You can add AppleCare+ to your iPhone within 60 days of purchase, either during setup or later through the Settings app or Apple's website

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan that covers accidental damage, hardware failures, and gives you priority support. You do not have to buy it when you first get your iPhone — Apple gives you a 60-day window to add it afterward. The fastest way is through your iPhone's Settings app if you already own the phone, or you can add it during initial setup if you are buying new.

The cost varies by iPhone model, but typically runs between $99 and $199 for two years of coverage. If you add it after purchase, you pay the same price as if you had bought it on day one. AppleCare+ is optional, not required, and you can decline it at any point.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from the date you bought your iPhone to add AppleCare+, whether you purchase it new or used.
  • The Settings app is the quickest way to add AppleCare+ if you already own the phone and it is activated.
  • AppleCare+ covers two accidental damage incidents per year, hardware failures, and battery replacement if capacity drops below 80 percent.
  • If you miss the 60-day window, you cannot add AppleCare+ later unless you go through Apple Support to request a manual review.

Adding AppleCare+ through Settings on your iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. Look for a section labeled AppleCare+ or Service and Support — the exact label depends on your iOS version. If you see an option to add AppleCare+, tap it.

The phone will show you the price for your specific model and ask you to review the coverage details. Read through the terms, then tap Add AppleCare+ or Purchase. You will be asked to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Once confirmed, the plan is active immediately, and you will receive a confirmation email at the address linked to your Apple ID.

If you do not see the AppleCare+ option in Settings, your phone may already have coverage, or the 60-day window may have closed. Check by going to Settings > General > About and looking for "Limited Warranty" or "AppleCare+ Coverage" — this tells you what protection is currently active.

Adding AppleCare+ during iPhone setup

If you are setting up a new iPhone for the first time, AppleCare+ appears as an option during the initial setup process. When you reach the screen that asks about protection plans, you will see the option to add AppleCare+ along with the price. Tap Add AppleCare+ if you want coverage, or Skip to continue without it.

You can still add it later within the 60-day window even if you skip it now, so there is no pressure to decide immediately. If you want time to think about whether you need it, you can always come back through Settings later.

Adding AppleCare+ through Apple's website or app

Go to apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select My Support. Find your iPhone in the list of devices and click on it. You should see an option to add or manage AppleCare+.

Alternatively, open the Apple Support app on your iPhone, tap My Devices, select your iPhone, and look for the AppleCare+ section. Both routes show you the same pricing and coverage details as the Settings method. The purchase process is identical — you confirm with your Apple ID and the plan activates right away.

What AppleCare+ actually covers

AppleCare+ covers hardware defects that Apple's standard one-year warranty does not, plus accidental damage from drops, water, or cracks. You get two incidents of accidental damage coverage per year, and each incident has a service fee (typically $29 for screen damage or $99 for other damage). Battery replacement is covered if the battery capacity drops below 80 percent.

AppleCare+ also includes priority phone support, which means shorter wait times when you call Apple Support. If your iPhone needs repair, you can get it fixed at an Apple Store or through Apple's mail-in repair service. The plan lasts for two years from the date you purchase it, not from the date you bought the phone.

What AppleCare+ does not cover: theft, loss, intentional damage, or damage from unauthorized repairs. If your phone is stolen, AppleCare+ will not replace it — you would need a separate theft or loss plan if that is a concern.

What happens if you miss the 60-day deadline

If 60 days have passed since you bought your iPhone, the AppleCare+ option disappears from Settings and the Apple Support app. You cannot add it through the normal purchase flow after this window closes.

Your only option at that point is to contact Apple Support directly and ask for a manual review. Explain when you bought the phone and why you want to add AppleCare+ now. Apple Support can sometimes make exceptions, particularly if you are within a few days of the deadline or if there are extenuating circumstances, but there is no may provide. If they approve it, you pay the standard price and coverage begins immediately.

Checking your AppleCare+ status and managing your plan

To see whether AppleCare+ is active on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for the warranty or coverage section. It will show you the expiration date of your AppleCare+ plan if it is active. You can also check this information on apple.com by signing in and viewing your device details.

If you need to cancel AppleCare+ after purchasing it, you have 30 days to request a full refund. After 30 days, you can still cancel, but you will not receive a refund — the plan simply expires at the end of its two-year term. To cancel, contact Apple Support or go to your device details on apple.com and select the option to remove AppleCare+.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add AppleCare+ to a used iPhone I bought from someone else?

Yes, as long as it has been 60 days or fewer since the original purchase date. The 60-day window is tied to when the phone was first sold, not when you acquired it. You will need to know the original purchase date, which you can find by checking the device's warranty status on apple.com or by contacting Apple Support with the phone's serial number.

What is the difference between AppleCare+ and AppleCare?

AppleCare is the older name for Apple's basic support plan, which is no longer sold separately. AppleCare+ is the current plan and includes accidental damage coverage, which the older version did not. If you own an older iPhone, you may still have AppleCare, but new iPhones can only get AppleCare+.

Does AppleCare+ cover water damage?

Yes, water damage counts as accidental damage and is covered under AppleCare+. However, you still pay the service fee for the repair (typically $29 for screen damage or $99 for other damage). The plan covers the cost of the repair itself, not the fee.

Can I transfer AppleCare+ to a new iPhone if I upgrade?

No, AppleCare+ is tied to the specific iPhone you purchased it for and cannot be transferred. When you upgrade to a new iPhone, you will need to purchase a new AppleCare+ plan for that device within 60 days of buying it.

What do I do if my iPhone is damaged and I have AppleCare+?

Contact Apple Support through the Support app, apple.com, or by calling Apple directly. They will assess the damage, confirm your AppleCare+ coverage, and either repair the phone at an Apple Store or arrange mail-in repair. You will pay the service fee at that time if it is accidental damage.