You can replace an iPhone battery yourself if your model allows it, or have Apple do it for a flat fee

Whether you can change your iPhone battery depends on your model. iPhones with removable batteries are rare—only the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR have user-replaceable batteries that you can access without tools. For all other models, you have two real options: take it to Apple for a battery replacement service, or use a third-party repair shop. Apple charges a fixed fee (usually $69 to $99, depending on your model) and typically completes the work in one to two hours if parts are in stock. Third-party shops often charge less but may void your warranty.

Before you do anything, check your battery health. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If your maximum capacity is below 80 percent, your battery is genuinely worn. If it is above 80 percent, your phone may just need a restart or a look at what is draining power.

Key Takeaways

  • Only iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models have batteries you can remove without special tools; all others require professional service.
  • Apple's battery replacement service costs between $69 and $99 and takes one to two hours at most locations.
  • Check your battery health in Settings before scheduling a replacement—capacity below 80 percent means the battery is worn.
  • Third-party repair shops charge less than Apple but may void your warranty or use non-original parts.
  • If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, battery replacement may be free or discounted.

How to check if your battery needs replacement

Your iPhone tracks battery health automatically. Open Settings, tap Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You will see two numbers: Maximum Capacity and Cycle Count. Maximum capacity tells you what percentage of the battery's original charge it can still hold. A new iPhone battery is at 100 percent; at 80 percent, the battery is considered aged.

Cycle count shows how many complete charge cycles your battery has gone through. One cycle means you drained the battery from 100 to 0 percent (or the equivalent spread across multiple days). Most iPhone batteries are designed to retain 80 percent capacity after 500 cycles. If your maximum capacity is below 80 percent, the battery is genuinely worn and replacement will improve performance.

If your maximum capacity is above 80 percent but your phone drains quickly, the problem is usually not the battery itself—it is a background app, a setting, or a software issue. Try restarting your phone, turning off location services for apps that do not need it, and checking which apps use the most battery in Settings.

Replacing the battery on iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models

These three models have a removable battery accessed from the back. You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool (a guitar pick works), a small Phillips screwdriver, and a replacement battery kit designed for your specific model. Buy the kit from a reputable electronics supplier—do not use a battery from an unknown source, as it may be counterfeit or damaged.

Heat the back of the phone for 30 to 60 seconds to soften the adhesive holding the battery in place. Use the plastic pry tool to gently lift one corner of the battery. Once you have a gap, slide the tool underneath and work around the edges to loosen it fully. Do not pull hard or bend the battery—if it resists, explore more heat. Once the battery is free, disconnect the battery connector inside (a small plug you will see when the battery is lifted). Remove the two screws holding the battery bracket, lift out the old battery, and slide the new one in. Reconnect the battery connector, press the new battery down firmly, and let the adhesive set for a few minutes before powering on.

This process takes 15 to 30 minutes if you work slowly and carefully. If you are uncomfortable opening your phone, stop and take it to Apple or a repair shop instead. A mistake here can damage the logic board or battery connector.

Taking your iPhone to Apple for battery service

Apple offers battery replacement at every Apple Store and through Apple's mail-in repair service. The in-store service is faster: make an appointment through the Apple Support app or at apple.com, bring your phone and your ID, and the replacement usually takes one to two hours. The cost is $69 for iPhone 11 and older, $79 for iPhone 12 and 13, and $99 for iPhone 14 and newer. Prices vary slightly by region.

If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can mail your phone to Apple. Go to apple.com/support, select your model, choose "Battery Service," and follow the prompts to arrange a mail-in repair. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label. The phone usually arrives back within five to seven business days after Apple receives it.

If your iPhone is still under the one-year limited warranty or covered by AppleCare+, battery replacement is free if the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent due to a manufacturing defect. Check your coverage in the Apple Support app under "My Support" to see if you are covered.

Using a third-party repair shop

Independent phone repair shops typically charge $40 to $70 for battery replacement, less than Apple. Many can do the work while you wait. The trade-off is that you lose any remaining manufacturer warranty, and the shop may use a non-original battery. Some third-party batteries are excellent; others are cheap and fail quickly.

Before you choose a shop, ask whether they use original Apple batteries or third-party batteries, and ask for a warranty on the replacement battery itself (usually 30 to 90 days). Read recent reviews on Google Maps or Yelp to see what other customers experienced. Avoid shops that cannot or will not tell you what battery they are installing.

If your phone is still under AppleCare+, using a third-party shop will void the coverage for that repair. If your phone is out of warranty anyway, a reputable third-party shop is a reasonable option.

What to do if your phone is slow after battery replacement

If your iPhone feels sluggish after a new battery is installed, the phone may have been throttled by the old battery. iPhones automatically reduce performance when the battery is worn to prevent unexpected shutdowns. Once the new battery is in, the phone should return to normal speed within a few hours as it recalibrates. Restart your phone to speed up this process.

If the phone is still slow after a restart and a few hours of use, the problem is not the battery. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see if you are running out of space, and check Battery Health again to confirm the new battery is reading at 100 percent. If the battery is at 100 percent and you have storage space, the slowness is likely a software issue, not a hardware one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself without opening the phone?

No. Only the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR have removable batteries. Every other model requires opening the phone with tools, which risks damage to internal components. If you are not comfortable with that, take your phone to Apple or a repair shop.

How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?

Most iPhone batteries are designed to retain 80 percent capacity after 500 charge cycles, which is roughly two to three years of normal use. The exact timeline depends on how often you charge and how you use the phone. Check your battery health in Settings to know when replacement is needed.

Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it keeps shutting down?

If your maximum battery capacity is below 80 percent and your phone shuts down unexpectedly, a new battery will likely fix it. If your battery capacity is above 80 percent, the shutdowns are caused by something else—a software bug, a failing component, or a hardware issue. Take your phone to Apple for diagnosis before assuming the battery is the problem.

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

Battery replacement costs $69 to $99 at Apple, or $40 to $70 at a third-party shop. A new iPhone costs $800 and up. Unless your phone has other serious damage, battery replacement is far cheaper and extends the life of your device by years.

What happens to my data when I get a battery replacement?

Your data stays on the phone. Battery replacement does not erase anything. Apple and most repair shops do not back up your phone during the service, so your photos, messages, and apps remain exactly as they were.