Yes, you can replace an iPhone battery, but Apple and authorized repair shops are the safest route

You can physically remove and install a new battery in an iPhone yourself if you have the right tools and follow the steps carefully. However, Apple and certified repair providers handle the job more safely because they have the correct parts, proper equipment, and experience with the adhesives and seals that hold modern iPhones together. If you open your phone yourself, you risk damaging the display, logic board, or water-resistance seal — repairs that cost far more than a battery replacement.

Apple's official battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 depending on your iPhone model, takes one to two hours at most Apple Stores, and comes with a warranty on the new battery. Independent repair shops certified by Apple charge similar amounts. If your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the cost may be lower or free.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple and Apple-certified repair shops charge $69 to $99 for battery replacement and handle the job without risking damage to your phone's display or water seal.
  • DIY battery replacement requires a pentalobe screwdriver, suction cup, spudger, and adhesive strips, plus steady hands and patience — one slip can crack your screen or damage internal components.
  • Your iPhone's battery is glued down with strong adhesive, so removal takes time and heat; improper removal can damage the battery itself and create a fire risk.
  • AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost if your battery health drops below 80 percent within the coverage period.
  • Third-party batteries from non-certified sellers may not hold a charge as long and can trigger warning messages in iOS about an unverified battery.

What happens when you open an iPhone yourself

Modern iPhones are sealed with adhesive around the edges and the battery is glued to the case. To replace the battery yourself, you must remove the display first — which means heating the edges to soften the adhesive, then carefully prying it away with a plastic tool. If you explore too much pressure or heat unevenly, the display cracks. Once the display is off, you can see the battery, but it is also glued down and connected to the logic board with a small connector.

The battery itself is a lithium-ion cell that can be damaged if you puncture it or bend it during removal. A damaged battery can swell, leak, or catch fire. You also have to remove and reinstall the adhesive strips that seal the phone back together — if you do not seal it properly, water and dust can get inside and damage the circuitry.

If something goes wrong during the process, you may end up paying $200 to $400 to replace a cracked display or repair internal damage. That is why most people choose to let Apple or a certified shop do it.

Tools and parts you need for a DIY replacement

If you decide to replace the battery yourself, you will need a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a suction cup to lift the display, a plastic spudger or opening tool to pry without scratching, and replacement adhesive strips to seal the phone back together. You also need a replacement battery — buying one from an unauthorized seller means you may get a counterfeit or worn battery that does not hold a charge.

iFixit and other repair guides sell complete kits with all the tools and a genuine or high-quality third-party battery for $30 to $50. Apple does not sell batteries directly to consumers, so you cannot buy an official Apple battery to install yourself. If you use a non-Apple battery, iOS may display a warning that the battery is not verified by Apple, though the phone will still work.

How much Apple charges and how long it takes

Apple's out-of-warranty battery replacement costs $69 for iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 models, and $79 to $99 for older or larger models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max. If your phone is under AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost as long as the battery health has dropped below 80 percent. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

At an Apple Store, the replacement usually takes one to two hours, though you may have to book an appointment in advance. If your nearest Apple Store is far away, you can mail your phone to Apple for repair — that takes five to seven business days plus shipping time. Independent Apple-certified repair shops often have shorter wait times and may offer same-day service.

Why third-party batteries can cause problems

Batteries sold by unauthorized sellers vary widely in quality. Some are refurbished cells pulled from old phones, others are counterfeit copies of Apple batteries, and some are new but made by manufacturers with lower standards. A low-quality battery may hold only 70 to 80 percent of the charge a genuine battery holds, drain faster, or fail within a few months.

When you install a non-Apple battery, iOS 16 and later will show a warning in Settings that says "Unable to verify this battery" or "This iPhone has an unknown battery." The warning does not prevent the phone from working, but it signals that the battery is not genuine. Some users also report that non-Apple batteries do not integrate properly with iOS battery management features, which can shorten the battery's lifespan.

When to replace your battery versus buying a new phone

If your iPhone is more than three years old and the battery health is below 80 percent, a replacement battery can extend the phone's useful life by two to three years. Battery replacement costs $69 to $99, so it makes sense if your phone is otherwise working well. If your phone is cracked, the screen is damaged, or it is more than five years old, the cost of repairs may approach the cost of a used replacement phone, and you should compare your options.

You can check your battery health by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the number shown is 80 percent or higher, your battery is still in good condition. If it is below 80 percent and your phone is slowing down or shutting off unexpectedly, a replacement will improve performance noticeably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does replacing the battery void my warranty?

No. If Apple or an Apple-certified repair shop replaces the battery, your warranty remains valid. If you replace the battery yourself and damage the phone in the process, Apple will not cover the damage under warranty. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement if the battery health drops below 80 percent during the coverage period.

Can I replace the battery on an iPhone 15 or newer?

Yes, but it is harder than older models. iPhone 15 and later use stronger adhesive and the battery is more tightly integrated with the internal structure. Apple charges $69 for replacement. DIY replacement on these models requires more heat, more patience, and carries a higher risk of damaging the display or internal components.

What is the difference between battery health and battery capacity?

Battery health is the percentage shown in Settings and reflects how much charge the battery can hold compared to when it was new. Battery capacity is the actual amount of energy stored, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). A battery at 80 percent health still works, but it drains faster and may not last through a full day of heavy use.

Will a new battery make my iPhone faster?

Yes, if your phone has been slowing down due to low battery health. iOS throttles performance when the battery is degraded to prevent unexpected shutdowns. A new battery removes that throttling and restores the phone's original speed. If your phone is slow for other reasons, a new battery will not fix it.

Can I use my iPhone while the battery is being replaced?

No. The phone must be powered off and the display removed to access the battery. At an Apple Store, the replacement takes one to two hours. You will not be able to use the phone during that time, so plan accordingly if you rely on it for work or communication.