When Apple will replace your iPhone at no cost

Apple replaces iPhones for free only under specific circumstances: if your phone has a manufacturing defect covered by the one-year limited warranty, or if you have AppleCare+ and the damage falls within that plan's coverage. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship—things like a battery that fails prematurely or a screen that stops working—but not damage from drops, water exposure, or normal wear. AppleCare+ extends coverage to accidental damage like cracked screens and water damage, but charges a deductible per incident.

Apple does not replace phones straightforward because they are old, slow, or outdated. The device must have a specific hardware failure that Apple's technicians can identify and document. If your phone works but you want a newer model, that is a purchase, not a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard one-year limited warranty covers manufacturing defects only—not accidental damage, water damage, or drops.
  • AppleCare+ covers accidental damage but requires you to pay a deductible (usually $29 to $99 depending on the damage type) each time you file a claim.
  • You must visit an Apple Store or contact Apple Support to start a replacement claim; they will run diagnostics to confirm the defect.
  • Replacement usually takes 3 to 5 business days if parts are in stock, or longer if Apple must order a device for your model.
  • If your phone is out of warranty and you have no AppleCare+, Apple will offer a paid repair or replacement at standard rates instead.

How to start a replacement claim with Apple

Contact Apple Support through apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. Have your phone's serial number ready—you can find it in Settings > General > About. Describe the problem clearly: whether the screen is unresponsive, the battery drains in minutes, the camera does not work, or another specific failure. Do not mention drops or water exposure unless you have AppleCare+, because the warranty does not cover those.

Apple Support will ask you to run basic troubleshooting steps over the phone or through their support app. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If the issue persists, they will either mail you a replacement device or direct you to an Apple Store for in-person service. Mailed replacements typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days, though this varies by location and device availability.

If you prefer to handle it in person, visit an Apple Store and make a Genius Bar appointment through apple.com/retail or the Apple Support app. Bring your phone and a photo ID. The technician will run diagnostics (usually 15 to 30 minutes) to confirm the defect. If the phone qualifies for replacement under warranty or AppleCare+, they will process it on the spot or order one to your location.

What counts as a manufacturing defect under warranty

The one-year limited warranty covers failures caused by Apple's manufacturing process, not by how you use the phone. Common covered defects include a battery that holds less than 80 percent charge within the first year, a screen that has dead pixels or touch problems, a speaker or microphone that does not work, a camera that is blurry or unresponsive, and a charging port that does not recognize a cable. These are things that happen to the device itself, not to the user.

The warranty does not cover cosmetic damage like scratches or dents, water damage (even if you did not drop it in water), cracks from drops, software issues that a restart fixes, or normal battery degradation after the first year. If your phone got wet, was dropped, or has a cracked screen, you need AppleCare+ to get a replacement without paying out of pocket.

AppleCare+ coverage and deductibles

AppleCare+ is an optional plan you can purchase when you buy an iPhone or within 60 days of purchase. It extends your coverage from one year to two years and adds protection for accidental damage. The monthly cost varies by iPhone model—typically $3.49 to $4.99 per month, or you can pay a lump sum upfront (usually $99 to $199 depending on the model).

When you file a claim under AppleCare+, you pay a deductible per incident. Screen damage costs $29, and other damage (like water exposure or a cracked back) costs $99. You do not pay the deductible if the issue is a manufacturing defect—those are still free under the extended warranty portion of AppleCare+. If your phone is damaged beyond repair, AppleCare+ covers a replacement device, and you pay only the deductible.

AppleCare+ also includes two years of technical support and covers battery replacement if the battery health drops below 80 percent. You can check your AppleCare+ status in Settings > General > About > Legal > Regulatory on your iPhone, or through your Apple ID account online.

What happens if your phone is out of warranty

If your iPhone is older than one year and you do not have AppleCare+, Apple will not replace it for free. Instead, you will be offered a paid repair or a paid replacement. A screen repair typically costs $129 to $329 depending on the model. A battery replacement costs $69. A full device replacement (if repair is not possible) usually costs $199 to $399 or more, depending on the model and age.

Before paying Apple's rates, check whether an independent repair shop in your area offers lower prices. Many third-party shops can repair screens, batteries, and other components for less. However, third-party repairs may void any remaining coverage or cause problems if you later need Apple service.

Timeline and what to expect during replacement

If Apple approves your replacement claim, the timeline depends on how you proceed. At an Apple Store, a replacement usually ships to you within 3 to 5 business days if the model is in stock. If the store must order your specific model, it can take 1 to 2 weeks. During that time, you can use your current phone unless it is completely non-functional.

When your replacement arrives, it will be a refurbished device that has been tested and certified by Apple, not a brand-new phone. It comes with a new battery and a new outer shell, but the internal components may be recycled. The replacement device includes a new one-year limited warranty starting from the replacement date. If you had AppleCare+ on your original phone, it transfers to the replacement.

You will need to set up the replacement phone with your Apple ID and restore your data from a backup. Apple can help you do this in-store or over the phone. Before you return your original phone, back up any data you want to keep—Apple will wipe it before it leaves your hands.

Common reasons replacement claims are denied

Apple denies replacement claims most often because the damage is not covered by the warranty or AppleCare+. A cracked screen without AppleCare+ is the most common example. Water damage is another—the warranty explicitly excludes liquid damage, and AppleCare+ covers it only if you have the plan active at the time of damage. If you bought AppleCare+ after your phone got wet, the claim will be denied.

Claims are also denied if diagnostics show the phone works normally. If Apple's technician cannot reproduce the problem or if a restart fixes it, they will not replace the device. Software glitches, slow performance, and apps that crash are usually software issues, not hardware defects, and do not may have access to for replacement. If you believe the issue is a real hardware problem, ask the technician to document their findings and request a second opinion from another store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement if my screen is cracked but the phone still works?

Only if you have AppleCare+. The standard warranty does not cover cracks from drops or impacts. With AppleCare+, you can file a claim and pay a $29 deductible for screen damage. Without it, Apple will offer a paid screen repair (typically $129 to $329) or a paid replacement.

What if my phone got wet and stopped working?

Water damage is not covered by the standard warranty. If you have AppleCare+, you can file a claim and pay a $99 deductible. Without AppleCare+, Apple will offer a paid repair or replacement. Bring the phone to an Apple Store as soon as possible—the longer it sits, the more internal corrosion can occur.

Do I have to return my old phone when I get a replacement?

Yes. Apple will ask you to return the original device so they can recycle it or refurbish it. If you do not return it, Apple may charge you a fee. Make sure to back up your data and remove your Apple ID before handing it over.

How long does the replacement phone's warranty last?

A replacement device comes with a new one-year limited warranty starting from the date of replacement, not from the original purchase date. If you had AppleCare+ on your original phone, it transfers to the replacement and continues until the original plan expires.

Can I get a replacement if my battery is degraded but the phone still turns on?

If your battery health is below 80 percent within the first year, the standard warranty covers a free battery replacement. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is also free. After one year without AppleCare+, a battery replacement costs $69. Apple does not replace the entire phone for battery degradation alone.