Tips for success

Pickup stock often sells out within minutes. Do the slow parts before the notification comes.

1. Put the exact model in your bag now

Before you can check out, Apple makes you go through every choice for the phone. If you start from zero when the notification comes, someone else gets it first. Go through these steps now, on apple.com or in the Apple Store app:

1. Choose the model.
2. Choose the color.
3. Choose the storage size.
4. Choose the carrier, or choose to connect to a carrier later.
5. Answer the trade-in question.
6. Choose how you pay: in full or monthly.
7. Choose AppleCare or skip it.
8. Tap Add to Bag.

The item must already be in your bag when the notification comes. Pick the same color and storage size as your alert, because an alert is for one exact model.

2. Get checkout ready

• Sign in to your Apple Account on the device you will check out on.
• Save Apple Pay or a card, so you do not type card details under time pressure.
• Use the device and the browser or Apple Store app where your bag is, so the bag is there when you open it.

3. When a notification comes

1. Open your bag.
2. Choose pickup, then choose the store in the notification.
3. Check out right away. Apple holds the phone only after the order goes through.

4. Get notified fast

• Turn on push or ntfy in Settings. Email can arrive a few minutes late.
• Set your alert on a ZIP code with several stores nearby, and set a distance that includes them.
• Turn off quiet hours on days you can act on a notification at any time.