Electronics warranty in India can be confusing — the same product might have a 1-year manufacturer warranty, an additional 1-year seller warranty, and an optional extended protection plan. Here's what each one actually covers.
Manufacturer warranty
The base warranty offered by the brand (Samsung, LG, Apple, Dyson, etc.). Typically 1 year for most consumer electronics, 2 years for premium appliances, and up to 10 years on AC and fridge compressors only (not the entire unit).
Valid when: Purchased from authorised sellers, including Amazon and Flipkart "Brand Stores" or marked "authorised reseller".
Seller warranty
Some sellers (especially on Flipkart) add an extra 6–12 month "Seller Warranty" alongside manufacturer warranty. This is honoured by the seller, not the brand. Worth it only if the seller is reputable — check seller ratings and return policy first.
Extended warranty / protection plan
An add-on (₹500–₹5,000) that extends coverage 1–3 years beyond manufacturer warranty. Most useful for:
- TVs over ₹40,000 — panels are expensive to replace post-warranty.
- ACs and fridges — compressor / PCB failures in years 3–5 are common.
- Laptops over ₹60,000 — motherboard failures cost ₹15,000+ out of warranty.
Skip extended warranty on: phones, earbuds, small kitchen appliances, smartwatches. The cost rarely justifies the risk at the lower price points.
What's typically NOT covered
- Physical damage (drops, dents, cracks)
- Liquid damage
- Damage from voltage surges (use a stabiliser)
- Consumables (batteries after 80% capacity loss)
- Software issues from unsupported modifications
How to claim warranty
- Keep the original invoice as PDF or photo
- Note the serial number and IMEI (for phones)
- Contact brand service centre or Amazon / Flipkart customer care
- Most brands provide doorstep pickup for items over ₹15,000