Prepare your iPad for Express Replacement Service

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

Before your return your original iPad

1. Back up your iPad:

   1. Back up with iCloud

   2. Back up with your Mac

   3. Back up with your PC

2. Erase your iPad to delete your personal information and remove it from your Apple Account: In Settings, tap General > Transfer or Reset iPad, then tap Erase All Content and Settings. You need to enter your Apple Account password to confirm.

3. If you have a Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad model:

   1. If your iPad uses a physical SIM, remove it.

   2. If your iPad uses an eSIM, contact your wireless provider to get a new eSIM for your replacement device or suspend service if needed.

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 that your replacement iPad arrived in — a small box to place your device in and a larger shipping box to pack it up.

Don’t include anything else in the box — like 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 shipping 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.

Ship your original iPad to Apple

1. Find the name of the courier on the provided return shipping label.

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

Make sure to get a receipt from the courier to confirm that you’ve returned your original iPad. Apple isn't responsible for any damage during shipping.

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 business days or is found ineligible for service due to unauthorized modifications or severe damage, the hold will be charged to your card.