how do i get a genius bar appointment

I've been around and around the Apple site, the store site, etc., and whenever I try to make a Genius Bar appointment, I get shunted to paid support. Not really feeling like shelling out $29, since the problem was caused when I followed the instructions given to me in my last Genius Bar appointment. What's the best solution, just show up at the store? Or is there a trick to making a reservation?

iPad 2, iOS 6.1.2

Posted on Nov 26, 2014 3:04 PM

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Posted on Nov 26, 2014 3:18 PM

The options given to you to get support are based on the issue you select. Try selecting a different one. See here for more details: https://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/news/11-09-14-apple-changes-the-proce dure-to-schedule-a-genius-bar-appointment.


(Note that I am affiliated with that site, and some pages contain ads).

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Nov 26, 2014 3:18 PM in response to orbfish

The options given to you to get support are based on the issue you select. Try selecting a different one. See here for more details: https://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/news/11-09-14-apple-changes-the-proce dure-to-schedule-a-genius-bar-appointment.


(Note that I am affiliated with that site, and some pages contain ads).

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Nov 26, 2014 3:15 PM in response to Kappy

That link just redirects to:


http://www.apple.com/retail/


There is a link to the Genius Bar on that page:


http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


That page only has one link "Get help now >" that does anything, and it goes to:


https://getsupport.apple.com/Issues.action


That page attempts to sell me paid service.


Other ideas?

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Nov 26, 2014 3:25 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

Well, that page is inaccurate insofar as I still see the page that requires me to select my device, rather than the updated page where you can just select type of product. And I'm not sure I can get the Apple Store App, since I'm on iOS 5 (which I can't upgrade until I get my issue fixed). But I will try different issues and see if I can trick the system.

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Nov 26, 2014 3:34 PM in response to stevejobsfan0123

@stevejobsfan0123 - Thanks, that did it - I tried selecting several issues until I found one that would let me schedule an appointment. It's not my problem, but at least I can get in the door. **** of a way to handle scheduling, when you have to go to the support website to find out how to schedule support!

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Dec 2, 2014 11:20 AM in response to stevejobsfan0123

I was having problems syncing my iPad with iTunes (I spent 3 hours there, they forced me to upgrade to iOS 8 which I hate, and the only effect is that I'm now unable to put music on my iPad).


But, the staff did give me a tip! To get an appointment, click on anything hardware-related. This is a sales point for the Apple Store, so they want to get you in!

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Mar 2, 2016 10:47 AM in response to orbfish

This experience has convinced me to ditch my iMac and replace it with a PC. Every time I power up my iMac I get the OS X Utilities screen. I want an appointment at the Albuquerque NM Apple store (which is 2 hours from where I live) for a diagnostics check. I called the Albuquerque store and I get an automated answering system that sweetly tells me that most problems are with signing in or authenticating with my apple id. NO!! Not is NOT my problem. Then I am asked for the serial number on my iMac. I would like to give it to them, but my iMac is at home and I am work. There doesn't seem to be anyway around this step. I despise companies that think cute little automated voices can solve all the world's problems. And am just astounded that when I want to talk to the Albuquerque Apple store, I can't get to the Albuquerque Apple store. What - they don't have phones there?

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Nov 3, 2016 10:37 AM in response to orbfish

There is no way to make a genius bar appt on line. Whatever you try, you get directed to another web page that makes you go many unrealated steps and never gets you to a reservation page. If you go to your apple store web page and click on "genius bar" you are sent to the same completely unrelated web pages. This is an obvious plan to make sure you don't get to the genius bar at all. For a tech company, Apple has the worst web page i've ever seen.

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Nov 3, 2016 11:03 AM in response to bardoc

Go to

Official Apple Support


Go to the section titled "How can we help you?"


You'll have to jump through a few hoops to make an appointment. I'd recommend going with the chat option. The nice person on the other end will make the appointment for you after evaluating your issue.

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how do i get a genius bar appointment

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