What does the warranty on a refurbished product cover?
Most refurbished Apple products come with a warranty that covers hardware defects and malfunctions. The exact terms depend on the refurbisher, but a typical warranty lasts 12 months and covers any issue that prevents the device from working as intended.
What a refurbished warranty typically covers
- Hardware failures: Battery, screen, logic board, speakers, cameras, and other internal components.
- Software issues caused by hardware: Problems like random shutdowns, unresponsive touch screens, or connectivity failures.
- Manufacturing defects discovered after purchase: Issues that were present but not caught during the refurbishment process.
What a refurbished warranty usually does not cover
- Accidental damage: Drops, spills, or cracked screens caused by the buyer.
- Cosmetic wear: Scratches or scuffs are expected based on the device's cosmetic grade and are not covered.
- Software issues: Problems caused by third-party apps or user modifications.
- Accessories: Chargers, cables, and earphones may not be covered separately.
How warranty varies by refurbisher
Different refurbishers offer different warranty terms. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Apple Refurbished Store: Full 1-year Apple warranty, identical to new products. Eligible for AppleCare+ extended coverage.
- Amazon Renewed: 1-year warranty through Amazon's Renewed Guarantee program.
- Back Market: Minimum 12-month warranty from the seller, with Back Market's buyer protection.
- Other refurbishers: Warranty periods range from 30 days to 24 months depending on the seller.
You can compare warranty policies across all refurbishers on RefurbMe to find the level of protection you need.
Can you extend a refurbished warranty?
Some refurbishers offer optional warranty extensions at checkout. If you buy from the Apple Refurbished Store, you can add AppleCare+ for the same price as a new device. Several third-party sellers also offer their own extended warranty plans.
Minimum warranty on RefurbMe
RefurbMe only lists refurbished Apple products that come with a minimum warranty of 30 days. If you have questions about a specific warranty policy, contact the refurbisher directly, as RefurbMe does not process orders or handle warranty claims.