Apple will replace your broken phone if the damage is covered under warranty or AppleCare+, but the process and cost depend on what broke and when

If your iPhone is broken, Apple's replacement path starts with a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or an online chat with Apple Support. They will diagnose the damage and tell you whether it falls under your warranty, AppleCare+, or whether you pay out of pocket. If the phone qualifies for replacement, Apple typically sends you a replacement device within a few business days — sometimes the same day if you're at a store. If it doesn't may have access to, you'll see the repair cost or replacement price upfront before you decide.

The key difference is what caused the damage. Manufacturing defects and battery problems are almost always covered. Accidental damage — drops, water, cracks — is only covered if you have AppleCare+. Physical damage with no coverage means you pay the full replacement price, which is usually the same as buying a new phone of that model.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple covers manufacturing defects and battery issues under the standard one-year warranty at no cost, but accidental damage requires AppleCare+ to be covered.
  • AppleCare+ costs between $99 and $379 depending on the iPhone model and covers accidental damage with a deductible of $29 to $99 per incident.
  • You can start a replacement claim by booking a Genius Bar appointment, calling Apple Support, or chatting online — Apple will diagnose the damage and tell you the cost before you proceed.
  • Replacement phones are usually sent within a few business days, though in-store replacements can sometimes happen the same day.
  • If your phone is out of warranty and you don't have AppleCare+, paying for a replacement through Apple costs the same as buying a new phone of that model.

What the standard warranty covers

Every iPhone comes with a one-year limited warranty from Apple. This covers manufacturing defects — things that went wrong in the factory — and battery degradation. If your phone won't turn on, the screen has dead pixels, the charging port doesn't work, or the battery holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity within the first year, Apple will repair or replace it at no cost.

The warranty does not cover accidental damage. If you dropped the phone, spilled liquid on it, or cracked the screen, the warranty won't pay for it. Physical damage from accidents is only covered if you have AppleCare+, which is a separate purchase.

Your warranty is valid from the date you bought the phone. Apple can verify this with your receipt, your Apple ID purchase history, or the phone's serial number. If you bought the phone used or as a gift and don't have the original receipt, Apple can still look up the purchase date using the serial number.

How AppleCare+ works and what it costs

AppleCare+ is an optional protection plan you can buy when you get your phone or within 60 days of purchase. It extends your coverage to two years and covers accidental damage — drops, spills, cracks — with a deductible. The cost varies by iPhone model. For current models, AppleCare+ typically runs $99 to $199 upfront, though some carriers bundle it into monthly payments of $10 to $15.

When you file a claim for accidental damage under AppleCare+, you pay a deductible at the time of repair or replacement. This deductible is usually $29 for screen damage or $99 for other damage, depending on the model and the type of damage. You can file up to two accidental damage claims per year under AppleCare+.

If your phone is damaged beyond repair or the repair cost would exceed the replacement cost, Apple will replace the entire phone instead of repairing it. You still pay the deductible, not the full replacement price.

How to start a replacement claim

The fastest way to begin is to book a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store using the Apple Support app or the Apple website. Walk in with your phone and your ID. A technician will examine the damage, check your warranty status and AppleCare+ coverage, and tell you whether the phone qualifies for replacement and what it will cost.

If you don't have an Apple Store nearby, you can call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE or start a chat through the Apple Support website. They can also diagnose the issue and process a replacement claim. For mail-in service, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, you send the phone in, and Apple sends a replacement back.

Have your phone's serial number ready — you can find it in Settings > General > About. Also have your receipt or proof of purchase if you're claiming it's a warranty issue. If you have AppleCare+, Apple can look up your coverage using your phone number or Apple ID.

What happens after you approve the replacement

If you're at an Apple Store and the phone qualifies for replacement, the technician may be able to give you a replacement device the same day. If the store doesn't have the exact model in stock, Apple will ship one to you, usually arriving within three to five business days.

For mail-in replacements, Apple sends you a shipping label. You pack the broken phone and send it in. Once Apple receives and inspects it, they ship a replacement to you. The whole process typically takes five to seven business days from the time you ship the phone.

The replacement phone comes with a 90-day warranty, not a full year. If you had AppleCare+ on the original phone, it transfers to the replacement phone and continues until the original AppleCare+ term ends.

What to do if your phone isn't covered

If your phone is out of warranty, has no AppleCare+, and the damage is accidental, Apple will not replace it for free. You can still get a replacement, but you'll pay the full price. This is usually the same as buying a new phone of that model from Apple — typically $800 to $1,200 depending on the model and storage.

Before you pay Apple's price, check whether your phone is repairable. Sometimes a cracked screen or water damage can be fixed for less than a full replacement. Ask the technician for the repair cost and compare it to the replacement cost.

You may also have other options. Some credit card companies offer purchase protection or accidental damage coverage if you bought the phone with that card. Some homeowners or renters insurance policies cover phone damage. Check your card benefits and your insurance policy before you pay out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement if my phone screen is cracked?

Only if you have AppleCare+ or the crack is from a manufacturing defect (very rare). If you have AppleCare+, you pay a $29 deductible for screen damage and Apple will replace or repair the phone. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full repair or replacement cost.

What if my phone got wet and won't turn on?

Water damage is not covered under the standard warranty. If you have AppleCare+, you can file a claim and pay the deductible (usually $99). Without AppleCare+, you pay the full repair or replacement cost. Bring the phone to Apple as soon as possible — the longer it sits, the more damage the water can do.

Do I need my original receipt to get a replacement?

No. Apple can look up your purchase date and warranty status using the phone's serial number or your Apple ID if you bought it through Apple. If you bought it from a carrier or retailer, bring your ID and the phone, and Apple can usually verify the purchase through their system.

How long does it take to get a replacement phone?

In-store replacements can happen the same day if the model is in stock. Mail-in replacements usually take five to seven business days from the time you ship the phone in. Shipped replacements ordered through Apple Support typically arrive within three to five business days.

Can I buy AppleCare+ after my phone is already broken?

No. AppleCare+ must be purchased within 60 days of buying the phone. You cannot buy it after damage occurs. If you're outside that window and your phone is damaged, you'll pay out of pocket for repair or replacement.