Buying a new phone has an intangible benefit-the warranty. When we buy a phone, we often focus on features and price, but the right protection plan can save you money if something goes wrong. Most phones come with a manufacturer’s warranty that protects against certain problems at no additional cost.
But what exactly do these plans cover? Let’s find out what phone warranties cover, the common exceptions you should know about, and how long phone warranties last to help you get the most from your device protection.
What Are Phone Warranties?
Phone warranties protect your phone so that you do not have to pay to repair or replace your phone if it is damaged or stops working within a specified period of time. Most manufacturers’ warranties last one year, but they range from 90 days to two years, depending on the company.
These warranties typically cover defects that prevent your phone from functioning properly. If your phone experiences a covered issue, the manufacturer will fix or replace your phone free of charge, as long as you have not violated any of the warranty terms.
Types of Phone Warranties
When you buy a phone, there are three main types of warranties you can choose from to protect your investment in different ways:
1. Manufacturer Warranties
You will receive a manufacturer warranty on your new phone free of charge. It’s a basic guarantee for defects that weren’t your fault. These warranties may last from 90 days to one or a couple of years, depending on the manufacturer.
If you experience a covered issue with your phone during this time period, the manufacturer will replace or repair your phone at no cost. Only manufacturing defects are covered under these warranties; they do not cover accidents, water damage, and wear and tear.
2. Extended Warranties
An extended warranty offers you the same protection as the manufacturer’s warranty but for a longer amount of time. You’ll have to pay more for this coverage, which typically gives you 1-3 years of protection beyond the original warranty.
Some extended warranties also offer more coverage than a standard warranty, but others simply extend the length of your coverage. This option is worth it if you’re going to keep your phone longer than the manufacturer’s warranty and want to continue to be protected against defects or damage.
3. Third-Party Warranties
Third-party warranties are from independent companies and are sometimes also called insurance. These plans tend to provide more extensive coverage, covering situations other warranties do not, including physical damage, liquid damage, and sometimes even theft or loss.
The coverage can differ quite a bit in quality between companies. Always research the company’s reputation and read the terms thoroughly before purchasing a third-party warranty. You may be able to purchase a warranty from your cell phone plan provider or the store that you bought your phone plan from.
How to Check Your Phone Warranty Coverage
If you want to check your warranty coverage for your phone, here are three simple steps:
1. Check Online
Your phone’s IMEI number (dialed by entering *06# or looking in your device settings) identifies your phone and can help you find your coverage.
Apple users can visit Apple’s support page and enter their iPhone’s serial number to see coverage details immediately. Samsung users can see similar details on Samsung’s support portal by entering their device’s identification details.
2. Contact the Manufacturer
Sometimes, contacting the manufacturer is the fastest way to get good warranty information. Call your phone manufacturer’s customer service number and have your purchasing information handy when you dial them.
3. Review Your Purchase
Your receipt will show the specific date you purchased your phone, which tells you when your warranty period began and when it will expire. When you bought your phone, you should have also received warranty terms and conditions.
Review the documents you received when you purchased the phone to discover how long your warranty lasts and exactly what is covered.
How are Phone Warranties Different from Insurance?
Phone warranties and cell phone insurance are two different ways to protect your phone. Phone warranties generally only cover manufacturer defects, ensuring the device was properly built when you purchased it.
Insurance provides broader coverage for accidents, theft, water damage, and other accidents that many warranties specifically exclude. Manufacturer warranties are included with your purchase at no extra cost but expire after a fixed period, while insurance plans generally need to be paid monthly.
Many cell phone manufacturers offer an extended warranty, which covers manufacturer defects as well as extra causes of damage, such as liquid damage or a cracked screen.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Your Warranty?
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your phone warranty:
1. Register Your Device
Always register your phone on the manufacturer’s website the moment you buy it to activate your warranty. The registration will probably require your name, contact information, and the serial number of the phone. You might get a confirmation email from the company, which you should keep as proof that your warranty is active.
2. Keep Documentation Handy
Keep your phone receipt and warranty in a specific folder and take pictures of the paper copy, if you received one, as a backup. If you bought your phone online, save the email receipt and order confirmation in a specific folder titled “Warranties” for easy access.
3. Understand the Exclusions and Limitations
The warranty terms and conditions will provide free repairs for manufacturing defects, not accidents or misuse. This means you’ll still be paying for repairs if you accidentally drop your phone, put it in water, or install apps that damage the system.
Protecting Your Warranty
Take these important steps to protect your warranty and keep it valid throughout its coverage period:
1. Save Your Receipt
Your purchase receipt proves when you bought your phone and is the first thing repair centers require during warranty claims. Keep the original in a safe place and photos of it showing the date, store name, and model number as backups. For digital receipts, save the PDF file instead of having it in your email account, where it might get deleted or lost.
2. Avoid Unauthorized Repairs
Taking your phone to unauthorized repair shops typically invalidates your warranty coverage immediately. Manufacturers can determine if unauthorized technicians have worked on your device. If your phone is not functioning, find authorized repair technicians or take it back to the company you bought it from in order to have it repaired properly while still protecting your warranty.
3. Use Your Device Carefully
A good case and screen cover protect against wear and tear, which may cause damage not included under your warranty. Don’t expose your phone to heat, cold, and water that will destroy internal parts. Use the charger that came with your phone or authorized replacements, as cheaper chargers will damage your battery.
Get Your Phone Repaired By an Authorized Service Provider
Warranties on phones typically address manufacturing defects and not everyday issues like physical damage and water exposure. Once your warranty has expired, expert repair services are the next best thing.
911 Phone Repair offers professional repairs using genuine OEM parts where applicable. We back all our work with a 30-day to lifetime warranty. Our technicians offer free diagnostic assessments and deliver industry-standard quality. Call us today to enjoy trustworthy cell phone repair service from experts.