You can replace an iPhone battery yourself if your phone is older, but newer models are sealed and require professional tools

Whether you can change your iPhone battery depends on which model you own. iPhones from the iPhone 6s and earlier have user-removable batteries and can be opened with basic tools. Starting with the iPhone 7, Apple sealed the battery inside with adhesive, making DIY replacement difficult without risking damage to the display or internal components. If your phone is newer than the iPhone 6s, a professional replacement is safer and often cheaper than paying for repairs after a failed attempt.

If you do have an older model and want to try it yourself, the process takes about 30 minutes and costs $10 to $20 in tools. If you prefer professional service, Apple charges $69 to $99 depending on your model, and many third-party repair shops charge $40 to $80. Both routes preserve your warranty or data better than attempting a repair you are not equipped for.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones from the iPhone 6s and earlier can be opened and have replaceable batteries; iPhone 7 and newer require professional tools or professional service.
  • A DIY battery replacement on an older iPhone requires a pentalobe screwdriver, spudger, and suction cup, all available in kits for under $20.
  • Apple's official battery replacement service costs $69 to $99 and includes a warranty on the new battery.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple but may not use genuine batteries or provide the same warranty coverage.
  • Replacing the battery yourself on a sealed iPhone (iPhone 7 or newer) risks cracking the display or damaging the logic board, which costs far more to repair.

How to replace a battery in an iPhone 6s or earlier

Start by powering off your phone completely. Then gather your tools: a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a plastic spudger or opening tool, a suction cup, and tweezers. You can buy all of these together in a phone repair kit for $10 to $20 online. Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting, and keep screws organized by size so you do not mix them up during reassembly.

Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. Use the suction cup on the home button and gently pull while sliding the spudger into the gap between the screen and body. Work your way around the edge slowly—the screen is glued down and will crack if you pry too hard. Once the screen is loose enough to lift, disconnect the battery connector (a small plug near the top of the phone) before you fully remove the screen.

The battery is held down with adhesive strips. Peel these strips slowly from underneath the battery using tweezers or the spudger. If the strips tear, use a plastic card or spudger to gently lift one corner of the battery and slide the strip out from underneath. Once the battery is free, disconnect it from the logic board. Install the new battery by connecting it first, then pressing it down firmly into place. Reassemble the screen and screws in reverse order, and power on the phone to confirm it works.

Why professional replacement is safer for sealed iPhones

Starting with the iPhone 7, Apple uses a sealed design with the battery glued to the back panel and the display glued to the front. Opening these phones without the right equipment—a heat gun to soften the adhesive and a display separator to avoid cracking the screen—almost always results in damage. A cracked display costs $200 to $400 to replace, and damage to the logic board can total the phone.

Apple's official service includes a new battery, reassembly, and a one-year warranty on the battery itself. The technician uses genuine parts and has the equipment to open and close your phone without damaging it. If something goes wrong during the repair, Apple covers it. A third-party shop may charge less but may not use a genuine battery, may not offer a warranty, and may not be insured if the repair causes other damage.

How to schedule a battery replacement at Apple

Visit apple.com/support or open the Apple Support app on your phone and select "Battery and Charging." Choose "Battery Health and Replacement" and follow the prompts to book a Genius Bar appointment at your nearest Apple Store. You can also call Apple Support at 1-800-MY-APPLE and they will help you schedule or direct you to an authorized service provider if no Apple Store is nearby.

Bring your phone and a form of ID. The appointment usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Apple will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem before replacing it. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the battery replacement may be free; otherwise, expect to pay $69 to $99 depending on your model.

Finding a third-party repair shop

If you want a faster or cheaper option, search for "iPhone battery replacement near me" or check Google Maps for phone repair shops in your area. Read reviews on Google and Yelp, and ask whether the shop uses genuine Apple batteries or third-party batteries. Genuine batteries last longer and are less likely to fail early, but third-party batteries are cheaper.

Before you commit, ask the shop for a warranty on the battery and the repair work. A reputable shop will offer at least 30 days. Ask whether they use adhesive or mechanical fasteners to reassemble the phone—adhesive is standard but mechanical fasteners are easier to open again if you need another repair. Get a quote in writing and confirm the shop is insured in case something goes wrong.

Signs your iPhone battery needs replacement

Your battery is degrading if your phone shuts down at 20 to 30 percent charge, drains noticeably faster than it used to, or feels warm during normal use. You can check the battery's health on any iPhone by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health and Charging. The "Maximum Capacity" percentage tells you how much charge the battery holds compared to when it was new. Once it drops below 80 percent, replacement usually makes sense.

If the maximum capacity is above 80 percent but your phone still drains quickly, the problem may not be the battery—it could be a background app, a stuck process, or a software issue. Try restarting the phone, updating to the latest iOS version, and checking which apps are using the most battery in Settings > Battery. If the drain stops, you do not need a new battery yet.

What to do before you replace the battery

Back up your phone to iCloud or a computer using Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) before you take it in for service. If something goes wrong during the repair, you will have a copy of your data. Sign out of iCloud and Find My iPhone in Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud, then scroll down and tap "Sign Out." This prevents the phone from being locked to your account if the repair requires a factory reset.

If you are doing the replacement yourself, take a photo of the screw layout before you remove anything, so you remember where each screw goes. Work slowly and do not force anything—if a screw or connector does not come loose easily, stop and look for what you might be missing. Rushing is the most common cause of damage during a DIY repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a new iPhone battery last?

A new battery should retain 80 percent of its capacity after about 500 full charge cycles, which is roughly one to two years of normal use. After that, it degrades gradually. Most people replace their battery when it drops below 80 percent capacity, which usually happens between two and three years after the phone was new.

Can I replace the battery myself on an iPhone 11 or newer?

Not safely without professional equipment. iPhones from the iPhone 11 onward are sealed with adhesive and require a heat gun and display separator to open without cracking the screen. The risk of damage is high, and repair costs for a cracked display or logic board damage far exceed the cost of professional battery replacement.

Will replacing the battery void my warranty?

No. If you use Apple's official service, the replacement is covered under warranty and does not void your AppleCare+ coverage. If you use a third-party shop, your warranty is not affected, but the shop's work may not be covered if something goes wrong. Always ask the shop for a written warranty on their work.

What happens to my data when the battery is replaced?

Your data stays on the phone. Battery replacement does not require erasing the phone or reinstalling the operating system. However, back up your phone before service just in case something unexpected happens during the repair.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new phone?

Battery replacement is almost always cheaper. A new battery costs $69 to $99 at Apple or $40 to $80 at a third-party shop. A new iPhone starts at $400 to $800. If your phone is otherwise working well, a new battery will extend its life by another two to three years.