Getting your broken iPhone or Mac fixed always costs you a fortune and you might not find a simple loophole to get a free replacement or repair. Well, there are certain ideas you can get a free repair or replacement for your expensive iPhone or Mac. If you are wondering why nobody has ever talked about it, here we are.
Let’s find out the best ways you can get a free repair or replacement for your already-using iPhone and Mac devices.
- Replace Your iPhone or Mac Under Warranty
- AppleCare+ Free Repairs
- Third-Party Insurance for Your Gadgets
- Apple Free Replacement/Service Programs
- iPhone 12 & 12 Pro: No Sound Issues
- iPhone 11: Touch Issues
- iPhone X: Touch Issues
- iPhone 8: Logic Board Issues
- iPhone 7: “No Service” Issues
- iPhone 6s & 6s Plus: No Power Issues
- iPhone 6 Plus: Multi-Touch Issue
- 15-inch MacBook Pro: Battery Overheat
- MacBook, Air, & Pro (2015-2019): Keyboard Issues
- 13-inch MacBook Pro 2017 (non Touch Bar): SSD Failure
- 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 (non Touch Bar): Battery Issues
- 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 (2 & 4 ThunderBolt Ports): Display Backlight Issues
- Free Software Repair for Your iPhone and Mac
Replace Your iPhone or Mac Under Warranty
Every Apple product including the iPhone and Mac comes with a 1-year limited warranty for hardware issues. Apple also offers priority customer support for the 90-days from the day you purchase your new iPhone or Mac. Like any other electronic gadget, a warranty buys you enough room to get a free repair or replacement, but with a catch.
The catch in warranty terms is that they are very limited and do not cover any physical damage that occurred from your side. If you have a cracked screen on your iPhone, forget about a free repair under warranty. We are talking about any hardware issues that occur on their own. If your iPhone screen starts flickering all of a sudden, the camera being so shaky, MacBook Touch ID no longer works, or you start seeing similar issues, go ahead and claim the warranty.
There are certain terms and conditions Apple sets to the 1-year warranty for iPhone and MacBooks. Following are some scenarios where your warranty becomes valid and void.
Covered in Warranty:
- Defects when used normall
Not Covered in Warranty:
- Wear and tears on body
- Diminishing in battery
- Accidental damages
- Damage caused by unauthorized service/repair/upgrade
- Damage due to altered usage
- Serial numbers are removed
- Stolen devices
- Broken plastics on ports
As you can see, the instance where Apple lets you claim your warranty is very limited and there is a higher chance you don’t get to claim your warranty most times. Check with iPhone Warranty and MacBook warranty terms from Apple for detailed information. If you are pretty sure that your iPhone or Mac got damaged due to a manufacturing defect, you can approach your nearby Apple authorized service center or technician.
Warranty information for your iPhone or MacBook is related to the serial number of your devices. You no longer need a “warranty card” or document to prove the purchase date. You can check your warranty information from Apple’s website by entering the serial number.
As long as you are the owner of the device and you can unlock it, Apple will take care of the rest of the issues that are covered in the warranty. If you are stuck with a forgotten passcode, you will be asked to submit proof of purchase in order to fix it.
AppleCare+ Free Repairs
AppleCare+ is no joke. When it becomes too expensive to repair your iPhone or Mac, the Care+ users can get the thing done for free for up to 2 years. Well, this is not absolutely free since you will have to pay a service fee for incidental damages.
AppleCare+ extends your device’s warranty for up to 2 years with accidental damage protection. Once you pay for the AppleCare+, you no longer have to worry about a cracked screen, water damage, or broken plastics in your lighting port. It’s all covered in AppleCare+ along with the priority support from Apple.
AppleCare+ is available for almost every Apple device including iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Macs. Pricings for the plans vary from device to device and the range of protection receive may also change. Although, any physical damage is covered under the AppleCare+. There is also a theft protection plan for iPhone users.
You can either pay the plan cost upfront or get a monthly payment plan for up to 24 months. Although you are paying such a huge amount for AppleCare+, you would not know when it becomes so handy to get a free screen replacement that would usually cost multiples of what you already paid for the AppleCare+. With Care+, you get 2 times screen replacements every 12 months, which is a huge deal.
Likewise, for the MacBooks, you can get AppleCare+ once you purchase the device. While the iPhone customers need to buy AppleCare+ within 60 days of purchase, MacBook users can hold on until 365 days from the date of purchase before getting the AppleCare+.
We have seen people often complain about Apple for their products not going on sale. Well, services like AppleCare+ always get some discounts and offers if you watch closely. New MacBook buyers, especially students get massive discounts on purchasing the AppleCare+. make use of such discounts and safeguard your wallet before your MacBook or iPhone gets damaged. You can get free replacement or repair if you are under a valid Care+ plan. There is also a higher-costing plan for AppleCare+ that covers theft or loss for iPhones as well.
Third-Party Insurance for Your Gadgets
We just know AppleCare+ is expensive sometimes and the basic plan does not even cover theft claims. If you are short on budget and are looking for more vast coverage, there are third-party gadget insurers who are willing to cover your gadgets at affordable premiums each year.
Most of the third-party insurance policies cover any kind of damage to your phone or laptop. Plus, you can customize your coverage range and save money on that as well. Generally, you can insure your iPhone or MacBook from third-party insurance providers for between one to three years. They will cost you way lesser than the AppleCare+ in total, and the deductibles are quite reasonable.
There are even extended warranty policies from these insurers if you are looking for even cheaper options. If you are simply looking to get a free repair or replacement for your phones while buying a new gadget, the best option is to get insurance right away. This will cover the same cost as you bought your phone so there is nothing to worry about.
There are dozens of gadget insurance providers in the United States, most of them cover their warranty worldwide. Safeware and Worth Wave Group have some decent plans for your new and used iPhones or MacBooks to cover any damage, theft, or loss.
Apple Free Replacement/Service Programs
This must be new to you – Apple running free replacement and repair programs for iPhones and MacBooks. Yes, this happens often. Apple carries out free repairing or replacement for models with certain known issues. If you could remember Apple’s MacBook’s fragile butterfly keyboard issue, it ended up attracting a class-action suit which then forced Apple for a free replacement worldwide. Such minor issues occur over a range of devices so do the replacement programs.
You are probably eligible to get a free replacement or repair for your iPhone or MacBook if you face any such recognized issues. Recently, an ex-Apple employee revealed that you could still get a replacement at no cost for such programs even if you have a cracked screen on your eligible device. This has not been confirmed yet and there is a chance Apple charges you extra for any such additional repairing that is not covered under the repair program.
Here are some of the ongoing free replacement or repair programs by Apple. Cross-check your device against the list below and if you find your device here, take it to the nearest Apple Service Providers and claim your free repair now. If you already paid for these repairs, Apple is ready to give you a reimbursement.
iPhone 12 & 12 Pro: No Sound Issues
Several iPhone 12 users have experienced no sound issue from the receiver using while making calls. If you do not hear any sound from the iPhone’s receiver speaker during a call, you may be eligible for a free service. Apple does not offer a free replacement, instead, you will get a repair on the affected module. Visit Apple’s website for more details.
Known Issue | No Sound from Receiver on Calls |
Service Type | Free Service |
Eligible Devices | iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 2 Years |
iPhone 11: Touch Issues
If your iPhone 11 has a touch sensing issue, it may not be your fault. Apple admits numerous units they made were affected with similar issues and is offering a free replacement for them. Check with your iPhone’s serial number on Apple’s website to see if you are eligible for a free replacement.
Known Issue | Touch responding issue |
Service Type | Free Module Replacement |
Eligible Devices | iPhone 11 |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 2 Years |
iPhone X: Touch Issues
Being an experimental model, iPhone X users faced tons of issues, and the touch sensitivity was one of them. If your iPhone X does not respond to touch or works on its own without touching, you have a faulty device. Go to the Apple website and get a replacement now.
Known Issue | Not responding to touch, Ghost touch |
Service Type | Free Module Replacement |
Eligible Devices | iPhone X |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 3 Years |
iPhone 8: Logic Board Issues (Ended)
The logic board controls your iPhone and any damage to it will turn your iPhone into a brick. If you are an iPhone 8 user who is facing frequent restarts or poor performance on iPhone, it may be due to the logic board issues which Apple is ready to fix for free. Check your iPhone 8 serial number on Apple’s Website to check for a free replacement program.
Note: Apple has ended the logic board repair program for iPhone 8 users.
Known Issue | iPhone restarts unexpectedly, frozen, not turning on |
Service Type | Free Logic Board Replacement |
Eligible Devices | iPhone 8 |
Covered Regions | Australia, China mainland, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, New Zealand, and the U.S |
Eligibility Duration | 3 Years (Ended) |
iPhone 7: “No Service” Issues
Is your iPhone 7 showing “No Service” at the top status bar even when you are in a place with good coverage? There may be a component issue with your iPhone. Apple is offering a free repair for affected iPhones with selected model numbers that are sold in a limited market. See information from Apple’s Website for more.
Known Issue | “No Service” Network Status Always |
Service Type | Free Repair |
Eligible Devices | iPhone 7 (A1660, A1779, A1780) |
Covered Regions | China, Hong Kong, Macao, U.S, Japan |
Eligibility Duration | 4 Years |
iPhone 6s & 6s Plus: No Power Issues
Did your iPhone 6s or 6s Plus went off all of a sudden and never turn back on? There may be some issues within the logic board causing the issue. Apple is giving you a free repair if your iPhone is eligible. Check your serial number on Apple’s website now.
Known Issue | Not turning on, No power |
Service Type | Free Service |
Eligible Devices | iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 2 Years |
iPhone 6 Plus: Multi-Touch Issue
If you dropped your iPhone 6 Plus or sat on it followed by some multi-touch issues, Apple finds it eligible for a low-cost repair. Apple is ready to repair such iPhone models for $149 by replacing the screen. See more information on Apple’s Website.
Known Issue | Screen flickering, touch issues |
Service Type | Free Screen Replacement ($149 Service Cost) |
Eligible Devices | iPhone 6 Plus |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 5 Years |
15-inch MacBook Pro: Battery Overheat
Are you using a MacBook Pro 15-inch (Mid-2015)? You may be at risk if your MacBook battery gets overheated since it poses a risk of explosion. In such cases, you have to stop using your MacBook and check the serial number on Apple’s website for free service eligibility. Apple will replace your MacBook’s battery at no cost.
Known Issue | Battery overheating (possible fire risk) |
Service Type | Free Battery Replacement |
Eligible Devices | MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | N/A |
MacBook, Air, & Pro (2015-2019): Keyboard Issues
This has been the most controversial issue affected with MacBook models. Apple redesigned its keyboard with the new butterfly mechanism. Many of the early models got affected by stuck keys and unresponsive keystrokes. Plus, there are many older MacBook models with similar keyboard issues which are covered within Apple’s MacBook Keyboard Replacement Program. Visit Apple’s website for detailed information and eligibility.
Known Issue | Stuck keys, Key repeating, Unresponsive keys |
Service Type | Free Keyboard Replacement |
Eligible Devices | MacBook (Retina, 12-Âinch, Early 2015) MacBook (Retina, 12Â-inch, Early 2016) MacBook (Retina, 12-Âinch, 2017) MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019) MacBook Pro (13Â-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-Âinch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) MacBook Pro (13-Âinch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-Âinch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (15-Âinch, 2016) MacBook Pro (15-Âinch, 2017) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (15-Âinch, 2018) MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (15-Âinch, 2019) |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 4 Years |
13-inch MacBook Pro 2017 (non Touch Bar): SSD Failure
Some MacBook Pro models launched in 2017 got an SSD failure issue that causes data loss. Apple is giving you a free SSD replacement if the data on your MacBook is disappearing over the period or getting a hard drive component error often. Enter your serial number on Apple’s Website to check your eligibility.
Known Issue | Data Loss, SSD Failure |
Service Type | Free Drive Service |
Eligible Devices | 13-inch MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) 128GB & 256GB |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 3 Years |
13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 (non Touch Bar): Battery Issues
A few number Apple MacBook Pro 2016 have battery expansion issues that may not affect you directly. Even though you are seeing any issues, check your MacBook Pro’s serial number on Apple’s Website to see if your device has been affected.
Known Issue | Battery expansion issues |
Service Type | Free Battery Replacement |
Eligible Devices | MacBook Pro 2016(13-inch, non Touch Bar) |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 5 Years |
13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 (2 & 4 ThunderBolt Ports): Display Backlight Issues
Are you seeing some backlight leaking issues in your MacBook Pro display? Many 2016 model MacBook Pro users have these issues and Apple is giving you a free screen replacement. Check Apple’s website now for more information.
Known Issue | Backlight leak, No Backlight Issue (zero screen brightness) |
Service Type | Free Service |
Eligible Devices | MacBook Pro (13-Âinch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports) MacBook Pro (13-Âinch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports) |
Covered Regions | Worldwide |
Eligibility Duration | 5 Years |
Free Software Repair for Your iPhone and Mac
All we have talked about so far is the hardware repairing and replacement for both iPhone and Mac. It is obvious that fixing hardware issues cost you a fortune and our tips could help you get them for free. What about the software-related issues? Your iPhone can be stuck at the Apple logo, or your Mac could run into some serious software issues. In such cases, Apple ensures cost-less ways to get them fixed.
Unlike the hardware issues, you no longer have to take your devices to the service providers. Even if you did, Apple offers a free diagnosis and software replacement at no cost.
With most of the software issues on iPhones, you just need a computer or MacBook to fix them. If your MacBook suddenly would not work due to software issues, you can either reset the computer or even reinstall the macOS all over again. All these provisions come absolutely free of charge and even Apple service providers can do these for you for free.