Tech

How to Add AppleCare+ to Your iPhone After Purchase

By Novak Bozovic / September 14, 2020

No matter how careful you’re with your new iPhone, accidents can happen. This is precisely why AppleCare+ exists, extending your iPhone’s warranty to two years (while adding other benefits as well). The only question is – how to add AppleCare+ to an iPhone after you’ve already purchased it?

The answer is – easy! And since we’re talking about Apple here, you can already guess that adding AppleCare+ can be done in more ways than one.

More precisely, you can use your iPhone, visit Apple’s website, call Apple’s technical support, or visit your local Apple store.

Therefore, let’s jump to explaining how to add AppleCare+ to your iPhone. Later on, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions as well.

Here’s How to Add AppleCare+ to Your iPhone After Purchase – Step-by-Step Guide

Right now, there are four routes to take. The result is the same – you’ll buy Apple’s AppleCare+ coverage for your iPhone, extending its warranty to two years.

Option #1: Use Your iPhone

Activating AppleCare+ via iPhone Settings App

Here’s how to add AppleCare+ to your iPhone - by using your brand-new iPhone.

Tip

If you don’t see the ‘AppleCare+ Coverage Available’ prompt, that means that you’re no longer eligible. In that case, we recommend trying via one of the following methods.

Option #2: Visit Apple’s Website

AppleCare Plus Official Website

To add AppleCare+ to your iPhone, you can turn to Apple’s website. In this case, make sure to have your phone’s serial number ready (Settings > General > About).

Option #3: Call Apple’s Technical Support

Apple Support Website

For this method, you’ll need to provide a proof of purchase, like a receipt. And also, you’ll need to supply a serial number of your iPhone (Settings > General > About).

Option #4: Visit a Local Apple Store

List of Apple Store Locations

In case you have an Apple Store nearby, perhaps the easiest way to add AppleCare+ is to visit that Apple store. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

What’s Covered Under AppleCare+?

Buying AppleCare+ for your iPhone extends its warranty to two years (minimum). Also, you get protection for physical damage. Those are the most important benefits.

More precisely, you are covered in two incidents involving accidental damage. Keep in mind that additional fees are present - $29 for screen damage and $99 for other types of damage.

AppleCare+ includes other benefits as well. You get 24/7 priority access to Apple support, as well as same-day service in most metropolitan areas. You’ll also be eligible for extensive hardware coverage, which includes your iPhone’s battery (if it retains less than 80% of its original capacity).

How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost (for an iPhone)?

When it comes to the price of AppleCare+, this depends on the iPhone model you have. Here’s how much you can expect to pay.

Does AppleCare+ Include Coverage for Theft & Loss?

No, AppleCare+ doesn’t include coverage for theft and loss – if you pick its ‘standard’ plan. If you need this type of coverage, you can opt for the AppleCare+ ‘Theft and Loss’ plan.

As you can expect, this is a more expensive coverage plan, where prices start at $199 for the iPhone 7 and 8. Owners of the latest iPhone generation can also use this AppleCare+ plan, but they should expect to pay up to $299.

What’s the Difference Between AppleCare & AppleCare+?

When you buy a new iPhone, you automatically get one year of AppleCare – which is Apple’s basic (and international) warranty. To protect your investment in a more comprehensive way and extend its warranty to two years, you need AppleCare+.

We’d also like to note that you can get AppleCare+ beyond those two years. The Cupertino-based company offers a way to pay upfront for AppleCare+ (for two years), and then you can pay monthly afterward. You’ll be covered as long as you’re paying for the coverage.

Can You Add AppleCare+ After 60 Days?

Just recently, Apple announced its plans to offer its customers more time to opt for AppleCare+. More precisely, you’ll have more than 60 days to decide (up to 12 months) – but this applies only to those in the United States and Canada.

In general, we recommend not waiting too long to get AppleCare+ on your iPhone – especially if you’re planning on buying one soon. That’s because Apple can revert back to its 60-day window without any prior notice.

So, that would be all on how to add AppleCare+ to your iPhone after purchase. If you have any questions, post them via the comments section below. And also, don’t forget to share this article online. Thanks!



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