How To Check Smartphone Warranty Status in India

Why Check Warranty Status Before Purchase

When buying a smartphone—whether new, refurbished, or pre-owned—checking the warranty status is one of the most important steps. Many buyers overlook this, only to face problems later when they need repairs, software support, or replacement services. Knowing the warranty status helps you make an informed decision and ensures that the device you are purchasing is safe, genuine, and worth the money you pay.

Verify Authenticity

One of the biggest reasons to check the warranty status is to confirm whether the device is original. Counterfeit or cloned smartphones are more common than most people think, especially in the budget and pre-owned market. These devices often use fake parts, modified software, and manipulated IMEI numbers.

Verifying warranty helps you ensure:

• The device is a genuine product from the brand.
• The IMEI is not tampered with.
• The phone has not been refurbished or repaired unofficially without disclosure.

A valid warranty status is one of the strongest indicators that the phone is authentic and safe to buy.

Avoid Scams

The second major reason is to protect yourself from scams. Many sellers advertise phones as “under warranty” even when the coverage has expired or been voided due to previous damage.

Checking the warranty helps avoid:

• Buying stolen or blacklisted devices
• Paying more for a phone with no brand support
• Purchasing devices with hidden faults or repair history

When you confirm the warranty directly through the brand website, you eliminate guesswork and ensure complete transparency.

Check Coverage

Warranty is not just about whether your phone is protected—it also tells you the extent of that protection. Different brands offer different types of warranties, and knowing the details helps you estimate future maintenance costs.

Factors you can confirm by checking warranty coverage include:

• Eligibility for free repairs
• Remaining warranty period
• Whether screen, battery, or accessories are covered
• Whether the device is eligible for extended warranty
• Whether the warranty is void due to unauthorized repairs

By verifying these details, you can plan your purchase better and avoid unexpected expenses later.

How to Check Warranty: Brand-by-Brand Guide

The process of checking smartphone warranty differs from brand to brand. Below is a simple, step-by-step guide for major brands so you can quickly verify the status before buying any device.

Samsung

Samsung makes warranty verification easy through its official website.

Steps:

1. Visit Samsung's official warranty check page.
2. Enter the phone’s IMEI or serial number.
3. Solve the captcha and submit.
4. The page will display warranty start and end dates, along with service eligibility.

Important tip: Samsung also provides “activation date,” which is useful to estimate how long the phone has been used.

Apple

Apple allows users to check warranty for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other devices through its support portal.

Steps:

1. Go to Apple’s “Check Coverage” page.
2. Enter the device serial number (found in Settings > General > About).
3. Complete the verification code.
4. You will see the warranty status, validity of AppleCare, and repair eligibility.

Note: Apple does not primarily use IMEI for warranty checks; serial number is recommended.

OnePlus

OnePlus provides warranty details through both IMEI and serial number.

Steps:

1. Visit OnePlus’ warranty check website.
2. Enter the device’s IMEI or serial number.
3. Press “Submit.”
4. You’ll get the warranty expiration date and repair coverage details.

You can also log into your OnePlus account if the device is registered.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi offers a fast and simple IMEI-based warranty lookup.

Steps:

1. Go to Xiaomi’s official IMEI check page.
2. Enter your IMEI number.
3. Submit to view warranty start date and service validity.

Xiaomi also shows if the device is imported or originally meant for another region.

Realme

Realme devices can be verified using IMEI directly on their support page.

Steps:

1. Open the Realme Warranty Check portal.
2. Type the IMEI and complete verification.
3. Warranty details and period will appear instantly.

This is especially important because many Realme devices circulate in the grey market.

Vivo

Vivo makes warranty verification smooth through its support platform.

Steps:

1. Visit Vivo’s warranty check section.
2. Enter IMEI or serial number.
3. Click “Submit.”
4. The portal shows warranty period, model details, and repair eligibility.

Vivo also displays the activation date.

OPPO

OPPO offers a detailed warranty information system similar to Vivo and Realme.

Steps:

1. Visit OPPO’s official IMEI check page.
2. Enter your IMEI.
3. Submit and view warranty coverage and activation period.

You may also see the region of purchase, which helps verify if the device is not an imported model with limited warranty.

Check Warranty by IMEI Number

Verifying warranty through IMEI is the most universal and reliable method, accepted by almost all smartphone brands. Understanding how IMEI works will help you check device authenticity, past usage, and warranty status easily.

What Is IMEI?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. No two phones in the world share the same IMEI.

IMEI helps:

• Identify the device
• Track warranty status
• Detect if the phone is reported stolen
• Check authenticity
• Validate network compatibility

This single number is extremely valuable when buying any pre-owned smartphone.

How to Find IMEI

You can find the IMEI number using any of the following methods:

• Dial *#06# on the phone’s dialer
• Check Settings > About Phone
• Look on the SIM tray
• Printed on the retail box of the device
• Printed behind the device (some models)

Ensure the IMEI on the box matches the IMEI inside the phone—this is crucial to avoid tampered devices.

Verification Process

Once you have the IMEI number, verifying warranty becomes easy:

Steps to verify:

1. Visit the brand’s official warranty check website.
2. Enter the IMEI number exactly as it is.
3. Solve any verification or captcha.
4. Submit to view warranty status, start and end dates, activation information, and service coverage.

If the IMEI shows “No data found,” “Invalid,” or “Not supported,” it may indicate:

• Fake device
• Tampered IMEI
• Imported phone with no local warranty
• Phone reported lost or stolen

Always avoid devices with such warnings.

Warranty Status for Refurbished Phones

Refurbished phones have become a smart alternative for buyers who want high-quality devices at affordable prices. But one crucial aspect many users overlook is the warranty. Understanding how warranty works for refurbished smartphones can protect you from unexpected repair expenses and ensure you’re making a secure purchase. A clear idea of the warranty structure, what’s included, and how to verify it helps you avoid scams and enjoy a smooth ownership experience.

How Refurbished Warranty Works

Refurbished phones typically come with two types of warranties: brand warranty and seller/refurbisher warranty.

1. Brand Warranty
   • Some refurbished phones—especially open box, unactivated, or manufacturer-refurbished devices—may still have remaining brand warranty.
   • This is because these phones were either returned early or lightly used, and the original warranty period is still active.
   • The brand warranty is tied to the phone’s IMEI number, not the owner. So if the remaining duration exists, you can still use it.
2. Seller or Refurbisher Warranty
   • Most refurbished phones sold on marketplaces like Refurbo.in, Amazon Renewed, or local stores offer 3-12 months of seller warranty.
   • This warranty covers defects that arise after refurbishment and ensures your device functions as promised.
   • It typically includes repairs or replacement for hardware issues during the warranty period.
3. Differences Between Brand and Seller Warranty
   • Brand warranty repairs are done at official service centers.
   • Seller warranties require you to contact the refurbisher or marketplace support.
   • Brand warranty is more reliable and widely recognized, while seller warranties depend on the refurbisher’s reputation.

Verification Process

Before you finalize a refurbished purchase, always verify the warranty status. Follow these essential steps:

• Check Warranty Using IMEI
  Visit the brand’s official warranty-check page and enter the phone’s IMEI number. This gives you real warranty status instantly.
• Ask for Invoice or Proof of Refurbishment
  A genuine seller will always provide an invoice mentioning the warranty duration and refurb grade (A+, A, B).
• Read the Warranty Card or Seller Policy
  Go through the terms to understand coverage, claim process, and exclusions.
• Confirm Return/Replacement Policy
  A trustworthy refurbished seller always provides at least a 7–10 day return or replacement window.

By verifying these details, you ensure that the refurbished phone is protected and backed by proper after-sales support.

Troubleshooting: Warranty Not Found

Sometimes, while checking warranty online, you may see messages like “Warranty not found,” “Invalid IMEI,” or “Not eligible.” This can be confusing, especially when the seller claims the phone has warranty. Understanding the common problems and solutions can help you resolve these issues quickly.

Common Issues

Here are the most frequent reasons for warranty not appearing:

• IMEI Not Updated on Brand Servers
  Sometimes refurbished or replaced devices have recently updated IMEI records.
• Phone Was Originally Imported (International Variant)
  Many international models do not show warranty in India.
• Warranty Already Expired
  The device may simply be older, with no remaining brand coverage.
• IMEI Mistyped or Damaged
  A wrong digit can display incorrect results.
  In rare cases, refurbished phones may have mismatched IMEI due to past repairs.
• Not Eligible for Online Warranty Check
  Apple and some brands only show limited information or require device activation.

Solutions

• Recheck the IMEI
  Always verify using Settings → About Phone and by dialing *#06#.
• Contact the Brand’s Customer Support
  Provide IMEI and ask for warranty details. Some brands can manually check.
• Ask the Seller for Clarification
  Request invoice, replacement proof, or seller warranty terms.
• Check for Seller Warranty Instead
  Even if brand warranty is missing, the refurbisher’s warranty still protects you.
• Verify Whether the Phone is Refurbished or Replaced
  Replacement units sometimes do not show warranty online but still have service coverage with proof.

What to Do Next

If warranty still cannot be verified:

• Negotiate or request a refund before purchase.
• Ask for another unit with valid warranty proof.
• Only buy from reputed refurbishers who provide a clear warranty card and return policy.

Proper troubleshooting protects you from buying a phone with no support and ensures peace of mind.

Understanding Warranty Terms & Coverage

Before relying on your warranty, it’s important to know what’s included and what isn’t. Warranty coverage varies from brand to brand, but most follow a similar structure. Understanding these terms ensures that you can claim repairs smoothly without surprises.

What’s Covered

Most warranties—brand or seller—typically cover:

• Manufacturing defects
  Includes sudden malfunctions not caused by physical damage.
• Motherboard or internal hardware issues
• Speaker, microphone, earpiece failures
• Battery defects (within normal usage limits)
• Software malfunctions
  If they aren’t caused by unauthorized modifications.

These repairs are usually free during the warranty period.

Exclusions

Warranties generally do not cover:

• Physical damage, dents, cracks
• Water damage or liquid exposure
• Unauthorized repairs or service center visits
• Rooting, custom ROMs, or software modifications
• Accessories like charger, cable, or earphones
• Damage due to drops or pressure

Seller warranties may have even stricter exclusions, so read policies carefully.

Claim Process

To make a warranty claim smoothly:

1. Collect Required Documents
   • Invoice
   • Warranty card
   • Valid IMEI details
2. Visit Authorized Service Center (for brand warranty)
   They will run diagnostics and confirm the issue.
3. Contact the Refurbisher (for seller warranty)
   Provide order ID, issue description, and photos/videos.
4. Follow Their Repair or Replacement Process
   Depending on the warranty, your phone may be:
   • Repaired
   • Replaced
   • Refunded (rare)
5. Keep Backup of Your Data
   Most service centers reset phones during repair.

Understanding these terms ensures you know exactly what you’re entitled to and avoids frustration later when making a claim.