The Best Ways to Get a Replacement iPhone from Apple

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Learn how AppleCare and your iPhone’s warranty works with our guide

Co-authored by Josef Storzi and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: December 20, 2024 Fact Checked

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Does Apple replace iPhones for free?

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Replacing an iPhone with AppleCare+

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Getting AppleCare+

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Video

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Tips

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Warnings

If your iPhone isn’t working properly or has damage, it’s possible to get a replacement directly from Apple. While they only give free replacements for hardware issues, you can still get repairs or a new iPhone for a small fee with AppleCare+. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to replace your iPhone with or without a warranty, plus how to add AppleCare coverage to your account.

How to Get a Replacement iPhone

If you bought your iPhone within the last year, Apple will replace it for free if there are hardware issues or manufacturing defects. With AppleCare+ coverage, you can also replace iPhones that have accidental damage or are lost for a small service fee.

Section 1 of 3:

Does Apple replace iPhones for free?

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Apple replaces phones with defects for free for one year after buying them. You’re automatically enrolled in Apple’s 1-year AppleCare warranty when you buy an iPhone. If your iPhone has hardware issues or manufacturing defects, visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase. The employees will repair your phone if possible, or they’ll give you a replacement. ^{[1]
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- Your replacement iPhone will typically be the same generation and color as your old phone.
- If you don’t have an Apple Store near you, you may also request a repair service online at https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair , and Apple will send shipping boxes to mail your iPhone.
- The 1-year warranty does not cover the following:
  - Software issues
  - Battery or protective coatings with normal wear and tear
  - Cosmetic damage like scratches or dents
  - Damage caused by a non-Apple accessory
  - Accidents like drops or liquid damage

Section 2 of 3:

How to Get a Replacement iPhone with AppleCare+

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1
Service broken or damaged iPhones to get repaired or replaced. AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty that covers battery issues and accidental damage. When you take your iPhone to an Apple Store or mail it in for servicing, they’ll first try to fix your phone with replacement parts. If they’re unable to complete their repairs, they’ll give you a replacement phone instead. ^{[2]
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- You can claim accidental damage on your iPhone as many times as you want, but most AppleCare+ repair and replacement services cost a small fee:
  - Hardware defects: $0 USD
  - Battery replacement: $0 USD (if the battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity)
  - Screen or back glass damage: $29 USD
  - Any other accidental damage: $99 USD
2
Use the Express Replacement Service while your iPhone gets repaired. If your iPhone isn’t working properly, request the Express Replacement Service online or at the Apple Store. Apple will send you a replacement iPhone that’s the same model and color as your old one. Return your original iPhone within ten business days to avoid any fees or charges. ^{[3]
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- Apple puts a temporary charge on your credit card for the full cost of the replacement phone, but they’ll remove it once they receive and inspect your phone.
- If your phone has damage that isn’t covered by AppleCare+, such as normal wear and tear or intentional damage, then you will be charged the full price of the replacement or an out-of-warranty fee.
3
File a claim if your phone got lost or stolen. AppleCare+ covers theft or loss of phones up to 2 times each year and will send a replacement for a deductible fee. Sign in to your Apple ID and start a Theft and Loss claim online. After paying $149 USD and checking that your iPhone is actually lost, Apple will send you a replacement that’s the same as your old device. ^{[4]
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- You must have Find My installed and active on your iPhone to claim Theft or Loss coverage.

Section 3 of 3:

How to Get AppleCare+ for Your iPhone

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1
Purchase AppleCare+ within 60 days of buying your iPhone. When you first buy your iPhone from the Apple Store or your mobile provider, you have the opportunity to add AppleCare+ to your account. Check if you have AppleCare in your account information. Otherwise, go into Settings → General → About → Add AppleCare+ Coverage to opt in. ^{[5]
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- AppleCare+ prices depend on which model iPhone you have:
  - iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: $9.99 USD monthly or $199 USD for two years
  - iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus: $8.99 USD monthly or $179 USD for two years
  - iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13: $7.99 USD monthly or $149 USD for two years
  - iPhone SE (3rd generation): $3.99 USD monthly or $79 USD for two years
- AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage costs:
  - iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max: $13.49 USD monthly or $269 USD for two years
  - iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 14 Plus: $12.49 USD monthly or $249 USD for two years
  - iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13: $11.49 USD monthly or $219 USD for two years
  - iPhone SE (3rd generation): $7.49 USD monthly or $149 USD for two years
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Extend your coverage if it expired within the last 45 days. If your AppleCare+ coverage recently expired, you may be able to resume monthly or annual payments for your plan. Go to https://support.apple.com/my-support and follow the instructions on the screen to re-enroll in an AppleCare+ plan. ^{[6]
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- After extending your coverage, your AppleCare+ plan automatically renews until you cancel it.
3
Ask an Apple Store employee to apply AppleCare+ to your account. Some people have had luck negotiating with Apple Store employees to add late AppleCare+ coverage to their accounts. Take your phone in, and calmly let them know what happened to your iPhone. Ask them if there’s any way they can work with you to provide AppleCare coverage or waive device fees.
- If the employee tells you the repair is going to be expensive, say something like, “I appreciate you helping, but is there anything you can do to help me more?” or, “Thanks for helping, but could you ask if there are any other affordable options?”
- While negotiating with an Apple Store employee may not work 100% of the time, they will often try to get you the best deal so you continue being a customer.
- Avoid getting defensive or angry with an employee if they cannot reduce the price for you.

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Tips

Josef Storzi, a mobile phone repair specialist, recommends backing up your iPhone before sending it in for repairs so you don’t lose any data. He recommends using an iTunes backup to store all your information or backing up to iCloud.

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If there isn’t an Apple Store near you, look for an authorized Apple seller in your area.

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Warnings

Avoid intentionally damaging your iPhone to get a replacement because it could be considered fraud, and you may have to pay the full price for a new phone.

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The Best Ways to Get a Replacement iPhone from Apple

How to Get a Replacement iPhone

Steps

Does Apple replace iPhones for free?

How to Get a Replacement iPhone with AppleCare+

How to Get AppleCare+ for Your iPhone

Expert Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

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