---
title: ReturnReason - GraphQL Admin
description: The reason for returning the return line item.
api_version: 2025-07
api_name: admin
type: enum
api_type: graphql
source_url:
  html: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/enums/returnreason
  md: https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/enums/returnreason.md
---

# Return​Reason

enum

The reason for returning the return line item.

## Valid values

* COLOR

  The item is returned because the buyer did not like the color. Displays as **Color**.

* DEFECTIVE

  The item is returned because it is damaged or defective. Displays as **Damaged or defective**.

* NOT\_​AS\_​DESCRIBED

  The item is returned because it was not as described. Displays as **Item not as described**.

* OTHER

  The item is returned for another reason. For this value, a return reason note is also provided. Displays as **Other**.

* SIZE\_​TOO\_​LARGE

  The item is returned because the size was too large. Displays as **Size was too large**.

* SIZE\_​TOO\_​SMALL

  The item is returned because the size was too small. Displays as **Size was too small**.

* STYLE

  The item is returned because the buyer did not like the style. Displays as **Style**.

* UNKNOWN

  The item is returned because of an unknown reason. Displays as **Unknown**.

* UNWANTED

  The item is returned because the customer changed their mind. Displays as **Customer changed their mind**.

* WRONG\_​ITEM

  The item is returned because the customer received the wrong one. Displays as **Received the wrong item**.

***

## Fields

* [Return​Line​Item.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/objects/ReturnLineItem#field-ReturnLineItem.fields.returnReason)

  OBJECT

  An item that a customer returns from a fulfilled order. Links to the original [`FulfillmentLineItem`](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/objects/FulfillmentLineItem) and tracks quantities through the return process.

  The line item includes the customer's reason for returning the item and any additional notes. It also tracks processing status with separate quantities for items that are processable, processed, refundable, and refunded. You can apply optional restocking fees to cover handling costs.

  Learn more about [creating a return](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/latest/mutations/returnCreate).

* [Return​Line​Item​Input.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/input-objects/ReturnLineItemInput#fields-returnReason)

  INPUT OBJECT

  The input fields for a return line item.

* [Return​Line​Item​Type.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/interfaces/ReturnLineItemType#fields-returnReason)

  INTERFACE

  A return line item of any type.

* [Return​Request​Line​Item​Input.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/input-objects/ReturnRequestLineItemInput#fields-returnReason)

  INPUT OBJECT

  The input fields for a return line item.

* [Unverified​Return​Line​Item.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/objects/UnverifiedReturnLineItem#field-UnverifiedReturnLineItem.fields.returnReason)

  OBJECT

  An unverified return line item.

***

## Map

### Fields with this enum

* [Return​Line​Item.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/objects/ReturnLineItem#field-ReturnLineItem.fields.returnReason)
* [Unverified​Return​Line​Item.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/objects/UnverifiedReturnLineItem#field-UnverifiedReturnLineItem.fields.returnReason)

### Inputs with this enum

* [Return​Line​Item​Input.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/input-objects/ReturnLineItemInput#fields-returnReason)
* [Return​Request​Line​Item​Input.returnReason](https://shopify.dev/docs/api/admin-graphql/2025-07/input-objects/ReturnRequestLineItemInput#fields-returnReason)