What Does a Phone Extended Warranty Cover?

Smartphones are one of the more expensive electronic items you can buy. Some models sell in the $1,000-$1200 range. But sadly, all it takes to ruin your day (and probably your entire week) is to drop your phone onto a hard surface and break the glass, or into liquid, which can short the electronics inside. The warranty from the phone manufacturer gives you protection against certain kinds of damage and equipment failure caused by manufacturing, but does not usually include accident protection. And, once the warranty expires, so does your limited protection. Upsie offers the best extended warranties for new, old, and used phones.

Does My Phone Have a Warranty?

Generally, a warranty is a promise that the manufacturer will repair or replace your phone if it fails during the warranty period. The purchase price of the phone includes the warranty. Virtually every phone sold in the U.S.A. through retail or wholesale channels carries a manufacturer’s warranty.
The federal Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act governs warranties on consumer products. It doesn’t require manufacturers to provide a warranty; it allows that products can be sold "as is" — although some states prohibit “as is” sales. However, if a product does have a warranty, the warranty must comply with this law.
If you’d like to learn more about warranties, you’ll find helpful information at the Federal Trade Commission. And, if you’d like to troubleshoot your phone, take a few minutes with the fixes offered by Popular Science magazine.

What’s Covered by a Manufacturer's Warranty?

Every phone manufacturer carefully tracks the expenses it incurs in providing warranty service and repairs. They don’t want to offer too comprehensive of a warranty — one that covers every conceivable hazard — because that level of coverage would prove too expensive for the company. Instead, they try to strike a balance by covering common hazards and equipment failures that won’t cost the company more than they’re willing to spend to fund their warranty program.
So, let’s take a look at what’s covered by a typical manufacturer’s warranty, most of which are in force for one year from purchase.
  • To begin, you must present the original sales invoice to identify the purchase date and the name of the retailer that sold it to you.
  • Then, the company limits its warranty obligations (a) to repair the defect, (b) replacement of the defective part, or, at its discretion, (c) replacement of the product itself. Warranties cover only defects in material, design, and workmanship.

What Does the Manufacturer Warranty Not Cover?

Many situations are NOT usually covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Here’s a list of problems the manufacturer’s warranty on your phone does not typically cover.
  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Damage resulting from abuse, misuse, and failure to follow written instructions on usage and maintenance.
  • Damage caused by using accessories not approved by the manufacturer.
  • Accidents, Acts of God, lightning, water, fire, public disturbances, improper ventilation, voltage fluctuations or any cause beyond the control of the manufacturer are not covered.
  • Unauthorized modifications carried out to comply with local or international technical standards in countries for which the product was not originally designed.
  • Damage of the battery caused by overcharging or failure to use in accordance with the product user manual.
  • The serial number on the product has been altered, deleted, removed, or made illegible.
  • The batteries are charged by chargers other than those approved by the phone manufacturer.
  • Any broken seals or signs of tampering on the battery enclosure or cells are not covered.

Are Phone Extended Warranties Worth It?

Yes! But what you get depends upon who you buy it from. An extended warranty is essentially a paid service and repair plan. These plans spell out the kinds of repairs covered and give instructions on where and how to get your phone fixed. Unfortunately, many companies sell extended warranties at far higher prices than you’d probably want to pay. Big box retailers, wireless carriers, and others markup extended warranties by as much as 900 percent. Why would you want to pay such high prices? That’s why Upsie was created.
This chart illustrates the savings you’ll enjoy when you buy a smartphone subscription warranty from Upsie. When you choose Upsie, you get excellent coverage at a bargain price, and you won’t be shocked at having to pay huge deductibles when your phone needs service. The prices in this chart are for a Samsung Galaxy S22 priced at $849 on June 01, 2022.
Company Plan Price for two years Upsie Price Savings
Verizon $408 $9.99 per month $168.24
AT&T $408 $9.99 per month $168.24

Can I Buy an Extended Warranty Later?

The company that sells you your phone — whether it’s a wireless carrier or an online reseller — usually requires you to buy your extended warranty when you sign up for service or within 30 days of buying your new phone.
Upsie doesn't have an eligibility window after your purchase of a new or used smartphone. You can purchase an Upsie extended warranty for new, used, and old phones.

What is Covered Under an Upsie Extended Warranty?

Upsie smartphone extended warranties cover any accidents or liquid spills that damage your phone. Upsie also covers issues related to accidental submersion in water.
Upsie's plans offer further protection for the following incidents:
  • Battery failure - Upsie plans will repair or replace a failure of the battery and power source. That includes wiring around the battery and any shorts.
  • Touch screen issues - Upsie covers fixes for issues related to an unresponsive or unusable touch screen.
  • Camera problems - Upsie smartphone extended warranties cover problems with camera malfunctions.
  • Headphone jack failure - Customers can file claims for issues with the headphone jack that affect sound quality, volume control, and microphone usage.
  • Audio issues - Upsie covers any audio and speaker issues related to manufacturing defects.
  • Wi-Fi failure - Upsie smartphone extended warranties fix problems related to manufacturing defects or drops that cause Wi-Fi connectivity issues.
  • Bluetooth problems - All plans cover any issues affecting Bluetooth sensors and connectivity.

What is the Claims Process Like?

It’s simple and fast. Contact Upsie and the claims team will work with you to understand the issue and find the right repair solution. You have the option of sending your device to a certified repair shop or picking a local repair option. Upsie covers the costs of any repairs or replacement after applying your deductible.

Who Can I Contact if I Have Questions?

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that human beings at the Upsie call center answer the phones 24/ 7/365. You can also contact their corporate office with general questions.
You can also reach them on Twitter at @UpsieHQ, or via email.
Upsie provides affordable, reliable extended warranties for smartphones. They’re open, transparent, and work hard to reform an industry that overcharges for smartphone repairs and service. At Upsie, we look forward to partnering with you to protect your phone so you can enjoy it no matter what damages might occur.

Learn More About the Phone Extended Warranty:

Updated 6/01/2022

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* This article is over 6 months old and may or may not be updated.