How Do I Know If I’m Covered By AppleCare and What If I’m Not?

Introduction

Apple is the largest smartphone manufacturer in the world, and until recently, they have made it notoriously difficult for anyone outside of Apple to repair their devices.

There are many reasons behind their decision-making, but one reason may be financially driven, since the company makes money off of their device insurance, AppleCare.

AppleCare does not automatically come with your device, but they will try to sell it to you every chance they get, so it is entirely possible that you signed up for it when you bought your phone, MacBook, or other Apple product.

Additional Reading: How much does AppleCare cost for an iPhone and What does it cover exactly?

If your device needs repair and you are questioning whether you have AppleCare coverage, there are a few ways you can find that information. If you’ve never even heard of AppleCare, we should probably start there.

What is AppleCare?

AppleCare is like the marriage of an extended warranty and an insurance policy. Every Apple product gets 90 days of support and a one-year warranty, so the extended coverage must be purchased before the end of the 90 days.

The program covers the device much like a warranty by fixing or replacing damaged or lost products. However, AppleCare is more like insurance because you have to pay a small fee like a deductible when you use it.

How does AppleCare work?

When you purchase your device, you have 90 days to add AppleCare; you can pay for the program in a lump sum or make monthly installments. Then, when your device needs repair, you can bring it to an Apple-authorized service provider for repair or replacement, depending on the situation.

The most significant disadvantage of the AppleCare plan is that it only covers up to two repairs in one plan, so if you are prone to accidents with your device, the policy could run out quickly and leave you without coverage the next time you need a repair.

However! In addition to the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro announcement, Apple announced an updated version of AppleCare+.

The new version, which offers support for “unlimited repairs,” was announced alongside the new handsets.

AppleCare+ offers “unlimited incidents of accidental damage protection” with each one subject to service fees. Screen or back glass damage carries a $29 fee, while other accidental damage carries a $99 fee.

It is important to note that AppleCare does not cover user-created damage like illegal software downloads.

How to Check if You Have Coverage From Your Mobile Device?

The simplest way to know if an AppleCare plan covers your device is by checking it right from that device in a few easy steps.

1. Go to the Settings app on your device.
2. Click on the General tab.
3. Click on the About tab.
4. You will see some information, including your phone’s name, model, and software version; if you have AppleCare, it will say the name of your plan below that information.
5. If you do not see your AppleCare plan name, it will say limited warranty or coverage expired.
6. When you click on that tab, you can see what your warranty covers and other options available to you.

How to Check if You Have Coverage Online?

If you need to check to see if you have AppleCare coverage online, it is still convenient, but the steps are different depending on the device.

You will need your serial number from your device; the first step for all devices is to go here.

Screenless Devices

1. For devices that don’t have a screen, like AirPods, you want to look on the product’s surface for the serial number.
2. If you have a screen that has a device but won’t turn on, you can find the serial number on the original box or the sales receipt.

Mac

1. Click on the Apple menu in the bottom corner of the screen.
2. Choose About this Mac.
3. You will see a list of information about your Mac, including the serial number.
4. Copy and paste the number into the box

iPhones/iPads

1. Go to the Settings app on your device.
2. Click on the General tab.
3. Click on the About tab.
4. You will see a list of information about your device, including the serial number.

How Long Do Apple Care Repairs Take?

Time is money, and every second you are away from your Apple device could be a missed opportunity, which is why you want your device back as soon as possible.

iPhones/iPads

Some iPhone and iPad repairs can be done in-store in about an hour, like replacing a cracked screen.

Similarly, a battery replacement for an iPhone or iPad is a same-day service.

However, if it is a repair that your device needs to be sent out for (Not all Apple Stores are equipped to fix every problem on-site), it requires 3 – 5 days of shipping both ways and the time for the repair. As of March of 2022, due to parts-shortages, Apple may not be offering iPhone 13 repairs at every location.

Macs

With Macs, there is no way of telling how long the repair will be or how much it will be because there is a broader range of issues with a computer. However, it is safe to say that it will take a few days to diagnose if it is an internal problem (i.e., not the keyboard, screen, or ports).

If it is not a problem that Apple can fix on-site, they will have to ship it out, and it will cost you extra for shipping along with the time it takes for shipping and repair.

Furthermore, Apple may not provide service for some older model Macs, leaving you stranded without the Mac that you love.

The Apple Store Experience

If you have ever been to an Apple store, you know that it can take a week just to get a same-day fix appointment if the busy Minneapolis metro market. Find one of the nearest Apple stores by you in Minneapolis.

Even if you have an appointment, you may still end up waiting at the store for an hour just to talk to a representative about your problem.

So, even something as simple as fixing a cracked screen can turn what should be an hour into an all-day event.

The Apple Self-Repair Program

Starting in April 2022, US iPhone owners can also buy replacement parts and tools directly from Apple. The Apple Self-Repair Program is not intended for AppleCare claims, and actually can void your AppleCare protection or standard warranty.

Additional Reading: What Are Apple’s New Self-Repair Kits All About?

A Better Way

We all love our Apple devices, if we didn’t, they wouldn’t be the number one mobile manufacturer in the world, but the hoops they make you jump through to fix a device you own are frustrating.

There is a better way to get your Apple device repaired in a fast, friendly, and affordable way.

Visit Gophermods at one of our convenient Twin Cities locations to see how we can help fix your iPhone, iPad, MacBook and many other mobile products. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will diagnose the problem and be upfront and honest about everything from cost to timeline.

We look forward to seeing you in one of our stores and connecting you back with your device as soon as possible.