AppleCare purchase takes minutes: start at checkout, in Settings, the Apple Store app, or online if your device is eligible.
Buying coverage isn’t tricky once you know the paths, time limits, and what each plan actually protects. This guide walks you through every way to start a plan, how to confirm eligibility, and how to pick between individual device coverage and the new multi-device option. You’ll also see what to bring, what screens to expect, and how payment works.
What AppleCare Plans Cover In Plain Terms
There are two flavors most buyers see. One is coverage tied to a single device with accidental damage protection. The other is a multi-device subscription that manages several products under one bill. Both include hardware service, chat/phone support, and battery service when capacity drops below Apple’s threshold. For phones, tablets, and watches you can add a Theft & Loss upgrade where available; that add-on requires Find My to be on at the time of the incident.
Ways To Purchase AppleCare+ Step-By-Step
You can start coverage during checkout on a new product, or after the sale if your device still sits within Apple’s enrollment window. The exact screens differ a bit by device, but the flow is simple: open the built-in menu for coverage, run Apple’s quick diagnostics when prompted, pick monthly or annual billing, and confirm with your Apple ID.
All Purchase Paths At A Glance
| Device | Where To Start | Path / Screens You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | Settings | Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty > Add Coverage > Run diagnostics > Pick plan & billing |
| Mac | System Settings | Apple menu > System Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty > Add > Sign in > Choose plan |
| Apple Watch | Watch app (iPhone) | Watch app > General > About > AppleCare & Warranty > Add > Follow prompts |
| AirPods / Beats | Apple Store app / Online | Locate product > Coverage > Enter serial if asked > Choose plan |
| Apple TV / HomePod | Apple Store app / Online | Find device > Coverage options > Add to cart > Checkout |
| Multiple Devices | Apple Store app / Online | Choose multi-device plan > Add products to subscription > Confirm billing |
When You Can Enroll
For new hardware, you can add coverage during the purchase. If you skipped it, most single-device plans allow a post-purchase window that starts on your receipt date. During that period, Apple may ask for a quick remote check to verify condition. The multi-device subscription can also accept eligible older gear after sign-up, subject to device age and condition rules. If your previous coverage ended recently, there is a short grace window in many cases to start again.
Proof You Need And Quick Eligibility Checks
Have the device in hand, signed in to your Apple ID, and connected to the internet. Keep the sales receipt or invoice handy. If you can’t find a serial number or you’re unsure about eligibility, run a serial check online before you buy. This avoids cart errors later.
Where To Confirm Status Fast
- On the device: open the coverage screen listed in the table above. You’ll see current warranty, any active plan, and a button to add coverage if you’re within the window.
- Online: use Apple’s serial-based page to view warranty and plan status, then follow prompts to start coverage if eligible.
Buying During Checkout (In-Store, Online, App)
This is the smoothest path. When you add a product to your bag or meet a Specialist, you’ll see plan options next to the device. Pick monthly or annual billing for the single-device plan, or select the multi-device subscription if you prefer one bill for several products. Your coverage activates when your device ships or when you pick it up.
Buying After The Sale On iPhone Or iPad
- Open Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty.
- Tap your device name, then tap Add Coverage.
- Run the built-in diagnostics when asked. This checks basic condition.
- Pick the plan level and billing term, then confirm with your Apple ID.
Buying After The Sale On Mac
- Click > System Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty.
- Select Add next to your Mac.
- Sign in, run any required checks, then choose the plan and billing term.
Starting A Multi-Device Subscription
- Open the Apple Store app or Apple’s coverage page.
- Choose the multi-device option.
- Add eligible products to the subscription. Some older devices qualify after a quick condition check.
- Confirm billing. You can add or remove devices later as you upgrade.
Picking The Right Plan Level
Think about two things: the risk of drops or liquid incidents, and whether Theft & Loss matters for you. If you commute daily or hand your phone to kids often, accidental damage coverage pays for itself fast. For iPhone, Theft & Loss adds replacement coverage with a deductible in supported regions. If you cycle through devices often, a multi-device subscription keeps billing steady across upgrades and lets you swap covered hardware on the same plan.
Service Fees And Deductibles In Real Life
Screen or back glass repairs carry a lower service fee than other damage on phones that qualify for that tier. Other accidental damage uses a standard fee. Theft & Loss claims have a replacement deductible. Battery service kicks in when capacity dips under Apple’s stated threshold. Always start claims through Apple first; third-party work can affect eligibility.
Monthly Versus Annual Billing
Monthly billing spreads the cost and keeps coverage active as long as you keep paying. Annual billing locks a full year at once. If you prepaid two or three years on older plan structures, Apple often lets you continue month-to-month after that term. If you switch from a single-device plan to the multi-device subscription, Apple cancels the old plan and credits any remaining amount.
Where Official Rules Live
You can read Apple’s current coverage pages for step-by-step enrollment screens and all terms. Link the exact rule page you need, not just a homepage. Two handy references:
- Add AppleCare coverage to your device — enrollment paths, time limits, and upgrade notes.
- Check warranty and plan status — serial-based eligibility and coverage view.
Plan Choices For Different Buyers
The right choice depends on how many products you own, how often you upgrade, and your risk profile. Use this grid to match a plan style to a common scenario.
Quick Matcher: Coverage Style To Use
| Plan Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Device With Accidental Damage | One primary phone, tablet, or watch | Lower service fee for screen/back glass tier where offered; add Theft & Loss if you want replacement coverage |
| Multi-Device Subscription | Households with several Apple products | One bill; add and remove devices as you upgrade; accepts some older gear after a condition check |
| Mac-Only Coverage | Laptops/desktops that travel or run long hours | Great for heavy battery cycles and quick access to Apple diagnostics and certified repairs |
Thief, Loss, And Accidents: How Claims Work
For drops or liquid incidents, start a repair in the Apple Store app or on Apple’s support site. Pick mail-in, carry-in, or onsite service where available. For Theft & Loss, file through Apple’s claim portal and your plan partner; keep Find My on before the incident and follow the checklist. After approval, you’ll pay the deductible and receive a replacement.
Retail Versus Apple Direct
Apple lets you add coverage even if you bought the device from a retailer, as long as you’re inside the enrollment window and the product passes the condition check. Some retailers also sell plans during checkout. If you prefer managing everything in one Apple ID, add the plan through the device Settings or the Apple Store app so billing and claims stay in one place.
Upgrading, Trading In, And Plan Transfers
When you trade in through Apple, your multi-device subscription can move coverage to the new product on the same line once the old one leaves your account. With single-device plans, you can usually cancel for a prorated refund and then start a new plan on the replacement. If you buy used, you can keep active coverage if the plan stays with the serial number and billing remains current. For a fresh start on used gear, check eligibility and add a plan if that device qualifies.
Canceling, Refunds, And Grace Windows
Recurring plans can be canceled from your device subscriptions page or your Apple Account on the web. If you cancel early in the term, Apple refunds per its posted schedule. If coverage recently ended, you may still have a short window to start again on eligible products. Always cancel the old plan before you switch to a different structure to avoid double billing.
Practical Tips Before You Click Buy
- Turn on Find My on phones, tablets, and watches if you plan to add Theft & Loss.
- Keep the original receipt in cloud storage; Apple may request it for certain paths.
- Run Apple’s diagnostics when prompted; close any apps that might block the test.
- Pick the billing style that matches your upgrade rhythm. Monthly suits frequent swaps; annual can be tidy if you keep gear longer.
- Start claims through Apple first to keep eligibility clean.
Common Questions Buyers Ask
Can I Add Coverage If I Missed Checkout?
Yes, many devices allow a post-purchase window. Use the Settings or System Settings path to see if the Add Coverage button appears, then follow prompts.
Can Older Devices Join A Multi-Device Plan?
Yes, within age and condition limits. Apple may run a quick check before approval. Add each device from the coverage screen or your Apple Account.
Can I Switch From A Single-Device Plan To The Multi-Device Subscription?
Yes. Apple cancels the old plan and credits any unused portion, then moves you to the subscription once you confirm.
What If I Can’t Find My Current Plan?
Check your device Subscriptions screen or sign in to your Apple Account on the web. If a plan isn’t linked, contact Apple to attach it to the right Apple ID.
Fast Checklist Before You Head To Checkout
- Device is signed in to your Apple ID.
- Find My is on for Theft & Loss eligibility.
- Receipt handy for serial and purchase date.
- Payment method ready for monthly or annual billing.
- Know which products you’ll cover under a single plan or the multi-device subscription.
Next Steps
Open the coverage screen on your device or the Apple Store app, run the quick check, and pick the plan that fits how you use your gear. With those steps, you’ll lock in faster support, predictable repair costs, and a simple way to keep your hardware covered as you upgrade.