Adding Apple Care Plus without going to Apple store

[marine0816]

I ordered my iPhone 7 Plus on Sprint.com. If I want to add Apple Care+ do I have to take it into the store or can I do it online? I understand they give you a 60 day grace period.... Last time I remember you had to take it into an Apple store so they can inspect the condition, has that changed? I don't feel like driving all the way to the Apple Store, its a waste of time because its a brand new product and Sprint.com didn't have an option for AppleCare. Thank you

 

[heyyitssusan]

I ordered my iPhone 7 Plus on Sprint.com. If I want to add Apple Care+ do I have to take it into the store or can I do it online? I understand they give you a 60 day grace period.... Last time I remember you had to take it into an Apple store so they can inspect the condition, has that changed? I don't feel like driving all the way to the Apple Store, its a waste of time because its a brand new product and Sprint.com didn't have an option for AppleCare. Thank you

You can call them and they can run a diagnostic. Not sure if you have an apple authorized service provider but normally they can add it on too.

 

[AZhappyjack]

I ordered my iPhone 7 Plus on Sprint.com. If I want to add Apple Care+ do I have to take it into the store or can I do it online? I understand they give you a 60 day grace period.... Last time I remember you had to take it into an Apple store so they can inspect the condition, has that changed? I don't feel like driving all the way to the Apple Store, its a waste of time because its a brand new product and Sprint.com didn't have an option for AppleCare. Thank you

Call Apple (1-800-MyApple) and buy it. They will ask for your IMEI and then send you a text with a link to a remote diagnostic utility. If it passes, they will add it to your device.

 

[mattopotamus]

oddly enough every time I have called they have never run the diagnostic. They did 1 time with an iPad, but never a phone, other iPads, or apple watch.

 

[marine0816]

nice. what about Apple.com?

 

[mattopotamus]

nice. what about Apple.com?

only at the time of purchase. Otherwise it has to be via phone or in store.

 

[heyyitssusan]

nice. what about Apple.com?

https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

Important notes
Purchase AppleCare+ with your new iPhone. Or buy it within 60 days of your iPhone purchase:

• Online (requires you to verify your serial number and run a remote diagnostic)
• At an Apple Store (inspection of iPhone and proof of purchase are required)
• Or call (800) 275-2273 (requires you to run a remote diagnostic and provide proof of purchase)

 

[eyoungren]

oddly enough every time I have called they have never run the diagnostic. They did 1 time with an iPad, but never a phone, other iPads, or apple watch.

It's also been used as an end run around Apple.

Some people have broken their screens or done accidental damage within the first 60 days of owning their device. The online diag, if they run it, does not detect broken screens or physical damage, where in a physical examination at an Apple store it would be obvious.

AC+ gets added, customer pays less for a new screen or a replacement.

 

[mattopotamus]

It's also been used as an end run around Apple.

Some people have broken their screens or done accidental damage within the first 60 days of owning their device. The online diag, if they run it, does not detect broken screens or physical damage, where in a physical examination at an Apple store it would be obvious.

AC+ gets added, customer pays less for a new screen or a replacement.

Oh definitely. The same way people dunk their phones in water so they get a new one (refurb) instead of a screen replacement under AC+. I guess people will have to break their phones in half now. That is probably a major reason apple made it cheaper to get a screen replacement under AC+.

 

[marine0816]

thanks. ill try out apple.com first

 

[marine0816]

I couldn't do it online but I did call them over the phone(800) 275-2273 . No diagnostics they just wanted to verify the serial number. Thanks for the tip I saved some gas money.