applecare with unlocked iPhone

[ducksrfr]

I've tried to search for the answer to this, so forgive me if this has already been covered. I just got an iPhone today and unlocked it to use with T-Mobile, but when I attempt to register the phone with Applecare, it predictably tells me I have not activated the phone with ATT and cannot do this.

Has anyone figured out a workaround to this? What have other people done who want Applecare but don't use ATT? Should I just use the 999-99-9999 method when registering to get a Pay as you Go plan but then never use it?

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

One workaround is to purchase it with a credit card that doubles the manufacturer's warranty, so you have precisely the same length of coverage as Applecare on iPhone (two years).

 

[polishmacuser]

you have to activate the phone for apple and att know you have the phone.

 

[interlaced]

The Apple Store Genius Bars have a huge sign that says that they will not service unlocked iPhones. I went to get my iPod serviced and watched them turn away one guy for service because his phone was unlocked. They didn't care that he had Applecare on it.

 

[dsl4c]

there is no workaround for applecare with an unlocked iphone.. virtually, you have already voided the standard warranty by modifying the iphone to work on another network, per apple's legal info.. my advice, is to return the applecare you bought, and hopefully get your money back for it, as long as you haven't opened the box.. otherwise, you might be out of luck..

 

[SFStateStudent]

Unlocked iPhones and AppleCare...

don't mix; sorta like water and oil. Both AT&T and Apple have one thing in common regarding your brand new iPhone; it's your "phone number!" The first thing the Apple Genius will ask is "what is your number," he/she will then enter it into their system to verify that it's been activated with AT&T. I saw one person at the Apple Store this evening, do a "360" and almost immediately, he was on the sidewalk after the Genius said "sorry it's unlocked!"

 

[ducksrfr]

thanks

I checked with my credit card company and I do have warranty protection, so thankfully I have something tofall back on. I already opened the Applecare box, so I'm not going to bother with trying to return it.

 

[avaloncourt]

I saw one person at the Apple Store this evening, do a "360" and almost immediately, he was on the sidewalk after the Genius said "sorry it's unlocked!"

I think you meant 180. If he did a 360 he would have still been standing there.

 

[crazychris3992]

so if i bought a used iphone, and i have it activated by att, i cant get the applecare?

 

[jav6454]

so if i bought a used iphone, and i have it activated by att, i cant get the applecare?

Yes you can have it serviced by AppleCare if you have activated the iPhone via AT&T.

Apple doesn't care if you bought it used, as long as you activate it with AT&T and you still have warranty time left.

 

[aristobrat]

I checked with my credit card company and I do have warranty protection, so thankfully I have something tofall back on. I already opened the Applecare box, so I'm not going to bother with trying to return it.

Wonder how that's going to work?

Credit card warranty protection usually works by having you send your phone in to the manufacturer for out-of-warranty service, having you pay whatever that costs, and then they (the credit card company) reimburses you for the cost.

Since Apple won't service your unlocked phone, I don't see how the credit card company reimbursing you for the cost of the expense (which will be $0, since Apple won't fix anything on an unlocked phone) will help you any.