Apple would prefer you exhaust all other options in dealing with an issue before you make a Genius Bar reservation. And the company has made it a bit more difficult to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple retail store. Here’s how it used to work with an accompanying graphic from iMore.com:
On an iOS device:
- Launch the Apple Store app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Tap on the Stores tab in the bottom navigation.
- It should find the closest store to you automatically. If it doesn’t just search for it.
- Tap on Genius Bar.
- Select the device you’re having problems with.
- Choose a time you’d like to make your appointment for and then tap Select Day & Time.
- Look over your reservation and make sure everything looks right. You can tap on How can we help you? and add notes for the Genius ahead of time if you’d like. Otherwise just tap on Book Reservation.
- Log in with your Apple ID on the next screen to proceed. For most people, this is the same login you use to purchase things from iTunes and in the App Store.
- Choose whether or not you’d like to add your appoint to your calendar.
On a Mac:
- Go to the Apple Genius Bar webpage in your browser.
- Click the link that says Make a Genius Bar reservation.
- Select your state in the drop down menu and then choose a store.
- Make sure Genius Bar is selected and click Next.
- On the next screen, click the link for Make a Genius bar reservation.
- Log in with your Apple ID on the next screen to proceed. For most people, this is the same login you use to purchase things from iTunes and in the App Store.
- Select the device you’re having issues with and click Next.
- Choose the date and time you’d like for your appointment and then proceed to the next page by clicking Next again.
Now if you go to the Genius Bar webpage on any device, you see the following screen:
Notice that the “Get help now” option has replaced the “Make a Genius Bar” recommendation. Click that link and you’re given a list of Apple devices and services from which to choose. Select one, and you’re given a list of topics. Click one and you’re given a screen of options that includes (in big icons): Talk to Apple Support Now, Schedule a Call, Call Apple Support Later, or Chat. Below these are “more options” where you FINALLY have a link to “Make a Genius Bar Reservation.”
