Apple provides repair and replacement services for a variety of its products through its Apple Repairs program. This allows Apple device owners to get their products fixed or replaced either through mail-in repair, carry-in repair at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, or on-site repair depending on the device. Here are some quick answers about using Apple Repairs:
What products does Apple repair?
Apple provides repairs for the following products:
- iPhones
- iPads
- MacBooks
- iMacs
- Mac desktop computers
- Apple Watches
- Apple TV
- Displays
- iOS devices (iPod touch)
- Audio devices (AirPods, Beats)
How much does an Apple repair cost?
The cost of an Apple repair depends on the type of repair needed and whether the product is covered by an Apple warranty or AppleCare+ plan. Here are some typical Apple repair costs:
- iPhone screen replacement: $29-$329 without AppleCare+, $29 with AppleCare+
- iPad screen replacement: $99-$649 without AppleCare+, $49 with AppleCare+
- MacBook display replacement: $475-$845 without AppleCare+, $99 with AppleCare+
- Mac logic board replacement: $475-$845 without AppleCare+
- Apple Watch screen replacement: $229 without AppleCare+, $79 with AppleCare+
- iPod touch screen replacement: $99
- Battery replacement: $49-$199 depending on device
How can I get an Apple repair?
There are a few ways to get an Apple repair:
- Mail-in repair: Request a mail-in repair on Apple’s Repair website. Apple will send you a box to ship your device to an Apple Repair Center. Repairs take approximately 5-7 business days.
- Carry-in repair: Bring your device to an Apple Store Genius Bar or Apple Authorized Service Provider. Repairs are usually completed same-day.
- On-site repair: Available for desktop computers and displays. An Apple technician will come to your location to complete the repair.
How do I start a mail-in Apple repair?
Follow these steps to start a mail-in Apple repair:
- Back up your device.
- Erase and deactivate the device if possible.
- Answer questions about your device’s condition on Apple’s Repair website.
- Select your desired repair service.
- Enter payment and shipping details.
- Print and include prepaid shipping label.
- Carefully package device and ship.
- Apple will email repair updates and ship device back once complete.
How long do Apple repairs take?
Repair times can vary depending on the type of service. Here are estimated timelines:
- Mail-in iPhone screen repair: 5-7 business days
- Mail-in MacBook display repair: 5-7 business days
- Carry-in iPhone battery replacement: 1-2 hours
- Carry-in Mac logic board replacement: 3-5 days
- On-site iMac repair: 1-2 days for appointment, 2-4 hours for repair
Apple notes that timelines are estimates and can vary depending on part availability and testing procedures.
What if my repair is taking longer than expected?
If your Apple repair is taking longer than the estimated timeline, you can contact Apple Support to check on the status. Be prepared to provide your repair number or order number. Apple will investigate and provide an update on your repair. In some cases, extensive repairs may take longer due to testing processes and part constraints.
Can I track the status of my Apple repair?
For mail-in repairs, Apple will email status updates to you throughout the process. Key status checkpoints include:
- Repair initiated
- Diagnostics completed
- Repair in progress
- Quality assurance testing
- Repair completed, device shipping back soon
You can also contact Apple Support at any time during the process to get a live update on your repair status.
What is the Apple Limited Warranty?
Apple includes a 1-year limited warranty on hardware products covering defects in materials and workmanship. The Apple Limited Warranty includes:
- 1 year of hardware repair coverage from original purchase date
- 90 days of complimentary phone support
- Covers iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, HomePod, Mac, iPod, displays, and other devices
- Free repairs or replacements for qualifying issues
Should I buy AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ can be a good idea if you want extra coverage beyond the 1-year limited warranty. Benefits of AppleCare+ include:
- Extended repair coverage for 2 years from device purchase date
- Reduced repair costs
- Up to 2 incidents of accidental damage coverage
- 24/7 phone support
- Theft and loss protection for iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch
AppleCare+ provides peace of mind for an additional cost on top of the device price. It can save you money if you need any repairs down the road.
What should I do before sending my device to Apple?
It’s important to take a few steps before sending a device to Apple for repair:
- Back up your data. Repairs may require resetting the device and erasing data.
- Sign out of accounts. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, Apple services to protect personal data.
- Erase device if possible. This removes all personal content from the device.
- Include accessories needed for testing. Like cables, chargers, paired devices.
- Remove any screen lock password so Apple can test thoroughly.
Taking these steps protects your personal information and ensures Apple can complete testing during the repair process.
How do I prepare my iPhone for mailing to Apple?
Follow these tips when packing up an iPhone for mailing to Apple:
- Back up iPhone to iCloud or iTunes.
- Sign out of iCloud account in Settings.
- Reset iPhone to erase data if possible.
- Leave SIM card installed.
- Include cable and charger.
- Disable Find My iPhone.
- Remove screen lock passcode.
- Insert iPhone in included shipping box or other protective box.
How do I prepare my Mac for mailing to Apple?
Here’s how to prepare a Mac for sending to Apple Repair:
- Back up Mac with Time Machine.
- Sign out of iCloud account.
- Delete any sensitive files.
- Remove password from startup disk.
- Include Mac charging cable.
- Shut down MacBook and MacBook Pro.
- Leave Mac mini and iMac plugged in.
- Place Mac in original box if possible.
What is the cost for an iPhone battery replacement?
Apple charges the following prices for an iPhone battery replacement:
- iPhone SE – $49
- iPhone 6 or later – $69
- iPhone 11 series – $69
- iPhone 12 series – $69
- iPhone 13 series – $69
Lower $29 battery replacement price may apply if eligible under Apple’s battery service program. AppleCare+ reduces replacement cost to $0.
Can Apple repair water damaged devices?
Apple can repair an iPhone, iPad, or other device that has been damaged by water, but there are a few caveats:
- Water damage is not covered under warranty. Out of warranty fees apply.
- Repairs are not guaranteed if there is significant corrosion or short circuiting.
- Devices must be cleaned, dried out, and shipped to Apple for evaluation.
- AppleCare+ includes incidents of accidental damage from liquid.
It’s important to quickly dry out a water damaged device and have Apple evaluate repairability. Advanced water damage may not be fixable.
How can I pay for an out of warranty Apple repair?
If your device is out of warranty, Apple provides a few payment options for repair costs:
- Credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express
- Debit card
- Apple Wallet using Apple Card or Apple Gift Card balance
- Apple Account credit
- PayPal
Payment is required upfront when requesting a mail-in repair. Apple also accepts payment in-person for carry-in repairs done at the Apple Store.
Does Apple provide loaner devices during repair?
Apple does not typically provide free loaner devices during the repair process. However, there are a couple options:
- iPhone Loaner Program: Available at some Apple Stores while you wait for iPhone repair or replacement. Limited supply.
- AppleCare+: The AppleCare+ plan offers Express Replacement Service where Apple ships a replacement device first so you have a loaner during repair. Fee applies.
Otherwise, you will not have a loaner device during the period Apple is repairing your product. Be sure to have a backup during that time.
What is the turnaround time for iPhone screen repair?
For iPhone screen repairs done through Apple Repair, estimated turnaround times are:
- Apple Store carry-in screen repair: 1-2 hours
- Apple mail-in screen repair: 5-7 business days
The fastest option is carry-in repair if you have an Apple Store nearby. Mail-in takes longer but is more convenient. Timelines are subject to change.
Can I trade in my device for credit towards a repair?
Apple’s trade-in program allows you to trade in an eligible device and get credit towards a new Apple device purchase or an Apple gift card. However, you cannot directly trade in a damaged device for credit towards the cost of repair.
You can trade in a functional device for credit, then use that credit to cover the cost of repairing your damaged device. But there is no program for direct trade-in credit towards a specific repair from Apple.
What common repairs does the Apple Store perform?
The Apple Store and Apple Authorized Service Providers can perform a wide range of repairs on Apple products. Some of the most common repairs include:
- iPhone screen replacement
- MacBook display replacement
- iPad glass or LCD repair
- Mac logic board replacement
- iPhone and iPad battery replacement
- iPhone rear glass or camera replacement
- iMac display replacement
- Mac computer data recovery or hard drive repair
- Repairs of cameras, speakers, microphones, ports
Does Apple repair products older than 5 years?
Apple has the following policy on servicing vintage and obsolete products:
- Products 5-6 years old: Repairs subject to parts availability
- Products 6-7 years old: Repairs only performed at Apple’s discretion
- Products over 7 years old: Generally unable to be repaired
So Apple will attempt to repair products between 5-7 years old but repairs for older products over 7 years old are not guaranteed. Owners may need to seek third party repair options.
Does Apple provide repairs for accidental damage?
AppleCare+ is the best option for getting Apple repairs due to accidental damage:
- Covers iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac
- Includes 2 incidents of accidental damage
- Covers cracked screens, water damage, spills
- Lower repair fees vs. no coverage
Without AppleCare+, most accidental damage repairs are charged at out-of-warranty rates.
Conclusion
Hopefully this overview gives you a better understanding of how to get an Apple device repaired through the Apple Repairs program. Sending a repair to Apple involves a few steps – assessing damage, ordering service, packing carefully, shipping your device, and allowing 5-7 business days for completion. AppleCare+ can reduce repair costs for damage incidents. For fastest turnaround, carry-in repair at an Apple Store is recommended. With a few pro tips, you can get your Apple device repaired conveniently.
| Repair Type | Estimated Time | Cost without Applecare+ |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Screen Replacement | 5-7 days (mail-in), 1-2 hours (Apple Store) | $129-$329 |
| MacBook Display Replacement | 5-7 days (mail-in), 3-5 days (Apple Store) | $475-$845 |
| iPad Glass Repair | 5-7 days (mail-in), 1-2 hours (Apple Store) | $99-$649 |
| Mac Logic Board Replacement | 5-7 days (mail-in), 3-5 days (Apple Store) | $475-$845 |
| iPhone Battery Replacement | 5-7 days (mail-in), 1-2 hours (Apple Store) | $49-$99 |