Questions
- How do I get my Bowdoin laptop or iPad repaired when I am not on campus?
- My MacBook broke over break — how do I get it fixed away from Bowdoin?
- I cracked my iPad screen while I am home for the summer. What do I do?
- My Apple Pencil stopped working and I am not near the Tech Hub. Who repairs it?
- Can I take my college-issued device to any Apple Store?
- How do I make a Genius Bar appointment for my Bowdoin device?
- How do I get Apple repair help while I am studying abroad?
- Is there an Apple Authorized Service Provider near me?
- Can I get AppleCare help online instead of going to a store?
Environment
This article is for Bowdoin students who are away from campus — during a break, over the summer, or while studying abroad — and need hardware repair for a college-issued device.
- Who: Bowdoin students with a college-issued MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple Pencil, or keyboard/case provided through the Digital Excellence Commitment (DExC).
- Coverage: All college-issued MacBooks and iPads are covered by AppleCare+ for four years from their purchase date. Accessories such as the Apple Pencil and keyboard are covered under the same AppleCare agreement as the iPad.
- When you are on campus: The Service Desk and Tech Hub can facilitate repairs with Apple for you. See Broken iPad, Apple Keyboard, or Apple Pencil — Repair Process in the Related Articles section for the on-campus process.
- Not covered: AppleCare+ does not cover lost or stolen devices or accessories. For a lost or stolen Apple Pencil, see Will Bowdoin replace my Apple Pencil if it is lost or stolen? in the Related Articles section.
Resolution
When you are away from campus, you can get repair help from any Apple Store, from AppleCare online or by phone, or from an Apple Authorized Service Provider anywhere in the world. Because your device is Bowdoin property and is covered by AppleCare+, follow the steps below in order.
Before any repair: Your device is college-owned property. You must notify Bowdoin IT before you begin, and you must turn off Find My — Apple will not accept a device for service while Find My is still enabled.
Step 1 — Notify Bowdoin IT first
Before you contact Apple or visit a store, let the Service Desk know you are pursuing a repair while away from campus. This lets IT track the device, confirm your AppleCare+ coverage, and advise on the best option for your location.
Step 2 — Turn off Find My
Apple will reject a device for repair if Find My is still enabled.
- On an iPad: go to Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPad and turn it off.
- On a MacBook: open System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Find My Mac and turn it off.
- If the device is too damaged to do this, you can turn off Find My remotely by signing in at iCloud.com/find from another device.
Step 3 — Choose how to reach Apple
Pick whichever option is easiest where you are. All of them can begin a covered repair.
Option A — Make a Genius Bar reservation at an Apple Store
If there is an Apple Store near you, the Genius Bar can inspect and repair your device in person using genuine Apple parts. Appointments are free; you only pay if a repair falls outside your coverage, and Apple will quote any cost before proceeding.
- Go to Apple: Genius Bar Reservation (linked in the Additional Resources section) or open the Apple Support app.
- Select your device and describe the issue, then choose to bring it in for repair.
- Sign in with your Apple Account, pick a nearby store, and choose an available time.
- Back up your device beforehand and bring a photo ID that matches your reservation.
Option B — Get help online or by phone through AppleCare
You do not have to visit a store. Apple can start a chat, arrange a callback, or set up a mail-in repair and ship you a prepaid box to send the device in.
- Online: go to Apple: Contact Apple Support (linked in the Additional Resources section) to start a chat or arrange a mail-in repair.
- By phone (recommended for Bowdoin devices): call the AppleCare for Education line at 1-800-800-2775 and press Option 3. Tell the representative your device was purchased through Apple Education and is covered by AppleCare+. Do not use the general AppleCare number — the education line is specific to Bowdoin's coverage.
Note: Have your iPad or MacBook serial number ready, even if an accessory is what needs repair. The Apple Pencil and keyboard are covered under the iPad's AppleCare agreement, so Apple looks up coverage by the iPad's serial number.
Option C — Use an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Apple has Authorized Service Providers in many countries. These providers are trained to perform Apple repairs and are generally the only repair centers besides Apple Stores that will honor AppleCare+ at no charge to you. Use Apple's locator to find one near you — see Apple: Find an Apple Store or Service Provider in the Additional Resources section.
Important: You should not be charged for covered repairs at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. If a provider asks you to pay, confirm your AppleCare+ coverage with Apple Support before agreeing to any charges.
If no Apple service is available where you are
If you are somewhere with no Apple Store and no Authorized Service Provider, look for a repair shop that specifically advertises Apple-authorized service and confirm they use genuine Apple parts. Using non-Apple parts voids AppleCare+ for the remainder of the device's life and can create additional risk. Contact Bowdoin IT before proceeding with any non-authorized repair option.
Step 4 — Update your ticket after the repair
If Apple replaces your device or an accessory, you will receive an email from Apple listing the old and new serial numbers. Use the link from the confirmation email you saved in Step 1 to update your IT ticket with the new serial number. The Service Desk will then close your ticket.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources
AI-assisted content: This article was drafted with the assistance of an AI writing tool and reviewed by Bowdoin IT staff for accuracy.