Where to find your AppleCare status right now

The fastest way to check if you have AppleCare is to look it up on Apple's website using your device serial number or phone number. Go to checkcoverage.apple.com, enter your serial number (found in Settings > General > About on your device, or on the original box), and the site will tell you whether coverage is active and when it expires.

If you bought your device recently and aren't sure whether AppleCare was included, check your receipt or confirmation email. AppleCare is never automatic — it's always a separate purchase, either at the time you buy the device or within 30 days after. If you don't see it listed on your receipt, you almost certainly don't have it.

You can also call Apple Support directly at 1-800-MY-APPLE and give them your phone number or serial number. They'll pull up your account and tell you exactly what coverage you have, when it started, and when it ends.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit checkcoverage.apple.com and enter your device serial number to see your coverage status in seconds.
  • AppleCare must be purchased separately — it never comes automatically with a device unless you specifically paid for it.
  • Your receipt or order confirmation email will show whether AppleCare was added at the time of purchase.
  • Apple Support can look up your coverage by phone if you have your serial number or the phone number associated with your Apple ID.

What the coverage page actually shows you

When you enter your serial number on Apple's coverage checker, you'll see one of three things: active coverage with an expiration date, expired coverage with the date it ended, or no coverage at all. The page also tells you what type of AppleCare you have — standard AppleCare+ (which covers accidental damage for a fee), AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss (which covers stolen or lost devices), or the basic one-year limited warranty that comes free with every Apple device.

The limited warranty is not AppleCare. It covers manufacturing defects for one year from purchase, but not accidental damage, water damage, or battery degradation beyond 80 percent capacity. If the coverage page shows only "Limited Warranty" with no AppleCare+ label, you have only the basic coverage.

Checking through your Apple ID account

If you bought AppleCare through your Apple ID, you can see it by signing into appleid.apple.com, clicking "Devices," and selecting the device in question. Your AppleCare coverage will appear under the device details if it's active.

This method works best if you purchased AppleCare online or through the Apple Store app. If you bought it in a physical Apple Store or through a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, the coverage may not show up in your Apple ID account — in that case, use the serial number checker or call Apple Support instead.

How to find your device serial number

You need the serial number to use Apple's coverage checker. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see "Serial Number." On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left, select "About This Mac," and look for "Serial Number" in the window that opens. On an Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > About and find "Serial Number."

You can also find the serial number on the original box your device came in, printed on a label on the back or bottom. If you no longer have the box, the Settings method is the quickest.

What to do if you can't find your coverage information

If the coverage checker says you have no AppleCare but you believe you purchased it, contact Apple Support with your receipt or order confirmation number. They can search their records by purchase date and device type. Bring your receipt with you if you're visiting an Apple Store in person.

If you bought AppleCare through a carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider) rather than directly from Apple, you may need to contact the carrier instead. They manage the coverage on their end, and Apple's checker won't always show it. Your carrier's website or customer service line can confirm whether the plan is active.

Understanding what AppleCare actually covers

Standard AppleCare+ covers hardware repairs and technical support for two or three years (depending on the device), plus accidental damage — but you pay a separate fee each time you make a claim, usually $29 to $99 depending on the damage. It does not cover normal wear and tear, intentional damage, or loss or theft.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss adds coverage for stolen or lost devices, but the deductible is higher — typically $149 to $299 per claim. Knowing which version you have matters because the theft coverage is a separate add-on that costs more.

When your AppleCare expires and what happens next

AppleCare coverage has a set end date. Once it expires, you lose access to priority support and accidental damage coverage. You'll still have Apple's standard one-year limited warranty if your device is less than a year old, but after that you're responsible for all repair costs.

If your AppleCare is expiring soon and you want to extend it, you can purchase AppleCare+ after the fact on some devices, but only within a limited window — usually 60 days after purchase for most products. If you're past that window, you cannot add AppleCare retroactively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AppleCare come free with my device?

No. Every Apple device comes with a one-year limited warranty at no cost, which covers manufacturing defects. AppleCare+ is a separate purchase that you must buy either when you order the device or within 30 days of purchase. If you didn't pay for it, you don't have it.

Can I buy AppleCare after I already own the device?

Only within 60 days of purchase on most devices. After that window closes, you cannot add AppleCare. If you're within the window, you can purchase it through Apple's website, the Apple Store app, or in a physical Apple Store.

What if I lost my serial number?

You can find it in Settings > General > About on your device, or call Apple Support with your phone number and they can look it up. If your device is completely broken or lost, provide your Apple ID email address and they can search their records that way.

Does AppleCare cover water damage?

AppleCare+ covers accidental damage including liquid damage, but you pay a deductible per incident. It does not cover damage from normal use or intentional misuse. Check your coverage details to see the exact deductible for your device type.

Can I transfer AppleCare to a different device?

No. AppleCare is tied to the specific device serial number. If you upgrade to a new device, your old AppleCare ends and you need to purchase new coverage for the new device.