Apple Stores Are Closed. Here’s How to Get Your Gear Fixed in the Meantime.
With the coronavirus pandemic and its attendant precautions engulfing nearly every aspect of life the world over, Apple took the unprecedented move over the weekend to close all of its retail stores (except for those in China) until at least March 27. That means if you need to get your iPhone’s smashed screen fixed or buy a new iPad, you won’t be able to do so at an Apple store for at least the next couple of weeks. The company has posted more details in an FAQ.
This is a real problem for a lot of people, particularly since so many of us—cut off from in-real-life interactions as part of social distancing and self-isolation—are relying more than ever on our gadgets for information, work, social connection, and more. So, with Apple stores closed, here’s how to get your gear serviced, or buy something new, until we return to normalcy.
Online support
Apple’s online support channel remains active while its stores are closed, and this is the first place you should start. You can troubleshoot your product’s problem with a tech over the phone or in a chat session and arrange a mail-in repair. Although wait times are pretty short, at least at the time of publication, be prepared to spend some time going through basic troubleshooting, even if you already know what the issue is. Otherwise, we’ve found Apple’s online service to be quite helpful in the past.
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In-person support
Apple has partnerships with third parties, including Best Buy stores and independent shops, to offer authorized service. Even though these locations may not be as convenient as an Apple store, they’re open in many parts of the country, at least for now. When you visit the product support page, you’ll have the option to choose your device, what sort of help you need, and then your location. Call before you go to ensure the service provider is open and able to handle your repair. And if you do venture to one of these stores, be careful about what you touch and how you interact with people.
Fix it yourself
As more stores close, it may not be possible to have any in-person support, or you may simply want to maintain social distance and avoid unnecessary trips. Depending on the issue you have, you can likely fix it yourself. iFixit has free repair guides for every modern Mac, iPad, and iPhone and also sells both parts and tools. A lot of repairs are easier than you might think, and doing them yourself is often cheaper than having someone else do them.
Where to buy
If you need to buy new Apple gear during the Apple stores’ closures, you have a few options. Apple’s online store is still operating, and a spot check of some core products like iPads, iPhones, and second-generation AirPods shows they’re still shipping within just a few days.
Alternatively, you can still buy from a reseller, either online or, for the time being, in person. And in fact, third parties often have better deals than when you buy from Apple directly. Consider shopping at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or any number of other retailers if you need something right now or in the near future. But again, if you go to one of these (presumably busy) big-box stores, be careful about keeping your distance from others.
Further reading
Why We’ve Taken Down Our Outdated Coronavirus Mask Coverage
by Wirecutter Staff
Official guidance for wearing face masks during the coronavirus pandemic has changed. Here’s why we’ve removed outdated mask coverage from our site.
How to Handle Packages During the Coronavirus Pandemic
by Ganda Suthivarakom
Be cautious and careful. But there’s no need to go overboard with panic.
Which Common Household Cleaners Work Against the Coronavirus?
by Christina Colizza
Check this EPA-approved list of common household disinfectants that neutralize the coronavirus, before you buy any more cleaning supplies.
The Best Soap for the Coronavirus? Any Real Soap.
by Ria Misra
Bar or liquid? Antibacterial or not? Mass-produced or “natural”? To slow the spread of the coronavirus, any kind of soap will do—as long as you use it correctly.