You can replace an iPhone battery, but the method depends on your model and comfort level with electronics

Apple designs most iPhones so the battery can be replaced, though the process ranges from straightforward to technically demanding depending on your model year. You have three real options: take it to Apple, visit an authorized repair shop, or do it yourself with a kit. Each path has different costs, timelines, and risks — and which one makes sense depends on whether your phone is still under warranty, how old it is, and whether you have experience opening electronics.

The short answer: yes, replacement is possible. But "possible" and "practical for you" are different things. A 2023 iPhone 15 is easier to open than a 2015 iPhone 6s, and a cracked screen makes any self-repair riskier. Before you decide, you need to know what your specific model requires and what happens if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple will replace your battery for a flat fee (usually $69 to $99 depending on model), and the work carries a warranty.
  • Authorized third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple but may void your AppleCare+ coverage if you have it.
  • Self-repair kits exist for most models, but require opening the phone, disconnecting the display, and removing adhesive — one mistake can damage the screen or logic board.
  • If your phone is under warranty or AppleCare+, Apple battery replacement is usually the lowest-risk choice.
  • Newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later) have removable batteries that are simpler to replace than older models.

What Apple charges for battery replacement

Apple's official battery replacement service costs $69 for iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. For older models, the price is typically $69 to $99 depending on the phone's age and size. You can start a repair at apple.com/repair, through the Apple Support app, or by visiting an Apple Store in person. Apple usually completes the work within a few hours if you drop it off, or you can mail it in — mail-in repairs take about a week.

The replacement battery comes with a one-year warranty, which covers defects in the battery itself. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost as long as the battery has degraded to 80% capacity or lower (Apple tests this when you bring the phone in). AppleCare+ itself costs $99 to $199 upfront depending on your model, so it only makes financial sense if you plan to use it for other repairs too.

Authorized repair shops and their costs

Authorized Apple repair partners — shops like Best Buy's Geek Squad, uBreakiFix, and local certified repair centers — can replace your battery and often charge $20 to $40 less than Apple. They use genuine Apple parts and their work carries a warranty, though the length varies by shop. You can find authorized repair locations through apple.com/repair by entering your zip code and filtering for "Authorized Service Providers."

The catch: if you have AppleCare+, using an unauthorized shop may void the coverage. Check your AppleCare+ terms or call Apple Support before you book. If you don't have AppleCare+, an authorized third-party shop is often the cheapest legitimate option with a warranty behind it.

Self-repair with a kit: what's involved

You can buy a battery replacement kit for most iPhone models on Amazon or eBay for $20 to $50. The kit includes a replacement battery, adhesive strips, and tools like a pentalobe screwdriver and plastic pry tools. The actual steps vary by model, but the general process is: remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom, heat the edges to soften the adhesive, carefully pry open the screen, disconnect the display cable, remove the old battery (which is glued down), install the new one, and reassemble.

This sounds straightforward in text. In practice, the screen is fragile, the adhesive is strong, and the battery connector is small. If you slip with the pry tool, you can crack the screen or damage the display cable — a repair that costs $200 to $400 on its own. If you damage the battery during removal, it can swell or leak. Most people who attempt this have never opened a phone before, and the margin for error is narrow.

Newer models like the iPhone 15 have made this easier: Apple redesigned the battery to be less glued down and added a removable pull-tab, so the battery comes out more cleanly. Older models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone XS require more heat and prying, which increases the risk of screen damage.

When self-repair makes sense

Self-repair is worth considering if you have experience opening electronics, your phone is out of warranty, you cannot afford Apple's fee, and you are willing to accept the risk that you might damage the screen or other components. It also makes sense if your phone already has a cracked screen — you have less to lose, since screen repair is already expensive.

Self-repair does not make sense if your phone is under warranty, you have AppleCare+, or your screen is intact and you want to keep it that way. The $20 to $50 you save on the battery is not worth a $300 screen replacement if something goes wrong.

What happens to your warranty and water resistance

If you replace the battery yourself, you void any remaining manufacturer warranty on the phone. Apple will still repair other issues, but they can refuse to cover problems they believe are related to your self-repair — and determining that relationship is up to them. You also lose any water resistance may provide, because opening the phone breaks the seals that keep water out. Your phone may still work fine in light rain, but you have no protection if it gets wet.

If you use an authorized repair shop, the warranty on the battery itself is preserved, and your phone's water resistance is restored (the shop re-seals it). Your original manufacturer warranty on the rest of the phone is not affected by the repair.

Signs your battery needs replacement

Your battery is degrading if your phone shuts down at 20% or 30% charge, drains noticeably faster than it did a year ago, or if the Settings app shows "Battery Health & Charging" below 80%. You can check this by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and looking at the "Maximum Capacity" percentage. Below 80% is Apple's threshold for considering a battery worn out.

If your phone is less than two years old and the capacity is still above 80%, the battery is probably fine — you may have a software issue or a background app draining power instead. If the capacity is below 80% and the phone is more than three years old, replacement is a reasonable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery if it's still under warranty?

Yes, and Apple will replace it for free if the battery has degraded below 80% capacity. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost. If you are outside the one-year manufacturer warranty and do not have AppleCare+, Apple charges $69 to $99 depending on your model.

Will replacing the battery affect my phone's performance?

No. A new battery will not make your phone faster or change its processing power. It will restore the phone's ability to hold a charge and run at full performance without unexpected shutdowns. If your phone feels slow, the battery is not the cause.

How long does a replacement battery last?

A new battery typically lasts two to three years before capacity drops below 80% again, depending on how often you charge it and how you use the phone. Batteries degrade faster if you regularly let the phone drain to 0% or charge it in very hot conditions.

What's the difference between a genuine Apple battery and a third-party battery?

Genuine Apple batteries are designed and tested specifically for your phone model and carry a warranty. Third-party batteries are cheaper but may not hold charge as long, may not integrate with iOS battery health reporting, and carry no may provide. Authorized repair shops use genuine batteries; self-repair kits often include third-party batteries.

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself if the screen is already cracked?

Yes, and the risk is lower because you already need a screen repair. However, a cracked screen makes the phone harder to open safely — glass fragments can get into the internals. If the crack is severe, consider having a shop do the battery replacement so they can handle the cracked screen properly at the same time.