Apple devices are expensive. Knowing your warranty status can save you money on repairs. This guide shows you exactly how to check Apple warranty, what the results mean, and what to do next.
The Quick Answer
Go to Apple’s warranty check page, enter your device’s serial number, and you will see your coverage status in seconds. That is the fastest way. But there is more you need to know.
Why Checking Your Apple Warranty Matters
Before you pay for any repair, always check your warranty. Apple offers free repairs for hardware defects under warranty. If your device is still covered, a $300 repair could cost you nothing.
This matters when:
- Your device has a hardware issue
- You bought a used iPhone or Mac
- You are considering buying AppleCare+
- You want to sell your device and need to share its status
What Is Apple’s Standard Warranty?
Every new Apple device comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This covers manufacturing defects and hardware failures.
It does not cover:
- Accidental damage (cracked screens, water damage)
- Theft or loss
- Normal wear and tear
- Software issues caused by the user
Apple also includes 90 days of free technical support with every new device.
| Coverage Type | Duration | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Warranty | 1 year | Hardware defects |
| Technical Support | 90 days | Software and usage help |
| AppleCare+ | 2 to 3 years | Hardware + accidental damage (with fee) |
| AppleCare+ with Theft & Loss | 2 years | Hardware + accidental + theft/loss |
Method 1: Check Apple Warranty Online (Fastest)
This is the most reliable method. Apple’s official tool gives you real-time data.
Step 1: Find Your Serial Number
You need the serial number before anything else.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down to Serial Number
On Mac:
- Click the Apple menu (top left)
- Select About This Mac
- Your serial number is listed there
On Apple Watch:
- Open Settings on the watch
- Tap General
- Tap About
On the box or receipt: Every Apple product box has the serial number printed on a label. Your original receipt or invoice also shows it.
Step 2: Go to Apple’s Coverage Check Page
Open your browser and visit: checkcoverage.apple.com
This is Apple’s official warranty checker. It is free and does not require you to sign in.
Step 3: Enter the Serial Number
Type or paste your serial number into the field. Complete the CAPTCHA if asked. Click Continue.
Step 4: Read the Results
Apple will show you one of these statuses:
- Valid Purchase Date – Warranty is active
- Expired – Your warranty period has ended
- Coverage not found – Serial number may be wrong, or the device is not registered
- Activation Lock – Device is still linked to an owner’s Apple ID
Method 2: Check Warranty on iPhone Directly
You do not always need a computer. Your iPhone can show basic coverage info.
Go to:
Settings > General > About > Coverage
If your AppleCare plan is active, it shows the expiration date directly in this menu. This only works if your Apple ID is linked to the device and the plan is registered.
Method 3: Check Through Your Apple ID Account
If you have registered your device with your Apple ID, you can see all your devices and their status in one place.
Here is how:
- Go to appleid.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Scroll to the Devices section
- Click on any device
- It will show model, serial number, and whether AppleCare is active
This method is especially useful if you have multiple Apple devices.
Method 4: Check in the Apple Support App
Apple has a free app called Apple Support available on the App Store.
Steps:
- Download the Apple Support app
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Your registered devices appear automatically
- Tap any device to see its warranty and coverage details
This app also lets you schedule repairs and chat with Apple Support directly. It is one of the most convenient tools if you own multiple Apple products.
Method 5: Contact Apple Support Directly
Sometimes the online tool gives confusing results. In that case, contact Apple directly.
Options:
- Visit support.apple.com and start a chat
- Call Apple Support in your region
- Walk into any Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider
Bring your device or have your serial number ready. Apple support staff can pull up full warranty details in their system.
How to Read Your Warranty Results
Once you check the status, you need to understand what it actually means.
“Covered Under Warranty”
Your device is within the one-year limited warranty period. Apple will repair or replace hardware defects for free. You do not need to pay anything for covered issues.
“Covered Under AppleCare+”
You or the previous owner purchased AppleCare+. This gives you extended hardware coverage plus two incidents of accidental damage coverage per year. Each incident has a service fee, but it is much cheaper than a full repair.
“Expired”
Your warranty period has passed. Repairs will cost you out of pocket. This is the time to consider if a third-party repair is more cost-effective.
“No Coverage Found”
This can mean a few things:
- You entered the serial number wrong (check again)
- The device is not officially sold through Apple (grey market or refurbished)
- The product has not been activated yet
How to Check Warranty on a Used iPhone Before Buying
If you are buying a used iPhone, always check the warranty before paying.
Ask the seller for the serial number. Enter it at checkcoverage.apple.com. Look for:
- Remaining warranty time
- AppleCare+ status
- Whether Activation Lock is on (this is a red flag, the previous owner’s Apple ID is still linked)
If the device shows Activation Lock, do not buy it. You will not be able to use it without the original owner’s Apple ID and password.
Apple Warranty by Product Type
Not all Apple products have the same warranty terms. Here is a quick breakdown.
| Product | Standard Warranty | AppleCare+ Available |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | 1 year | Yes (2 years) |
| iPad | 1 year | Yes (2 years) |
| Mac | 1 year | Yes (3 years) |
| Apple Watch | 1 year | Yes (2 years) |
| AirPods | 1 year | Yes (2 years) |
| Apple TV | 1 year | No |
| HomePod | 1 year | Yes |
| iPod touch | 1 year | No |
What to Do If Your Warranty Is Still Active
Act fast. Do not wait if something is wrong with your device.
Steps to take:
- Document the issue clearly (take photos or video if needed)
- Back up your device using iCloud or your computer
- Visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support
- Request a warranty repair or replacement
Apple will not charge you for covered repairs. If they cannot fix it, they may replace the device entirely.
What to Do If Your Warranty Has Expired
You still have options.
Apple Repair Pricing: Apple charges set prices for out-of-warranty repairs. Cracked iPhone screen repairs, for example, have a fixed fee depending on the model. Check pricing at Apple’s official support pages.
Authorized Service Providers: These are third-party shops approved by Apple. They use genuine parts and are often cheaper than going directly to Apple.
Third-Party Repair Shops: These can be affordable but may void any remaining coverage and may use non-genuine parts. Weigh the risk carefully.
Self-Repair: Apple has a Self Repair program in some regions. You can order genuine parts and repair certain devices yourself. This is best for people with technical experience.
Common Issues When Checking Apple Warranty
Serial Number Not Accepted
Double-check that you are entering the number correctly. Serial numbers are case-sensitive. Do not confuse the letter O with zero.
Device Shows Wrong Purchase Date
This sometimes happens with refurbished or grey-market devices. Contact Apple Support with proof of purchase to correct it.
Coverage Shows as Expired But You Have AppleCare+
Make sure your AppleCare+ plan was registered to your Apple ID. Go to appleid.apple.com and verify the plan is listed under your account. If it is missing, contact Apple with your receipt.
How to Extend Your Coverage with AppleCare+
If your standard warranty is about to expire, you can buy AppleCare+ to extend your protection. According to Apple’s official support documentation, you can purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your device in most regions.
AppleCare+ benefits:
- Extends hardware coverage by 1 to 2 more years
- Covers up to two accidental damage incidents per year
- Includes 24/7 priority access to Apple experts
- Battery service included if capacity drops below 80%
Pricing varies by product and region. Check Apple’s website for current pricing in your country.
Apple Warranty and Consumer Rights
In many countries, you have legal protections beyond Apple’s standard warranty. These are statutory consumer rights, not Apple’s policy.
For example:
- In the European Union, consumers have a minimum two-year legal guarantee on all products
- In the UK, the Consumer Rights Act provides similar protection
- In Australia, consumer guarantees under the ACL may apply for longer than one year
Apple is legally required to honor these rights in applicable regions. If Apple tries to charge you for a repair that falls within your statutory rights, you can escalate the issue.
Warranty Status Table: What Each Result Means
| Status Message | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Active warranty | Device within 1-year window | Request free repair |
| AppleCare+ active | Extended plan is valid | Use up to 2 accidental damage incidents per year |
| Expired | Coverage period over | Pay out-of-pocket or use third-party repair |
| No coverage found | Serial may be wrong or grey-market | Recheck serial or contact Apple |
| Activation Lock on | Linked to another Apple ID | Do not buy used device unless lock is removed |
Conclusion
Checking your Apple warranty takes less than two minutes. Go to checkcoverage.apple.com, enter your serial number, and read the result. If your device is covered, use that coverage before paying anything for repairs. If it is expired, know your options: Apple repair, authorized providers, or self-repair.
Always check warranty before buying a used Apple device. It protects you from getting a locked, refurbished, or out-of-coverage product without knowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check Apple warranty without a serial number?
You need the serial number to use Apple’s official warranty checker. If you cannot find it on the device or box, try your original purchase email or invoice. Apple stores also look up devices using IMEI or MEID numbers.
Does Apple warranty transfer to a new owner?
Yes. Apple’s limited warranty follows the device, not the owner. If a device is under warranty, the current owner can use it, whether they bought it new or used.
What if my Apple device was repaired by a third party? Does that void the warranty?
Unauthorized repairs can void your warranty in some cases. Apple may decline to cover further issues if third-party parts were used. Starting in 2022, Apple has become somewhat more flexible, but it depends on the type of repair and what parts were used.
How do I check the warranty on multiple Apple devices at once?
Sign in to appleid.apple.com or use the Apple Support app. Both show all devices linked to your Apple ID and their warranty status on one screen.
Can I still get support if my Apple warranty is expired?
Yes. Apple Support will still help you. Out-of-warranty support is paid, but Apple offers diagnostic help and repair estimates. You can also use community forums and Apple’s online knowledge base for free guidance.
