Buying a Refurbished iPhone 15? Here’s What Really Matters for Your Peace of Mind
Updated on | 6 mins readYou’ve done the research. You know a certified pre-owned iPhone 15 offers incredible value, putting Apple's latest technology in your hands without the premium price tag. But there’s a nagging question that often comes up during this final decision stage: "What if something goes wrong?"
It's a valid concern. When you're moving away from buying new, you're not just evaluating a device; you're evaluating a promise. The real difference between a risky purchase and a smart investment comes down to three things: the warranty, the return policy, and the support team behind the product. Let's break down exactly what you should expect and how we ensure your confidence is built-in from day one.
Unpacking the Promise: Our 12-Month "As Good As New" Warranty
A warranty isn't just a piece of paper; it's a statement of quality. When a company offers a robust warranty, they're telling you they stand firmly behind their product's reliability.
We match the industry gold standard with a comprehensive 12-month warranty on every device. This isn't a limited, 90-day guarantee. It's a full year of assurance, just like you’d get with a brand-new device from Apple.
What Our Warranty Covers—and What It Doesn't
Transparency builds trust, so let's be crystal clear about what you're protected against:
- Hardware & Manufacturing Defects: This covers internal components. If your device experiences issues with the battery, screen, or other hardware that isn't due to physical damage, we’ve got your back.
- Software Malfunctions: We ensure your device’s operating system functions as it should.
- Peace of Mind: You get a full year of protection against unexpected technical problems.
What’s not covered is accidental damage—like drops or water spills. This is standard across the industry, even for new devices. For that kind of protection, you might consider an additional insurance plan.

How Plug Stacks Up: A Clear Comparison for Your Decision
When you’re comparing options, the details matter. Policies that sound similar on the surface can have significant differences that impact your experience. While sellers across the board, from Apple to marketplaces like Back Market, recognize the importance of warranties, the combination of warranty length, return flexibility, and support accessibility is where the true value lies.
Here’s a quick look at how we compare on the factors that consumers prioritize most for purchasing confidence.

Our focus is simple: deliver a customer-centric experience that removes the risk. By combining a full 12-month warranty with a 30-day return window, we give you more time and more protection than many alternatives, including Apple's own 14-day policy for refurbished devices.
The Ultimate Safety Net: Plug's 30-Day Hassle-Free Return Policy
Sometimes a device just isn't the right fit. We get it. That's why we offer a 30-day, hassle-free return policy. This gives you a full month to use your iPhone 15 in your daily life to ensure it meets your expectations—double the time offered by Apple's direct refurbished program.
If you decide it's not for you within that window, the process is straightforward. There are no hoops to jump through and no restocking fees.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Return
Initiating a return is simple. Here’s how it works:
- Contact Support: Reach out to our customer support team through our contact page to get your return started.
- Prep Your Device: Before shipping, make sure to sign out of your iCloud account, erase all your personal data, and factory reset the device. This protects your privacy and prepares the phone for its journey back.
- Package It Securely: Place the iPhone 15 and any included accessories back in the original packaging to ensure it travels safely.
- Ship It Back: We’ll provide you with the shipping instructions to send the device back to us. Once we receive and inspect it, your refund will be processed promptly.

Got Questions? We Have Answers.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from customers evaluating their options.
What is the battery health guarantee on a refurbished iPhone 15?
Every Certified Pre-Owned device from Plug is guaranteed to have a battery health of 80% or higher, ensuring it holds a charge and performs reliably for your daily needs. Many of our customers report receiving devices with battery health well above that minimum.
How do I get in touch with support if I have a problem?
We make it easy. You can reach our U.S.-based customer support team via our website's contact form or live chat during business hours. We're here to help with everything from device setup to warranty claims.
What’s the difference between "Certified Pre-Owned" and just "used"?
This is a critical distinction. A "used" phone sold by a private seller comes with no guarantees. Our Certified Pre-Owned devices undergo a rigorous, multi-point inspection and testing process to ensure they meet high standards for both functionality and appearance. That certification is what allows us to back them with a one-year warranty.
Can I still get AppleCare+ on a device from Plug?
While our devices are not eligible for AppleCare+ directly, our comprehensive 12-month warranty covers the most common hardware and software issues you might encounter.
Ready to Buy with Confidence?
Choosing a refurbished iPhone 15 is a smart way to get the technology you want at a price that makes sense. But the smartest buyers know that the device is only half of the equation.
With a 12-month warranty that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with new products and a 30-day return policy that gives you ample time to ensure you love your device, you can make your purchase with complete confidence.
Explore our collection of Certified Pre-Owned iPhone 15 models and experience the Plug difference for yourself.