Warranty on Verizon Phones: What’s Covered and How to Extend It with Verizon Wireless Phone Protection

When you buy a phone from Verizon in 2025, it comes with a manufacturer’s warranty—a safety net for defects and malfunctions. But what happens when that warranty expires, or if you drop your phone and crack the screen? That’s where the Verizon Wireless Phone Protection plan steps in, offering a way to extend and enhance your coverage. In this guide, we’ll explore what the standard warranty on Verizon phones covers, its limitations, and how Verizon’s protection plan can keep your device safe beyond the basics. Whether you’re budgeting for a new Galaxy S25 or an iPhone 16, here’s everything you need to know.

What’s Covered Under the Warranty on Verizon Phones?

Every phone sold by Verizon—whether new, certified pre-owned, or brought from another carrier—comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage is provided by the phone’s maker (e.g., Samsung, Apple, Google) and facilitated through Verizon. As of March 27, 2025, here’s what you can expect:

Standard Coverage Details

• Duration: Typically one year from the purchase date for new devices; 90 days for certified pre-owned phones.
• What’s Covered:
  • Manufacturing Defects: Hardware failures like a faulty battery, unresponsive screen, or defective buttons.
  • Software Issues: Bugs or glitches inherent to the device’s original firmware.
• Repair or Replacement: Verizon will repair the device with OEM parts or replace it if it can’t be fixed, at no cost to you.
• How to Claim: Contact Verizon support or visit a store with proof of purchase.

For example, if your Samsung Galaxy S25’s camera stops working due to a hardware flaw within the first year, the warranty covers a free repair or replacement. Same goes for an iPhone 16 with a defective speaker—Apple’s warranty, honored via Verizon, has you covered.

What’s Not Covered

The standard warranty has limits:

• Accidental Damage: Cracked screens, water damage, or drops aren’t included.
• Loss or Theft: If your phone disappears, the warranty won’t help.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Scratches, dents, or battery degradation from use are excluded.
• Post-Warranty Issues: Once the one-year mark passes, you’re on your own for defects.

This gap is where many Verizon customers turn to additional protection plans to safeguard their investment.

Verizon’s Extended Warranty: Bridging the Gap

For those who want coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, Verizon offers its Extended Warranty as a standalone add-on. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep your phone protected against malfunctions after the initial warranty expires.

Coverage and Costs

• Cost: $5/month ($60/year).
• What’s Covered: Mechanical or electrical failures due to defects (e.g., battery failure, charging port issues) after the manufacturer’s warranty ends.
• Deductibles: $0 for repairs; $99 for a replacement if the device can’t be repaired.
• Claims: Unlimited repairs, one replacement per 12-month period.

How It Works

Say your phone’s one-year warranty expires in January 2026, and the battery starts dying unexpectedly in March. With the Extended Warranty, Verizon repairs or replaces it for free (or $99 if unrepairable), saving you $100–$200 on a battery swap.

Limitations

• No coverage for accidental damage, loss, or theft.
• Requires enrollment within 30 days of device activation or during open enrollment (e.g., February–April 2025).

This plan is a great companion to the manufacturer’s warranty but leaves gaps for physical damage—enter the Verizon Wireless Phone Protection plan.

Extending Protection with Verizon Wireless Phone Protection

The Verizon Wireless Phone Protection (WPP) plan is a standalone insurance option that goes beyond warranties, covering the mishaps warranties won’t touch. It’s part of Verizon’s broader Cell Phone Protection Plan offerings and a popular choice for 2025.

Coverage Details

• Cost: $4.95–$7.95/month ($59.40–$95.40/year) based on device tier:
  • Tier 1 (high-end phones): $7.95/month.
  • Tier 2 (mid-range/basic): $4.95/month.
• What’s Covered:
  • Loss and Theft: Replaces a stolen or misplaced phone.
  • Accidental Damage: Fixes or replaces devices damaged by drops, spills, or cracked screens.
  • Unlimited Screen Repairs: For eligible devices, cracked screen repairs have a $0 deductible.
• Deductibles:
  • $0 for cracked screen repairs (select devices).
  • $99 for damage replacement.
  • $9–$229 for loss/theft replacement, depending on phone value.
• Claims: Up to three per year, excluding unlimited screen repairs.

How It Complements the Warranty

While the manufacturer’s warranty and Extended Warranty handle defects, WPP tackles real-world accidents. For a $1,200 phone, paying $7.95/month ($95.40/year) plus a $99 deductible for a replacement totals $194.40—far less than a new device. The $0 screen repair perk is a standout, given repair shops charge $150–$300 in 2025.

Enrollment Rules

• Must sign up within 30 days of activating a new or upgraded device, or during open enrollment.
• Available for Verizon-bought phones and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) models, as long as they’re active on Verizon’s network.

Combining Warranty and Wireless Phone Protection: The Ultimate Strategy

For maximum coverage, pair the manufacturer’s warranty with WPP and, optionally, the Extended Warranty. Here’s how it works:

Year 1: Manufacturer’s Warranty + WPP

• Cost: $7.95/month (WPP) = $95.40/year.
• Coverage: Defects (free via warranty) + loss, theft, damage (WPP).
• Example: Drop your phone and crack the screen? WPP fixes it for $0. Battery dies from a defect? The warranty handles it.

Year 2+: Extended Warranty + WPP

• Cost: $12.95/month ($5 + $7.95) = $155.40/year.
• Coverage: Post-warranty defects (Extended Warranty) + loss, theft, damage (WPP).
• Example: Water damage after a spill? WPP replaces it for $99. Charging port fails? Extended Warranty repairs it free.

This combo costs $12.95/month total but covers nearly every scenario, making it ideal for long-term phone users or those with pricey devices.

Pros and Cons of Extending with Verizon Wireless Phone Protection

Pros

• Affordable Add-On: Starts at $4.95/month, less than a coffee subscription.
• Comprehensive Protection: Fills gaps left by warranties (damage, loss, theft).
• $0 Screen Repairs: A budget-saver for clumsy users.
• Fast Claims: Asurion partnership ensures next-day replacements in most cases.

Cons

• No Defect Coverage: WPP doesn’t handle malfunctions—pair it with Extended Warranty for that.
• Claim Limits: Three per year (excluding screen repairs) might not suffice for frequent issues.
• Enrollment Window: Miss the 30-day cutoff, and you’re locked out until open enrollment.

How to Get Started

1. Check Your Warranty: Confirm your phone’s manufacturer warranty status via Verizon’s site or your purchase receipt.
2. Evaluate Needs: High-value phone? Accident-prone? Decide if WPP or Extended Warranty fits.
3. Enroll Online: Log into My Verizon, navigate to “Device Protection,” and select your plan within 30 days of activation.
4. Add Extended Coverage: Opt for the Extended Warranty if you plan to keep your phone past year one.
5. File Claims: Use Verizon’s support line or app for warranty claims; WPP claims go through Asurion.

Tip: Watch for 2025 open enrollment (typically Q1) if you missed the initial window.

Alternatives to Verizon’s Plans

Not convinced? Compare these phone insurance quotes:

• Samsung Care+: $3–$18/month, covers defects, damage, and theft/loss (higher tiers).
• AppleCare+: $9.99–$13.49/month, includes repairs and optional theft/loss.
• Upsie: $7.99/month, $75 deductible, broader device support.

Verizon’s $0 screen repair and carrier integration give it an edge for Verizon customers, but third-party options might suit BYOD users better.

Is It Worth It in 2025?

The warranty on Verizon phones is a solid starting point, covering defects for free in year one. Adding Verizon Wireless Phone Protection extends that safety net to accidents, loss, and theft—crucial in an era where phones cost $1,000+ and repairs aren’t cheap. For just $4.95–$7.95/month, you’re insured against the unexpected, and tossing in the $5/month Extended Warranty after year one ensures long-term peace of mind.

If you’re budget-focused, stick with WPP for its low cost and screen repair perk. If you’re keeping your phone for years, the full combo (WPP + Extended Warranty) at $12.95/month is a small price for total protection. In 2025, with smartphones more vital than ever, extending your Verizon warranty with WPP isn’t just smart—it’s a no-brainer for staying connected without breaking the bank.