iPad mini iPad Mini 5 in need of repair - what are my options in USA during Covid19?

[jt1968]

I have an iPad Mini 5 that is still under Apple Care warranty until March 2021, which has a problem with its lightning connector being very difficult to connect to power. It's not the cables I'm using, as every cable I have easily connects to and provides charging power to my iPhone 11 Pro. When I use any of those cables to try to charge the iPad, I have to try dozens of times to get it to connect electrically.
Unfortunately, I live in Los Angeles, and all Apple Stores in the area are closed, so I can't take it in to have it exchanged for a new iPad.

Has anyone had experience lately with needing repair or replacement of Apple devices? If so, what did you do?

Thanks.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Call Apple and they will ship you a box. I would also ask for express replacement. Under express service, Apple will send you a refurbished unit, and you mail your device to them. Once they receive the device, they remove the temporary charge from your credit card.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I would also ask for express service.

Doesn't express service cost extra money?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Doesn't express service cost extra money?

There is no charge for express replacement. I edited my earlier post. I meant replacement and typed service. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[jt1968]

Call Apple and they will ship you a box. I would also ask for express replacement. Under express service, Apple will send you a refurbished unit, and you mail your device to them. Once they receive the device, they remove the temporary charge from your credit card.

Thanks! I will give this a try.

 

[rui no onna]

There is no charge for express replacement. I edited my earlier post. I meant replacement and typed service. Sorry for the confusion.

Wasn't express replacement free for AC+ and $30 without AC+? I remember readimg about that in the warranty pages hence one of the reasons I get AC+ for my devices.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Wasn't express replacement free for AC+ and $30 without AC+? I remember readimg about that in the warranty pages hence one of the reasons I get AC+ for my devices.

Yea, it is free with AC+. I don’t know how much it is extra without AC+. I think the express replacement is a great feature, even though I have never had to use it.

 

[jt1968]

[UPDATE] - I called Apple. After about 15 minutes on the phone, I was able to order an express replacement. They will be sending me another iPad Mini. They’ve authorized the full purchase price of a new iPad Mini on my credit card, and will drop the authorization once I return the defective one. I have to say, every time I’ve had to deal with Apple customer service, it’s always been fast and very satisfactory. I’ll let everyone know how long the process takes in a future update.

 

[Apple_Robert]

[UPDATE] - I called Apple. After about 15 minutes on the phone, I was able to order an express replacement. They will be sending me another iPad Mini. They’ve authorized the full purchase price of a new iPad Mini on my credit card, and will drop the authorization once I return the defective one. I have to say, every time I’ve had to deal with Apple customer service, it’s always been fast and very satisfactory. I’ll let everyone know how long the process takes in a future update.

If they aren’t sending you a shipping box, make sure that you pack your device with lots of padding and that you record the packing so as to reflect the rime and date right before you seal the box. Also make sure you get signature upon delivery. If Apple stated specific shipping guidelines, make sure to follow those to the letter.

Should something happen with your return in transit to Apple, you want to have proof that your iPad was in working order without physical damage such as screen cracks and dents etc. As the shipper, you will be the one filing the claim should that happen.

 

[jt1968]

[UPDATE] - I received a notification from FedEx an hour ago that my iPad was shipped from Sparks, NV, and will arrive at my home tomorrow. That’s a pretty fast turnaround from having called Apple at 4:00 PM yesterday.