Apple does not let you replace the battery yourself, and most Apple Watch models are not designed to be opened
You cannot replace an Apple Watch battery on your own. Apple does not sell replacement batteries for consumers, and the watch is sealed with adhesive rather than screws. If your battery no longer holds a charge, your options are to have Apple replace the entire watch, pay Apple to replace the battery through their service, or buy a new watch.
The battery is glued to the case, and opening it yourself will damage the watch and void any remaining warranty. Even if you succeed, you will likely break the screen, the case, or the water-resistant seal in the process.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Watch batteries cannot be replaced by the user because the watch is sealed with adhesive and has no user-accessible parts.
- Apple's official repair option is to send the watch to Apple or visit an Apple Store, where they replace the battery for a fee that varies by model.
- The cost of battery replacement through Apple is often close to the price of a used or refurbished Apple Watch of the same generation.
- Third-party repair shops can replace the battery, but this voids your warranty and may damage the water resistance of the watch.
- If your watch is out of warranty and the battery replacement cost is high, replacing the watch itself may be a better financial choice.
What Apple charges for battery replacement
Apple's battery replacement service costs between $70 and $100 depending on the model and whether your watch is still under warranty. If your watch is covered by AppleCare+, the replacement may be free or cost $0 to $20. You can check your coverage status in the Apple Watch app under Settings > General > About, or by visiting Apple's support page with your serial number.
The service takes about one to two weeks if you mail the watch to Apple, or a few days if you take it to an Apple Store in person. Apple will also replace the watch entirely if the battery cannot be replaced or if other damage is found during repair. In that case, you may pay a flat fee for a replacement unit instead of just the battery.
Third-party repair shops and what to expect
Independent repair shops and some electronics retailers can replace an Apple Watch battery without sending it to Apple. The cost is usually $40 to $80, which is less than Apple charges. However, opening the watch voids your warranty, and the repair shop may not be able to restore the water resistance seal perfectly.
If water resistance matters to you — for swimming, showering, or water sports — third-party repair is a risk. The adhesive that seals the watch is difficult to reapply correctly, and a poor seal can let water in and damage the internals. Ask the repair shop whether they re-seal the watch and what warranty they offer on the repair before you commit.
When battery replacement costs more than a new watch
If your Apple Watch is several years old, the cost of battery replacement may be close to or higher than buying a used or refurbished watch of the same model. For example, replacing a battery in a Series 3 or Series 4 watch might cost $70 to $100, while a used Series 5 or Series 6 can be found for $150 to $250 on the secondhand market.
Compare the repair cost to the price of a refurbished Apple Watch from Apple's website or a certified reseller. Refurbished watches come with a one-year warranty and cost less than new ones. If the battery replacement is more than half the price of a refurbished model, buying a newer watch is often the better choice.
Signs your Apple Watch battery needs replacement
An Apple Watch battery that needs replacement will show one or more of these signs: the watch drains to zero percent within a few hours of normal use, the battery percentage drops suddenly from 30 percent to 1 percent, the watch shuts off even though the battery shows charge remaining, or the watch will not turn on even after charging overnight.
Before you assume the battery is failing, restart the watch by holding the side button until you see the power-off slider, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears. If the problem persists after a restart and a full charge, the battery is likely degraded and needs replacement.
How to check your battery health
Apple Watch does not have a built-in battery health percentage like the iPhone does. You cannot see how much capacity your battery has lost over time. The only way to know for certain whether the battery is failing is to have Apple or a repair shop test it, or to observe whether the watch holds a charge as it did when new.
If your watch is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, you can take it to an Apple Store and ask them to run a diagnostic. They can tell you whether the battery is the problem and what your options are. This consultation is free, and you are not obligated to repair it through Apple if you decide to go elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Apple Watch battery last before it needs replacement?
Apple Watch batteries are designed to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 1,000 charge cycles. For most users, this means two to three years of daily use before the battery noticeably degrades. Heavy users who charge the watch multiple times per week may see degradation sooner.
Can I replace the battery myself with a kit from the internet?
You can buy battery replacement kits online, but opening the watch yourself is difficult and risky. The adhesive is strong, the components are fragile, and the water-resistant seal is nearly impossible to restore correctly. Most people who try end up damaging the screen or case, which costs more to repair than paying Apple or a professional shop.
Will replacing the battery make my Apple Watch like new?
A new battery will restore the watch's charging speed and daily runtime, but it will not fix other wear like a scratched screen or a loose band. If the watch has other damage, you may want to address that at the same time, which increases the total repair cost.
What happens if I replace the battery at a non-Apple shop and something goes wrong?
Apple will not repair the watch for free if damage occurred during a third-party repair. You will have to pay Apple's standard repair fee, which may be higher than the original battery replacement. Keep the receipt from the third-party shop in case you need to prove what was done.
Is AppleCare+ worth it for battery replacement?
AppleCare+ costs $70 to $100 depending on the watch model and covers battery replacement at no cost or for a small fee. If you plan to keep the watch for two or more years, AppleCare+ can save you money on battery replacement and covers accidental damage as well. You must purchase it within 60 days of buying the watch.