Buying a new iPhone is not an easy decision. You’re investing a lot of money in the gadget, so you want it to work flawlessly and serve you many years to come. Apple offers basic guarantees to its hardware and operating system, so you’ll be able to solve most potential manufacturing defects within one year after the purchase.
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But what if you want an extended warranty, which would also protect your device against accidental damage? There is such an option, and it’s called AppleCare+.
Is AppleCare+ Worth the Expense?
AppleCare is a basic program that includes a one-year warranty on hardware and 90 days of phone support after you purchase a new device. The extended program lasts for three years. It ensures hardware repairs and phone support throughout that period of time, and it enables routine repairs at a much lower cost.
The price of AppleCare+ depends on the particular iPhone model that you get. If you have an iPhone 11 Pro, it costs $199. If you want to add theft and protection coverage to the package, the program costs $299.
Before you add that expense to the one you already made for your phone, it’s important to understand: is AppleCare+ worth it? You can read detailed explanations at https://setapp.com/how-to/is-applecare-worth-it. Get informed about the exact type of coverage that the program offers. For example, it will cover up to two incidents of accidental damage each year. Apple’s official website also gives you transparent information on the warranty.
How to Add AppleCare after Purchasing an iPhone
When buying the iPhone, the official website (or the store) will offer the program at the checkout. However, you don’t have to purchase AppleCare+ at the same time with the device. If you’re ready to pay only for the device, you will get some time to consider the extended warranty. In general, buyers get 60 days from the date of purchase to activate AppleCare+ (the period is shorter for buyers from Japan; they only get 30 days).
However, you should be aware that no matter when you’re paying for the plan, the start date of the coverage is the day you purchased the iPhone.
Refurbished items purchased from an official Apple store are also eligible for an extended guarantee. You can still get the AppleCare+ plan, and it will work just like it does for a new device.
If you didn’t add the extended warranty when you were purchasing the device, here’s how to get it later :
1. Check Your Service and Support Coverage
This is the starting point: you want to check the coverage that you have in the first place. You can easily do that through Apple’s official website. You’ll only need to enter the serial number of your device, and the system will inform you if you’re still eligible to purchase AppleCare+.
If you’re offered to buy the warranty, you’ll just need to follow the steps that the website suggests. Keep in mind that you’ll have to complete a remote diagnostic test for your device. The manufacturer has to make sure that your device works well before it can let you buy coverage on it.
2. Add AppleCare+ in Store
Some users like visiting Apple stores and getting things done there. They don’t mind waiting, as long as a representative offers assistance during the process.
You can go to the nearest Apple Store with your device and a proof of purchase, and get AppleCare+ there. Your device will go through a visual inspection, so the representative will make sure you’re not trying to get coverage for a broken product.
3. Get AppleCare+ by Phone
The number for Apple Support is featured on the official website. You can call the support and ask them to add the coverage to your device. Have a proof of purchase on hand, since the representative will ask for it. You’ll also need to go through a remote diagnostic test.
Keep Checking the Status of Your Coverage
Having some extra protection for an expensive phone is a good idea. You’ll get priority access to 24/7 technical support, coverage for certified service, and damage protection for up to 2 incidents every 12 months.
Apple has a dedicated page to this program, where you can check your service and support coverage. You’ll enter the iPhone’s serial number and you’ll see how much time your plan has left.