Hard Drive Data Recovery & Warranty Implications

Apple will process for warranty service hard drives originally installed in Apple products that have been subject to data recovery services by DriveSavers or OnTrack, third-party companies specializing in data recovery services.

Hard drives that have become non-functional through normal use, and have had data recovery performed on them by DriveSavers or OnTrack can be returned to Apple for warranty service. This includes products covered by the AppleCare Protection Plan. The cost of any data recovery attempts is not covered by the Apple Limited Warranty.

Apple has worked with both of these companies to ensure that their data recovery methods meet Apple's standards, and will fulfill its warranty obligations if the returned drive has a DriveSavers or OnTrack label indicating that the respective company worked with the drive for data recovery purposes. Typically, if the factory seal on the hard drive is broken or removed, the hard drive will be excluded from coverage, however, if an authorized DriveSavers or OnTrack label is on such a hard drive, Apple will not exclude coverage on that basis.

Drives that are no longer functional due to a failure outside of normal usage - such as damage from an impact, being dropped, exposure to moisture or other circumstances outside of normal usage - are not acceptable for warranty exchange regardless of whether data recovery is performed.

Currently Apple and its suppliers have not verified the standards used by other data recovery service companies and therefore their services are not subject to this process. Use of DriveSavers or OnTrack as a data-recovery company is at the sole discretion of the customer. They are not an Apple Authorized Service Provider, nor does Apple warrant any services performed by either company.

Important Note: Mention of third-party products or services is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation on the part of Apple, Inc. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to selection, performance, or use of these products or services. All understandings, agreements, or warranties, if any, take place directly between the vendors and the prospective users.

This article provides information about a non-Apple product. Apple, Inc. is not responsible for its content. Please contact the vendor for additional information.

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