You just dropped your phone. That sickening thud on the pavement is usually followed by a frantic, slow-motion reach to see if the screen is shattered or if the internal hardware is screaming for help. If it’s broken, your first thought isn’t about the new features in iOS; it’s about your wallet. Honestly, knowing how to check the iphone warranty is the difference between a free replacement and a $600 repair bill that ruins your month. Most people assume they’re covered because the phone is "new," but Apple’s logic on coverage dates can be a bit finicky depending on where you bought it and when it was first activated.
Apple doesn't make it hard to find this info, but they do bury the nuances. You’ve basically got three ways to do this: the settings app on the device itself, the official web portal, or the Apple Support app. Each one gives you a slightly different level of detail.
The Fastest Way: Checking Directly on Your Device
If your screen still works and you can touch the icons, don't go looking for your box or receipt. That’s a waste of time. Just grab the phone.
Open Settings. Tap General. Hit About.
Right there, usually under the serial number, you’ll see a section titled "Coverage" or "Limited Warranty." If you see "Expired," well, that sucks. But if it says "Limited Warranty" or "AppleCare+," you can tap it to see the exact expiration date. It’s the most direct method because the phone knows exactly who it is and when it started its "life" on the Apple servers.
Sometimes it says "Coverage Expired" even if you feel like you just bought the thing. This happens. If you bought it from a third-party reseller like a random booth at the mall or an unverified Amazon seller, the warranty might have started ticking the moment they bought it from Apple, not when you bought it from them. It’s a common trap.
What if the Phone Won't Turn On?
This is where it gets tricky. If the logic board is fried or the screen is black, you can’t exactly "tap" your way to the answer. You need your Serial Number or IMEI.
Look at the SIM tray. You’ll need a paperclip or one of those little poke-tools. Pop the tray out and squint. Hard. The serial number is etched right there in tiny, microscopic letters. Once you have that string of letters and numbers, head over to the checkcoverage.apple.com website.
Using the Check Coverage Portal
This site is the "Old Reliable" of the Apple world. You plug in the serial number, solve a captcha that’s surprisingly difficult sometimes, and it spits out your status. It’ll tell you three things:
- Valid Purchase Date (This means Apple knows you bought it legally).
- Telephone Technical Support (Usually only 90 days).
- Repairs and Service Coverage (The big one).
If that third light is green, you're in the clear for manufacturing defects. But remember, the "Limited Warranty" does not cover "I dropped it in the toilet" or "I ran it over with my bike." That’s only for AppleCare+ users.
Understanding the Difference Between Warranty and AppleCare+
People get these mixed up constantly. It’s annoying.
The standard "Limited Warranty" is what every iPhone gets for one year. It’s basically Apple saying, "If our battery swells up or the screen stops responding for no reason, we’ll fix it." It covers hardware failures. It does not cover your clumsiness.
AppleCare+, on the other hand, is the paid insurance. If you have this, how to check the iphone warranty results will look a lot friendlier. It covers "accidental damage," though you still have to pay a small deductible—usually around $29 for a screen or $99 for "other" damage. If you’re looking at your status and it says "AppleCare+," breathe a sigh of relief. You aren't paying full price for that repair.
The "Consumer Law" Loophole
Depending on where you live, that one-year expiration date might be a lie. In the UK and many EU countries, consumer protection laws actually force manufacturers to cover defects for up to two years (and sometimes longer). If your phone is 14 months old and the Wi-Fi chip dies, and you live in London, don't let the "Expired" status on the website scare you off. You still have rights, though you might have to argue for them at the Genius Bar.
The Apple Support App: The Pro Move
If you have multiple Apple devices—maybe an iPad, some AirPods, and your iPhone—download the Apple Support app from the App Store.
It’s honestly way better than the website. Log in with your Apple ID and it lists every single device linked to your account. You can tap on any of them and see the warranty status instantly without typing in long serial numbers. It also gives you a "Get Support" button right there so you can start a chat or book a repair appointment.
Why the Date Might Be Wrong
Occasionally, you’ll check your status and the date is just... wrong. Maybe you bought it in December but it says the warranty started in October. This usually means the system is lagging or the retailer didn't report the sale correctly. You can actually fix this. You’ll need to contact Apple Support and provide your proof of purchase (the receipt). They can manually update the "Valid Purchase Date" so you get your full 365 days of coverage.
Specific Cases: Used and Refurbished Phones
Buying a used iPhone is a gamble. Before you hand over the cash, you must check the warranty status. If the seller says "It’s only two months old," verify it.
Ask for the serial number before you meet up. If they refuse to give it to you, walk away. They’re probably hiding something—either it’s a stolen device or the warranty is long gone. When you run the number, look specifically for the "Activation Lock" status too, although Apple moved that tool around recently for security reasons.
If it’s a "Certified Refurbished" phone directly from Apple, it comes with a fresh one-year warranty, just like a new phone. But if it’s "Refurbished" from a random site or a big-box retailer’s "pre-owned" section, you’re likely getting a 90-day warranty provided by them, not Apple. In that case, checking Apple’s website will likely show "Expired."
Hidden Details in the "About" Section
Lately, Apple has added "Parts and Service History" to the Settings menu. This is huge.
If you’ve had a repair done, your iPhone will now tell you if the part used was a "Genuine Apple Part" or an "Unknown Part." If you’re checking the warranty because something feels "off" after a repair, this section is your evidence. If a shop told you they used a real Apple screen but your phone says "Unknown Part," your warranty for that specific component is essentially void through Apple.
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What to Do Once You Know Your Status
Knowing is only half the battle. If you find out you're covered, don't wait.
- Back up your data immediately. Whether it's iCloud or a computer, do it. Apple will often wipe your phone or just hand you a different refurbished unit as a replacement.
- Turn off "Find My iPhone." Apple technicians literally cannot (or will not) touch your device for a warranty repair if this is enabled. It's a theft-protection measure.
- Book the appointment. Use the Support app. Walking into an Apple Store without an appointment is a recipe for sitting on a wooden stool for three hours while people stare at you.
If you find out your warranty is expired, you have to do some math. Is a $350 screen repair worth it on an iPhone 13? Probably not. You might be better off going to a reputable third-party shop (just know they won't use "Genuine" parts unless they’re part of Apple’s Independent Repair Provider program) or putting that money toward a new device.
One final weird tip: If your battery health is below 80% and you are still under warranty (or AppleCare+), Apple will usually replace that battery for free. Most people wait until the phone is dying at noon to check, but if you’re at 81% and your warranty ends next week, go get that new battery now.
Your Immediate Next Steps
Go to Settings > General > About right now. Even if your phone is fine. You need to know that date so it doesn't sneak up on you. If you see that you have only a few days left, do a quick "health check" on your hardware—check the speakers, the charging port, and the screen for any flickering. If anything is wonky, get it documented by Apple before that clock hits zero. Once it's expired, Apple is notoriously "by the book" and won't help you for free even if you're only one day late.