How to Cancel AppleCare?
If you’ve signed up for AppleCare or AppleCare+ but now feel like you don’t need it anymore, don't worry—canceling is easy, and you might even get some of your money back. How much you’ll be refunded depends on whether you paid upfront or opted for monthly payments, as well as how much time is left on your plan.
What Exactly is AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ is Apple’s extended warranty program that covers all your Apple devices. Unlike the older AppleCare, which is no longer available, AppleCare+ is now the go-to option. The cost varies based on the devices you want to cover.
How to Check if You Have AppleCare+
If you bought a new Apple device, it comes with basic AppleCare coverage for a year. To see if your device is still covered, visit checkcoverage.apple.com and enter your device’s serial number. You can also check your Apple account's "My Support" page, where all your devices and their coverage details are listed.
Extending Your AppleCare+ Coverage
If you want more than the basic coverage, you can purchase AppleCare+ at the time of checkout or within 60 days of buying your device. You can also add it later through the "My Support" page by selecting the device you want to cover. Additionally, certain devices allow you to add AppleCare+ directly from their settings menu.
For customers in select countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., you can extend your AppleCare+ plan within 45 days of its expiration. Just check your "My Support" page for the end date of your current coverage.
What’s Covered Under AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ provides coverage for accidental damage to your device's screen, casing, and internal components. If you opt for the Theft and Loss plan, you can replace a lost or stolen iPhone up to two times in a 12-month period, for a fee. The plan also includes 24/7 priority access to tech support, in-store and mail-in repairs, and battery service if it drops below 80% capacity.
AppleCare+ also covers any power cords and charging cables that came with your device, as well as certain Apple accessories, like the Apple Pencil or a keyboard purchased with an iPad.
How Much Does AppleCare+ Cost?
The cost of AppleCare+ varies depending on the device, the plan, and the coverage length. For example, covering a 15-inch MacBook Air (M2) costs $229 for three years or $79.99 per month for ongoing coverage. An Apple Watch Series 9 is $79 for two years of coverage or $3.99 per month.
When it comes to iPhones, you can only pay for two years upfront. The cost is higher if you include Theft and Loss protection. For instance, covering an iPhone 15 Pro with standard AppleCare+ is $199 for two years or $9.99 per month, while the Theft and Loss plan raises that to $269 or $13.49 monthly.
Remember, these prices don’t include service fees for repairs, which vary by device and damage type. For example:
- iPhone: $29 to replace the screen, $99 for other damage, $149 to replace a lost/stolen phone with Theft protection.
- iPad: $49 for repairs, $29 for an Apple Pencil or keyboard fix.
- Mac/Display: $99 for screen repairs, $299 for other damage.
- Apple Watch: $69 to fix, $79 for Apple Watch Ultra.
- AirPods: $29 for repairs.
- Vision Pro: $29 for accessory damage, $299 for other accidental damage.
Canceling AppleCare Coverage
The method to cancel your AppleCare+ depends on how you paid for it. If you paid upfront, you’ll need to contact Apple directly with your Mac’s serial number and original sales receipt.
If you pay monthly or annually, you can cancel right from your Mac:
- Open the App Store app.
- Click your name at the bottom of the sidebar (sign in if needed).
- Select "View Information."
- Scroll down to "Subscriptions" and click "Manage."
- Choose "Edit" next to your AppleCare+ subscription.
- Click "Cancel Subscription."
Refunds After Canceling
If you paid upfront, you’ll get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of purchase. After 30 days, your refund is based on how much time is left on the plan, minus any claims you’ve made. For example, if you’re 18 months in with no claims, you’d get back half the cost of the plan. If you’ve made a claim, the cost of the service will be deducted from your refund.
For monthly or annual payments, there’s no refund, but your payments will stop, and the plan won’t renew.
Should I Get AppleCare+?
Whether AppleCare+ is worth it depends on how you use your devices. If you’re careful with your tech and tend to keep it in good condition, you might not need it. However, if you’re prone to accidents or have had to pay out-of-pocket for repairs in the past, AppleCare+ could save you money in the long run.
It’s also worth considering which devices to cover. It might not make sense to cover something like an Apple TV or HomePod, but devices you take with you, like a phone, tablet, or laptop, are probably worth the investment. If you rely on these devices for work, covering high-end gear like a Mac Pro or Studio Display could be a smart move.
