Prepare your iPad for the Express Replacement Service

After you’ve scheduled the Express Replacement Service*, you’ll get a kit that has your replacement iPad and everything you need to send back your original iPad.

Before you return your original iPad

1. Back up your iPad.

2. Make sure the iCloud features you use have finished syncing: Open the Settings app, tap your name, then tap iCloud. The status icon next to Saved to iCloud should be green.

3. Turn off Apple Cash: Open the Settings app, scroll down, then tap Wallet & Apple Pay. Then turn off Apple Cash.

4. Remove your cards and passes from Apple Wallet: open the Wallet app, select a card or pass, tap the More button, then tap Card (or Pass) Details. Tap Remove Card (or Pass).

5. Check your iPad Parts and Service History. If a part has Finish Repair next to it, you need to finish that repair before you bring your device to an Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider. If you can’t finish a repair for a part that needs servicing, you may be charged an out-of-warranty fee or the service may be denied for that part.¹

6. In iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 or later, turn on Ready for Repair or Trade-In for your device: In the Find My app, select your device, tap the More button, tap Repair or Trade In, then tap Enable. In iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or earlier, turn off Find My: Go to the Settings app, tap your name, then tap Find My. Tap "Find My [Device]" and turn off "Find My [Device]".²

If you can't turn off Find My on your device, go to the Find My app on another device or go to icloud.com/find. Select your iPad, then select Repair or Trade-In or Remove This Device. Follow the onscreen instructions to prepare it for repair.

Pack your original iPad

Your Express Replacement Service kit includes everything you need to pack up and send your original iPad to Apple, including the boxes your replacement iPad arrived in – a small box to place your device in and a larger delivery box to pack it up.

Don’t include anything else in the box – such as an iPad case, power adapter, cable or other accessory. If you include extra items in the box, they won’t be returned to you.

1. Place your original iPad into the small white or natural box in which your replacement iPad arrived.

2. Put the small box into the same larger delivery box that was delivered to you. If there’s a battery sticker pasted on the outside of the box, make sure it’s not covered by tape or a shipping label.

Send your original iPad to Apple

1. Find the name of the courier on the provided postage label (or elsewhere in the packing materials).

2. Visit the courier’s website to schedule a pick-up or find a drop-off location.

3. If a commercial invoice was included with your replacement iPad, attach it to the outside of the box. If you don’t, the package may not be able to be delivered. Commercial invoices are only necessary in some European countries.

Make sure you get proof of collection from the courier to confirm that you’ve returned your original iPad. Apple isn’t responsible for any damage sustained during delivery.

Apple will release the temporary hold on your card after we process your original device and confirm that the issue is covered. If your original device is not returned within 10 working days or is found ineligible for service due to unauthorised modifications or severe damage, the hold will be charged to your card.