Garmin Return Policy (Guide)

Bought a Garmin watch, GPS, or bike computer and now you’re wondering if you can send it back? Garmin’s return rules are actually quite straightforward once you break them down. Your options depend mainly on where you bought the device (Garmin.com, a Garmin retail store, or another retailer), how long it’s been, and whether the product is still in like-new condition.

This guide walks you through the key parts of the Garmin return policy in simple language so you know what to expect and how to avoid any surprises.

Quick Snapshot of Garmin’s Return Policy

Garmin.com (US & Canada): Most items in original condition can be returned for a refund within 30 days of shipping.
Many regional Garmin sites: Commonly around 30 days, but some regions use shorter windows (for example 7–14 days) depending on the local distributor.
Garmin retail / brand stores: Typically 30 days from the date of purchase, as long as the product is unused and in original packaging with proof of purchase.
Third-party retailers: You must follow that store’s return policy, not Garmin’s direct policy.
Non-returnable items: Opened software, downloaded content, and custom or personalized Garmin products, plus shipping charges.

Always keep your receipt, original packaging, and accessories. Garmin expects items to be in new or like-new condition for a change-of-mind refund.

Where Did You Buy Your Garmin?

1. Garmin.com Purchases (US & Canada)

If you bought directly from Garmin.com in the US or Canada, you normally have 30 days from the shipping date to request a refund on eligible items.

Key points for Garmin.com orders:

Return window: 30 days from the date your order shipped.
Condition: Merchandise must be in its original condition with all accessories, manuals, and packaging.
Non-refundable: Opened software, downloadable items, shipping charges, and custom / personalized products.
How to start: You submit an online “Return for Refund Request” tied to your order.
Refund timing: Once Garmin processes the return, the credit is usually sent back to the original payment method; it can take some time for it to show on your account.

If your product is damaged, defective, or not working as expected, Garmin may handle that under warranty or repair options instead of the standard change-of-mind return, especially once you’re outside the 30-day window.

2. Other Garmin Regional Online Stores

Garmin sells through various regional sites and authorized distributors (for example in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia). The core idea is similar — items must be in original condition — but the return window may differ.

Typical patterns you’ll see on regional Garmin or distributor sites:

Return window: Commonly around 30 days from purchase, but some partners use shorter periods like 7, 10, or 14 days.
Condition rules: New, unused, in original packaging, with all tags, accessories, and documentation.
Charges: Delivery / shipping fees are often non-refundable, and you may be responsible for return shipping unless the product is faulty or wrongly shipped.
Process: Often you either complete an online form, email the distributor, or visit an authorized store with your invoice.

Because of these local differences, it’s worth checking the exact terms on the Garmin site or distributor site for your specific country before you ship anything back.

3. Garmin Retail / Brand Stores

If you purchased from a Garmin-branded retail store (for example, a flagship or brand store), the policy is usually:

Return / exchange period: Around 30 days from the date of purchase.
What you need: Original receipt, original box and packaging, and all included accessories.
Condition: The device must be in resaleable, like-new condition and not registered or heavily used.
Options: A refund back to the original payment method or an exchange, depending on the store.

If you can’t physically get back to the store within that period, some Garmin support articles mention that you can contact Garmin product support to discuss an exchange option. That’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth reaching out if you’re close to the deadline or have special circumstances.

4. Purchases from Other Retailers (Amazon, big-box stores, local shops)

If you bought your Garmin from another retailer (for example Amazon, a sporting goods store, an electronics chain, or an online reseller), then:

Your return is governed by that retailer’s return policy, not Garmin’s direct policy.
For change-of-mind refunds or exchanges, you must return the item to the retailer you bought it from.
Garmin will still support you for warranty and repairs, but not for the retailer’s refund process.

So if you got your device from somewhere like a department store or an online marketplace, check their website for return rules and deadlines.

What Garmin Will and Won’t Take Back

Eligible for Returns (Typical Cases)

Garmin will normally consider returns for:

Watches, GPS devices, bike computers, and similar hardware bought directly from Garmin or a Garmin retail store.
Accessories (bands, mounts, chargers, sensors) that are unused and in original packaging.
Hardware that arrives damaged or defective, which may be handled as a warranty / replacement case.

The big condition is that the product must look and function like new, with all parts and packaging intact. If it’s obviously worn, scratched, or missing pieces, Garmin may refuse the return or reduce the refund.

Common Non-Returnable Items

Garmin’s policy calls out a few categories that are generally not refundable:

Opened software (for example map updates sold as software).
Downloadable items and digital content (maps, subscriptions, digital upgrades).
Custom or personalized products, such as devices configured through design-your-own programs or special engraved models.
Shipping charges from your original order.

Even if you send these items back, Garmin is very likely to decline a refund because they’re explicitly excluded in the official policy.

How to Start a Garmin.com Return (US & Canada)

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how returns usually work for Garmin.com orders in the US and Canada:

Check your dates. Look at your order confirmation or account and find the shipping date. Make sure you are still within 30 days of that date.
Confirm eligibility. Ensure the item is in original condition, with all parts, and is not opened software, a download, or a custom product.
Locate your order number. You’ll need the order number and the email address used when purchasing.
Submit a Return for Refund Request. On Garmin’s support site, use the “Return for Refund Request” page, enter your order number and email, and follow the prompts to request a return authorization.
Prepare your package. Pack the device carefully in its original box, including manuals, charging cables, bands, and any other accessories that came with it. Protect it with outer packaging if needed.
Ship using the instructions provided. Garmin may give you specific carrier or labeling instructions. Follow them closely and keep your tracking number until the refund is processed.
Wait for processing and credit. Once Garmin receives and inspects the item, they’ll issue the refund back to your original payment method. It can take some time before it appears on your card or bank statement.

If your return is rejected (for example due to missing parts or heavy wear), Garmin may send the item back to you instead of issuing a refund.

Refund Timing and How You Get Your Money Back

For direct Garmin.com returns, refunds are issued back to the original payment method (credit card, debit card, etc.). The policy notes that it can take up to several weeks for the credit to show up on your account, depending on your bank’s processing times.

Refund method: Same payment method you originally used, where possible.
Timing: Garmin processes the refund after receiving and checking the item; your bank or card issuer can then take additional time to post the credit.
What’s refunded: The product price for eligible items.
What’s not refunded: Original shipping charges and any non-refundable items such as opened software or digital downloads.

If you paid with a gift card or store credit, your refund may be returned as the same type of credit rather than cash, depending on how the purchase was structured.

Returns vs Warranty & Repairs

Garmin’s return policy and warranty coverage are separate things:

The return policy deals with short-term change-of-mind or initial issues (usually within 30 days).
The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a longer period (often one year or more, depending on the product and region).
Devices that are repaired or replaced under warranty typically get at least a short additional warranty on the repair or replacement unit.

If your device fails after the return window has passed, your best route is usually to open a warranty or repair request with Garmin rather than trying to return it for a refund.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Garmin Return

Keep the box: Don’t throw away the packaging until you are sure you’re keeping the device.
Save the receipt and emails: You’ll need proof of purchase (order confirmation or store receipt).
Test quickly: If something feels off, check it thoroughly within the first few days so you can decide while you’re still inside the return window.
Reset and unpair: Before sending a device back, remove personal data and unpair it from your phone or Garmin account if requested.
Use trackable shipping: If you’re paying to ship a return, use a service with tracking and keep the proof until the refund is complete.

Garmin Return Policy FAQ

How many days do I have to return a Garmin product?

For most Garmin.com orders in the US and Canada, you have 30 days from the shipping date to request a refund on eligible items. Many regional Garmin sites and brand stores also use roughly 30 days from purchase, but some distributors use shorter periods, so always check your local terms.

Can I return a Garmin that I bought from another retailer directly to Garmin?

Usually, no. If you bought your device from a third-party retailer (like a sports shop or online marketplace), your return must go through that retailer and follow their return policy. Garmin can help with warranty and repairs, but not with the retailer’s refund process.

Are custom or personalized Garmin devices returnable?

In most cases, customized or personalized devices are non-returnable for refund, especially those built using design-your-own programs or with special engravings. Only faulty units might be handled under warranty.

What if my Garmin is defective right out of the box?

If your device appears defective shortly after you receive it, contact Garmin support or the retailer you bought it from as soon as possible. Depending on the situation, you may be offered a replacement, repair, or refund, even if the process is handled under warranty rather than the basic change-of-mind return policy.

Do I get my shipping costs back?

Generally, no. Original shipping charges are commonly listed as non-refundable, and you may also be responsible for the cost of sending the product back unless the item is faulty or incorrectly shipped.

Bottom Line

Garmin’s return policy is fairly standard: around 30 days in many regions for change-of-mind returns on new, unused items, with strict exclusions for software, downloads, and custom products. The most important things are to track your dates, keep everything in like-new condition, and start the return process through the correct channel (Garmin.com, a Garmin store, or your original retailer).

If you’re within the return window and your device is still pristine in its box, you should usually be able to get a smooth refund or exchange by following the steps above. If you’re outside that window or dealing with a defect, switch gears and look at Garmin’s warranty and repair options instead.