So, you have decided to buy a refurbished iPhone. You are now presented with two choices, 1. Buying one from Apple and 2. Buying a refurbished device from a third-party seller
Are you confused about which one is going to be better? Worried if Apple will repair your refurbished phone if anything were to be damaged near future? Before that, let’s take a look at what refurbished phones are.
A refurbished iPhone has been replaced with genuine Apple parts and thoroughly cleaned and inspected at the factory. These devices, familiar to any model, come with authentic casings and a new battery. Each refurbished device will include accessories, lightning connectors, and the latest operating systems. All Apple Certified Refurbished items are supplied to you in a brand new white box and include free shipping and returns (depending on the country you reside in).
If you buy a refurbished iPhone from Apple, you can be ensured of its quality. Apple commits to its quality level, and each refurbished device comes with a standard one-year warranty. Apple also has the AppleCare program, which you may purchase at your will for any additional coverage.
How does AppleCare help get repairs for your refurbished iPhone?
The vast majority of Apple products currently in the sale come with a standard 90 days of complimentary support. This is applicable for refurbished iPhones as well. Along with this technical support, Apple also offers a one-year warranty program. Apple tends to discourage third-party repairs for their devices. Apple devices are genuinely integrated systems since they include hardware, operating system, and a variety of apps made by Apple only. They encourage you to use AppleCare products and services to provide one-stop service and support from Apple specialists, allowing you to handle most issues and repairs with just one phone call.
So yes, Apple will repair your refurbished iPhone only if it has the official warranty still available or you have subscribed to their AppleCare program. It is highly likely that if the damage done is minimal, Apple will repair it for free. You can also look at their service programs which they have set up, where they are willing to fix particular issues of specific models that may have been caused due to a manufacturing error.
If extensive breakage is done, you may need to pay. Further, you may even consider getting a replacement.
Third-party refurbished iPhone: Is Apple still going to repair it?
This is tricky, so it’s best to avoid buying any refurbished device from a third-party seller. Let’s break it down, shall we?
Firstly you should be aware a refurbished product is already void of the official warranty provided before you even brought it. The only guarantee you can be provided is by the person or the third party from whom you bought the device. If the seller is willing to provide that, you have to hold onto that warranty for any damage or repairs that be needed in your device during that period. Apple is not responsible for any repair or contract in cases like these.
Subsequently, there are some exceptions to this. Many devices are called “refurbished” simply because of an external cleaning service i.e. headphone port, charger port, and camera lenses. When the iPhone has not been opened by an external supplier and is refurbished officially by Apple, the service center might consider your device for a repair. It should be noted that, for this to be eligible for a repair, which might not be free, the damage should be minimal. Apple should be able to run a diagnostic to check if it qualifies for “service” if it’s still partially functional. In cases of maximum damage done, your request is most likely to be rejected.
Suppose you have decided to buy a refurbished device from a third party check into how they purchased it. Some sellers guise these restored devices by following people into thinking it’s an official refurbished phone when it was not. Apple products repaired and replaced by third parties are not “refurbished”.
So… Are they going to repair it or not?
There’s no definite answer without Apple services looking at your phone. Probabilities are if you are buying an official refurbished phone, they will, even if it’s out of warranty. In cases of independent resellers, it isn’t very certain. However, it would not hurt to try. The least you’ll receive is an email from their customer support about declining your request.
You can also read: Will Apple repair my iPhone for free? Here’s what you can do.
