What Is Really Covered by Your Manufacturer’s Tablet Warranty?

If you’re buying a tablet, it will come with a manufacturer’s tablet warranty. What does that actually cover? And is it enough for your needs? Learn more here.

Keyword(s): tablet warranty

In 2016, more than a billion people around the world were using tablet computers.

These are pretty staggering numbers considering that it was only in 2010 that Apple released the first iPad, the product that brought the tablet into the mainstream.

The portability of tablets means that they are far more prone to accidental damage than traditional desktop computers. And whilst tablets come with a manufacturer’s warranty, there are many things that these won’t cover.

So read on to learn what is and isn’t covered by your manufacturer’s tablet warranty.

What Isn’t Covered by Your Tablet Warranty?

One of the most important things to know is the key areas that are excluded from most manufacturer’s warranties.

The exact areas that are covered vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but almost all of them agree on what they won’t cover. This falls into three main categories.

Screen Damage

The most likely part of your tablet to be damaged is the screen.

But accidental damage is one of the things that most manufacturer’s warranties fail to cover. If you drop your tablet and damage the screen or any other part of the hardware, your standard warranty won’t cover you.

The same goes for general wear and tear such as scratches and nicks. With replacement screens not coming cheap, this can be a serious worry, especially for kids’ devices.

Water Damage

Many new phones have pretty good levels of water resistance.

The same cannot be said of tablets, however. Accidental spills, or dropping your tablet when you’re using it in the bath can often render it completely useless.

But any kind of exposure to liquid will render your warranty invalid. Even if a spill doesn’t stop your tablet from working, if another issue requires repair and they find evidence of water damage, you won’t be covered.

Modified OS

Jailbreaking or rooting your device can add additional functionality to a tablet but will render your warranty invalid.

Any tampering with the operating system will mean that your warranty is no longer active, regardless of whether your problem is a software issue or not. If you want to make a claim on your warranty, then you need to stick to the original software.

What Is Covered by Your Tablet Warranty?

Now that we know what isn’t covered by most of the major manufacturer’s warranties, let’s take a look at what is covered.

Each manufacturer has slightly different levels of coverage. When you’re buying a new tablet you need to be sure to check exactly what is covered and for how long.

Apple

By far the most popular tablet on the market is the Apple iPad. In 2018, iPads accounted for more than 34% of global tablet shipments.

Apple’s standard warranty will cover your tablet for a period of one year, with 90 days of free technical support. It only applies to manufacturing defects, and this does not extend to parts that are considered consumable, such as the battery.

Any damage caused by repairs or upgrades by unauthorized parties is also not covered, so if you have your screen replaced by uncertified outlets, your warranty will be void. If you need to return the product for repair, Apple will cover the cost of shipping.

Samsung

South Korean giant Samsung offers a very similar level of cover to Apple.

Their warranty covers problems that are down manufacturing defects only, for a period of one year. It will replace or repair with new, refurbished, or equivalent parts or products. Items damaged by the user for any reason are not covered.

Unlike Apple, Samsung will also expect you to cover the cost of returning the product to be repaired or replaced.

Microsoft

Microsoft’s warranty offering is a little broader in cover.

Since the Surface range often blurs the lines between tablet and traditional laptop, the one-year warranty covers not only the tablet itself but also peripherals such as the Type Cover and Surface Pen, as well as power supplies and cables. There is still no cover for accidental damage, but they will cover costs for returns and shipping your repaired items.

Asus

Asus also offers a one-year warranty against any manufacturing defects.

Unlike Microsoft, this does not extend to any bundled accessories and relates solely to the tablet itself. Any components or products repaired or replaced will be covered for the remainder of the warranty or a period of no less than three months.

As with Samsung, you will be expected to pay for your own returns.

Acer

Acer’s warranty also offers one year of protection against manufacturing defects.

If they are unable to repair the item, they will refund the cost of the product minus depreciation. This means that you would not receive the full amount that you paid for the product. You can also opt to have the refund rather than a repair if that is your preference.

You must cover all shipping, insurance, and tax costs when returning the product for repair.

Amazon

Many of Amazon’s tablets come with a limited 12-month warranty, but some, including the Kindle Fire 7 and Kindle Fire HD 8 only offer 90 days of cover.

In other words, if something goes wrong with your tablet in the fourth month of use, you have no rights whatsoever to a repair or replacement. This is by far the shortest warranty of any of the major manufacturers.

The cost of returns is covered by both the 12-month and 90-day warranties.

Are You Satisfied with Your Manufacturer’s Tablet Warranty?

If you’re not convinced that your manufacturer’s tablet warranty is enough for your needs, then we’re here to help.

Our tablet extended warranty protection plan will continue to cover your tablet for either two or four years after your manufacturer’s warranty has ended. With most of us keeping our tablets for far longer than 12 months, that means peace of mind for as long as you need it.

And we also offer our accidental plan, which unlike your manufacturer’s warranty, will cover your tablet for accidental damage such as drops and spills. Ask your dealer about our extended tablet warranties.