When an iPhone power adapter dies a few months in, the instinct is to just buy a new one — but hold on. That little brick was covered by warranty from the day you opened the box. Apple’s one-year limited warranty covers not just the phone but every original accessory that shipped with it. Here’s how to get a faulty charger diagnosed and swapped without paying for a replacement.
Step 1: Confirm the charger is covered
Apple’s one-year limited warranty applies to the iPhone and all the original accessories in its box — the power adapter, the charging cable, and (on older models) the headset. If your adapter stopped working within the first year after purchase, it’s eligible for a free replacement. You can review exactly what’s covered on Apple’s Apple One-Year Limited Warranty page.
- Check your purchase date on the receipt or in your Apple account order history.
- Rule out the cable first. Try a different cable with the adapter, and the cable with a different adapter — cables fail far more often than the brick itself, and knowing which part is dead saves a wasted trip.
Step 2: Find an authorized service provider
Apple handles warranty claims through its own stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers. Use Apple’s service locator to find the nearest one — in most regions you don’t need a flagship Apple Store.
- Enter your city or ZIP code in the locator and pick a convenient provider.
- Note its working hours and whether appointments are required.
Step 3: Call before you visit
Phone the service center and describe the problem: which adapter model you have, what exactly stopped working, and when you bought the iPhone. A quick call confirms the part is in stock and tells you exactly what to bring — as 9to5Mac regularly points out, it can save you a second trip.
- Describe the fault — no charging at all, intermittent charging, overheating, or damaged prongs.
- Ask what to bring and whether you need an appointment.
Step 4: Bring the full kit
Service centers can ask for any part of the original bundle at intake, so don’t show up with just the adapter:
- The iPhone itself — they may verify its serial number and purchase date.
- The faulty charger, the cable, and the headset if your box included one.
- The original box and the purchase receipt, if you still have them.
Charging quirks aren’t always the adapter’s fault — if your AirPods charging case makes odd sounds, for instance, that’s a separate accessory issue with its own fix.
Step 5: Diagnostics and replacement
At the service center, the adapter goes in for diagnostics. If the tests confirm a defect, the resulting inspection report authorizes a replacement power adapter — in most regions stores now swap the adapter directly. Since warranty terms can vary slightly by country, double-check Apple’s current warranty page for your region before you go.
- Hand over the adapter for testing and keep the inspection report they give you.
- Test the replacement in-store with your iPhone before leaving.
If it still doesn’t work
If the replacement adapter also fails to charge, the culprit is likely the cable or — rarely — the iPhone’s charging port. Try a known-good cable, inspect the port for lint with a flashlight, and if the phone won’t charge with any adapter, book a diagnostic for the iPhone rather than the accessory.
Frequently asked questions
Does the warranty cover a charger I bought separately?
Yes — standalone Apple power adapters carry their own one-year limited warranty from their purchase date. Bring that adapter’s own receipt rather than the iPhone’s.
What if my iPhone is more than a year old?
The standard warranty no longer applies, but AppleCare+ or longer statutory warranty periods in some regions may keep you covered. Either way, check the warranty page for your country before paying for a new adapter.
Conclusion
A dead iPhone charger inside the first year is Apple’s problem to fix, not yours to pay for. Confirm the purchase date, call an authorized service provider, bring the full kit, and let diagnostics do the talking. In most cases you’ll walk out with a working adapter the same day — and while you’re personalizing your iPhone, here’s how to add and change the iPhone startup sound in iOS.
