What Does “Renewed” Mean on Amazon? [And Is It Reliable?]

When browsing Amazon’s millions of products, you will often see an item described as “renewed.” In this article, we are going to find out exactly what “renewed” means on Amazon and, more importantly, if it is a good option for your purchase!

What Does “Renewed” Mean on Amazon?

When you see that an item is “renewed” on Amazon, it means it is either a refurbished, pre-owned, or open-box product that has been professionally inspected and tested to ensure it looks and works like new. All renewed items are backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about renewed items from Amazon, so you can decide whether or not they are the right option for your next purchase!

Does Amazon Renewed Come in Original Packaging?

As you now know, every renewed item is slightly different, as there are various reasons why it might be labeled “renewed.” Because the devices have often been pre-used, the original boxes have been misplaced or ruined.

In general, most Amazon renewed products do not come in their original packaging. But the packaging is usually very similar, and whatever the device needs to be protected during shipping will be included.

It is important to note that if the item was simply returned after being opened with the manufacturer’s box, it might be delivered in its original packaging! But you won’t know until the package actually arrives at your door.

Do Amazon Renewed Products Have Manufacturer Warranty?

While Amazon renewed products do not come with a warranty from the original manufacturer, i.e., Apple, HP, or any other tech company that created the device, they do have a warranty: the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.

This guarantee applies to renewed products purchased from third-party sellers. It allows you to return the product within 90 days of receipt of your original purchase for a full refund if you are not completely satisfied with the item.

If you purchase a renewed product from Amazon, as opposed to a third-party seller, it is backed by the one-year limited warranty that Amazon provides for all their products, and you can also return the product within 90 days of receipt of your original purchase for a full refund or replacement.

Is Amazon Renewed Reliable?

Now that you understand what renewed Amazon products actually are, it’s important to understand if these items are reliable.

Amazon puts quite a lot of effort into making sure the renewed items are properly tested, cleaned, updated, and reliable, and the general consensus among its customers is: Yes, Amazon renewed products are reliable.

With very few negative reviews, almost everyone who has purchased an Amazon-renewed item is happy with their order. And, of course, if, for some reason, the item isn’t as pristine as expected, you can return it for a full refund.

What Does Certified Refurbished Mean on Amazon?

If you see an item on Amazon that is labeled “certified refurbished,” it means that the manufacturer restored the device, not a third-party seller.

Certified refurbished is one of the best options when it comes to purchasing a second-hand tech device from Amazon, as it ensures that the item was actually tested and fixed by the company that manufactured it in the first place.

NOTE: A refurbished item is still tested and guarantees a top-quality and like-new product; however, the inspection and any changes that needed to be made were done by the seller themselves or an Amazon technician.

What Is the Difference Between Refurbished and Renewed on Amazon?

All the different labels can be a little confusing, so let’s find out the difference between refurbished and renewed on Amazon.

  1. Refurbished means that the item had some problems, either internal or external and was fixed by the seller or Amazon.
  2. Certified Refurbished signifies that the device, which needed fixing, was handled by the manufacturers themselves.
  3. Renewed can mean that the item was refurbished, or that it was simply pre-owned, or the box was opened and it didn’t need any adjustments.

When it comes to deciding which option is best for your purchase, it really depends on the item, the seller, and the manufacturer. Luckily, most renewed items have a detailed description of why they are categorized as renewed.

Renewed Products on Amazon

When you visit the Amazon site or use its app, you can find a specific section labeled “renewed,” so you don’t have to search through every item in the tech devices categories to find renewed options.

Here is a cohesive list of the types of renewed products you can find on Amazon’s renewed page:

  • Smartphones
  • Computers
  • Home & Kitchen Appliances
  • Tools
  • Tablets
  • Smartwatches
  • Gaming
  • Cameras
  • Headphones
  • Lawn & Garden
  • Home Entertainment
  • Office Supplies

Most users agree that using Amazon to purchase renewed items is a great way to save money while still receiving a quality product. Luckily, navigating their site to find what you are looking for is incredibly simple!

Do Renewed Phones Have New Batteries

Essentially, when a phone is renewed, any problems that the phone had will be fixed. For example, if the phone was working perfectly but simply had scratches on the screen, only the screen would be replaced.

A renewed phone will only have a new battery if the old battery needs to be replaced. Amazon has a guarantee that every renewed device battery will have at least  80% battery capacity compared to a new model.

While 80% is fairly good, it’s important to note that it means there might not be a brand-new battery if the old one is functioning. This means that the battery will still charge to full; however, the life of the device may not last as long as the original battery provided.

Conclusion

An Amazon renewed product is either a refurbished, pre-owned, or open-box item that has been professionally inspected and tested by either the manufacturer, Amazon, or a third-party seller to ensure it looks and works like new. All renewed items are backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee.