You can add AppleCare during checkout when you buy a device, or within 60 days of purchase through the Apple website, the Apple Store app, or in person at an Apple Store

AppleCare is an extended warranty and support plan that covers hardware repairs, accidental damage (with a fee), and priority phone support. The window to add it is narrow — you have 60 days from the date you bought your device, whether new or refurbished. After that, you cannot add AppleCare to most devices, though AppleCare+ for Mac can sometimes be added later if the device is still within one year of purchase.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you are adding it at the time of purchase or after. Both routes take less than five minutes, but waiting until the last week of your 60-day window leaves no room for delays or second thoughts.

Key Takeaways

  • You have exactly 60 days from your purchase date to add AppleCare, and this deadline cannot be extended.
  • Adding AppleCare during checkout when you buy your device is the simplest route and requires no extra steps later.
  • If you did not add it at purchase, you can still add it through apple.com, the Apple Store app, or by visiting an Apple Store in person.
  • AppleCare costs vary by device — an iPhone plan runs differently than a MacBook plan — and you can see the exact price before confirming.
  • Once AppleCare is active, you can file a claim for repairs or damage through the same channels where you purchased it.

Adding AppleCare at the time of purchase

If you are buying a new or refurbished Apple device directly from Apple, you will see the AppleCare option during checkout. On apple.com, it appears as an add-on after you select your device configuration but before you enter payment details. On the Apple Store app, the same option shows up in the same place. In an Apple Store, the staff member will ask whether you want to add it.

You do not have to decide immediately — you can add it up to 60 days later — but adding it now means one fewer thing to remember. The price is shown before you confirm, so you know the total cost before your payment goes through.

Adding AppleCare after you have already bought the device

If you did not add AppleCare at checkout, you can still add it within 60 days. Go to apple.com, sign in with the Apple ID associated with your purchase, and navigate to your account settings. Look for "Devices" or "My Devices" and select the device you want to cover. From there, you will see an option to add AppleCare if you are still within the 60-day window.

On the Apple Store app, the process is similar: sign in, go to your account, find the device, and select the option to add AppleCare. If you prefer to do it in person, visit an Apple Store with your device or your receipt. A staff member can add the plan on the spot and process payment right there.

Whichever method you choose, you will need your device serial number or proof of purchase. If you bought the device from Apple, your account will already have the purchase date on file. If you bought it elsewhere — Best Buy, a carrier, a third-party retailer — you may need to provide a receipt to confirm the purchase date.

What happens if you miss the 60-day window

Once 60 days have passed, you cannot add AppleCare to most devices. The only exception is AppleCare+ for Mac, which can sometimes be added within the first year of purchase, though this varies by region and availability. For iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, the 60-day deadline is firm.

If you are past the deadline and still want coverage, your only option is to look into third-party insurance or protection plans, which are offered by carriers, retailers, and independent insurers. These plans have different terms, coverage limits, and costs than AppleCare, so read the details carefully before purchasing.

Understanding AppleCare costs and what is covered

AppleCare pricing depends on the device. An iPhone 15 AppleCare+ plan costs more than an iPhone SE plan. A MacBook Pro AppleCare+ plan costs more than a MacBook Air plan. You will see the exact price for your specific device before you confirm the purchase, so there are no surprises.

AppleCare covers hardware defects and malfunctions for the length of the plan — usually two years for phones and tablets, three years for computers. It also includes accidental damage coverage (AppleCare+), though you pay a separate fee each time you file a claim. Technical support is included and prioritized, meaning shorter wait times when you call or chat with Apple Support.

AppleCare does not cover loss, theft, or cosmetic damage that does not affect function. Read the coverage details for your specific device type before purchasing, as the terms vary slightly between product categories.

How to manage or cancel AppleCare after purchase

Once AppleCare is active, you can view your plan details, check coverage end dates, and file claims through your Apple ID account on apple.com or the Apple Store app. If you need to cancel, you can do so within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. After 30 days, cancellation is possible but refunds are prorated based on how much of the plan period remains.

To cancel, sign in to your account, find the device, and select the option to manage or cancel AppleCare. You can also call Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to cancel in person. Have your device serial number or proof of purchase ready.

Adding AppleCare for different device types

The process is the same across all Apple devices — iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple TV — but the plan names and coverage details differ. iPhones and iPads use AppleCare+, which includes accidental damage coverage. Macs also use AppleCare+. Apple Watches and AirPods have their own AppleCare plans with slightly different terms.

When you are adding AppleCare, the system will show you the plan name and coverage details specific to your device, so you will know exactly what you are purchasing. If you own multiple Apple devices, you can add AppleCare to each one separately within the 60-day window for each device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add AppleCare if I bought my device from a retailer instead of Apple?

Yes, but you will need proof of purchase from that retailer to confirm the purchase date. You can add it through apple.com, the Apple Store app, or in person at an Apple Store. The 60-day clock starts from your purchase date, not from when you register the device with Apple.

What is the difference between AppleCare and AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ is the extended plan that includes accidental damage coverage (with a per-incident fee). Standard AppleCare covers hardware defects and technical support but not accidental damage. Most current Apple devices are sold with AppleCare+ as the main option, though the exact offerings vary by product.

Can I add AppleCare to a used or refurbished device I bought from someone else?

No. AppleCare can only be added within 60 days of the original purchase date, and that date is tied to the first owner's receipt. If you buy a used device from another person or a third-party seller, you are past that window. You can purchase third-party protection plans instead.

Do I get a refund if I cancel AppleCare after 30 days?

You can cancel anytime, but refunds are only full within the first 30 days. After that, you receive a prorated refund based on the remaining coverage period. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to start a cancellation.

What do I do if I lose my device after adding AppleCare?

AppleCare does not cover loss or theft. If your device is lost, you can use Find My (on apple.com or through the Find My app on another device) to locate it, mark it as lost, or erase it remotely. For theft, file a police report and contact your carrier if it is a phone.