Apple replaces iPhone batteries at their stores and authorized repair locations
Yes, Apple will replace your iPhone battery. You can take your phone to an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or mail it to Apple for a battery replacement. Apple handles the repair themselves rather than sending you elsewhere — they have the parts and trained technicians in-house at most locations.
The cost depends on your phone's age and warranty status. If your battery is still covered under AppleCare+ or your phone is within one year of purchase and the battery is genuinely defective, the replacement is free. Otherwise, you pay a flat fee that varies by iPhone model — typically between $50 and $80 for current models, though older phones sometimes cost less.
The process usually takes three to five business days if you drop it off at a store, or one to two weeks if you mail it in. Apple will run a diagnostic first to confirm the battery is the problem, not something else.
Key Takeaways
- Apple replaces batteries at their own stores and at Apple Authorized Service Providers, not at third-party repair shops.
- Battery replacement is free if your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, otherwise the cost is $50 to $80 depending on your model.
- You can schedule an appointment online, walk in during business hours, or mail your phone to Apple for repair.
- Apple runs a diagnostic test before replacing the battery to rule out other hardware problems.
- Turnaround time is typically three to five days for in-store service or one to two weeks for mail-in service.
How to find an Apple Store or authorized repair location
Start by visiting apple.com/support and selecting "Repair" from the menu. Enter your zip code or city, and Apple will show you every location near you that handles battery replacements — both Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers. The map shows hours, phone numbers, and whether you can schedule an appointment online.
Apple Stores are the fastest option if one is within reach. You can book a "Genius Bar" appointment through the Apple Support app or the website, which reserves a time slot so you do not have to wait. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer wait times, especially on weekends.
Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent repair shops that Apple has certified and supplied with genuine parts. They follow the same pricing and warranty terms as Apple Stores. If no Apple Store is nearby, an authorized provider is your next best option — the Apple website will tell you which ones in your area handle batteries.
What happens during an in-store battery replacement
When you arrive, a technician will run a diagnostic test on your phone to confirm the battery is failing. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The test shows the battery's current capacity — if it is below 80 percent and your phone is not under warranty, you will be charged the standard fee. If the battery is above 80 percent, the technician may suggest the issue is something else, like software or another hardware component.
If you approve the repair, the actual battery swap takes 30 minutes to an hour. The technician will power off your phone, remove the screen, disconnect the old battery, install the new one, and reassemble everything. Your data stays on the phone — the technician does not erase it.
Before you leave, the technician will power the phone back on and run another diagnostic to confirm the new battery is working correctly. You will get a receipt showing what was replaced and the warranty on the new battery, which is typically 90 days.
Mail-in repair if you cannot visit a store
If no Apple location is nearby or you prefer not to go in person, you can start a mail-in repair through apple.com/support. Select your device, describe the battery problem, and Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. You pack the phone in a box, drop it at a UPS location, and Apple receives it within a few days.
Once Apple has your phone, a technician runs the same diagnostic and performs the replacement if the battery is confirmed faulty. The whole process — shipping, repair, and return shipping — usually takes one to two weeks. Apple will email you updates as your phone moves through the repair center.
You will not have your phone during this time, so mail-in repair works best if you have a backup device or can manage without it for a couple of weeks. Apple does not offer a loaner phone for mail-in service.
Cost breakdown by warranty and phone age
If your phone is within one year of purchase and the battery is defective, Apple replaces it free under the standard limited warranty. AppleCare+ extends this coverage to two years and also covers accidental damage, so battery replacement stays free for the full AppleCare+ term.
If your phone is out of warranty and you do not have AppleCare+, you pay the out-of-warranty battery replacement fee. This fee is set by Apple and does not vary by location or repair method. Current iPhone models (iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12) cost around $69 to $79 for a battery replacement. Older models like the iPhone 11 or iPhone XS cost around $49 to $59. The exact amount depends on your specific model.
Some carriers and credit card companies offer extended warranties or protection plans that cover battery replacement. Check your coverage documents or call your carrier to see if battery service is included before paying out of pocket.
What to do if Apple says the battery is not the problem
If the diagnostic shows your battery is above 80 percent capacity, the technician will tell you the battery is likely not the issue. This does not mean your phone is fine — it means something else is causing the symptoms you are seeing, like a software glitch, a failing screen, or another hardware component.
Ask the technician what the diagnostic found and what they recommend next. They may suggest a software update, a factory reset, or further diagnosis of other components. If you want to pursue other repairs, you can approve them on the spot, or you can take the phone home and try troubleshooting steps first.
If you believe the battery is still the problem despite the diagnostic, you can request a second opinion from another Apple location, though the result will likely be the same. The diagnostic tool Apple uses is the same at every location.
Preparing your phone before you take it in
Back up your data before you go. Use iCloud or a computer to create a full backup so your photos, messages, and settings are safe. Apple does not erase your phone during a battery replacement, but it is always wise to have a backup in case something unexpected happens.
Bring your phone unlocked and ready to power on. The technician will need to turn it on to run the diagnostic and confirm the repair worked. If your phone will not power on at all, tell the technician this when you arrive — they may need to charge it first or investigate why it will not start.
If you have a case or screen protector, remove it before you go in. The technician will need access to the phone's exterior and may ask you to remove these anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself instead of going to Apple?
You can, but it is not recommended. Third-party battery replacements are cheaper — often $20 to $40 — but they use non-genuine parts, may damage your phone during installation, and void any remaining warranty. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse. Apple's higher cost covers genuine parts and a warranty on the work.
How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacing?
Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, this usually means two to three years before the battery noticeably degrades. You can check your battery's current health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Will Apple replace my battery if my phone is water damaged?
If water damage is the only issue and the battery itself is fine, Apple will not charge you for a battery replacement. However, if the water damage has affected other components, you may be charged for those repairs separately. The diagnostic will show what damage is present.
Can I get my old battery back after Apple replaces it?
No. Apple does not return old batteries to customers. They recycle the old battery according to environmental regulations. If you want to keep the old battery for any reason, you need to ask the technician before the repair is completed, though they may not be able to accommodate this request.
What if my phone is still under AppleCare+ but the battery is not covered?
AppleCare+ covers battery replacement for the full two-year term as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent. There is no scenario where you have AppleCare+ and are charged for a battery replacement due to normal wear. If Apple charges you, ask why — it may be a mistake.