PlayInfoBox

Home /Utilities /Signing Up for and Using AppleCare+

Signing Up for and Using AppleCare+

If you just bought an Apple device, work through these steps to decide on and use AppleCare+.

  1. Check the enrollment deadline

    You typically have a limited window after buying the device (commonly around 60 days) to add AppleCare+ if you didn't get it at checkout -- sign up through the App Store app or an official Apple channel before that window closes.

  2. Understand what's actually covered

    Manufacturing defects are covered free regardless of AppleCare+, but the plan adds coverage for accidental damage -- cracked screens, liquid exposure, and similar -- for a service fee, up to a limited number of incidents.

  3. Choose how to sign up

    You can add it at the time of purchase, through the Settings app on the device itself, or in person at an Apple Store.

  4. Book a repair when something happens

    Use the Apple Support app or website to select the type of damage and schedule a visit to an Apple Store or an authorized service provider.

  5. Pay the service fee and get it repaired

    Each type of damage has a set service fee; once paid, the repair is done with genuine parts, and there is an annual limit on how many incidents are covered.

The enrollment deadline is easy to miss

If you didn't add AppleCare+ the moment you bought your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the clock is already running -- most Apple devices only allow enrollment within a set window after purchase, commonly around 60 days, and once that closes you generally cannot add it later at any price. If you're on the fence, it's worth deciding before that window runs out rather than assuming you can add it "later."

It covers more than just the iPhone

AppleCare+ isn't a single one-size-fits-all product -- iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch each have their own AppleCare+ plan with pricing and coverage details specific to that device. If you own more than one Apple product, it's worth checking each device's own enrollment window and coverage terms separately rather than assuming they all work the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AppleCare+ apply to iPad and Mac too, not just iPhone?

Yes -- Apple offers a separate AppleCare+ plan for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and other devices, each with its own price and coverage terms.

If I miss the enrollment deadline, is it gone for good?

In most cases, yes -- once the standard window after purchase (commonly around 60 days) passes, new enrollment generally isn't possible, so it's worth deciding before that deadline.