How to check the warranty or AppleCare cover of an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Before you pay for a repair or buy a used iPhone, it is worth knowing whether Apple's warranty or an AppleCare plan still applies. Both ways of checking are free and take a minute.

The picture is from iOS 26 on an iPhone 17. On older versions the rows are in the same place, with a slightly different look.

Step by step

1. 

   Open Settings and tap General

   General is in the main list of Settings.

   Done

2. Tap AppleCare & Warranty

   The list shows this iPhone and devices paired with it, such as an Apple Watch or AirPods.

   Done

3. Tap the device

   You see whether it is covered for hardware repairs and technical support, and the date the cover ends.

   Done

4. Check on the website

   Go to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter the serial number. This also works for a device you are thinking of buying. The serial number is under Settings, General, About, and on the original box.

   Done

5. Get proof of cover

   Sign in at mysupport.apple.com with your Apple Account and select the device. Click View Proof of Coverage to get a document you can show or print. Two-factor authentication must be on for the account.

   Done

Good to know

In the EU and the UK, the seller is also liable under consumer law for defects that were there at the time of sale, for two years in most EU countries. This is separate from Apple's own one-year warranty and is claimed from whoever sold you the phone.

AppleCare plans can usually be added within a limited time after buying the device. The same page in Settings offers it while it is still possible.

Buying used: check the cover, and make sure the seller has switched off Find My: how to turn off Find My iPhone before you sell or repair it.

The state of the battery: how to check battery health on an iPhone.

In short: Settings, General, AppleCare & Warranty, tap the device. Or checkcoverage.apple.com with the serial number. Proof at mysupport.apple.com.