Yes, you can change an iPhone battery, but how depends on your model and whether you do it yourself or use Apple
You can replace an iPhone battery in three ways: take it to Apple, visit an authorized repair shop, or do it yourself if you have the right tools and your phone model allows it. Apple will replace the battery for a flat fee (usually $69 to $99 depending on the model), and most replacements take three to five business days. Authorized third-party repair shops often charge less and may finish the same day. Self-repair is cheapest but requires opening your phone, which voids your warranty and risks damaging the display or logic board if you slip.
The route you choose depends on your phone's age, your comfort with tools, and whether you want to keep your warranty intact. Newer iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) have a magnetic battery that is easier to remove than older models, which are glued in place. If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, Apple repair is usually the safest choice.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges a flat fee ($69 to $99) to replace your battery and typically completes the work in three to five business days.
- Authorized repair shops often cost less than Apple and may offer same-day service, but verify they use genuine or certified batteries.
- Self-repair is possible on iPhone 12 and later models with a magnetic battery, but requires a pentalobe screwdriver, spudger, and adhesive strips, and voids your warranty.
- Older iPhone models (11 and earlier) have glued-in batteries that are difficult to remove without damaging the display, making professional repair the safer option.
- A degraded battery usually shows as reduced maximum capacity in Settings > Battery Health & Charging, and replacement is worth considering once capacity drops below 80 percent.
Taking your iPhone to Apple for a battery replacement
Apple replaces batteries at any Apple Store or through Apple's mail-in repair service. You can book an appointment online at apple.com or through the Apple Support app, or walk in to a store and ask about battery service. The cost is the same whether you go in person or mail your phone: $69 for iPhone 11 and earlier, $79 for iPhone 12 through 14, and $99 for iPhone 15 and later. If your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement is free.
The in-store process usually takes one to three hours if you wait, or you can leave your phone and pick it up the same day or next day. If you mail your phone, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, and the whole process takes about a week including shipping both ways. Apple backs the replacement battery with a one-year limited warranty, and your phone's warranty is not affected by the repair.
One drawback: Apple will run a diagnostic on your phone before replacing the battery. If they find other damage (a cracked screen, water damage, or a failing logic board), they may refuse the repair or charge extra. If your phone has a cracked screen, consider fixing that first, because Apple may charge a screen repair fee on top of the battery cost.
Using an authorized third-party repair shop
Authorized Apple repair partners like Best Buy Geek Squad, uBreakiFix, and local certified shops can replace your battery for less than Apple charges. Prices typically range from $40 to $70, and many shops offer same-day or next-day service. To find an authorized shop near you, visit apple.com/repair and enter your zip code, or search for "Apple authorized repair near me."
The main advantage is speed and cost. The main risk is that not all third-party shops use genuine Apple batteries. Ask the shop directly whether they use original Apple batteries or certified aftermarket batteries. Genuine batteries are more reliable, but certified third-party batteries (like those from iFixit or Anker) are also safe if the shop is reputable. Avoid shops that will not tell you what battery they are installing.
Authorized shops do not void your warranty the way self-repair does, but their warranty on the battery itself is usually shorter than Apple's — often 30 to 90 days instead of one year. If the battery fails after a few months, you may have to pay again.
Replacing the battery yourself on iPhone 12 and later
Apple introduced a magnetic battery on the iPhone 12 and kept it on the 13, 14, and 15 models, making self-replacement much easier than on older phones. You will need a pentalobe screwdriver (size P2), a plastic spudger or pry tool, tweezers, a heat gun or hair dryer, and adhesive strips to reseal the battery. A full self-repair kit costs $20 to $40 on Amazon or from iFixit.
The process takes 30 to 60 minutes if you follow a video guide carefully. You remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom, heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive, pry open the back panel, disconnect the battery connector, pull the adhesive strips to lift the old battery, and slide the new one in. The hardest part is not cracking the back glass while prying it open. Replacement batteries from iFixit or Amazon cost $30 to $50.
The downside is that opening your phone voids your AppleCare+ coverage and any remaining manufacturer warranty. If something goes wrong during the repair — a cracked display, a damaged logic board, or a loose connector — Apple will not cover it. If you are not confident with small tools or your phone is still under warranty, professional repair is the safer choice.
Why self-repair is risky on iPhone 11 and earlier models
iPhones from the 11 and earlier have batteries glued to the inside of the phone with strong adhesive. Removing them requires heating the phone to 80 degrees Celsius (176 Fahrenheit), prying very carefully to avoid puncturing the battery (which can cause a fire), and then scraping off old adhesive without damaging the logic board underneath. One slip with the spudger can tear a ribbon cable or crack the display.
Professional repair shops have the right equipment and experience to do this safely. If you attempt it and damage the display or battery connector, the repair cost jumps to $200 to $400. Unless you have done phone repairs before, the $69 Apple fee is worth the peace of mind.
How to know if your battery needs replacement
Your iPhone will tell you when the battery is degrading. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and look at the "Maximum Capacity" percentage. A new battery is at 100 percent. Once it drops below 80 percent, the battery has lost some ability to hold a charge and will drain faster than it used to. At 80 percent, you may notice your phone dies sooner in the day or shuts down unexpectedly when the battery is cold.
You do not have to replace the battery the moment it hits 80 percent — many people wait until 70 percent or lower. But if your phone is shutting down at 20 or 30 percent battery, or if it is draining 10 to 15 percent per hour during normal use, replacement will make a real difference. If your phone is more than three years old and you plan to keep it for another two or three years, replacing the battery is usually cheaper than buying a new phone.
Cost comparison: Apple, third-party shops, and self-repair
| Route | Cost | Time | Warranty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or mail-in | $69–$99 | 1–7 days | None; covered by Apple warranty |
| Authorized third-party shop | $40–$70 | Same day to 2 days | Low; shop warranty usually 30–90 days |
| Self-repair (iPhone 12+) | $30–$50 plus tools | 30–60 minutes | High; voids AppleCare+ and manufacturer warranty |
| Self-repair (iPhone 11 and earlier) | $30–$50 plus tools | 1–2 hours | Very high; risk of display or logic board damage |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does replacing the battery erase my data?
No. Whether you go to Apple, a third-party shop, or do it yourself, the battery replacement does not touch the storage or logic board where your data lives. Your photos, messages, apps, and settings stay exactly as they are. The technician is only removing and installing the battery.
Can I replace the battery if my phone is water damaged?
Apple and most repair shops will inspect your phone first. If there is visible corrosion or water damage inside, they may refuse the battery replacement or charge extra to clean the logic board. If your phone has been wet, let it dry completely for 24 to 48 hours before taking it in, and tell the technician about the water exposure so they know what to look for.
What happens to my old battery after it is replaced?
Apple and authorized shops recycle the old battery. You do not get it back, and you should not try to dispose of it yourself — lithium batteries must be recycled through a certified program. If you do a self-repair, you are responsible for recycling the old battery. Most Best Buy locations and some electronics retailers have battery recycling programs.
Is a third-party battery as good as an Apple battery?
Genuine Apple batteries are the most reliable because they are made to Apple's exact specifications. Certified third-party batteries from reputable makers like iFixit or Anker are also safe and reliable, but they may not last quite as long or hold a charge as consistently. Cheap unbranded batteries from unknown sellers are a gamble — they may fail within months. Ask the repair shop which brand they use before you commit.
Will my phone work better after the battery is replaced?
If your battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent, yes. You will notice faster charging, longer battery life during the day, and fewer unexpected shutdowns. If your capacity is still above 80 percent, the improvement will be small. Check your Battery Health before deciding to replace — there is no point paying for a new battery if the old one still has plenty of life left.