How to Make an Apple Genius Bar Appointment

Need tech support? Get personalized help at a reserved time

What to Know

  • Apple users can get one-on-one tech support from a trained specialist at the Genius Bar for iPods, iPhones, iTunes, etc. 
  • The Genius Bar is for tech support only. If you want to learn how to use your products, Apple has other in-store options.
  • Apple Stores are always so busy that you should make an appointment in advance if you need to get in-person help.

This article explains how to make an appointment, how to describe the problem you're having, and how to reschedule or cancel an appointment.

Making an Apple Genius Bar Appointment

You can use the app for this process, too. If you're on a computer, follow these steps to reserve time at the Genius Bar for support:

  1. Begin by going to Apple Support website at http://www.apple.com/support/.

    "Welcome to Apple Support" website
  2. Scroll down to the Tell Us How We Can Help section.

  3. Click Contact Apple Support for help.

    Contact Apple Support link in the "Want to talk with someone?" section of Apple's support website
  4. Next, click on the product you want to get help with at the Genius Bar.

    "Get help where you are" product chooser section of Apple Support website, with iPhone highlighted.

Describe Your Problem

Once you've selected the product you need help with:

  1. A set of common help topics will be displayed. For instance, for the iPhone, you'll see the option to get help with battery issues, problems with iTunes, issues with apps, etc. Select the category that most closely matches the help you need.

    Battery & Charging topic in Apple Support
  2. A number of topics within that category will appear. Select the one that best matches your need (if there isn't a match, click The topic is not listed).

    Battery & Charging topics on Apple support site
  3. Depending on the category and problem you've selected, a number of follow-up suggestions may appear. You'll be prompted with possible ways to solve your problem without going to the Genius Bar. Feel free to try them if you like; they may work and save you a trip.

For some topics, the Apple site doesn't offer a Genius Bar appointment as an option. Instead, it suggests a phone call or online chat with Apple support. You can use these options or, if you really prefer an in-person appointment, just select The topic is not listed in step 2 above.

Choose a Genius Bar Appointment

After having clicked through all the suggested support options from Apple:

  1. Choose how you'd like to get help. There are a number of options, but to get a Genius Bar appointment, choose Bring in for Repair (different options are presented depending on the kind of problem you selected at the beginning, but always choose options for repair or Genius Bar).

    Bring in for Repair option on Apple support site
  2. If you don't see these options, you may need to go back a few steps and select another support topic that ends with these options.

  3. Once you do, you'll be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. Do so.

Select Apple Store, Date, and Time for Genius Bar Appointment

  1. To find your closest Apple Store or another authorized service provider, enter your zip code (or let your browser access your Current Location). Click Go.

  2. If you need help with an iPhone, you should also include the phone company you use with your iPhone for a list of nearby Apple and carrier stores.

    Bring in for Repair options, including location and carrier
  3. Map displays a list of your the nearby Apple Stores (you can sort the stores either by Availability—which one has the appointment soonest—or Distance—which is the closest).

  4. Click on each store to see it on a map, how far away it is from you, and to see what days and times are available for Genius Bar appointments.

  5. When you find the store you want, select the day you want and click on a time that's available for your appointment.

    Apple Stores on map with available times for Genius Bar appointments

Appointment Confirmation and Cancellation Options

Your Genius Bar appointment has been made for the store, date, and time you selected.

Confirmation screen for Genius Bar with Cancel option

You'll see a confirmation of your appointment. The details of the appointment are listed there. The confirmation will also be emailed to you.

If you need to modify or cancel the reservation, you can click Reschedule or Cancel on this page. If you need to make a change later, go to the confirmation email and click the options there. You'll be taken to Apple's site to make changes there.

Cancellation screen for Genius Bar
FAQ
  • What is the Apple Genius Bar?

    The Apple Genius Bar is a dedicated tech support service in Apple's retail stores. Customers experiencing problems with products or applications can make an appointment for one-on-one assistance with an expert. Experts have multiple certification levels to best assist customers.

  • How do I cancel a Genius Bar appointment?

    After you make your appointment, you'll receive an email with your reservation details. To cancel your appointment, access that email and select the Manage my Reservation link. Then, on the Reservation page, select Cancel. Alternatively, if you have the Apple Store app, pull up your appointment details and select Cancel Reservation.

  • Where is the closest Apple Store?

    To find a nearby Apple Store, visit Apple's Find a Store web page. You can search by location, ZIP code, or keywords, such as a mall's name. Select Complete Store List to see every Apple Store location.

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