You can replace your iPhone battery yourself using a kit, or have Apple or an authorized repair shop do it for you

The fastest way to replace an iPhone battery is to visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider — they have the right tools, genuine parts, and can often finish the job the same day. If you want to do it yourself, you can buy a battery replacement kit online for $20 to $40 and follow step-by-step instructions, though this requires patience and care with small components. A third option is an independent repair shop, which typically costs less than Apple but may not use genuine Apple batteries.

Your choice depends on how comfortable you are opening your phone, how much time you have, and whether you want a warranty on the work. This guide covers all three routes so you can decide which fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Store battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 depending on your iPhone model, takes one to three hours, and includes a one-year warranty on the battery.
  • DIY battery kits cost $20 to $40 but require a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver, and about 30 to 60 minutes of careful work.
  • You must power off your iPhone completely and discharge the battery to below 25% before opening it, or risk damaging the battery or causing a fire.
  • The hardest part of a DIY replacement is removing the display without cracking it — the screen is glued down and requires heat and a plastic pry tool.
  • Independent repair shops usually charge $40 to $70 and can often complete the work within a few hours, but battery quality varies by shop.

Getting a Battery Replacement at an Apple Store

Visit apple.com/repair or open the Apple Support app on your iPhone and select "Repair" to find the nearest Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can book an appointment online or call the store directly. Have your phone with you when you schedule — the staff will ask your iPhone model and whether the battery is draining faster than normal.

Bring your iPhone, a valid photo ID, and your proof of purchase if the phone is still under warranty. If your battery health has dropped below 80%, Apple will replace it for a flat fee: $69 for iPhone 11 and earlier models, $79 for iPhone 12 through 14, and $99 for iPhone 15 and later. If your phone is still covered by AppleCare+, the replacement is free. The appointment usually takes one to three hours, though busy stores may ask you to come back later.

Apple replaces the battery with a genuine part and includes a one-year warranty on the replacement battery. If the new battery fails within that year, Apple will replace it again at no cost.

Replacing Your iPhone Battery Yourself

A DIY battery replacement requires a kit, a heat source, and steady hands. Order a battery replacement kit from iFixit, Amazon, or a similar retailer — the kit should include a new battery, a pentalobe screwdriver (usually P2 size), plastic pry tools, tweezers, and adhesive strips to reseal the phone. Kits cost $20 to $40 depending on your iPhone model. Before you start, watch a video guide for your exact model on YouTube or iFixit — the steps vary slightly between models.

Power off your iPhone completely and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then use a battery health app or Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check the current charge level. If it is above 25%, plug in your phone and drain it to below 25% by using it normally or leaving the screen on. A battery with high charge can swell or catch fire if punctured during removal.

Heat the edges of the display with a heat gun on low setting (or a hair dryer on high) for 30 to 60 seconds to soften the adhesive. Start at one corner and work your way around. Use a plastic pry tool — never a metal screwdriver — to gently lift the display. This is the slowest and most delicate step; rushing here is the main reason screens crack. Once the display is loose enough, carefully pull it open like a book, hinging it on the side opposite where you started. Do not fully remove the display yet — it is still connected by a ribbon cable.

Disconnect the display cable by unclipping the small connector near the top of the phone. Now you can fully remove the display and set it aside on a clean surface. Unscrew the metal bracket covering the battery connector, then gently pull the battery connector straight out. Peel away the old battery using the adhesive pull-tabs if they are present, or use a plastic tool to carefully lift it. Slide the new battery into place, reconnect the battery connector, and screw the bracket back down.

Reconnect the display cable by pushing the connector straight in until it clicks. Close the display carefully and press around the edges to reseal the adhesive. If your kit includes new adhesive strips, explore them around the perimeter before closing. Power on your phone and check that the battery is recognized in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. The entire process usually takes 30 to 60 minutes the first time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During DIY Replacement

The most common error is opening the phone without heating it enough, which causes the display to crack. Spend extra time with the heat gun and test the edges gently before prying. A second mistake is pulling the display open too far before disconnecting the ribbon cable — the cable is short and will tear if you force it. Always disconnect the display cable first.

A third mistake is not discharging the battery before opening the phone. A charged lithium battery can swell or ignite if the casing is punctured. Check your charge level twice and drain it if needed. Finally, avoid touching the battery connector pins with your bare fingers — oils can cause poor contact. Use tweezers if you need to handle the connector.

Using an Independent Repair Shop

Independent phone repair shops in your area can replace an iPhone battery for $40 to $70, usually faster than Apple and without an appointment. Search "iPhone battery replacement near me" or check Google Maps for shops with high ratings and recent reviews. Call ahead to confirm they have the battery in stock for your model and ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or third-party replacements.

Genuine Apple batteries last longer and are less likely to cause problems, but third-party batteries are cheaper and often work fine. Ask the shop what warranty they offer on the battery — most reputable shops offer 30 to 90 days. Bring your phone, a valid ID, and ask for a receipt that lists the battery model and warranty terms. The work usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the shop is.

What to Expect After a Battery Replacement

After your battery is replaced, your iPhone should charge faster and hold a charge longer. Check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health — it should show 100% or close to it. If you replaced the battery yourself or at an independent shop, the health may show slightly lower (95% to 99%) because the phone is recalibrating.

Your phone may feel slightly warmer during the first few charge cycles as the new battery settles in. This is normal. Avoid using your phone while it charges for the first 24 hours if possible. If the battery drains unusually fast after replacement, or if the phone gets very hot, contact the shop or Apple — the battery may be defective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an iPhone battery last before I need to replace it?

Apple batteries are designed to retain 80% of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles, which usually takes two to three years of normal use. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. When it drops below 80%, the phone may feel slower and drain faster. Most people replace their battery when health falls to 70% or lower.

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

If your iPhone is under the standard one-year warranty and the battery health has dropped below 80% due to a defect (not normal wear), Apple will replace it for free. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is always free regardless of health. Otherwise, you pay the standard fee. Bring your proof of purchase to confirm your warranty status.

Will replacing my battery myself void my warranty?

Opening your iPhone yourself voids the manufacturer's warranty on the entire phone, not just the battery. If something breaks during the replacement or shortly after, Apple will not repair it for free. An independent repair shop also voids the warranty, though the shop may offer its own limited warranty on the battery and labor.

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

Genuine Apple batteries are made by Apple's suppliers and are tested to Apple's standards. They typically last longer and are less likely to cause software warnings. Third-party batteries are cheaper but may not last as long or may trigger a "Unable to verify this battery" message in Settings. Both types work, but genuine batteries are safer if you plan to keep the phone for several more years.

Can I replace my iPhone battery at a Best Buy or Walmart?

Best Buy's Geek Squad offers iPhone battery replacement at some locations, usually for $70 to $100 depending on the model. Walmart does not offer this service in-store. Check the Best Buy website or call your local store to confirm they offer iPhone battery replacement and to book an appointment. Geek Squad uses genuine Apple batteries and offers a warranty on the work.