How to
BySerhat KurtPosted onLast Updated on Reading Time: 5 minutes
Do you have a problem or a question relating to your Apple products? Apple offers a variety of tech support options for its customers. Some of the support options include (a) phone (b) live chat (c) email support. However, you may need to get hands-on, personal support and help from an Apple expert, especially if you are having a hardware problem (like a cracked screen problem, water damage, etc). You may have to bring your device to your nearest Apple Store.
Apple offerstech support inside every Apple Retail Store. This support is offered by the Genius Bar stations. Employees of the Genius Bar, called Geniuses, specially trainedto help customers with Apple hardware and software.
In order to visit the Genius Bars, you may need to make a reservation. You can schedule a reservation time online before coming in. This article explains how you can make an Apple Genius Bar appointment.
Apple has recently changed how genius bar appointments are made. Apple has made it a little bit difficult now. It seems that Apple wants to offer support mainly via online live chat or phone calls.
What is the Genius Bar
The Genius Bar is a hands-on technical support station located inside Apple’s retail stores. When you have questions or need support for your Apple products, such as Mac, iPod, Apple TV, or iPhone, you can get expert advice and training at the Genius Bar in any Apple Retail Store.
The Genius Bar employees, called Geniuses, are specially trained and certified Apple experts. The main jobs of the Geniuses are to help Apple users with hardware and software. They can answer your questions, provide personal supports, and offers repairs. Most of the services they provide are free. They can do repairs, but you have to pay for non-warranty services if your device is notcovered by the Apple warranty, an AppleCare plan.
There are two ways to make a Genius Bar reservation at an Apple Store:
- You can use the Apple Store app or,
- You can make a reservation via the Apple support web site.
1. iOS device / Apple Support App and Genius Bar appointments (the easiest way)
- Open the Apple Support app (if you do not have it, launch the App Store and download and install it – or click here)
- Tap Get Support
- Select your device. For the purpose of this article, we selected iPhone X and then Repairs & Physical Damage and “Buttons not working”. Note that some problems will only let you receive support via phone calls or live chat sessions.
- Tap Bring in for Repair and find a location and date and time and then tap Reserve. Then your reservation will be made.
- It will probably say “You don’t have any reservations”, since you are trying to make a reservation. To make a new reservation, tap Find a store
2. Genius bar appointment via the web site
Without downloading and installing an app, you can also get an appointment via Apple’s support web site. Here is how:
- Go to Apple’s Genius Bar web site. (URL: https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/)
- Scroll down and click Get hardware help
- Select the device or the service that you need help with. For the purpose of this article, we will select the iPhone option.
- Select Repairs and Physical and then select your issue or select the “The topic is not listed” option. If you choose the “Topic is not listed” option, describe your issue, then click continue.
- Select “Bring in for Repair”
- You will be asked to enter your Apple ID and password
- Select your location. You can search by city, zip code, or name. You can also browse all Apple retail stores. Find the closest Apple Store that you want to go to.
- Select the date and time
- Then your reservation will be confirmed.
Now you have your Genius Bar reservation. Apple will also send you a confirmation email. You can easily cancel or reschedule it if you want to. Make sure you back up your device before going.
How to prepare for your appointment
Before your appointment, you may want to prepare for your appointment. Do not forget to back up your data (you can use iCloud). Make sure to bring all of the hardware (that you are having issues with) with you. For example, if you are having issues with your Mac, bring all of the accessories such as your mouse, keyboard. You may also be asked for your sales receipt.
Make sure that you know your Apple ID password (you may have to turn off Find My).
And lastly, do not forget to bring your ID with you.
Your Genius Bar appointment may last about 15 minutes. If your device needs a hardware repair, the Genius will discuss with you regarding your repair options. This may include any applicable charges.
See also: How to Cancel Your iTunes (apps, iTunes Store, iBooks, etc) Purchases
