Reviving Your iPhone 12 Pro Max: Battery Replacement & Credit Card Insurance Guide

Using and Repairing an iPhone 12 Pro Max

I’ve used my iPhone 12 Pro Max for over three years. It still meets my needs, but the battery no longer lasts like it used to. Many people would trade in their phones for newer models, especially with Apple’s recent launches of the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro. However, my iPhone continues to function well overall.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max, released in 2020, still has a satisfying 6.7-inch OLED display and a solid 12-megapixel camera system. Most apps in the App Store still run well, except for a few intensive games that only work on the latest models. The iPhone 16 Pro Max includes features like an improved camera and USB-C, but I don’t feel the need to upgrade now. I want to avoid spending over $1,000 for a new phone and don’t want to trade in my current device and commit to a new contract.

Instead of buying AppleCare, I used my credit card’s cell phone insurance feature to pay for my battery replacement. Many credit cards offer this perk. To be eligible, I had to use my card to pay my cell phone bill monthly and save necessary documents throughout the repair.

Checking Battery Health and Repair Options

To qualify for battery service, my iPhone’s battery capacity had to drop below 80%. I noticed reduced battery life even at 85%, but I had to wait for it to drop below 80% to be eligible. To check the battery health, I went to Settings, then Battery, and tapped on Battery Health & Charging. When the capacity fell below 80%, I received a message saying my battery needed service. I took a screenshot, which I could use later for filing a claim.

Next, I tapped on “Find Your Service Options.” This directed me to schedule a repair at an Apple Store or arrange a mail-in service. The estimated cost for the battery replacement was $89, which I also screenshot.

Visiting the Apple Store for Repair

I made an appointment at the Apple Store to have my battery replaced. If I had chosen a mail-in repair, many of the same steps would apply.

At the store, the Genius Bar representative guided me. I needed to turn off Find My iPhone and provide my Apple ID password for the repair. They ran diagnostic tests to confirm the battery issue and estimated the repair cost, which I received via email.

After agreeing to the repair cost, I received a pickup time. I was also told to bring an ID to verify ownership at pickup. I dropped off my phone around 5:30 PM and returned at 6:50 PM to collect it.

While waiting, I found that my Apple Watch couldn’t take calls, and I couldn’t send SMS unless using Wi-Fi. This is useful to know if you plan to repair your phone.

When I returned for my phone, I showed my driver’s license and paid $96.90 for the service. I left with a new battery installed.

Filing a Claim for Reimbursement

With the new battery in hand, I filed a claim for reimbursement. I logged into Mastercard’s benefits website to start. To submit the claim, I needed several documents:

1. Recent credit card statement showing payment for my cell phone bill.
2. Wireless service provider’s billing statement.
3. Repair estimate from Apple.
4. Proof of purchase for my iPhone.
5. Repair bill.
6. Any relevant screenshots establishing battery need for service.

Most documents were online or sent to me as PDFs. I used my iPhone’s scanner to create digital copies of any physical documents I had.

After filing my claim, I received a response asking for correction on one document. I submitted the correct files. A week later, I noticed a $46.90 credit on my card. The reimbursement reflected my out-of-pocket cost after the $50 deductible for the claim.

This cell phone insurance benefit covers other phone issues, like screen repairs or theft, but does not cover loss. If you frequently misplace your phone, consider traditional insurance options.

Using my credit card’s insurance benefit was an easy way to offset repair costs without needing to pay for full insurance coverage.