Warranty on a pre-owned iPhone: everything you need to know
A pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis comes with a 2-year statutory warranty (Civil Code §2165). The warranty covers manufacturing and hidden defects, not mechanical damage or liquid damage. We resolve claims within 30 days; you also have the right to return the whole phone with no reason given within 30 days (the law requires 14 days). At delivery, the battery has a capacity of 86–100% (92–100 % for Like New condition); a guaranteed battery lifespan is not part of the warranty (natural wear). We do not carry over AppleCare+ from the first owner on pre-owned devices.
A pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis comes with a 2-year statutory warranty (Civil Code §2165). The warranty covers manufacturing and hidden defects, not mechanical damage or liquid damage. We resolve claims within 30 days; you also have the right to return the whole phone with no reason given within 30 days (the law requires 14 days). At delivery, the battery has a capacity of 86–100% (92–100 % for Like New condition); a guaranteed battery lifespan is not part of the warranty (natural wear). We do not carry over AppleCare+ from the first owner on pre-owned devices.
In this article
- FAQ: warranty and claims on a pre-owned iPhone
- Warranty on a pre-owned iPhone — why it's crucial
- The 2-year statutory warranty: what it actually means
- What the warranty covers
- What the warranty does not cover
- The claims process, step by step
- How to file a claim on a pre-owned iPhone
- Ways a claim can be resolved
- Battery warranty: special rules
- 30-day returns with no reason given (online purchase)
- Warranty vs AppleCare+: the difference
- The quality of spare parts — why it matters
- Frequently asked questions about the warranty on a pre-owned iPhone
- Warranty on pre-owned iPhones bought from Apple Refurbished
- Warranty when buying on instalments (Home Credit)
- Tips for keeping your warranty rights intact
- What to do if you disagree with how a claim was resolved
- Conclusion: the warranty on a pre-owned iPhone is full-fledged protection
FAQ: warranty and claims on a pre-owned iPhone
The questions we hear most often from customers exercising their warranty rights.
- Does the warranty differ between a pre-owned and a new iPhone?: No. The 2-year statutory warranty under the Civil Code applies equally to new and pre-owned goods. Coverage, deadlines and claims are identical.
- What if I forget the claim date?: You just need to remember 2 years — the warranty lasts 2 years from the date of receipt. When filing a claim, simply provide the invoice (we have it on file) and we'll check the delivery date.
- Can I claim on an iPhone I broke by dropping it?: No. Mechanical damage caused by the buyer is not covered by the warranty. For these cases, commercial phone insurance or AppleCare+ is a suitable option.
- How long does the claims process take?: The legal maximum is 30 days. iLoveServis aims for 14 days. Minor repairs (battery replacement, speaker cleaning) are handled on the spot within 30–60 minutes at a service branch.
- What if the iPhone stops working after a year — is that a warranty defect?: It depends on the cause. A hardware fault through no fault of your own (battery defect, Face ID defect, display defect) — yes, the claim is valid. Mechanical damage or liquid damage — no.
- Will I get a refund, or do I have to accept a repair?: For repairable defects, we standardly carry out a free repair. For non-repairable or recurring defects (3rd claim for the same defect), you have the right to a replacement or a full refund of the purchase price.
- Can I return the iPhone if the condition doesn't suit me?: Yes, within 30 days of delivery (online purchase) with no reason given. For an in-store purchase, you have 7 days to exchange it for a different condition grade or model.
- Does the warranty cover an iPhone I gave to my child and they broke it?: Mechanical damage caused by the user (even a minor) is not covered by the warranty. We recommend commercial insurance for children's phones.
- What if the iPhone is stolen — does the warranty help?: No, theft and loss are not product defects. Insurance is necessary for these cases. iLoveServis will help block the IMEI with your carrier and activate Find My in iCloud.
- Can I file a claim at a branch other than where I bought it?: Yes. We accept claims at iLoveServis branches regardless of where you made the purchase. The iPhone is transferred to the service centre and repaired just as quickly.
Warranty on a pre-owned iPhone — why it's crucial
The warranty is one of the main reasons to buy a pre-owned iPhone from a verified seller rather than from classifieds. While a private seller offers you no protection (beyond general civil law provisions), with a pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis you get the full 2-year statutory warranty — exactly the same as you'd have with a new iPhone bought at the Apple Store.
In this guide we'll explain precisely what rights you have, what the warranty covers, what it doesn't, how quickly we resolve claims, and what to do if a defect occurs. The goal is that buying a pre-owned iPhone gives you peace of mind, not worry.
The 2-year statutory warranty: what it actually means
In the Czech Republic, consumer sales are covered by a statutory 2-year warranty (more precisely: 24-month liability for defects) under §2161–2174 of the Civil Code. This period applies equally to new and pre-owned goods.
- Warranty period: Begins on the day the goods are received (the date of delivery or collection at a branch). It always lasts 2 years.
- Who is liable: The warranty is provided by the seller — in the case of a pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis, that's PTF financial s.r.o. (operator of the iLoveServis brand).
- Burden of proof: For the first 12 months, it's presumed that the defect already existed at the time of receipt. You don't need to prove anything. After 12 months, the seller may require an expert assessment (which the buyer would need to be confident shows the defect arose through no fault of their own).
- Right to repair / replacement / refund: For non-repairable or recurring defects, you have the right to a replacement item or a full refund of the purchase price.
- Free of charge claims: All costs of a claim (postage, materials, labour) are borne by the seller — you pay nothing.
What the warranty covers
The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship that did not arise through the buyer's fault. Specifically:
- Battery defects beyond the declared capacity — if the declared capacity was, say, 90% and it drops below 85% within six months, that's a claimable defect (beyond natural wear).
- Display defects — dead pixels, yellow spots, touch issues, unresponsive zones.
- Face ID / Touch ID defects — recognition doesn't work, despite no drop having occurred during use.
- Camera defects — blurry photos, dust under the glass, non-functioning focus, non-functioning optical stabiliser.
- Speaker, microphone, earpiece defects — crackling sound, silence, distorted voices during calls.
- Button defects — unresponsive Home, Power, Volume, Action Button, Camera Control.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network, GPS defects — weak signal, unstable connection, inability to connect.
- Charging port / Lightning / USB-C port defects — provided the defect wasn't caused by liquid damage, bending, or other damage.
- Software defects that can't be resolved by a reset — if restarting, restoring from backup, and a factory reset don't solve the problem.
What the warranty does not cover
The warranty does not apply to defects caused by the buyer's fault or natural wear and tear. Here is the full list of what CANNOT be claimed:
- Mechanical damage: Cracked glass (front or back), a cracked display, a bent frame, dented corners. If an iPhone falls and gets damaged, that's the buyer's fault.
- Liquid damage: Apple fits iPhones with liquid contact indicators (LCI). If it's triggered, the claim is rejected.
- Unauthorised servicing: If the iPhone was opened at an unauthorised repair shop, had non-original parts fitted, or was jailbroken/rooted, the warranty is void.
- Natural battery wear: A drop in battery capacity from normal use (e.g. from 90% to 82% over a year) is NOT a defect — it's a physical property of lithium-ion batteries.
- Cosmetic defects declared at the time of sale: If you bought a Grade B iPhone with minor scratches, you cannot claim those scratches. The price was lower precisely because the cosmetic defects were known.
- Damage caused by a third party: If you install non-App-Store apps on the iPhone (sideloading via an enterprise certificate) and it causes damage, that's not a device defect.
- Data loss: The warranty covers repair or replacement of the device, not data recovery. That's why it's important to keep an up-to-date backup on iCloud or a Mac.
The claims process, step by step
Filing a claim on a pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis is designed to be as hassle-free as possible. The entire process can be handled online or in person at a branch.
How to file a claim on a pre-owned iPhone
1. Confirm it's a claimable defect
Restart the iPhone, try resetting settings (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset). If the problem persists, move on to the next step.
2. Back up your data
To iCloud (Settings → your name → iCloud → Backup) or to a Mac/PC via Finder/iTunes. iLoveServis doesn't erase data during a claim, but it's always safest to back up.
3. Fill in the claim form
On iloveservis.cz/reklamace, enter your order number, a description of the fault, and your contact details. You'll receive a claim protocol with an RMA number by email.
4. Deliver the iPhone to the service department
Either in person to any iLoveServis branch, or via free courier (PPL, Zásilkovna). Attach the printed claim protocol and send the iPhone without a SIM card or case.
5. Wait for a response
The claim must be resolved within 30 days of receipt. iLoveServis aims to resolve it within 14 days. You'll be kept informed by email.
6. Collect your repaired / replaced iPhone
We deliver it back to you for free, or you can collect it at a branch. If the claim was justified, you'll also receive a repair protocol with a 24-month warranty on the replaced part.
Ways a claim can be resolved
Depending on the severity of the defect and the number of previous claims, under §2169 of the Civil Code you have the right to the following remedies:
- Free repair: The standard solution for repairable defects. iLoveServis covers the cost of labour, materials and logistics.
- Replacement with the same model: If the defect is not repairable, or it's a recurring defect (3rd claim for the same fault), you have the right to a replacement with the same model in the same condition.
- Refund of the purchase price: If a replacement isn't possible (model sold out), or it's a significant defect, you have the right to withdraw from the contract and get a full refund to your bank account.
- Discount on the purchase price: For minor defects, a discount can be agreed — you keep the iPhone, and iLoveServis refunds part of the purchase price.
Battery warranty: special rules
The battery is the only component of an iPhone that naturally wears with use. Apple states that a lithium-ion battery retains up to 80% of its original capacity after 500 full charge cycles (roughly 18–24 months of normal use of a new iPhone).
With a pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis, the situation is specific:
- At the time of purchase, every iPhone has a guaranteed capacity of 86–100% (92–100 % for Unopened and Like New models).
- If capacity drops during the warranty period below the level we declared at sale, that's a claimable defect and we'll replace the battery free of charge.
- If capacity drops through natural wear within the normal curve (e.g. from 90% to 84%), that's not a defect, but normal ageing — the warranty does not cover this.
With pre-owned iPhones you can also have the battery replaced with a new one at any time at a discounted price (1,990–2,990 CZK depending on the model) at any iLoveServis branch.
30-day returns with no reason given (online purchase)
If you bought a pre-owned iPhone on the koupitiphone.cz e-shop (i.e. at a distance, not in person at a branch), under §1829 of the Civil Code you have the right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days with no reason given — iLoveServis voluntarily extends this period to 30 days. This period starts on the day you receive the parcel.
Conditions:
- The iPhone must be in the condition you received it — with no new mechanical damage, and complete (cable, box, documentation).
- Returns are entirely free — iLoveServis covers the return postage.
- We refund your money to your bank account within 14 days of receiving the goods back.
- If you ordered accessories with the iPhone (case, MagSafe), you can return just the iPhone, or the whole order.
When buying in person at a branch, the legally required 14-day period does not apply (it's not a distance sale). Even so, iLoveServis offers a voluntary 7-day exchange — if the condition, colour or size doesn't suit you, we'll exchange it without any issues.
Warranty vs AppleCare+: the difference
Many customers confuse the statutory warranty with Apple's AppleCare+ service plan. Let's clear this up:
- 2-year statutory warranty: Free, legally mandatory, covers PRODUCT DEFECTS (not mechanical damage). Provided by the seller — iLoveServis.
- AppleCare+ (paid): An optional, paid service from Apple. Additionally covers 2 instances of mechanical damage (cracked screen, liquid damage) for a fee. Apple usually doesn't offer AppleCare+ on pre-owned iPhones — it's bought at the time of purchasing a new iPhone.
- Phone insurance: Commercial insurance from financial institutions (banks, insurers) covers theft, loss and mechanical damage. It can be arranged for a pre-owned iPhone just like for any other phone.
- Accessory warranty: If you buy an original MagSafe charger, cable, or AirPods with your iPhone, they carry their own separate 2-year warranty — independent of the iPhone itself.
The quality of spare parts — why it matters
When replacing parts during the warranty period, we use quality spare parts matching the specifications of the original part. This approach is essential for several reasons:
- Preserving the manufacturer's warranty — if an iPhone has an issue Apple would handle even within the 2-year warranty, non-original parts would rule that option out.
- Safety — a non-original battery from the cheapest sources carries a higher risk of overheating, swelling, or even catching fire. Quality batteries go through strict testing.
- Sensor functionality — Face ID, True Tone, and Auto-Brightness features require precisely calibrated parts. A non-original display often breaks Face ID.
- Compatibility with iOS updates — in recent years (since the iPhone 12), Apple blocks certain features when it detects non-original parts and shows warnings in Settings.
When you bring an iPhone to iLoveServis that was previously repaired elsewhere with non-original parts, we can usually detect it. In such a case, a full warranty cannot be provided — that's why we source pre-owned iPhones only through verified channels with fully documented history.
Frequently asked questions about the warranty on a pre-owned iPhone
We've prepared answers to the ten most common questions we get from customers.
- Is the warranty on a pre-owned iPhone the same as on a new one?: Yes. 2 years, the same conditions under the Civil Code.
- What if I lose my proof of purchase?: You can still file a claim without any problems — iLoveServis has your order in the system by email or phone number.
- Can I file a claim at any iLoveServis branch?: Yes, at all 11 branches (Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Olomouc, Liberec, Hradec Králové). You don't need to bring the iPhone to the branch where you bought it.
- How quickly will you resolve a claim?: The legal maximum is 30 days; iLoveServis aims for 14 days. Minor repairs (battery replacement, small adjustments) are handled on the spot within 30–60 minutes.
- What happens to my data during a claim?: If possible (e.g. a battery replacement), the data stays untouched on the iPhone. If the whole device needs replacing, you'll get a new one (data isn't transferred — so always back up before handing it in).
- What if the defect happens again after a repair?: If the same defect occurs a third time, you have the right to a replacement with a different iPhone or a refund.
- Does the warranty cover a stolen iPhone?: No, theft and loss are not product defects. Insurance is the right solution for these cases.
- What if the iPhone stops working after an iOS update?: If the problem can't be resolved with a DFU mode restore, it's a software defect covered by the warranty. Neither Apple nor iLoveServis, however, guarantees against any incompatibility of third-party apps with a new iOS version.
- Can I extend the warranty for a fee?: No, the 2-year statutory warranty is the maximum for pre-owned iPhones. For extended protection, consider commercial insurance.
- What about Activation Lock — what if the iPhone can't be activated?: Every pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis is properly removed from the previous owner's Apple ID before sale. If an activation issue were to appear anyway, that's a claimable condition.
Warranty on pre-owned iPhones bought from Apple Refurbished
For comparison: Apple itself sells refurbished iPhones through its own Apple Refurbished Store. For completeness, here's a comparison:
- iLoveServis — 2-year warranty under Czech civil law, returns within 30 days, support in Czech, a wide selection of models depending on current stock.
- Apple Refurbished — 1-year warranty from Apple (outside the 2-year Czech statutory warranty), online only, only the latest 1–2 generations, support primarily in English.
For most Czech customers, iLoveServis is the better option — a wider selection, local support, a full 2-year warranty even for older models, and the option to collect in person.
Warranty when buying on instalments (Home Credit)
If you buy a pre-owned iPhone on instalments (Home Credit 0% from 5/2026), the warranty is exactly the same as when paying by bank transfer. Instalment sale is purely a financial service — you as the buyer (and therefore the holder of warranty rights) remain the same, with iLoveServis as the seller.
Important: throughout the instalment period and after it ends, you have a full 2-year warranty from the date you received the iPhone (not the date of the last instalment). If you claim on the iPhone and request a refund, iLoveServis and Home Credit will jointly settle the remaining instalments so you don't lose any credit.
Tips for keeping your warranty rights intact
To make sure your warranty is fully claimable if needed, follow a few simple rules:
- Never open the iPhone yourself: Not even to replace the battery or clean the speaker. Opening it at an unauthorised repair shop (even a skilled one) can void the warranty.
- Use quality chargers and cables: Uncertified, non-MFi chargers can damage the charging port or battery. If damage occurs this way, the warranty may not cover the repair.
- Update iOS regularly: Some claimable defects relate to software that Apple fixes with an update. If you're running an old version of iOS, we'll ask you to update before accepting the claim.
- Don't use the iPhone in extreme conditions: Apple specifies an operating temperature of 0–35°C. Use at higher temperatures (e.g. in a car in summer) can cause damage that isn't claimable.
- Back up your data: The warranty doesn't cover data loss. Keeping a current iCloud or Mac backup will save you worry if a problem arises that requires replacing the device.
- Keep your claim protocol: If you ever file a claim in the future, it helps to have a history of all previous interventions.
What to do if you disagree with how a claim was resolved
If you disagree with the outcome of a claim (for example, iLoveServis rejected the claim as unjustified, but you believe there was a device defect), you have the following options:
1. Request a written explanation — you can ask for a detailed justification of the rejection, including any technical assessment.
2. Out-of-court resolution — the Czech Trade Inspection Authority (ČOI) offers free alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for consumer disputes. Simply file a request at www.coi.cz.
3. Court proceedings — a last resort if out-of-court resolution doesn't produce a result. For disputes under 50,000 CZK, simplified proceedings apply.
4. Independent expert assessment — you can have an independent court expert assess the device's condition. If the assessment proves a defect, the seller covers the cost of the assessment.
In practice, 99% of claims at iLoveServis are resolved to mutual satisfaction — our goal is long-term customer satisfaction, not short-sightedly rejecting claims.
Conclusion: the warranty on a pre-owned iPhone is full-fledged protection
A pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis has an identical 2-year statutory warranty as any new iPhone from the Apple Store. The warranty covers all manufacturing defects, material defects, and unexpected faults — except for mechanical damage caused by the user.
The claims process is fast (target of 14 days), free of charge, and possible at any of the 11 iLoveServis branches or online via courier. On top of that, you also have the right to return the iPhone within 30 days with no reason given if you bought it online.
The combination of a 2-year warranty, quality original parts, local support in Czech, and 11 physical branches makes a pre-owned iPhone from iLoveServis a risk-free purchase. All models are available at koupitiphone.cz/iphony.