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.

What's the difference between a warranty, an extended warranty and a 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.

What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a service contract you buy for your house. It pays for repairs to home systems and appliances that wear out, like the heating system, water heater or dishwasher. It isn't insurance, and it isn't the maker's warranty.

What's covered depends on the plan. Choice Home Warranty, for example, lists heating, plumbing, electrical, water heaters and built-in kitchen appliances on its basic plan. Its Total Plan adds air conditioning, the fridge, and the washer and dryer.

Before you sign up for any home warranty:

• Read the limits and exclusions. They decide whether a repair is covered and how much the plan will pay.
• Ask about the trade call fee. Choice says repairs are covered apart from a trade call fee and any deductibles, so ask what that fee is before you sign.
• Get a price for your own home. Cost depends on where you live, the size and type of home, and the coverage you pick.

A home warranty doesn't replace a recall. If an appliance you own is recalled, the maker's fix is free whether you have a plan or not.

Never lose track again

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

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