If you’re wondering how to return Foxtel box, this guide contains everything you must know!
Whether you’ve got a standalone Foxtel service or got it from Telstra, in this short guide, we will go over the best ways to return your Foxtel box.
We’ll cover the entirety of the return process in easy steps, covering Australia Post, Telstra return, recycling, cancellation fees and how to start.
To return your Foxtel box, you must undertake all preparation steps and start the process from the official returns page. If you’re cancelling a Foxtel service from Telstra, you must contact them to raise a request.
To clarify everything, continue reading the guide!
How to Return Foxtel Box – Everything to Know
It’s straightforward to return a Foxtel box, just follow the steps below!
1. Identify Your Foxtel Box Model
First, you need to identify whether you need to return your Foxtel box or you can keep the device for yourself.
This is based on the box’s model, so if you have an iQ4 or iQ5 TV box, you need to return the receiver upon your service cancellation or warranty replacement.
If you have an iQ3 or older Foxtel box, you’re not obligated to return the device to Foxtel, and you can keep the machine for yourself.
However, if you got the Foxtel service from Telstra, we recommend contacting them and asking whether you need to return the exact model you have.
If you need to return your Foxtel box, continue reading…
2. Prepare Your Foxtel Equipment
The preparation is quick and easy. There are a couple of “rules” or recommendations by Foxtel that we recommend taking under consideration.
They involve the packaging and equipment that you will be returning.
So let’s take a quick look at the factors you must consider upon packaging:
If you don’t keep the original packaging, Foxtel can provide a packaging for you.
It’s only crucial to ensure that the TV box is working and factory reset before putting the unit into the packaging.
Tip: For any additional questions, contact Foxtel directly!
3. Begin the Foxtel Return Process
The Foxtel box return procedure is entirely digital, if you have no special inquiries, you don’t even need to speak with anyone.
Simply go to the Foxtel Returns Page and fill in your details to continue with the return request.
You’ll be able to select a return option, so let’s take a look.
Here are what details you must include on the returns page:
- First, insert your full address, which is (required.)
- Upon identification, return options will be revealed.
- Info: The return option availability varies by address.
- Select one of the return options:
- Affordable Home Pickup (includes a fee)
- Free Drop-off at the nearest Australia Post.
The options availability may vary based on the selected address, so the Home Pickup may not be available in some cases. You can check whether your address supports pickup right away.
Let’s learn more about each option:
How Do I Return a Foxtel Box to Australia Post?
If you live near Australia Post, you simply need to select “Free Drop Off at your nearest drop-off location” on the returns page.
This way, once you receive the confirmation SMS or email, you can simply go there (on-site) and return the packaged Foxtel iQ4/iQ5 box for free.
How Do I Return a Foxtel Box via Home Pickup?
Although this service is not available in all areas, courier pickup is one of the most convenient ways to return your Foxtel box.
You can request a Foxtel return via Home Pickup if you don’t have a suitable Australia Post near your location.
To arrange the courier visit, you’ll need to provide the pickup date and pickup address (Monday to Friday) and make the payment via Debit/Credit card.
Again, you’ll need to use the packaging techniques we’ve discussed and expect the courier pickup to be done between 8 AM and 5 PM.
That’s it. That’s how to return your Foxtel box quickly. Now, let’s answer some of your questions.
How Do I Return a Foxtel Box to Telstra?
If you have your Foxtel box from a Telstra service, to return the equipment, you would have to get in touch with a representative.
Whether a message or a direct phone call, Telstra has a hands-on approach and prefers discussing inquiries with its users rather than filling out a form.
Here are different ways to contact Telstra to return a Foxtel box:
- Contact Telstra and say “disconnect.”
- Or Message Telstra for your request.
With Telstra, you only need to return equipment when cancelling a service, and you must call them to begin the disconnect procedure.
Again, you must package your Foxtel box, including the power lead and pack. Telstra will provide all the necessary instructions via SMS or email.
If you don’t return the Foxtel box to Telstra, they will charge you an Equipment Fee for a Foxtel box return, which will add to your next billing.
Tip: If you’re switching Telstra plans, you don’t necessarily need to return your Foxtel box, so we recommend contacting them first for a discussion.
How to Return the External Equipment?
Foxtel will not organise the removal of external equipment unless you raise a request.
You will need to contact them via Live Chat to discuss and organise the removal of equipment that is hardly reachable, not set up by the user or anything else that may be challenging to do alone.
Note: There is a removal fee!
Here is some Foxtel equipment you may need to schedule a removal for:
- Satellite dishes on the roof.
- Hardly reachable antennas.
- Inbound wiring and cabling.
- An insolation (ISO) wall box.
- External wiring and cabling.
Tip: You don’t need to schedule an appointment if you can uninstall the equipment yourself!
Do I Need to Return the Broadband/Phone?
When cancelling a Foxtel broadband service, you don’t need to return the modem you bought; hence, the machine is entirely yours.
However, remember that Foxtel modems can only work with Foxtel internet, so the unit is useless if you don’t consider rebooting Foxtel in the future.
Warranty Replacement Returns?
If you’ve ordered a Foxtel modem replacement under the device’s warranty, you must return the faulty machine to Foxtel.
If you’ve ordered a warrant replacement, you will receive a detailed list of instructions on returning the old modem and what will be included in the replacement unit.
Note: Foxtel does not provide home phone devices or handsets, so you don’t need to return to Foxtel but to the previous provider (if the phone is rented).
What If You Don’t Return the Foxtel Box?
Similarly to Telstra, Foxtel also has an Unrecovered Equipment Fee, which will affect your next billing if you don’t return the Foxtel box in the provided period.
As per the Foxtel Price Guide, the Unrecovered Equipment Fee is equal to $300 per box, which is a bold addition to the bill.
However, if you’ve been charged this fee and later returned the Foxtel box, the change will be revised and hopefully refunded.
Reminder: If you own a Foxtel iQ3 or older box, you don’t need to return it, it’s yours!
What Can I Do With an Old Foxtel Box?
If you have an old Foxtel box (iQ3 or older), the box is entirely at your disposal.
You don’t need to return any equipment; you can do whatever you want with it.
Some of your options include Recycling, Trading or Selling, Repurposing, Donating or turning the box into a DIY project.
How to Recycle Foxtel Box?
If your Foxtel box is beyond usage, faulty or unworthy of repair, recycling the electronic waste is one of the best ways to dispose of the machine.
You can use the dedicated Foxtel Recycle Page, where you’ll be guided throughout the process.
Quick Recap:
How to return Foxtel box? You can return the Foxtel box in two ways after completing the Foxtel Return Form.
One way is to bring the device to the nearest Australia Post or pay a fee to have a courier pick up the device from your home.
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Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.