Free iPhone and Mac Repair: What’s Actually Covered
Apple does not offer a general free repair service for iPhones or Macs, but you can get a repair at no cost in specific situations: within the one-year limited warranty, under AppleCare+ (with a service fee for accidental damage), or through a recall or quality program. This article explains exactly when a repair is free, how to check your eligibility, and what to do if you’re facing a bill.
What the Standard Warranty Covers
Every new iPhone and Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty (and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support in most regions). This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship—for example, a battery that fails prematurely, a logic board that stops working, or a display that develops dead pixels. It does not cover accidental damage, liquid spills, cracked screens, or normal wear and tear like battery degradation over time.
To get a free repair under warranty, you need to prove the issue is a defect, not damage. Apple will run diagnostics, and if they find evidence of liquid contact or physical impact, the claim is typically denied. Also note that the warranty is void if the device has been opened by a non-Apple technician or if unauthorized parts were used.
AppleCare+ and Its Service Fees
AppleCare+ is an extended warranty you can buy within 60 days of purchasing your device (or sometimes later if you get a device inspection). It extends coverage to two or three years and adds coverage for accidental damage, but it is not free—you pay a service fee per incident:
- iPhone screen or back glass repair: $29 (US) per incident
- Other iPhone damage (e.g., rear camera, logic board): $99 (US) per incident
- Mac repair: $99 (US) for screen or external enclosure damage, $299 (US) for other accidental damage
These fees are much lower than out-of-warranty costs, but they are not zero. If you have AppleCare+ and the issue is a defect (not damage), the repair is free—no service fee applies.
Recalls and Quality Programs
Apple occasionally announces free repair programs for specific known issues. These are separate from the warranty and apply even if your device is older or out of warranty. Examples include:
- iPhone 12 and 12 Pro speaker module program (no sound on calls)
- iPhone 11 display module program (touch issues)
- MacBook Pro battery replacement program (for certain 2016-2017 models)
- MacBook keyboard service program (butterfly keyboard issues)
To check if your device is covered, visit Apple’s support page and search for “repair programs” or go to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter your serial number. If your device is on the list, the repair is free at an Apple Store or authorized service provider.
How to Check Your Coverage Status
You can check your warranty and AppleCare+ status online in less than a minute:
- Go to
checkcoverage.apple.com. - Enter your device’s serial number (found in Settings > General > About on iPhone, or Apple menu > About This Mac on Mac).
- Look for “Coverage”—it will show if you have active AppleCare+ or if you’re still in the one-year limited warranty.
If you have no coverage, you can still get a repair, but you’ll pay the out-of-warranty price. Apple publishes flat-rate repair prices on its website—for example, an iPhone 15 screen repair is about $279, and a MacBook battery replacement is around $199–$249 depending on the model. These are estimates; actual prices vary by region and model.
Third-Party vs. Apple Repair
If you’re out of warranty and don’t have AppleCare+, you have options beyond Apple’s own service:
- Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider: Uses genuine parts, maintains warranty, but costs the most.
- Independent repair shops: Often cheaper, but may use aftermarket parts. Since 2021, Apple has allowed independent shops to buy genuine parts and tools, but they must be certified.
- DIY repair: You can buy parts from Apple’s Self Service Repair store (in select countries) or from third parties. This is cheapest but risky—you can void your warranty and damage the device.
Be aware that Apple’s parts pairing can cause issues: if you replace a screen or battery with a non-genuine part, you may see warnings like “Unknown Part” and some features (like True Tone) may stop working. Genuine parts from Apple’s Self Service Repair store avoid this, but they require a tool rental and are not much cheaper than Apple’s own repair.
Common Misconceptions About Free Repairs
Many people assume that buying a new iPhone or Mac includes free repairs for life—it doesn’t. Others think that a cracked screen is covered under warranty—it’s not, unless you have AppleCare+ and pay the fee. Another common myth: if you have AppleCare+, everything is free—that’s false; accidental damage always has a service fee.
Also, some carriers or retailers offer their own protection plans (like Verizon’s or Best Buy’s). These are separate from Apple’s warranty, and they may have different deductibles. Read the terms carefully—some require you to send the phone to a third-party repair center, and you might get a refurbished replacement instead of a repair.
Steps to Get a Free Repair (If Eligible)
If you believe your device qualifies for a free repair, here’s what to do:
- Back up your device (iCloud or computer) before any repair.
- Check coverage at
checkcoverage.apple.com. - Make an appointment at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider via Apple’s support app or website.
- Explain the issue and mention any relevant repair program you found.
- If the technician confirms it’s a defect or covered program, the repair is free. If not, you’ll get a quote—you can decline and seek other options.
If your device is not eligible, ask if there’s any customer service exception. Apple occasionally waives fees for goodwill, but this is rare and not guaranteed. It never hurts to ask politely, but don’t expect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Apple fix cracked screens for free?
No, unless the crack is a result of a manufacturing defect (which is very rare). A cracked screen is considered accidental damage. With AppleCare+, you pay a $29 service fee; without it, you pay the full out-of-warranty price.
How long does the free repair take?
Most iPhone screen or battery repairs are done in about 1-2 hours if parts are in stock. Mac repairs can take 3-5 business days, especially if the logic board needs replacement. If parts aren’t available, it can take longer.
Can I get a free repair if I bought my iPhone used?
Yes, the one-year limited warranty transfers with the device, but it’s based on the original purchase date. If the original warranty is still active, you’re covered. If not, you can buy AppleCare+ only within 60 days of purchase—but if you bought it used, you may be out of luck unless the previous owner already added AppleCare+.
What if my Mac is out of warranty and has a known issue?
Check Apple’s repair program page. If your Mac is on a recall or quality program list, the repair is free even if out of warranty. For example, certain MacBook Pro models with battery issues are covered for up to 5 years from the original purchase date.
Is it worth buying AppleCare+?
It depends on your risk tolerance. If you’re prone to dropping your phone or have kids, the $29 screen repair fee is much cheaper than the $279 out-of-warranty cost. For Macs, the $299 accidental damage fee is also less than a full logic board replacement. But if you never damage your devices, you might never use it.
Can I get a free repair if I have a third-party warranty?
No, Apple does not honor third-party warranties. You must go through the third-party provider. However, if the third-party warranty covers defects, they might pay for the repair at an Apple Store, but you’ll need to arrange that with them.
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