Computers and devices are generally more reliable now than they were in years past. If something goes wrong with one of these devices, a warranty can help troubleshoot and fix it. Not only can a warranty save you money, but it can also save you a lot of frustration and headaches. Do you know if your phone or computer is still under warranty? We can help, showing you how to perform a warranty check on a variety of devices.
Why is a warranty check useful?
For better or worse, our favorite devices can fail from time to time. That's why warranties are so valuable—they can help you get your device fixed at no extra cost to you. Knowing you still have a warranty when your device does experience a problem is the first step in figuring out how to resolve the situation, as repair costs can reach astronomical amounts.
Think your computer, tablet, or smartphone is still under warranty? Then go ahead and skip to the next section. Are you out of warranty? Then you may need to consider third-party repair options or even purchase a new device.
How to check your warranty status
First, before you start thinking about saving money on your warranty, you need to make sure your device is still covered. Fortunately, it's relatively easy and takes less than five minutes to check your warranty status so you know what your options are with your faulty device.
Computer Warranty
To check the validity of your computer's warranty, you will need the serial number, which can be found on the unit itself in some cases or within macOS Settings Or Windows 10/11. Enter the serial number with the manufacturer's warranty checker to see if your PC is still covered:
To find the serial number on your Mac
Go to the Apple menu in the upper left corner and click on the first option: About This MacThe serial number will be immediately available on the pop-up screen and also available on the box it came in.
Find the serial number in Windows
- Right click on the button "Start" And click Command Prompt (Admin)
- Type wmic bios Get the serial number, then press Enter to carry out the command.
- Your serial number should now be displayed.
Alternatively, you can look for the serial number somewhere on the computer itself, on the box, an email receipt if you bought it online, or the documents that came with the device.
Tablet and Phone Warranties
You can easily check your phone or tablet's warranty on the manufacturer's website. Unlike computers, which is a fairly standardized process, smartphones and tablets will vary depending on the manufacturer.
Apple does everything online, while Amazon will ask you to call customer service. Google will also ask you to call, while Samsung requires you to set up an account, register your product, and then check the warranty status. In each case, they will want to know the purchase date, serial number, and product model (iPad, Pixel 5, Samsung Galaxy S21, etc.).
Locate iPhone and iPad Serial Numbers
- On both iPhone and iPad, go to “Settings -> General” and tap “About”.
- The serial number should be at the top of the screen.
Find serial numbers on Android smartphones and tablets
- In general, on an Android device, go to “Settings -> System”.
- Go to “About phone -> Status (Information)” and search for Device serial number bottom of the screen.
Get the serial number on Amazon Fire tablets
- Go to Settings -> Device options -> About Fire Tablet.
- Look for Serial number Copy the number down.
How do you submit a warranty claim?
After researching your warranty status on the sites above, your next step is to determine what you need to file an actual warranty claim. Rather than a concrete requirement across the board, each manufacturer may require something different. One common expectation is proof of purchase. This may come in the form of a paper receipt or an email.
If you purchased directly from the manufacturer, they'll likely look up your transaction history and find your serial number. For high-priced items, such as tablets, phones, and computers, keeping a receipt and making a copy of it can be really helpful if you ever need to go through the warranty process.
Example of a warranty process?
Lenovo Warranty Claim Process
In the case of Lenovo, it will start with your serial number. Warranty verification pageSometimes locating the serial number is simple, as it is available on a sticker on the back of any desktop or all-in-one device. For laptops, the serial number is often located under the battery or can be found using wmic bios get serialnumber command prompt.
When you enter your serial number, the Lenovo page will immediately display your warranty status and the level of support available. While each hardware manufacturer will be different, Lenovo will display a bar graph indicating when the warranty starts and ends. Additionally, you'll see a section for the different service levels Lenovo offers—Good, Better, and Best online support, depending on your warranty or extended warranty status.
Separately, you have the option to upgrade your warranty. While we haven't completed the process, Lenovo indicates that for “Symbolic fee” It will restore the warranty. The condition is that you make this purchase before the original or basic warranty expires. Upgrade costs vary, but keep in mind that the longer the warranty, the greater the coverage, as it may include accidental damage protection against spills and drops.
Check Amazon's hardware repair warranty
While Lenovo has a detailed warranty website full of information, Amazon is the complete opposite. The only real step you can take is to access Amazon Warranty Details Page Before contacting customer service. Other than informing you of the warranty applicable to your device, the only information Amazon provides is advice to contact its customer service line to troubleshoot or replace the device under warranty. This applies to all Amazon devices, including all Fire Tablets, Kindle eReaders, Fire TV devices, and more.
How does AppleCare work?
As one might expect, Apple does things a little differently when it comes to warranties, even if the timeframe is fairly standard. The basic warranty offered with every Apple device purchase is known as AppleCare. With AppleCare, Apple provides a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of additional (phone) technical support. All warranty work with Apple begins with Her warranty verification siteOnce you enter your serial number, Apple will present you with three separate options.
- Valid purchase date: This option lets you see if Apple can verify when you purchased your product.
- Technical support via phone: It is covered within the 90-day time frame from the initial purchase date.
- Repairs and Service Coverage: Find out here if your Apple device is still covered by the one-year limited warranty.
If your product is still covered by AppleCare, Apple will tell you what's still covered and give you a direct link to set up a repair. If you're covered, you'll be provided with three to four different options:
- Send for repair: Apple will provide you with a prepaid shipping label, which you can send to its repair center. This option depends on the product itself. For example, the iMac options shown above do not appear in the option. “Send in for Repair” Due to its size and shipping costs.
- Bring in for repair: This will be done at any Apple-owned store or authorized service provider.
- Chat: Just as it sounds: You can talk to a support representative to troubleshoot.
- Talk to Apple Support now: Like Chat: Call to troubleshoot over the phone.
With any of these options, you can take advantage of Apple's warranty process. One of the biggest benefits is the ability to go to an authorized retailer or Apple Store and receive immediate assistance. This is a significant advantage over competitors, where you'll almost always need to send your device in for repair.
What about AppleCare+?
If you want to take your Apple warranty a step further, choose AppleCare+. This extended warranty program not only extends the warranty but also significantly reduces replacement costs for out-of-warranty repairs like broken or cracked screens. Coverage lengths can vary, and you can purchase an initial two-year warranty at prices based on the device.
- The AppleCare+ extended warranty on a newer iPhone can range from $129 to $199, depending on your model.
- With a Mac, the price ranges from $99 to $299, and costs vary between laptops and iMacs.
Regardless of the initial costs, there are two aspects of AppleCare+ to consider. The first is that it covers your device for anything that could be considered a hardware failure other than damage, misuse, etc. Replacement under these circumstances is free.
Accidental damage, such as a cracked screen or broken hinge, requires an additional cost to replace, but it's much less than a replacement without AppleCare+. AppleCare+ will cost just $29 to replace a cracked iPhone screen, while a non-AppleCare+ replacement can cost up to $279.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What does the warranty usually cover?
answer. For the most part, general warranties cover mechanical or electrical defects beyond your control. This could mean the screen stops working or the battery stops charging. It could also mean the keyboard stops registering keystrokes. Anything that isn't physical damage, such as drops or shocks, will be covered during the initial warranty period.
Q2. How long is your warranty period?
answer. For the most part, all standard warranties are for one year from the date of purchase/activation. However, almost every computer and device company offers an extended warranty across its product lineup. Lenovo and Dell offer this for their computers, as does Apple across its entire product lineup. Similarly, Amazon sells an extended warranty for its Fire TV lineup.
Q3. What happens if I am just past the warranty period?
answer. This is actually a more common scenario than you might think. It's not impossible for a company to offer a small amount of warranty leniency, but most companies stick to the one-year timeline and don't budge. Apple and Amazon are traditionally among the best at offering a small amount of warranty flexibility, but this is on a case-by-case basis.
Q4. How much are out-of-warranty repairs?
answer. This is a difficult question with no easy answer. Warranty costs vary depending on the company and the situation. Is the hinge on your laptop broken? That's likely more expensive than replacing the battery. It all depends largely on what went wrong and how it went wrong.
Q5. Are there any third-party warranty options available?
answer. Yes! Third-party options are available, some of which, like: SquaretradeThey are highly regarded as strong alternatives to manufacturer warranties. Similarly, Best Buy, Target, and other in-store and online retailers also offer their own in-house warranty programs to provide additional coverage.
