iPhone warranty explained – Everything you need to know

Apple gives every brand-new iPhone a “limited warranty”. But what exactly does it cover? This post contains answers to the most asked questions about an iPhone’s warranty. Let’s start with the most obvious question.

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How long is the iPhone warranty and when does it start?

iPhones have a one-year limited warranty. Which is extendable through Apple or an Apple Authorized reseller at an extra cost. But only at the time of purchase.

If you bought your phone from an authorized reseller and would like to do a warranty claim from that reseller, they generally consider that the warranty started on the date of purchase as specified by your receipt.

However, sometimes Apple may consider the start of the warranty as the first day the iPhone was turned on. Because on the first boot, your iPhone automatically starts its warranty countdown.

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How to check your iPhone warranty?

There are two ways to check your iPhone’s warranty. The first is by going to “Phone Settings > General > About.

The sixth row in this menu usually shows your iPhone warranty expiry date. You can also check the phone’s warranty without unboxing it.

Just visit https://checkcoverage.apple.com and type in the phone’s serial number as specified on the box.

How to check your iPhone warranty in the phone settings: Image by Nebaa

What’s covered by Apple’s One-Year Limited Warranty?

As the name implies, a limited warranty will be limited to certain types of defects or conditions specified in the terms and conditions.

Apple warrants the iPhone and the Apple-branded accessories in the box against “Defects in materials and workmanship when used normally in accordance with Apple’s publishing guidelines”.

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What’s covered by the Apple limited warranty? Source
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What’s not covered by the iPhone warranty?

  • Software distributed by Apple with or without the Apple brand (including but not limited to system software).
  • Apple does not warrant that the operation of the Apple Product will be uninterrupted or error-free.
  • Apple is not responsible for damage arising from failure to follow instructions relating to the Apple Product’s use
  • The warranty does not apply to consumable parts like batteries or protective coatings that are designed to diminish over time.
  • It doesn’t apply to cosmetic damage such as scratches, dents, broken plastic on ports, normal wear and tear, or normal aging of the iPhone.
  • It does not apply if the phone’s serial number has been defaced or removed if the phone is reported as stolen if the owner is unable to deactivate the passcode or other security measures on the phone and if they cannot prove in any way that the phone belongs to them.
  • Warranty doesn’t apply to damage caused by use with a third-party component or product.
  • Damage caused by operating the iPhone outside Apple’s published guidelines
  • Damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple-authorized service provider.
  • It doesn’t cover an apple product that has been modified to alter its functionality or capability without written permission from Apple.
  • The iPhone warranty doesn’t cover physical damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake, or other external sources.

If you would like to get coverage for physical damage, then you need to purchase Apple Care + for iPhone at an extra cost.

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How can you claim your iPhone warranty?

To claim your iPhone warranty, you have to contact an Apple representative at an Apple-owned retail store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

They first have to determine if the iPhone requires service. And if it does then they will inform you how the warranty service will be provided.

In that case, you would have to submit the device to an Apple Store or Apple service center by carry-in or by mail.

How to obtain iPhone warranty service: Source

How does apple handle an iPhone warranty claim?

There are three ways that Apple can solve a warranty issue.

  1. They will first attempt to repair the iPhone using either new or previously used parts that would provide the same performance and reliability as a brand-new part.
  2. With your consent, they may replace your iPhone with a brand new one, or a certified refurbished model that has the same performance as the phone you submitted.
  3. In the case where the two previous options don’t work out, Apple may give you a refund of your purchase price.
Apple iPhone warranty service options: Source

What to do before sending your iPhone for warranty service

There are a few very important things you must do before sending your iPhone for warranty service.

  • You should make a complete backup copy of the information contained on your device.
  • Remove all sensitive information or better still format the iPhone.
  • Disable all your security passwords. After warranty service, the phone’s operating system would probably be formatted and updated to the latest iOS version. Apple would not be responsible for any loss of information during warranty service.  

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Is the iPhone warranty “International”?

iPhone warranty service may not be available everywhere: Source

According to Apple’s current “April 2022 till present” warranty terms and conditions, Apple can repair or replace Apple products like iPhones in a country where international service is available.

But there’s no clear mention that iPhones have an international warranty. So it’s safe to assume that it is not an international warranty.

“Apple may restrict warranty service for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and HomePod to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device”.

Apple warranty service can be restricted to its country of service: Source
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Apple’s warranty paperwork gives clues that international warranty service may not be available everywhere.

It also states that “Apple has the right to restrict warranty service for an iPhone, only to the country where Apple or its Authorized Distributors originally sold the device.

I’ve witnessed this several times where a customer came complaining that they couldn’t get a successful warranty claim in the UAE for an iPhone from a different county.

So technically the iPhone warranty is not an international warranty. Even though in most cases Apple still continues to provide warranty service internationally. That’s Probably out of goodwill. 

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About Nebaa

I've worked in the tech industry as a sales executive since 2015. Now I create content on the internet. I'm here to share my knowledge and experience.