iPhone AppleCare from Apple ONLY?

[Charismatron]

Hey folks,

I'm looking for the best possible deal for AppleCare protection for my iPhone 6, so I'm checking eBay, Amazon, etc.

I've read that the ONLY way to get coverage for the iPhone 6 is through Apple--and that's it. Needless to say, there are sealed boxes of AppleCare available through eBay, but are these outdated or something?

It's a bit confusing as comments on these other sites are contradictory and I'm hoping someone here can clear this up: can we ONLY get iPhone AppleCare through Apple, or are the sealed/as new AppleCare products on eBay viable as well? And if so, is there a particular product code to look for?

Thanks!

 

[johnparjr]

yes only thru apple or an authorized reseller who can activate it thru their computer system no boxes for iPhones or iPads. Just call in and add it if your under 60 days 1-800-APLE-CARE

 

[jahall05]

Hey folks,

I'm looking for the best possible deal for AppleCare protection for my iPhone 6, so I'm checking eBay, Amazon, etc.

I've read that the ONLY way to get coverage for the iPhone 6 is through Apple--and that's it. Needless to say, there are sealed boxes of AppleCare available through eBay, but are these outdated or something?

It's a bit confusing as comments on these other sites are contradictory and I'm hoping someone here can clear this up: can we ONLY get iPhone AppleCare through Apple, or are the sealed/as new AppleCare products on eBay viable as well? And if so, is there a particular product code to look for?

Thanks!

***See other posts for accurate information***

 

[chrfr]

I purchased my AppleCare for my MacBook Pro from BestBuy when I bought the computer. They handed me a sealed box.

The process and coverage for iPhones is different than for Macs.

 

[Applejuiced]

I purchased my AppleCare for my MacBook Pro from BestBuy when I bought the computer. They handed me a sealed box. If I remember correctly, I went on to the http://www.apple.com/support/applecare/ website. It has you login to your iTunes account (the one associated with the iPhone 6) and will ask you for the registration number, which will be on a slip of paper in the sealed AppleCare box.

According to Apple's own AppleCare website:

"If you purchased the AppleCare agreement at the same time as your Mac, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Apple TV or Apple display from the Apple Online Store, the Apple Retail Store, and select Apple resellers, your AppleCare agreement may have been automatically registered. If so, you will receive a proof of coverage, either immediately in the form of a receipt that indicates the end date of your coverage or within thirty days in the form of a Proof of Coverage certificate provided by Apple.

If you purchased your AppleCare agreement and your covered product separately, or if you purchase your hardware from a reseller who does not automatically register your AppleCare agreement, you will need to register.


Note: The registration process can take up to 24 hours to be visible in Apple’s systems."

That has nothing to do with Applecare plus for the iphone.
Applecare has to be purchased from apple and if its purchased after you buy your iphone they need to inspect it to add applecare protection.
Don't buy any of those old boxes from ebay or such online places.

 

[jahall05]

Oops...

That has nothing to do with Applecare plus for the iphone.
Applecare has to be purchased from apple and if its purchased after you buy your iphone they need to inspect it to add applecare protection.
Don't buy any of those old boxes from ebay or such online places.

Ah, I missed that. Sorry.

Yes, according to Apple's website:

"Important notes

Purchase AppleCare+ with your new iPhone. Or buy it within 60 days of your iPhone purchase:

-At an Apple Retail Store (inspection of iPhone and proof of purchase are required)
-OR call (800) 275-2273 (requires you to run a remote diagnostic and provide proof of purchase)"

So you MUST go through Apple for it.

 

[Charismatron]

Thanks for all the helpful info!

The iPhone is now covered through AppleCare.

If you're browsing eBay and Amazon, sellers are NOT specific about what their products cover. Whether this is intentional or they expect buyers to be thoroughly informed is difficult to say.

Moreover, there are sellers peddling codes (w/out boxes) and after some investigation these typically result in sorrow for buyers.

Thanks for setting me straight on this, and helping to avoid unnecessary problems and expenditures.

 

[swiftflo]

iPhone Applecare.

I don't really want to hijack these postings but what is the situation regarding second owner iPhone 6.
I have bought a iPhone 6 from a seller on eBay, the listing said the iPhone was an unwanted xmas present.
Will I still be able to take out Applecare on this phone ?.

 

[Charismatron]

From my own research and interactions with Apple, the serial number typically acts as the "ID" of the phone, so there's no name attached in the sense of ownership (they rely on the Apple ID for that).

So, if you're within 90 days from the original purchase of the phone, there shouldn't be anything preventing you from getting applecare. Contact them online and make the purchase, afterwards they'll send you an e-receipt, then s hard copy later in the mail.

If you're not sure about the 90-day window to make a purchase, go to Apple's site to check the status by Googling "Apple serial number" and you dhould find the right link to their self/checking page. The serial number will give you the info you need.

Hope this helps.

 

[heyyitssusan]

Do you guys think Applecare is more worth it than carrier insurance?? I opted for carrier insurance because the Apple Store is about 90 mins away from where I live. But if it's worth it, I might get AppleCare instead and ditch the carrier insurance. I've only had the phone for a week so I'll have 60 days to register for it? I've always thought it was 30 days.

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Thanks for all the helpful info!

The iPhone is now covered through AppleCare.

If you're browsing eBay and Amazon, sellers are NOT specific about what their products cover. Whether this is intentional or they expect buyers to be thoroughly informed is difficult to say.

Moreover, there are sellers peddling codes (w/out boxes) and after some investigation these typically result in sorrow for buyers.

Thanks for setting me straight on this, and helping to avoid unnecessary problems and expenditures.

Did you get it through Apple or call them? If I were to do it over the phone, what is required as "proof of purchase" and what does the remote diagnostic consist of?

 

[johnparjr]

From my own research and interactions with Apple, the serial number typically acts as the "ID" of the phone, so there's no name attached in the sense of ownership (they rely on the Apple ID for that).

So, if you're within 90 days from the original purchase of the phone, there shouldn't be anything preventing you from getting applecare. Contact them online and make the purchase, afterwards they'll send you an e-receipt, then s hard copy later in the mail.

If you're not sure about the 90-day window to make a purchase, go to Apple's site to check the status by Googling "Apple serial number" and you dhould find the right link to their self/checking page. The serial number will give you the info you need.

Hope this helps.

60 days not 90

 

[sbailey4]

Do you guys think Applecare is more worth it than carrier insurance?? I opted for carrier insurance because the Apple Store is about 90 mins away from where I live. But if it's worth it, I might get AppleCare instead and ditch the carrier insurance. I've only had the phone for a week so I'll have 60 days to register for it? I've always thought it was 30 days.

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Did you get it through Apple or call them? If I were to do it over the phone, what is required as "proof of purchase" and what does the remote diagnostic consist of?

I think its a better value but depends. Carrier ins typically covers lost device as well. AppleCare does not. However the carrier deductibles are out the roof. if you do the math you will spend a LOT more over 2 yrs plus if you have to have it replaced add in the ded and your really missed the boat.

So if you are looking to repair damage or non functioning device AppleCare better deal. If covering a lost device the carrier may be better however again if you do the math, you can probably purchase a used device if lost and still come out cheaper than the carrier ins. SquareTrade is another option to consider.

BTW I purchased AppleCare over the phone for a 4s 3 yrs ago and no issue with checking it out or diagnostics or physically going to the store. Also you don't have to have a store nearby. AppleCare offers mail-in service as well and a express option.