Yes, iPhone batteries can be replaced, but where and how you do it matters

Every iPhone battery degrades over time. After roughly 500 full charge cycles—usually two to three years of normal use—your battery will hold less charge than it did when new. When that happens, you have three real options: replace the battery through Apple, use an authorized repair shop, or replace the phone itself. The route you choose depends on your phone's age, warranty status, and budget.

Apple will replace your battery, and so will many third-party repair shops. The cost, time, and warranty coverage differ between them. Understanding those differences before you book an appointment will save you money and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges between $69 and $99 for an out-of-warranty battery replacement, depending on your iPhone model, and the work usually takes three to five business days.
  • If your phone is still under AppleCare+ coverage, battery replacement is free if the battery holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity.
  • Authorized Apple repair shops and independent repair shops often charge less than Apple directly, but independent shops may not carry genuine Apple batteries.
  • Replacing the battery yourself using a kit from a third-party seller is possible but voids any remaining warranty and risks damage to the phone if you make a mistake.
  • If your iPhone is more than five years old, the cost of a new battery may be close to the cost of a used replacement phone.

How to check if your battery needs replacement

Your iPhone tells you when the battery is degrading. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity"—this is how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. Apple considers a battery in need of replacement when this number drops below 80 percent.

You may also notice your phone shutting down unexpectedly at 20 or 30 percent battery, or the performance slowing down when the battery is low. These are signs the battery is failing. If your maximum capacity is above 80 percent and the phone is working normally, the battery does not need replacement yet.

Replacing the battery through Apple

Apple replaces batteries at its retail stores and through its mail-in repair service. If you have an Apple Store nearby, you can make an appointment through the Apple Support app or website. Bring your phone and your ID. The repair usually takes three to five business days, though some stores can do it faster if they have the battery in stock.

The cost depends on your model. As of 2024, out-of-warranty battery replacement ranges from $69 for an iPhone SE to $99 for a Pro Max model. If you have AppleCare+ coverage and your battery capacity is below 80 percent, the replacement is free. Check your coverage status in Settings > General > About or through your Apple ID account.

If you do not have a nearby Apple Store, you can mail your phone to Apple. You will need to start a repair request through apple.com, pay for shipping (usually included in the repair cost), and wait seven to ten business days total. Apple will back up your data before replacing the battery, so you will not lose anything.

Using an authorized or independent repair shop

Apple has a network of Authorized Service Providers—independent shops that Apple has certified to repair iPhones using genuine parts. These shops often charge less than Apple directly: typically $50 to $80 for a battery replacement. You can find them through apple.com by entering your zip code under "Find Locations."

Independent repair shops that are not Apple-authorized may charge even less, sometimes $30 to $60. However, they may use third-party batteries instead of genuine Apple batteries. A third-party battery will work, but it may not last as long or hold charge as reliably as an Apple battery. Ask the shop directly whether they use genuine Apple batteries or aftermarket ones before you book.

Neither authorized nor independent shops will honor Apple's warranty on the repair the way Apple itself does. If something goes wrong after the repair, you will be dealing with that shop's warranty, not Apple's. Most reputable shops offer a 30 to 90-day warranty on battery replacement, but read the terms before you leave.

Replacing the battery yourself

You can buy a battery replacement kit online for $20 to $40 that includes the battery, adhesive strips, and basic tools. If you are comfortable following detailed video instructions and have steady hands, this is possible. However, there are real risks: you can damage the screen, the logic board, or the water-resistance seal if you slip with a tool or explore too much heat.

Any remaining warranty on your phone will be voided the moment you open it. If something breaks during the repair, you will have to pay for a professional repair or replace the phone. For most people, the money saved is not worth the risk. This option makes sense only if your phone is old enough that you would not mind replacing it if something goes wrong.

When to replace the phone instead of the battery

If your iPhone is more than five years old, compare the battery replacement cost to the price of a used phone of the same model or a newer budget model. A used iPhone 12 or 13 often costs $200 to $400, which is only a few times more than a battery replacement. A newer phone will have a fresh battery, faster performance, and several more years of software support.

If your phone has other problems—a cracked screen, water damage, or a failing speaker—fixing all of them can add up quickly. In those cases, replacement may be the smarter choice. If the battery is the only issue and the phone is less than four years old, replacement is usually worth doing.

What happens to your data during battery replacement

Apple backs up your phone before replacing the battery and restores everything afterward. Your data, apps, and settings will be exactly as they were. Independent shops typically do not back up your phone—they just replace the battery and hand it back. Make sure your phone is backed up to iCloud or your computer before you take it in, just in case.

The battery replacement itself does not erase anything. Your phone will turn on with all your data intact. However, it is always safer to have a backup in case something unexpected happens during the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a new iPhone battery last?

Apple designs batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, that is usually two to three years for someone who charges their phone daily. After that, the battery will continue to work but will degrade gradually.

Will replacing the battery make my iPhone faster?

Yes, often noticeably. iPhones slow down when the battery is degraded to protect it from shutting down unexpectedly. Once you replace the battery, the phone will return to its normal speed. This is especially true if your maximum capacity is below 50 percent.

Can I replace just the battery, or do I have to replace other parts too?

Just the battery. Apple and repair shops can replace the battery alone without touching anything else. You do not need a new screen, logic board, or any other component unless something else is actually broken.

What if my phone is still under warranty?

Standard Apple warranty covers manufacturing defects, not battery degradation from normal use. However, if your battery capacity dropped below 50 percent within one year of purchase, Apple may replace it for free as a defect. Contact Apple Support to ask. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement if capacity is below 80 percent.

Is it safe to keep using my iPhone with a degraded battery?

Yes, it is safe. A degraded battery will not damage your phone or cause a fire. It will straightforward hold less charge and may cause unexpected shutdowns. The only reason to replace it is if the reduced battery life is inconvenient for you.