How do I exchange/return a defective iPhone purchased through AT&T?

Sure looks like you are getting the runaround from AT&T.

You bought the phone from AT&T.....not Apple.

Any options regarding returns, refunds, exchanges, etc will need to go through AT&T. On the other hand, if all that you need to do is have the phone repaired, you can certainly take it to Apple for that purpose.

Please see the link below for your options using AT&T. You have 14 days to return the phone or exchange the phone. If you are going back to the AT&T Store, you might want to take a printed copy of their policies with you, in case you get a new hire that is not up to speed.

https://www.att.com/wireless/return-policy/

You have 14 days to return it and you will want to do that with AT&T. They may be trying to convince you to go through the repair option which is handled by Apple and comes with every phone purchased for 1 year, but you just need to stick to your guns and tell AT&T, you want to return the device. That is your right!

My suggestion is to simply return the iPhone in its original packaging with all accessories along with the original sales receipt for a full refund.

Then purchase a new iPhone from your local Apple Retail Store.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

I’d suggest returning the phone while you are still within the 14-day window, rather than letting them force you to put the phone through the repair process. Then you might want to consider buying the replacement directly from Apple.