You can replace an iPhone battery yourself using a kit, or have Apple or an authorized repair shop do it
Replacing an iPhone battery is straightforward if you have the right tools and follow the steps carefully. Apple offers battery replacement at their stores and through mail-in service. You can also buy a battery replacement kit online and do it yourself at home — the process takes 30 minutes to an hour for most models. A third option is an authorized Apple repair shop, which costs less than Apple's stores but uses genuine parts.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep your warranty intact, how much you want to spend, and whether you feel comfortable opening your phone. All three routes work; the difference is mainly cost, time, and risk.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's in-store battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 depending on your iPhone model, takes a few hours, and preserves your warranty.
- DIY battery kits cost $20 to $40 and include the battery, adhesive strips, and tools, but opening your phone yourself voids AppleCare coverage.
- Authorized Apple repair shops charge less than Apple stores and use genuine parts, though availability varies by location.
- Before replacing the battery, back up your phone and check your current battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare, Apple will replace the battery for free if it holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity.
When your iPhone battery needs replacement
An iPhone battery degrades over time. After about 500 full charge cycles, a battery typically holds 80 percent of its original capacity. You can check your battery's current health by opening Settings, tapping Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. If the maximum capacity is below 80 percent, the battery is aging normally. If it drops below 50 percent, your phone may shut down unexpectedly even when the battery indicator shows charge remaining.
You should consider replacement if your phone shuts down suddenly, drains quickly even after a full charge, or if the battery health percentage is significantly below 80 percent. Replacing the battery is cheaper than replacing the entire phone and restores performance in most cases.
Apple Store and mail-in battery replacement
Apple replaces batteries at any Apple Store for $69 on iPhone 15 and newer models, $79 on iPhone 11 through 14, and $99 on older models. The process takes a few hours; you can make an appointment online at apple.com or in the Apple Store app. Bring your phone and a form of ID. Apple backs up your data before the replacement and restores it afterward.
If you cannot visit a store, Apple offers mail-in service through their website. You ship your phone to Apple, they replace the battery, and they ship it back — the whole process takes about a week. The cost is the same as in-store replacement, plus shipping.
If your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare coverage, Apple replaces the battery for free if the maximum capacity is below 80 percent. Check your coverage status in Settings > General > About, or at apple.com/support.
Authorized Apple repair shops
Authorized Apple repair shops are independent businesses that use genuine Apple parts and follow Apple's repair standards. They typically charge $10 to $20 less than Apple Stores for battery replacement. You can find authorized shops near you by visiting apple.com/repair, entering your zip code, and filtering for battery service.
Call ahead to confirm they have your iPhone model in stock and ask about wait times. Most shops can complete a battery replacement the same day or within 24 hours. Like Apple Stores, they will back up your data and restore it after the replacement.
DIY battery replacement with a kit
Battery replacement kits are sold on Amazon, iFixit, and other retailers for $20 to $40. A typical kit includes the replacement battery, adhesive strips to reseal the phone, a pentalobe screwdriver (the tool that opens iPhones), a plastic pry tool, and tweezers. Some kits also include a heat gun or hair dryer recommendation to soften the adhesive holding the screen.
Before you start, back up your phone to iCloud or a computer. Power it off completely. Then follow these steps:
- Heat the edges of the screen with a hair dryer on low heat for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive.
- Use the plastic pry tool to gently lift the screen from the bottom edge, working your way around the phone.
- Once the screen is loose, open it like a book, hinging at the top. Do not fully remove it yet — the display cable is still connected.
- Locate the battery connector (a small rectangular plug near the bottom of the phone) and disconnect it by gently prying the connector upward with the plastic tool.
- Remove the old battery by peeling it away from the phone. If it is stuck, use the plastic tool to gently pry it up. Do not puncture or bend the battery.
- Clean any remaining adhesive from the phone's interior with a plastic tool or soft cloth.
- Place the new battery in the same position and press it down firmly.
- Reconnect the battery connector by pressing it straight down until it clicks.
- Reconnect the display cable by pressing it straight down.
- Close the screen and press around the edges to reseal the adhesive. Use new adhesive strips from the kit if the old ones are damaged.
- Power on your phone and check that the battery health shows 100 percent in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
This process voids AppleCare coverage, so you lose warranty protection on the battery and any damage you cause during replacement. If you make a mistake — such as puncturing the battery or damaging the display cable — you will need to pay for professional repair.
What to expect after battery replacement
After a battery replacement, your iPhone should charge faster, hold a charge longer, and stop shutting down unexpectedly. The battery health will show 100 percent in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Over the next few weeks, the percentage may drop slightly as the phone recalibrates — this is normal.
If you used Apple or an authorized shop, your warranty covers the new battery for one year from the replacement date. If you did the replacement yourself, the battery is not covered by Apple's warranty, though many third-party kits come with a limited warranty from the seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a battery replacement take?
At Apple Stores and authorized shops, expect 2 to 4 hours for in-store service, though some locations can do it faster. Mail-in service takes about a week. DIY replacement takes 30 minutes to an hour if you follow the steps carefully and have the right tools.
Will replacing the battery erase my data?
No. Apple and authorized shops back up your data before replacement and restore it afterward. If you do a DIY replacement, your data stays on the phone — the battery replacement does not touch your storage or settings.
Can I replace the battery myself if my phone is under warranty?
Technically yes, but opening your phone voids AppleCare coverage. If your phone is still under warranty and the battery is failing, Apple will replace it for free, so there is no reason to do it yourself.
What if I damage my phone while replacing the battery?
If you crack the screen, damage the display cable, or puncture the battery, you will need professional repair. Damage from DIY replacement is not covered by Apple's warranty. If damage is minor, an authorized shop may be able to fix it for less than Apple charges.
Is a third-party battery as good as an Apple battery?
Third-party batteries in replacement kits vary in quality. Some are reliable and last as long as Apple batteries; others degrade faster or do not hold a full charge. Apple batteries are may provide to meet Apple's standards. If reliability matters to you, paying for Apple or an authorized shop is worth the extra cost.