Warranty Check: How to Look Up Coverage on the Stuff You Own

To check a warranty, find the product's serial number (or IMEI for a phone) and enter it on the manufacturer's official warranty page. It shows whether you're covered and until when. Below are the official lookup pages for the big brands, plus what to do if the product isn't registered.

Step 1: Find the serial number

• Laptops: on a sticker under the machine, or in the system settings (on Windows, the "About" screen shows the device's details).
• Phones: in Settings under About. You can also dial *#06# to show the IMEI.
• Appliances: on a plate inside the door, behind the kick panel or on the back.
• No product handy? Check the box, the receipt email or your account on the brand's site.

Step 2: Use the official lookup

Stick to the brand's own site. Third-party "warranty checker" sites are often ads or dead pages.

Step 3: If it says "not covered"

• Check whether the start date is your purchase date. If it's the factory ship date, a receipt can often fix it.
• Register the product (see our product registration guide). It also puts you on the list for recall notices.
• Look at your credit card's benefits. Some cards add extended warranty coverage.

Warranty vs. extended warranty vs. recall

A warranty is the maker's promise to fix defects for a set time. An extended warranty or service plan is a separate contract you pay for. A recall is different again: it's a safety fix, and it's free no matter how old the product is or whether it's still under warranty. See how to check for recalls.

Never lose track again

Add the product to My Stuff on ConsumerSun, and we'll tell you if it gets recalled.

*Photo: Kaboompics.com / Pexels*