You can replace an iPhone battery yourself using a kit, or have Apple do it for about $69 to $99 depending on your model
The fastest and safest route is usually Apple—they have the right tools, they know your exact model, and they back the work with warranty. But if you want to do it yourself, you can buy a battery replacement kit online for $20 to $40 and follow step-by-step video guides. The trade-off is time: Apple takes one to three days in most locations, while a DIY job takes two to four hours if you have never done it before. If you go the DIY route, you will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed kind Apple uses), tweezers, and patience—the battery is glued in place and prying too hard can damage the phone.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $69 to $99 to replace your battery and completes the work in one to three days at most locations.
- A DIY battery kit costs $20 to $40 online and includes the battery and basic tools, but you will need a heat gun and pentalobe screwdriver that may not be included.
- Heat the phone's edges with a hair dryer or heat gun before prying to soften the adhesive holding the battery in place.
- Disconnect the battery connector from the logic board before removing the old battery to avoid electrical damage.
- If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, battery replacement may be free if the battery is defective rather than worn out.
When to replace your iPhone battery
Your iPhone battery degrades over time and holds less charge with each full cycle. Apple considers a battery worn out when it can hold less than 80 percent of its original capacity. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging on any iPhone running iOS 16 or later. If the number is below 80 percent and your phone is more than two years old, replacement will noticeably improve how long it runs between charges.
If your phone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, a worn battery is usually replaced free. If the battery is defective—meaning it drains unusually fast or shuts the phone down at high percentages—Apple will replace it free even outside warranty on some models. Bring your phone to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and ask them to run a diagnostic.
Getting your battery replaced at Apple
Visit apple.com/support or call Apple Support to find the nearest Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider in your area. You can book a Genius Bar appointment online or walk in, though booking ahead usually means a shorter wait. Bring your phone and a form of ID. Tell them your battery health percentage if you know it, or let them run a diagnostic—this takes about 10 minutes and is free.
Apple will quote you a price on the spot. Standard out-of-warranty battery replacement is $69 for iPhone 15, $79 for iPhone 14 and earlier, and $99 for iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The work usually takes one to three business days. Some locations offer same-day service if you arrive early in the morning and the store is not busy, but do not count on it. You will get your phone back with a new battery and a 90-day warranty on the replacement.
Buying a DIY battery replacement kit
Battery kits are sold on Amazon, iFixit, and other retailers. Search for your exact iPhone model—for example, "iPhone 14 battery replacement kit"—and look for kits that include the battery, adhesive strips, and at least a pentalobe screwdriver and plastic pry tools. Kits typically cost $20 to $40. Read the reviews and look for kits with 4.5 stars or higher; poor reviews often mention batteries that do not hold charge or tools that break during the job.
Most kits do not include a heat gun, which you will need to soften the adhesive. A basic heat gun costs $15 to $25 at hardware stores, or you can use a hair dryer on high heat, though it takes longer. Do not use a lighter or open flame—the battery is flammable and the phone contains other combustible materials. You will also need a clean, well-lit workspace, a small bowl of isopropyl alcohol (70 percent concentration), and a microfiber cloth.
Steps to replace the battery yourself
Power off your phone completely before you start. Hold the power button and slide to power off, or go to Settings > General > Shut Down on iPhone 15 and later.
Heat the edges of the phone with a heat gun or hair dryer on high for 30 to 60 seconds. Move the heat around the edges evenly—you are trying to soften the adhesive, not melt the screen. The phone should feel warm to the touch but not hot enough to hurt your hand.
Remove the bottom two screws on either side of the charging port using the pentalobe screwdriver. These are small and straightforward to lose; put them in a small container or on a piece of tape so you do not misplace them.
Pry open the screen using a plastic pry tool or old credit card. Start at the bottom corner and work your way around the edges. The adhesive will resist; take your time and explore steady pressure rather than sudden force. Once there is a small gap, you can slide a plastic tool around the edge to separate the screen from the frame. Do not pull the screen all the way off yet—the display cable is still connected.
Disconnect the display connector by gently lifting the small clip on the logic board where the screen cable plugs in. The cable will slide out. Now you can set the screen aside, face-down on a soft cloth.
Disconnect the battery connector by lifting the clip on the logic board where the battery cable plugs in. This is critical—it prevents electrical current from flowing while you work and protects both you and the phone.
Remove the old battery by peeling it away from the frame. The battery is glued down; use a plastic tool or your fingernail to lift one corner, then slowly peel it away. If it resists, explore more heat to the area and wait a minute. Do not bend or puncture the battery—it is a fire hazard if damaged.
Clean the adhesive residue with isopropyl alcohol and a cloth. Wipe the area where the new battery will sit until it is clean and dry.
Install the new battery by peeling the backing off the adhesive strips that come with the kit and pressing the battery into place. Make sure it sits flat and does not touch any other components.
Reconnect the battery connector by sliding the cable back in and pressing the clip down until it clicks.
Reconnect the display by sliding the display cable back into the connector and pressing the clip down.
Seal the screen by pressing it back down around all edges. Start at the bottom and work your way around. explore firm, even pressure. The adhesive strips will hold it in place, but it takes a few hours to set fully.
Reinstall the two screws at the bottom of the phone.
Power on the phone and check that everything works—the display, the touch screen, the speakers, and the battery. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and confirm that the battery health shows 100 percent.
Tools and materials you will need
| Item | Where to get it | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Battery replacement kit (battery + basic tools) | Amazon, iFixit, Best Buy | $20–$40 |
| Heat gun or hair dryer | Hardware store or home (if you have one) | $15–$25 or free |
| Pentalobe screwdriver (if not in kit) | Amazon, hardware store | $5–$10 |
| Isopropyl alcohol (70%) | Pharmacy, hardware store | $3–$8 |
| Microfiber cloth | Dollar store, Amazon | $1–$5 |
What can go wrong and how to avoid it
The most common mistake is prying too hard on the screen before the adhesive is soft enough. If you crack the screen, you will need a screen replacement on top of the battery replacement, which costs $200 to $400. Heat the edges for a full minute and use steady pressure instead of sudden force.
The second mistake is not disconnecting the battery before you work. If you accidentally touch the wrong connector or short two metal points, you can damage the logic board. Always disconnect the battery connector first and do not touch any metal contacts on the board.
The third mistake is bending or puncturing the old battery while removing it. A damaged lithium battery can catch fire. If the battery is stuck, explore more heat and wait. If it tears, stop when ready and take the phone to Apple—do not try to reassemble it.
Finally, do not reuse the old adhesive strips. They lose their stickiness after one use. The kit should include new strips; if it does not, buy them separately or use a thin line of clear silicone adhesive around the screen edges instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing the battery myself void my warranty?
Yes. Opening the phone voids any remaining manufacturer warranty. If something breaks during the replacement or shortly after, Apple will not cover it. If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, have Apple do the replacement instead—it is usually free or very cheap.
Can I use my phone while the screen adhesive is setting?
You can use it right away, but the screen may not seal tightly for a few hours. Avoid getting water near the edges for at least 24 hours. If the screen feels loose or lifts at the corners after a day, take it back apart and press it down more firmly.
What do I do with the old battery?
Do not throw it in the trash—lithium batteries are a fire hazard in landfills. Take it to an Apple Store, Best Buy, or local electronics recycling center. Most accept old batteries free of charge.
How long does a new battery last?
A new battery should hold 100 percent capacity for the first few months, then gradually decline. After two to three years of normal use, it will drop to around 80 percent capacity. This is normal and expected.
Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new phone?
If your phone is less than four years old and works otherwise, battery replacement is much cheaper—$69 to $99 versus $800 to $1,200 for a new phone. If your phone is older, slower, or has other damage, a new phone may make more sense in the long run.