When you rent a streaming device—like a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV—from a service like Prime Video, Peacock, or ESPN+, you’re often given it for free... unreturned device charges, fees imposed when a rented piece of hardware isn’t returned within the agreed window. Also known as equipment penalties, these charges can range from $50 to $200, and they show up on your bill even if you didn’t realize you were supposed to return it. Most people assume the device is theirs to keep, especially if they never got a return label or email reminder. But companies track these devices by serial number, and if it’s not marked as returned in their system, you’re on the hook.
These charges aren’t random—they’re tied to streaming device fees, the cost of replacing lost or unreturned hardware that’s often subsidized by the service provider. For example, if you signed up for a discounted Prime Video deal that included a free Fire Stick, that $50 device was paid for upfront by Amazon. If you don’t return it, they recoup the cost from you. The same goes for ISPs that loan you a router. Even if you cancel the service, the device is still their property. And yes, they’ll send you a bill. Some users report getting charged months later, long after they’ve forgotten about the box sitting in a drawer.
It’s not just about forgetting. Sometimes the return process is confusing. You might get a label that doesn’t work, or the drop-off location is closed. Other times, the company claims they never received it—even when you have proof you mailed it. That’s where rental device returns, the formal process of sending back equipment provided by a service provider under a temporary agreement become critical. Always take a photo of the device before packing it. Save your receipt. Use tracked shipping. And follow up with customer service in writing. A single email saying “I returned the device on [date] via [carrier, tracking #]” can save you hundreds.
And here’s the thing: these charges often show up alongside other hidden fees—like late cancellation penalties or activation fees you didn’t know you agreed to. That’s why understanding how streaming service policies, the fine print rules around equipment, subscriptions, and billing terms offered by streaming platforms work matters. Most people skip the terms of service, but that’s exactly where the trap is buried. Look for phrases like “equipment remains property of the provider” or “unreturned items subject to replacement fee.” If you’re renting something, assume you have to give it back.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of how to fight charges—though some posts help with that. It’s a deeper look at the systems behind these fees. You’ll see how companies design rental programs to maximize retention, how device tracking works behind the scenes, and why your smart TV might be linked to a billing system you never agreed to. You’ll also find guides on how to avoid renting devices altogether, how to spot when you’re being overcharged, and what to do when a company ignores your proof of return. This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about knowing how the system works so you don’t pay for something you didn’t keep.
Avoid costly unreturned device charges when cutting the cord. Learn exactly what equipment to return, how to do it safely, and what happens if you don't-plus real tips to protect your credit score.
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