Last Updated: June 26, 2015

Keeping track of the exact date when we bought our iPhones or iPods isn't something many of us need to worry about—except when we need tech support or our device needs to be repaired. If that's the situation you're facing, then you need to know when you purchased your iPhone so you can find out whether it's still covered by warranty, still eligible for phone support, or if you'll have to pay to get either.

Luckily, Apple makes checking the warranty of any iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, Mac, or iPad easy thanks to a warranty-checking tool on its website. 

1. Your first step in learning your device's warranty status is to go to Apple's warranty checker tool
2. Next, you need to enter the serial number of the device whose warranty you want to check. There are two ways to find this:
   • In the device's About menu (found in Settings -> General on devices running iOS).
   • Sync the device; the serial number will be at the top of the management screen in iTunes next to the image of the device
3. Enter the serial number into the warranty checker and click the "Continue" button.
4. When you do this, you'll see 5 pieces of information:
   • The type of device it is
   • Whether the device is registered with Apple
   • Has telephone support expired or not (free telephone support is available for a limited time after the device was been purchased; when it expires, telephone support is charged on a per-call basis)
   • Is the device still in warranty for repairs and service?
   • Is the device eligible to have its warranty extended via AppleCare?

If the device isn't registered, coverage is expired, or AppleCare is available, click the button to the right of that item to take action.

What To Do Next

• If it's still covered under warranty, the buttons listed on the site give you the options you need to contact Apple support or set up a repair.
• You can schedule an appointment to take your device to the Genius Bar at your nearest Apple Store and get support in person.
• If it's no longer under warranty, but is still eligible for AppleCare, it's usually a smart decision to buy AppleCare before contacting Apple for support. AppleCare for an iPhone usually runs around US$60, while support calls can be around $30 and repairs much more. If you think you're going to need a repair, AppleCare can make the cost a lot more manageable.

 

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