You have three ways to replace an iPhone battery
Apple will replace your battery at an Apple Store or through mail-in service. An authorized Apple repair shop can do it too. You can also replace it yourself if you have the right tools and your iPhone model supports it — though this voids your warranty and carries the risk of damaging the phone.
The fastest route is usually an Apple Store if one is near you. Mail-in takes one to two weeks. Self-replacement takes an hour or two and costs the least, but only works on certain models and requires precision.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $69 and $99 for a battery replacement depending on your iPhone model, and the work takes one to three hours at a store.
- You can mail your iPhone to Apple for battery replacement if no store is nearby, though you will be without your phone for one to two weeks.
- Authorized repair shops (not all repair shops) can replace batteries at the same price as Apple, and some may have faster turnaround.
- Self-replacement is possible on iPhone 12 and newer models using Apple's Self Service Repair program, which requires ordering parts and tools from Apple.
- Before any replacement, back up your data and check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health to confirm the battery is the problem.
Getting a battery replaced at an Apple Store
Go to apple.com/repair or call your nearest Apple Store to book an appointment. You will need your phone and a valid ID. Tell them you want a battery replacement. The store will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is failing — they check this in Settings > Battery > Battery Health, which shows you the same information.
The cost is $69 for iPhone 12 and newer, $79 for iPhone 11 and iPhone XS, and $99 for older models. The work usually takes one to three hours. You can wait in the store or come back later. If your phone is under warranty or has AppleCare+, the replacement may be free if the battery is defective.
Bring your phone charged to at least 50 percent. If you have a passcode, you will need to unlock it for the technician. Back up your data first through iCloud or a computer, though the store typically does not erase your phone during a battery replacement.
Mailing your iPhone to Apple for battery replacement
If no Apple Store is within reasonable distance, you can send your phone to Apple for repair. Go to apple.com/repair, select your model, choose "Mail-in Repair," and follow the prompts. Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack your phone securely and drop it off at a UPS location.
The turnaround is usually one to two weeks from the time Apple receives it. You will get email updates as your phone moves through the process. The cost is the same as in-store replacement — $69 to $99 depending on your model.
Before you ship it, back up all your data. Write down your Apple ID and password in case Apple needs to verify your account. Do not include any accessories; send only the phone itself.
Using an authorized Apple repair shop
Authorized Apple repair shops are independent businesses that Apple has certified to do repairs. They charge the same price as Apple ($69 to $99) and use genuine Apple parts. To find one near you, go to apple.com/repair, enter your location, and filter for "Authorized Providers."
Call ahead to check their hours and whether they have your battery in stock. Some authorized shops have faster turnaround than Apple Stores because they see fewer customers. The repair takes the same amount of time — one to three hours.
Authorized shops are not the same as independent repair shops or phone repair kiosks in malls. Only authorized providers use Apple parts and offer the same warranty on the work. If you go to an unauthorized shop, you lose any remaining warranty coverage on your phone.
Replacing the battery yourself with Apple Self Service Repair
Apple offers a Self Service Repair program for iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 models. You order a battery kit from Apple's Self Service Repair store, which includes the battery, tools, and instructions. The kit costs $69 to $79 depending on your model, plus a $4.99 refundable deposit on the tools.
The process takes one to two hours if you have never done it before. You will need a clean, flat workspace and good lighting. The instructions are detailed and include video guides. Apple's website walks you through each step.
Self-replacement voids your warranty on the battery and any damage you cause during the repair. If you damage the screen, logic board, or other components while replacing the battery, Apple will not cover those repairs. If you are not confident in your ability to follow precise instructions, use Apple or an authorized shop instead.
What to do before any battery replacement
Check your battery health first. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the "Maximum Capacity" is above 80 percent, your battery may not be the problem — slow performance can come from other causes. If it is below 80 percent and your phone is slow or shuts down unexpectedly, a replacement will likely help.
Back up your data before you hand your phone to anyone. Use iCloud (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup) or connect to a computer and use Finder or iTunes. This takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.
If your phone has a passcode, you will need to unlock it for the technician or provide your Apple ID password for mail-in repair. Write down your Apple ID and password in a safe place before you go.
Comparing cost and time for each option
| Option | Cost | Time to completion | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $69–$99 | 1–3 hours | You have a store nearby and want it done today |
| Mail-in to Apple | $69–$99 | 1–2 weeks | No store nearby and you can be without your phone |
| Authorized repair shop | $69–$99 | 1–3 hours (varies) | You want the same quality as Apple but faster service |
| Self Service Repair (iPhone 12+) | $69–$79 | 1–2 hours | You are comfortable following detailed instructions and want the lowest cost |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing the battery erase my data?
No. Apple and authorized shops do not erase your phone during a battery replacement. Your apps, photos, messages, and settings stay on the phone. Back up your data anyway as a precaution, but you should not lose anything.
How long does a new iPhone battery last?
Apple batteries are designed to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, that is typically two to three years. After that, the battery will gradually lose capacity, and you may notice slower performance or shorter battery life.
Can I replace the battery on an iPhone 11 or older myself?
Apple's Self Service Repair program only covers iPhone 12 and newer. Older models require specialized tools and training that are not available to consumers. Use Apple, an authorized shop, or a certified independent repair shop for those models.
What if my iPhone is still under warranty?
If your battery is defective and your phone is under the one-year limited warranty or you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. Apple will test the battery first to confirm it is defective. If the battery is straightforward worn out from normal use, you pay the standard fee.
Is it safe to use my iPhone while the battery is being replaced?
No. Do not use your phone during the replacement. The technician needs to power it off and keep it off while they work. If you are doing it yourself, power off the phone completely and do not turn it back on until the new battery is installed and the phone is reassembled.