does apple care cover water damage

You’re enjoying a sunny day by the pool or perhaps just washing your hands when the unthinkable happens—your iPhone takes an unexpected plunge. Your heart sinks as you fish it out. In that moment of panic, a crucial question flashes through your mind: does Apple Care cover water damage?

It’s a common worry, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. While Apple’s standard one-year limited warranty famously excludes liquid contact, the situation changes significantly when you have additional protection. Let’s clear up the confusion and see what your options are.

The Important Difference Between Warranties

First, it’s essential to know that AppleCare+ is not the same as the standard warranty. The limited warranty that comes with your new device does not cover any accidental damage, including spills or drops in water. It’s really only for manufacturing defects. AppleCare+, however, is a separate protection plan you purchase that extends your coverage and, most importantly, includes coverage for accidental damage.

So, Does Apple Care Cover Water Damage?

Yes, if you have AppleCare+! This is the key takeaway. An AppleCare+ plan for your iPhone, Apple Watch, or certain other devices provides coverage for accidental damage from handling, and this explicitly includes water damage. If your device has suffered a liquid-related mishap, you can get it serviced for a significantly reduced fee compared to the full out-of-warranty cost.

What to Do If Your Device Gets Wet

Even with water-resistant ratings, devices can still fail. If your iPhone or Apple Watch gets wet, your first step should be to unplug any cables and not plug them in again until the device is completely dry. Do not use an external heat source like a hairdryer to dry it, and definitely don’t insert a cotton swab or paper towel into any openings. The safest move is to place the device in a dry, well-ventilated area and then contact Apple Support as soon as possible to start a service request.

Understanding Your Service Fees

With AppleCare+, you’re not off the hook financially, but the cost is much more manageable. For most iPhones, each incident of accidental damage is subject to a service fee. For other issues, you’ll just pay a smaller deductible. This fee is a fraction of what you would pay for a full out-of-warranty repair, which can often cost hundreds of dollars. It’s a safety net that makes a potentially devastating expense much more reasonable.

In the end, having an AppleCare+ plan provides invaluable peace of mind. While we hope you never need to use it for a watery accident, knowing that you’re covered can make all the difference. Always check your specific plan details on Apple’s website to confirm your exact coverage and fees.