Can I cancel AppleCare and get it again?

AppleCare+ is worth it if you are prone to accidental damage, use your devices caseless, or want protection for expensive-to-repair hardware like iPhones and MacBooks.

Opinions on Facebook are mixed regarding whether the upfront cost makes sense for everyone.

Cost vs. Repair Savings

• iPhones: Plans cost roughly $110 to $150 per year (or monthly equivalents). A screen or back glass repair drops to a flat $29 fee, compared to hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket without coverage.
• MacBooks: Users on the Apple Support Community generally agree that coverage is valuable for laptops due to high screen and motherboard repair costs, which have a $99 screen deductible and $299 other-damage fee.
• Other Devices: Desktop Macs, Apple TVs, and HomePods rarely need it because they are stationary or less prone to catastrophic user damage.

When It Makes Sense

• You prefer using your phone without a bulky case or screen protector.
• You own portable, high-value items like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook.
• You want unlimited accidental damage claims or battery replacements when capacity drops below 80%.

When to Skip It

• You use heavy-duty protective cases and rarely break devices.
• You upgrade to a new phone every single year anyway.
• You are comfortable self-insuring by saving the $140+ annual fee in a personal emergency fund.

You should cancel AppleCare when you sell, trade in, or stop using the device, or when the cost of ongoing monthly payments exceeds the remaining value or repair risk of an older device.

When to Cancel

• Selling or Trading In: Cancel your plan before transferring ownership because AppleCare is tied to the device but cannot be transferred to a new owner or a new phone. You can request a prorated refund for the unused time.
• Device Replacement or Loss: Cancel immediately if the device is replaced under insurance or no longer in your possession so you stop paying recurring monthly fees.
• Aging Out: Consider canceling monthly recurring plans once your device is more than 3 to 4 years old, as the total cost of continuous monthly payments might surpass the price of a standard repair or the device's current market value.

How to Get a Refund

• Within 30 Days: You get a full refund if you cancel within 30 days of purchase.
• After 30 Days: You receive a prorated refund minus the value of any claims already paid out.
• Processing: Paid-upfront plans usually issue refunds via an Apple Gift Card, while monthly subscriptions stop future billings. You can manage this directly through the Apple Support Guide on your device settings under AppleCare & Warranty.

Generally, once you cancel an AppleCare+ plan, you cannot get it back or restart monthly/annual billing for that same device.

Re-subscribing and Eligibility Rules

• No renewal: Apple states that if you cancel your plan, the recurring billing cannot be renewed.
• Eligibility loss: Once canceled, your device is typically no longer eligible for a new AppleCare plan.
• The 60-day window: AppleCare+ must normally be purchased within 60 days of buying your device. If you cancel past that initial window, you cannot sign up for coverage again.
• Exceptions: If you accidentally canceled or made a mistake, your best option is to contact Apple Support immediately to see if an advisor can manually reinstate your policy.

AppleCare+ paid upfront lasts for 2 years for portable devices like iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches, and 3 years for computers like Macs.

Coverage Lengths by Device

• 2 Years (Upfront): iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, and Apple TV.
• 3 Years (Upfront): Macs and Apple Vision Pro.

Alternative Payment Options

• Monthly or Annual Plans: Instead of paying upfront for a fixed term, you can choose continuous plans that renew each month or year until you cancel them.
• Extensions: After your initial 2-year or 3-year upfront plan ends, you can often extend your coverage on a monthly or annual basis depending on your region and device eligibility.

AppleCare+ is worth getting if you use expensive, highly mobile devices like a MacBook or iPhone, or if you are prone to accidental drops and spills.

You can review the official terms and pricing on the AppleCare Official Page to see options for your specific item.

When You Should Get AppleCare+

• Laptops and Mobile Devices: MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches have high repair costs. A single screen or logic board repair without coverage can cost hundreds of dollars more than the plan itself.
• Accident-Prone Users: If you frequently drop your phone, work in risky environments, or skip bulky protective cases, the unlimited accidental damage protection pays for itself quickly.
• Theft and Loss Needs: If you choose an iPhone plan with theft and loss protection, you are covered if the device goes missing (provided Find My is active).
• Multiple Devices: Bundles like AppleCare One make covering up to three devices much more affordable if you own high-end hardware.

When You Should Skip It

• Desktop Computers: Devices that stay stationary on a desk—like an iMac, Mac mini, or Apple TV—rarely suffer accidental damage and usually reveal internal manufacturing defects during the free one-year limited warranty.
• Careful Owners: If you always use a heavy-duty case, take great care of your tech, and have never broken a screen in years of ownership, you will likely spend more on the plan and service fees than you would on a single out-of-warranty repair.
• Frequent Upgraders: If you trade in or replace your phone every single year, you may sell or upgrade the device before the multi-year value of the plan kicks in.