Genius Bar: What Apple's help desk is for, how to make an appointment, and how to get a job there

The Apple Genius Bar is best known for troubleshooting tech issues, but it also acts as an educational hub. And having an appointment is key.

• The Apple Genius Bar offers personalized support for Apple products.
• Found in Apple retail stores, it also offers classes and workshops.
• It's a good idea to make a reservation online before visiting the Genius Bar.

Unlike virtually every other tech company, Apple offers relatively fast and convenient face-to-face technical service for the full range of its consumer products.

It does this through its network of Apple Genius Bars, located within brick-and-mortar Apple Stores. Each Genius Bar is staffed by what Apple calls Geniuses — customer service technicians trained and certified by Apple.

Here's everything you need to know about how to use the Genius Bar and even how to pursue employment there.

What services the Genius Bar offers

Apple's Genius Bar is a technical support service that can perform a wide variety of repairs and services on iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and other devices. If you make an appointment online before visiting an Apple Store, Apple will assess the problem and have a very good idea about whether your device can be serviced on-site or if more substantive repairs will be needed.

Many common kinds of repairs — like screen and battery replacements on iPhones — can be done on the same day while you wait. In some cases, depending on your Apple warranty, Geniuses will simply replace your device.

Some repairs, like damaged laptop screens and motherboards, for example, may require depot service. A Genius can take your device and ship it out for repairs, and the serviced item can be mailed directly to your home when the repair is complete.

Quick tip: If possible, back up your device before taking it to a Genius Bar. This is especially important if swapping your device with a replacement is necessary.

Start with an appointment

Before you go directly to an Apple Store and try to get the attention of a Genius, start online or with a phone call. The Genius Bar allows for a very limited number of walk-ins each day, and if you arrive without an appointment, you might need to wait quite a while to be seen — or turned away entirely.

Instead, the best place to start is on the Apple Genius Bar website, where you can describe your issue. It might even be possible to resolve some problems online, but if it looks like you need one-on-one customer service, you'll be scheduled for a Genius Bar appointment.

To make an appointment, scroll down and tap Get hardware help, and sign in with your Apple ID. Choose the device that's giving you trouble, and follow the instructions to describe the issue you are having. If it's something a Genius Bar can help you with, you'll have the option to choose the Apple Store closest to you or one with the most convenient appointment availability. Find a location, make an appointment, and go to the store at the indicated time.

Quick Tip: If you prefer to start on the webpage for your local Apple Store, find the link to make a reservation for the Genius Bar, and it'll take you to the same Genius Bar website.

Taking classes at a Genius Bar

Apple Stores don't just offer technical support and service via their Genius Bars — you can also take classes. Apple's Geniuses offer classes on how to get the most out of products like iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watch, and even software like iMovie and iWork.

To see what classes are available in your local area, visit the Today at Apple webpage. Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you'll find upcoming sessions in your region, or click the View Calendar button to see more options.

Common classes include "getting started" sessions for devices like the iPhone and iPad, workshops on using the Apple Pencil to draw and sketch on iPads, iPhone photography and more.

These classes are free, but you should use the website to reserve a slot for the upcoming class to ensure there's space for you.

How to find a Genius Bar job

The good news is that you don't need a deep knowledge of electronics or software to get a job at an Apple Genius Bar. Apple hires Geniuses on both a part-time and full-time basis, and the company is primarily looking for people with strong people skills and problem-solving abilities.

Other key qualifications include the ability to maintain composure and customer focus while solving technical issues and the ability to stay on schedule.

Apple provides training and certification to Geniuses but prefers candidates to have an aptitude for acquiring skills in technical repairs, excellent verbal communication skills, and the ability to work well on a team.

You can look for Genius Bar opportunities at Apple's Careers website.