iPhone Warranty

Tips to Maximize the iPhone Warranty Policy with Sift

Got an iPhone? If so, you’re probably aware that your smartphone is covered by an iPhone warranty. Do you know how long you’re covered, or what coverage you do (and don’t) have?

For those that aren’t exactly sure about their iPhone warranty, there’s good news. If you happened to purchase your iPhone with your credit card, you may be eligible for an extension to the iPhone warranty. Of course, it can be bit of effort to register and keep track of your warranty. That’s where using Sift’s automated features can make your life easier. Want to learn more? Read on to learn about the iPhone warranty and how to maximize your coverage.

iPhone Warranty – How Does It Work?

Your iPhone warranty is almost identical to Apple’s One (1) Year Limited Warranty. Basically, iPhone users can receive free parts and labor during the first year of owning the device, starting from the date of original retail purchase for an end-user purchaser. Users may qualify for free repairs, replacements, and exchanges for their device depending on the nature of the service needed during the Apple warranty. Additionally, users are entitled to 90-days of free technical support

To qualify for the iPhone warranty, end-users must follow the published guidelines in contained in technical specifications, user manuals and service communications. When serviced by an Apple technician, each replacement part is given its own 90-day warranty of extended coverage.

If you wish to add more warranty coverage, purchasing AppleCare+ extends the iPhone warranty to two years.

How to Get Coverage

First, begin by checking whether your iPhone is still under the warranty (click here .). If you are still covered by the iPhone warranty, you have a few options. Begin by consulting online help resources to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem still persists, you have a few options to service your device:

  • Over the Phone: Contact an Apple representative or an Authorized Apple Service Provider. They may be able to guide you through the process of fixing your device over the phone. For information on tech support in your area, click here.

 

  • Carry-In Service: You may return your Apple Product to an Apple Retail or AASP location offering carry-in service. Service will be performed at the location, or Apple Retail or an AASP may send your Apple Product to another place to be serviced. Once you are notified that service is complete, you will retrieve the Apple Product from the Apple Retail or AASP location without delay unless Apple notifies you that the Apple Product will be mail your device back to you.

 

  • Mail-In Service: If Apple determines that your Apple Product is eligible for mail-in service, Apple will send you prepaid waybills and if applicable, packaging material and instructions on how to properly pack and address your Apple product, so that you may ship your Apple Product to an ARS or AASP location. Instructions may be sent to you via email or in hard copy with the packaging material. Once service is complete, the ARS or AASP location will return the Apple Product to you. Apple will pay for shipping to and from your location if all instructions regarding the method of packaging and shipping the Apple Product are followed.

 

  • Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Parts Service: DIY parts service allows you to service your own Apple Product. If DIY parts service is available in the circumstances, parts will be shipped to you with instructions on installation, if applicable, and any requirements for the disposal of the replaced Apple Product or part. As mentioned before, user-installable parts are warrantied for 90 days from the date of replacement or repair, whichever provides longer coverage for you. When a Apple Product or part is replaced or a refund provided, any replacement item becomes your property and the replaced or refunded item becomes Apple’s property.

Exclusions to the Apple Warranty

The Apple warranty has a number of exclusions that may disqualify you from receiving warranty service. Some of the most common exclusions include:

  • Consumable Parts: this includes iPhone batteries or protective coatings that are designed to diminish over time, unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship;
  • Cosmetic Damage: including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship;
  • 3rd-Party Damage: to damage caused by use with a third party component or product that does not meet the Apple Product’s specification This includes accessories such as a case for your iPhone;
  • Non-Authorized Service: to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”);
  • Non-Authorized Modifications: to an iPhone that has been modified to alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple. This includes jailbreaking your iPhone;
  • Excluded Damage: to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, fire, liquid contact, earthquake or other external cause. For instance, dropping your iPhone in a lake isn’t covered;

Your iPhone Warranty and Your Credit Card

The best part about the iPhone warranty protection is that savvy consumers can extend it for free—if you purchased your iPhone with your credit card.Typically, your credit issuer allows you to tack on a year’s worth of coverage under a little-known credit card perk called extended warranty protection . Extended warranty protection mirrors the terms of coverage (and exclusions) offered by Apple, and will reimburse you for damages/repairs as a statement credit (if necessary).

The catch is that you’ll have to often register each item before qualifying for the warranty service, and you’ll have to keep track of your new warranty—not to mention a lengthy claims process that might not be worth your time.

However, don’t let that dissuade you. Just like any modern problem, there’s an app for that to make life easier. Using Sift  can take care of the guesswork that comes with your iPhone warranty, your extended warranty, all while automating the claims process. Interested in finding out more?

To automatically track of all your extended warranty credit card protections and to unlock additional credit card benefits, download Sift from the Apple Store or Google Play.