Can You Get AppleCare On a Used iPhone? Everything You Need to Know (Without the Jargon)

Buying a used iPhone is a smart move. You save money and still get a solid device. But then the worry kicks in—what if something breaks?

You might be wondering if you can protect your pre-owned iPhone with AppleCare, or if that option is only for people who buy brand new. The good news is that you can get AppleCare on a used iPhone, but only if it meets specific requirements—like where you bought it and how old it is.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. You’ll learn which used iPhones qualify, what types of AppleCare plans are available, how much it costs, and how to add coverage step by step. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect your investment without the guesswork.

So—Can You Actually Get AppleCare on a Used iPhone?

The answer depends on where you bought your phone and how old it is. Apple won’t cover every secondhand device, but you’ve got more options than you might think.

The Quick Yes, But with a Big Asterisk

You can absolutely get AppleCare+ on a refurbished or used iPhone, but there are some rules. First, your iPhone needs to be an iPhone 8 or newer. Anything older than that won’t qualify, no matter how pristine it looks.

You’ve got 60 days from your purchase date to add AppleCare+ coverage. After that window closes, you’re out of luck.

Here’s the catch: where you bought your phone matters a lot. If you got a certified refurbished iPhone directly from Apple, you’re golden. Apple Support will let you add an AppleCare plan without any issues.

But if you bought from Amazon Renewed, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace? Things get trickier. Your used iPhone will need to pass Apple’s remote diagnostic test before they’ll approve coverage.

Who Decides If Your iPhone Qualifies?

Apple makes the final call on whether your phone can get AppleCare+. When you try to add coverage, they’ll run a diagnostic check on your device. Think of it like a health screening at the doctor’s office.

They’re checking for existing damage, battery health, and whether all the parts are genuine Apple components. If someone swapped in a third-party screen or battery before you bought it, that could disqualify you.

Best Buy is an authorized provider of AppleCare, so phones bought there usually qualify. Same goes for carrier stores and other official retailers. The key is proving your phone works properly right now, with no pre-existing issues that you’re trying to cover up.

The Golden Rules: What Makes a Used iPhone Eligible?

Not every used iPhone can get AppleCare coverage, and Apple has some pretty specific rules about what counts. The biggest factors are where the phone came from, how long ago it was activated, and whether it’s truly “used” or actually refurbished.

Where You Bought It: Why That Matters

Apple cares a lot about where your iPhone originally came from. If you bought a certified refurbished iPhone directly from Apple, you’re golden. Those phones come with a fresh one-year warranty and you can add AppleCare+ just like it’s brand new.

But here’s where it gets tricky. If you bought your phone from Amazon Renewed or another third-party refurbisher, those devices aren’t eligible for AppleCare. Apple only recognizes refurbished devices that they fixed up themselves in their own facilities.

The same goes for regular used phones. If you bought from a private seller on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, Apple will check whether that phone was originally purchased from them or an authorized reseller. You’ll need proof of purchase to show the chain of ownership.

How Old Is Too Old?

Time is not on your side when it comes to adding AppleCare+ to a used device. Apple typically gives you a 60-day window from the original purchase date to buy coverage. That’s 60 days from when the phone was first activated, not from when you bought it used.

Let’s say someone bought an iPhone in December 2025 and you bought it from them in January 2026. If more than 60 days have passed since that original December activation, you’re out of luck.

You can check exactly where you stand by visiting Apple’s coverage checker and entering the serial number. This tool shows you the activation date and whether AppleCare+ is still available for purchase. The phone also needs to be in good working condition with no existing damage.

Is Refurbished the Same as Used?

Nope, and this is super important to understand. A used iPhone is one that someone owned and then sold as-is. It might work great, but there’s no official Apple warranty attached unless the original coverage is still active.

A refurbished iPhone from Apple is different. Apple takes returned or traded-in devices, replaces any faulty parts, puts them through testing, and sells them with a full warranty. These certified refurbished products are eligible for AppleCare when bought directly from Apple’s refurbished store.

Third-party refurbished phones from places like Best Buy or Amazon fall somewhere in between. They might come with their own warranties, but they don’t qualify for Apple’s AppleCare coverage. Only Apple-certified means AppleCare-eligible.

Checking Coverage Before You Buy

Before you hand over cash for any used iPhone, do yourself a favor and check its status. Go to checkcoverage.apple.com and type in the serial number. You’ll find this in Settings > General > About on the phone itself.

This page tells you three critical things:

• Whether the phone is still under warranty
• If AppleCare+ is already active
• Whether you can still purchase AppleCare+

If the seller won’t give you the serial number before purchase, that’s a red flag. You’re buying blind and might get stuck with a phone that can’t be covered. Also check that the phone isn’t reported lost or stolen, which would make it ineligible for any Apple services.

Best Buy is an authorized AppleCare provider, so phones purchased there might qualify if you’re still within the 60-day window. Just make sure you have your receipt handy.

Which iPhones Get the AppleCare Green Light?

Not all iPhones qualify for AppleCare coverage, and the rules depend on where you bought your phone and how old it is. Apple draws a clear line between newer models that get full support and older ones that don’t make the cut.

Popular Models (iPhone 13 Mini, Pro, 15 Pro & More)

If you’re rocking an iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, or iPhone 15 Pro, you’re in luck. These models all qualify for AppleCare+ coverage as long as you meet the timing requirements.

The same goes for most recent iPhone models. Your iPhone 12, 14, or 16 can get covered too. The key is acting fast—you typically have 60 days from your purchase date to add AppleCare+.

But there’s a catch if you bought a used iPhone. Apple only allows AppleCare on devices purchased from Apple directly or from authorized resellers. That means your used iPhone from Amazon Renewed won’t qualify.

If you bought a refurbished iPhone straight from Apple’s certified refurbished store, you can add AppleCare just like a new phone. Third-party refurbs? No dice.

The Cut-Off Point for Older iPhones

Apple doesn’t support every iPhone forever. The iPhone 8 is generally the oldest model that can still get AppleCare coverage, though availability varies by region.

Anything older than that is out of luck. Your iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s might still work fine, but Apple won’t sell you a protection plan for it anymore.

This cutoff makes sense when you think about it. Apple focuses its repair support on phones it still makes parts for. Once a model gets too old, finding replacement screens or batteries becomes harder.

If your phone is approaching that age limit, you’ll want to add AppleCare sooner rather than later. Once your model drops off Apple’s supported list, you won’t be able to add coverage even if your specific phone is newer.

Types of AppleCare Plans You Can Snag

Apple offers a few different protection plans, and they’re not all the same. The main difference comes down to how much coverage you want and whether you’re worried about things like dropping your phone or having it stolen.

AppleCare+ vs The Free Warranty Everyone Gets

When you buy any iPhone, you automatically get Apple’s basic one-year limited warranty. This covers manufacturing defects and hardware issues that aren’t your fault. Think of it as Apple saying “we promise this phone works when it leaves our factory.”

But here’s the catch: that free warranty doesn’t cover accidents. Drop your phone and crack the screen? You’re paying out of pocket.

That’s where AppleCare+ coverage comes in. It extends your warranty to two or three years depending on which plan you pick. More importantly, it adds accidental damage protection.

What AppleCare+ gives you:

• Extended warranty coverage beyond the first year
• Up to two incidents of accidental damage protection per year
• Express replacement service
• 24/7 priority tech support

You’ll pay a service fee for each repair, but it’s way less than the full cost. The basic warranty won’t help you if you accidentally sit on your phone.

AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss: The Fine Print

The AppleCare+ with theft and loss plan adds another layer of protection on top of regular AppleCare+. If someone steals your iPhone or you lose it completely, this plan has your back.

You can file up to two theft or loss claims every 12 months. Each claim comes with a deductible that you’ll need to pay.

Important requirements:

• You must enable Find My iPhone before the device goes missing
• You need to file a police report or provide other proof
• The claim must be filed within a reasonable time after the incident

This plan costs more per month than regular AppleCare+, so think about your lifestyle. Do you commute on crowded trains? Leave your phone on restaurant tables? Then theft and loss coverage might be worth it.

Accidental Damage Coverage: What’s Actually Covered?

Accidental damage coverage protects you from the stuff that happens in real life. Cracked screens, water damage, broken cameras—basically the things that make you want to cry when they happen.

Covered incidents include:

• Cracked or shattered screens
• Liquid damage (yes, even toilets)
• Battery issues
• Camera problems from drops
• Button malfunctions

You’ll pay a service fee for each repair. Screen repairs typically cost less than other damage. AppleCare+ gives you two incidents per year, so you’re not limited to just one mistake.

What’s not covered? Intentional damage, cosmetic damage that doesn’t affect function, and loss or theft (unless you have that specific plan). Wear and tear from normal use also doesn’t count as accidental damage.

Step-by-Step: How to Add AppleCare to Your Used iPhone

You have 60 days from your purchase date to add AppleCare+ coverage to your used iPhone, and the process is pretty simple whether you do it from your phone or online. Your device needs to be eligible and pass a quick diagnostic check before you can buy a plan.

How to Check If AppleCare Is Still an Option

First things first—you need to find out if your phone even qualifies. Not every used iPhone can get AppleCare+, and timing matters a lot here.

Grab your iPhone and open the Settings app. Tap General, then look for AppleCare & Warranty. If you see an option that says “Add AppleCare+ Coverage,” you’re good to go. If you don’t see that option, you might be past the 60-day window or your phone might not be eligible.

You can also check your coverage options online by visiting checkcoverage.apple.com and entering your serial number. This works whether you’re signed into your Apple Account or not.

Keep in mind that AppleCare+ only works on iPhone 8 and newer models. If you bought an older phone like an iPhone 7 or iPhone 6s, you won’t be able to purchase AppleCare+ for it no matter how recently you bought it.

The clock starts ticking on day one of your purchase, not the day you set up the phone or decide you want coverage.

Buying Directly from Apple vs Authorized Resellers

Where you bought your used iPhone affects how you buy AppleCare+, but the good news is that most options work the same way.

If you bought a refurbished iPhone directly from Apple, you can add AppleCare+ right from your device or online. Apple makes this super easy because they already have your purchase info tied to your Apple Account.

Buying from an authorized reseller like Best Buy or a carrier store? You still have the same 60-day window. You’ll just need your proof of purchase handy when you go to add coverage. The system might ask you to verify when and where you bought the phone.

Here’s what you need to do from your iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap AppleCare & Warranty
4. Tap Add AppleCare+ Coverage
5. Choose your plan
6. Complete the purchase

If you bought from a third-party seller on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, things get trickier. You can still buy AppleCare+, but you might need to visit an Apple Store for an in-person inspection. Apple wants to make sure the phone isn’t already damaged before they cover it.

You can also contact Apple Support by phone to purchase a plan if you prefer talking to someone.

What If My iPhone Already Has an AppleCare Plan?

Sometimes a used iPhone already has AppleCare+ coverage from the previous owner. This is actually a bonus, but you need to handle it the right way.

Check the coverage status in Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty. You’ll see when the plan expires and what type of coverage is active. If there’s still time left on the plan, it stays with the device when ownership transfers.

The previous owner doesn’t need to do anything special to transfer the coverage. AppleCare+ follows the device, not the person. However, you should make sure the iPhone is removed from the previous owner’s Apple Account so you can add it to yours.

If the existing plan is about to expire, you can extend it with monthly payments. AppleCare+ can continue month-to-month after the initial coverage period ends. You can cancel anytime if you change your mind.

Can’t tell if there’s coverage? Visit checkcoverage.apple.com and enter the serial number. This shows you exactly what protection is active and when it runs out.

Pro Tips for Smooth Registration

Adding AppleCare+ goes smoother when you’re prepared. Here are some things that make the process easier.

Have your purchase proof ready. Keep your receipt, invoice, or confirmation email somewhere you can find it quickly. Apple might ask for this, especially if you didn’t buy directly from them.

Make sure the Find My app is set up if you want theft and loss coverage. Apple requires this to be enabled before they’ll sell you that upgraded protection. You can’t add it later if you skip this step.

Run any software updates before you start. An outdated iOS version can sometimes cause problems with the diagnostic test that Apple requires. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install anything waiting there.

Check your payment method in your Apple Account ahead of time. You’ll need a valid credit or debit card on file to complete the purchase. Adding or updating this before you start saves time.

If you’re past the 60-day window, you’re not totally out of luck. You can still visit an Apple Store and ask for an exception. They’ll inspect your phone in person, and if it passes their hardware check, they might let you buy AppleCare+. This isn’t guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot if you really want the coverage.

What’s the Damage? AppleCare+ Cost and Coverage Details

The price you pay depends on which iPhone you own, and AppleCare+ coverage can be paid monthly or all at once upfront. Either way, you’re getting accidental damage protection and priority technical support that goes way beyond the basic one-year warranty.

How Much Does AppleCare+ Actually Cost?

Your AppleCare+ cost changes based on your iPhone model. Newer, pricier phones cost more to protect.

For a standard iPhone 15, you’re looking at around $149 for two years of coverage or $7.99 per month. If you’ve got an iPhone 15 Pro Max, that jumps to about $269 upfront or $13.49 monthly.

Want even more protection? AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss adds another layer if your phone gets stolen or disappears. That costs more—roughly $299 for two years on a Pro Max, or $14.99 monthly.

The plans cover up to two incidents of accidental damage every 12 months. Each incident comes with a service fee—$29 for screen damage or $99 for other accidental damage. Without AppleCare+, you could pay $329 or more for the same repair.

Monthly Plans vs. Upfront Payments

Paying monthly gives you flexibility. You can cancel anytime and you don’t drop a big chunk of cash right away.

But here’s the thing: if you keep that monthly plan running for more than two years, you’ll end up paying more than the upfront price. The upfront option locks in your rate and you’re done.

Monthly plans automatically renew until you cancel them. That means your AppleCare coverage keeps going as long as you keep paying. Upfront plans last exactly two or three years depending on what you buy.

If you’re someone who upgrades phones every year or two, monthly might make sense. If you hang onto your phone longer, upfront usually saves you money.

Which Repairs Save You the Most Money?

Screen repairs are where AppleCare+ really shines. A cracked screen on an iPhone 15 Pro costs about $329 without coverage. With AppleCare+, you pay just $29.

Back glass damage is another big one. Replacing the back glass can cost $169 to $549 depending on your model. AppleCare+ drops that to $99.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Repair Type	Without AppleCare+	With AppleCare+
Screen damage	$229–$379	$29
Back glass	$169–$549	$99
Other damage	$449–$629	$99

Battery replacements are covered free when your battery health drops below 80%. You also get complimentary technical support and repairs using genuine Apple parts. That means no sketchy third-party screens that mess up your Face ID or display quality.

More Ways to Protect Your Investment (or Just Get Peace of Mind)

Beyond the initial purchase, AppleCare+ coverage can extend for years, transfer to new owners, and even work differently if you’re enrolled in Apple’s upgrade program. Knowing how long your protection lasts and what happens when you’re ready for a new phone helps you make smarter decisions about your coverage.

How Long Does AppleCare+ Last?

When you buy AppleCare+, you get two years of coverage from the date you purchased your iPhone. But that’s not where it has to end.

After those two years are up, you can keep your protection going month by month. AppleCare+ offers rolling monthly subscription plans that let you extend coverage as long as you want. You’re not locked in either—you can cancel whenever you decide you don’t need it anymore.

This is really helpful if you plan to keep your iPhone for three, four, or even five years. Your phone doesn’t suddenly become less valuable or accident-proof just because two years passed. Monthly payments give you flexibility without committing to another big upfront cost.

Think of it like renewing a gym membership month by month instead of paying for a full year you might not use.

Transferring Coverage When You Sell or Upgrade

If you decide to sell your iPhone or pass it along to someone else, your AppleCare+ can go with it. The coverage transfers to the new owner, which can make your phone more attractive to buyers.

To transfer your AppleCare protection plan, you’ll need to contact Apple Support. They’ll help move the coverage from your name to the new owner’s name. It’s a pretty straightforward process, but you do need to do it officially—it doesn’t just happen automatically when you hand over the phone.

This is a great selling point if you’re listing your iPhone online. People feel more confident buying a used device when they know it still has protection. You might even be able to ask for a little more money because of it.

Just remember that once you transfer the coverage, it’s gone from your account. You can’t get it back.

Is the iPhone Upgrade Program Different?

Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program is a different beast entirely. It combines your iPhone payments with AppleCare+ coverage all in one monthly payment.

When you’re enrolled in this program, AppleCare+ is automatically included. You don’t have to think about buying it separately or deciding whether to add it on. It’s baked right into your plan from day one.

The other big difference? You can upgrade to a new iPhone every year after you’ve made 12 payments. When you do, your old phone goes back to Apple, and you start fresh with a new device and new AppleCare+ coverage.

This program works well if you like having the latest iPhone without worrying about selling your old one or dealing with trade-ins. Everything stays simple and predictable. Your monthly payment covers both the phone and the protection, so you always know what you’re paying.