks.
After receiving it, check:
- Screen condition
- Picture quality
- Speakers
- HDMI ports
- Wi Fi
- Remote control
- Smart TV apps
- Stand
- Power cable
If something is wrong, dealing with the issue early gives you more time to complete the return or exchange.
Can You Return an Opened TV?
The Best Buy return policy TV shoppers use does not mean a television automatically becomes nonreturnable simply because its box was opened.
You normally need to open and test a TV to know whether it works properly.
However, product condition matters.
Keep the television in like new condition while deciding whether to keep it.
Do not damage the screen, frame, stand, remote, or other components.
Also keep the accessories that came with the television.
Should You Keep the Original TV Box?
Yes. Keeping the original box during the return period is a smart idea.
TVs are fragile and can be difficult to move safely.
When you buy a television the original packaging is really important. It has specifically shaped pieces that are made to secure the television.
Keep:
- TV box
- Foam inserts
- Protective covers
- Remote
- Power cable
- Stand
- Stand screws
- Manuals
- Other included accessories
If you mount the television on a wall keep the stand and screws in a safe place.
Do not throw them away just because you are not currently using them.
What Condition Should the TV Be In?
Under the return policy Best Buy TV purchases should generally be returned in like new condition.
Avoid scratches, cracks, stains, dents, or other unnecessary damage.
Testing a television carefully at home is different from having it physically damaged after purchase.
Before returning it, inspect:
- Screen
- Back panel
- Ports
- Stand
- Remote
- Cables
Gather all the included parts before taking the TV back.
What If the TV Arrives Damaged?
Inspect a delivered television as soon as possible.
Before throwing away the packaging, check the box for:
- Holes
- Crushed corners
- Large dents
- Tears
- Water damage
Then carefully inspect the TV.
If the screen is cracked or another problem is visible, take clear photographs.
Photograph the damaged area, television, packaging, and product information.
Contact Best Buy promptly rather than continuing to use a damaged television.
What If the Screen Has Dead Pixels?
A display problem may not always be visible immediately.
Turn the television on and test different types of content.
Check bright and dark scenes.
Look for:
- Dead pixels
- Unusual lines
- Flickering
- Dark areas
- Uneven brightness
- Strange colors
When the display is not what you want you can ask to send it or get something else during the time of the applicable return period.
Waiting until the final day can make the process unnecessarily stressful.
Can You Return a TV Because It Is Too Big?
The same large television that looks modest in a Best Buy store may appear bigger in your living room.
Measure your space before buying.
Check:
- Wall width
- TV stand width
- Viewing distance
- Door width
- Cabinet size
If the television does not work for your room, check your applicable return deadline promptly.
Large TVs can be difficult to repack and transport, so plan the return carefully.
What If Your TV Is Too Small?
The opposite problem can happen too.
A television may look large enough in a store but seem small once placed several feet away from your sofa.
Consider room size and viewing distance before buying.
If you decide another size would work better, check whether you are still within your applicable return period.
An exchange may be worth considering if you want a different television rather than a refund.
Can My Best Buy Members Get More Time?
Membership can significantly affect the return period.
Eligible My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members generally receive a 60 day return period on most products.
That can provide much more time than the standard 15 day period.
However, never assume every purchase receives an extended period.
Special products and situations can have different conditions.
Check the return information attached to your actual transaction.
Do You Need a Receipt?
Proof of purchase makes a return easier to process.
Keep your:
- Store receipt
- Online order information
- Delivery confirmation
If you bought the TV online, your Best Buy account may contain useful transaction information.
Do not delete order emails until you are sure you will keep the television.
They can help confirm purchase details and the applicable return period.
Can You Return a TV Bought Online?
Best Buy allows eligible purchases to be returned according to its applicable Return and Exchange Promise.
For an online TV purchase, check your order information first.
Large televisions require more planning than small electronics because they can be difficult to transport.
Before moving the TV:
- Protect the screen.
- Use original packaging when possible.
- Keep the TV upright when appropriate.
- Get help with heavy models.
Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the screen.
Can You Exchange a TV Instead?
An exchange can make sense when you still want a television but purchased the wrong model.
You might want:
- Larger screen
- Smaller screen
- Better display technology
- Different brand
- More HDMI ports
- Better gaming features
Check availability before making the trip if you already know which replacement model you want.
Keep the original TV and its accessories protected until the exchange is completed.
What Happens After the Return Period?
Once your applicable return window has ended, do not assume Best Buy will accept a normal return.
If the television develops a technical problem later, other options may be available.
Check:
- Manufacturer warranty
- Protection plan
- Repair options
- Technical support
Keep your purchase information even after the return period ends.
Your receipt may become useful if you need warranty service later.
Best Buy TV Return Checklist
| Step | What to Do |
| Check return deadline | Confirm your applicable period |
| Inspect TV | Look for damage immediately |
| Test screen | Check picture and display |
| Test sound | Make sure speakers work |
| Check ports | Test HDMI and other connections |
| Keep packaging | Save box and protective inserts |
| Save accessories | Keep remote, stand and cables |
| Keep proof of purchase | Save receipt or online order |
| Prepare carefully | Protect screen during transport |
| Missed deadline | Check warranty or support options |
How Does Best Buy Compare With DSW?
The DSW Return Policy mainly covers shoes and accessories, so its conditions are very different from returning a television.
If you want to buy footwear you should look at the DSW Official Store for the information. Do not try to use electronics rules for your shoe purchases.
Always follow the policy of the retailer where the item was purchased.
How Does Target Compare?
The Target Return Policy has separate conditions and exceptions for different merchandise categories, including electronics.
When comparing TV prices, also compare the return window.
A slightly cheaper television may not always be the better choice if another retailer provides return terms that better suit your needs.
Does Walmart Have the Same TV Rules?
The Walmart Return Policy uses its own return periods and product exceptions.
Do not assume that a television purchased from Walmart follows Best Buy’s standard period.
Keep each retailer’s receipt separately, especially when you buy several electronics around the same time.
How Is Costco Different?
The Costco Return Policy gives members 90 days from the date they receive certain electronics, including televisions.
This differs from Best Buy’s standard period for most products.
Return flexibility can therefore be worth considering alongside price, warranty coverage, delivery, and installation services when choosing where to buy a TV.
What About Home Depot?
The main idea of the Home Depot Return Policy is to help with returns of home improvement products and appliances and tools and related merchandise.
Even if product categories overlap, different retailers may still use return structures.
Different stores have policies. So you should check the current policy for your specific purchase. Do not try to use a rule from another store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to return a TV to Best Buy?
Plus and Total members at Best Buy get a deal. They have 60 days to return products. Standard Best Buy purchases have a 15 day return period.. Members get to enjoy the longer return period.
Can I return an opened TV to Best Buy?
Yes, an opened television may generally be returned within the applicable period if it meets Best Buy’s return requirements and remains in like new condition.
Can I return a TV without the original box?
Best Buy asks customers to return products with their packaging and contents. If the box is missing, contact the store before transporting your television.
When does the TV return period begin?
The return and exchange period according to Best Buy begins once you receive the product so the delivery date matters for purchases.
Can I exchange my TV for another model?
An eligible television can generally be exchanged during the applicable return period. Availability of your preferred replacement model can affect how the exchange is completed.
Do Plus members get longer TV returns?
Unlike customers Eligible My Best Buy Plus members usually get a 60 day return period for most products instead of the standard period.
What should I do with a damaged TV?
Document visible damage with clear photographs and contact Best Buy promptly. Keep the television, packaging, accessories, order details, and delivery information together.
Can I return a TV after the deadline?
A normal return may not be available after your applicable period expires. Check manufacturer warranty, protection plan, repair, or other support options instead.
Final Thoughts
The Best Buy TV Return Policy is easiest to use when you know your deadline before opening the television.
For most standard purchases, Best Buy generally provides 15 days beginning on the day you receive the product. Eligible My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members generally receive 60 days on most products.
Test your television soon after receiving it.
To confirm that your TV is in condition inspect the screen, picture quality, speakers, HDMI ports, Wi Fi, remote control stand and smart features. This will give you peace of mind.
My original box with its inserts needs to be kept for the entire return period. I also need to keep the remote, cables, stand, screws, manuals and all the other included parts.
Take photographs immediately if your TV arrives damaged then deal with the problem
Most importantly, confirm the exact return deadline attached to your purchase. Do not assume you have several weeks simply because another retailer offers a longer electronics return period.
Early testing and good record keeping make TV returns much easier.







