How do I check if a new phone is genuine in India?

Dial *#06# on the phone. The 15-digit IMEI must match the box label and the invoice. A mismatch is a reason to refuse open-box delivery. Send 'KYM ' by SMS to 14422, or use the Sanchar Saathi app, or go to sancharsaathi.gov.in > Citizen Centric Services > Know Your Mobile and log in with an OTP. It shows the device status, brand, model and maker. These should match what you ordered.

What is Amazon's return policy for phones?

Phones are replacement-only by default; refunds for change of mind are rare and only on listings tagged 'Returnable'. The window depends on the listing, usually 7 or 10 days. Damage, wrong or missing items get a replacement within the window, with photo or video proof. Defects for many brands go to the brand's service centre under warranty. Amazon has run a replacement-only rule for phones since 2016.

What is Flipkart's return policy for phones?

7 days, replacement only, no refunds for change of mind. For Apple, Google, Motorola, Infinix, Redmi, Mi, Vivo, Poco, Realme and Samsung, it is '7 days service centre replacement/repair only': the brand's service centre must confirm the defect. Other brands get one replacement through Flipkart if a defect is confirmed. Samsung dead-on-arrival claims need a brand approval certificate. Report a damaged phone within 48 hours of switching it on. The phone must be formatted, screen lock off and iCloud lock off before pick-up.

What is Croma (online)'s return policy for phones?

7 days. Defective phones get a replacement only if the brand certifies a hardware fault in a technical report; software issues are not eligible. Report damage or missing parts within 48 hours of delivery. Wrong product gets a refund. If no replacement stock exists, Croma refunds. Change of mind is not accepted.

Phone buying checklist

Five minutes of checks when the phone arrives saves weeks of arguing with a store. Do them before you share the delivery OTP if your order has open-box delivery.

Checked 19 October 2026. Store rules change, so read the return badge on the listing before you pay.

When the phone arrives

1. Match the IMEIDial *#06# on the phone. The 15-digit IMEI must match the box label and the invoice. A mismatch is a reason to refuse open-box delivery. Source
2. Check the IMEI with the government (Know Your Mobile)Send 'KYM <15-digit IMEI>' by SMS to 14422, or use the Sanchar Saathi app, or go to sancharsaathi.gov.in > Citizen Centric Services > Know Your Mobile and log in with an OTP. It shows the device status, brand, model and maker. These should match what you ordered. Source
3. Check warranty on the brand's siteEnter the IMEI or serial on the brand's checker. Apple: checkcoverage.apple.com (or Settings > General > About > Coverage). Samsung: samsung.com/in/support. vivo: vivo.com/in/support/IMEI. iQOO: iqoo.com/in/support/IMEI. Nothing: in.nothing.tech/pages/imei. OnePlus, Realme and Xiaomi have similar pages. Warranty should start near your invoice date, not months earlier. Source
4. Keep the invoice and confirm it is an Indian unitSamsung only honours warranty with proof of purchase from an authorised dealer, and dates it from the invoice. Imported iPhones may not get free warranty repair in India, so check coverage shows an Indian purchase. Source
5. Check box contents and conditionConfirm every listed accessory is in the box, look for screen scratches under a torch held at an angle, power on and test touch at the edges. Film the unboxing and do not sign until done. Source
6. Watch for fake-part warnings (iPhone)On an iPhone, a battery or parts message saying it cannot verify a genuine Apple part is a red flag. Report it to the store at once with your order ID. Source

Store return rules for phones

AmazonReturns: Phones are replacement-only by default; refunds for change of mind are rare and only on listings tagged 'Returnable'. The window depends on the listing, usually 7 or 10 days. Damage, wrong or missing items get a replacement within the window, with photo or video proof. Defects for many brands go to the brand's service centre under warranty. Amazon has run a replacement-only rule for phones since 2016.Open-box delivery: 'Open Box Inspection' is on many electronics, including phones. The delivery agent opens the box so you can check it is correct, undamaged and complete before giving the OTP. As of July 2026 Amazon adds a fee you cannot decline on many listings (about Rs 29 to Rs 149 by price). After you share the OTP, claims for damage, wrong or missing items are closed; later defects go to the brand.Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty applies, claimed at the brand's authorised service centre with the invoice. Keep the GST invoice from the order page.Tips: Check the 'Sold by' name and prefer the brand's official storefront or 'Fulfilled by Amazon' listings. Open the return-policy badge on the listing before paying. Check the IMEI on the phone (*#06#) matches the box and invoice before sharing the OTP. Film the unboxing.
FlipkartReturns: 7 days, replacement only, no refunds for change of mind. For Apple, Google, Motorola, Infinix, Redmi, Mi, Vivo, Poco, Realme and Samsung, it is '7 days service centre replacement/repair only': the brand's service centre must confirm the defect. Other brands get one replacement through Flipkart if a defect is confirmed. Samsung dead-on-arrival claims need a brand approval certificate. Report a damaged phone within 48 hours of switching it on. The phone must be formatted, screen lock off and iCloud lock off before pick-up.Open-box delivery: Open Box Delivery is available in select pin codes and appears at checkout if eligible. The agent opens the outer and brand packaging; you check looks and parts, not full function. Reject on the spot if wrong, damaged or missing parts. Once you accept, returns for those reasons close; only manufacturing defects stay claimable.Warranty: Manufacturer warranty applies. Flipkart sends you to the brand's authorised service centre for warranty claims. The final decision on a defective unit rests with the seller or brand.Tips: Prefer 'Flipkart Assured' listings and the brand's official seller with good ratings. Read the product page's return policy, which overrides the general one. Check the IMEI and accessories before accepting open-box delivery, and record the unboxing.
Croma (online)Returns: 7 days. Defective phones get a replacement only if the brand certifies a hardware fault in a technical report; software issues are not eligible. Report damage or missing parts within 48 hours of delivery. Wrong product gets a refund. If no replacement stock exists, Croma refunds. Change of mind is not accepted.Open-box delivery: Not covered in Croma's return policy page; we found no open-box delivery scheme for Croma.Warranty: After 7 days, repairs go through the brand warranty at a Croma store or brand service centre. Keep the box, MRP tag, warranty card and invoice.Tips: Croma sells directly rather than as an open marketplace. If a phone is faulty, Croma may ask you to visit a store or brand centre for the technical report, so act inside the 7 days.

Common questions

How do I check if a new phone is genuine in India?: Dial *#06# on the phone. The 15-digit IMEI must match the box label and the invoice. A mismatch is a reason to refuse open-box delivery. Send 'KYM <15-digit IMEI>' by SMS to 14422, or use the Sanchar Saathi app, or go to sancharsaathi.gov.in > Citizen Centric Services > Know Your Mobile and log in with an OTP. It shows the device status, brand, model and maker. These should match what you ordered.
What is Amazon's return policy for phones?: Phones are replacement-only by default; refunds for change of mind are rare and only on listings tagged 'Returnable'. The window depends on the listing, usually 7 or 10 days. Damage, wrong or missing items get a replacement within the window, with photo or video proof. Defects for many brands go to the brand's service centre under warranty. Amazon has run a replacement-only rule for phones since 2016.
What is Flipkart's return policy for phones?: 7 days, replacement only, no refunds for change of mind. For Apple, Google, Motorola, Infinix, Redmi, Mi, Vivo, Poco, Realme and Samsung, it is '7 days service centre replacement/repair only': the brand's service centre must confirm the defect. Other brands get one replacement through Flipkart if a defect is confirmed. Samsung dead-on-arrival claims need a brand approval certificate. Report a damaged phone within 48 hours of switching it on. The phone must be formatted, screen lock off and iCloud lock off before pick-up.
What is Croma (online)'s return policy for phones?: 7 days. Defective phones get a replacement only if the brand certifies a hardware fault in a technical report; software issues are not eligible. Report damage or missing parts within 48 hours of delivery. Wrong product gets a refund. If no replacement stock exists, Croma refunds. Change of mind is not accepted.

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