You cannot remove the iPhone battery yourself without breaking the phone

Apple glues the battery to the inside of every iPhone model since the iPhone 6s. There is no user-accessible battery compartment. If you try to pry it out, you will crack the screen, damage the logic board, or both. The only safe way to remove an iPhone battery is to have Apple or an authorized repair shop do it, which involves heating the adhesive, carefully separating the battery, and then reassembling the phone.

If your battery is failing — draining fast, shutting down at 20 percent, or swelling — you have three real options: replace the battery through Apple, use an authorized third-party repair shop, or replace the phone. Each has different costs and timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone batteries are permanently glued in place and cannot be removed without professional tools and heat equipment.
  • Apple charges between $69 and $99 to replace an out-of-warranty battery, depending on your iPhone model.
  • Authorized third-party repair shops often charge $40 to $80 for battery replacement and may complete the work the same day.
  • If your phone is swelling, stop using it when ready and take it to a repair location within a few days, as a swollen battery is a fire risk.
  • Some carriers and retailers like Best Buy offer battery replacement services at prices similar to Apple's.

What happens if you try to remove the battery yourself

Heating the adhesive requires a heat gun or specialized opening tool that reaches 80 to 100 degrees Celsius. Most people do not own this equipment. If you use a hair dryer, the heat is uneven and insufficient. If you use a heat gun meant for construction work, you will overheat the screen and melt internal components.

Once the phone is hot enough, the battery still sits under the display. Prying it out without a thin metal spoon or plastic pry tool designed for this task will shatter the screen. Even with the right tools, one slip tears the battery connector or punctures the battery itself. A punctured lithium battery can catch fire or explode.

The repair shops that do this work have invested in opening machines, heat plates, and replacement parts. They also have insurance and can handle a battery failure safely. The cost of a failed DIY attempt — a new screen, a new logic board, or a new phone — is always higher than paying for the repair upfront.

Getting your battery replaced at Apple

Apple replaces out-of-warranty batteries for $69 on iPhone SE and iPhone 11, and $79 to $99 on newer models. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery has degraded to 80 percent capacity or lower, Apple replaces it for free. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

You can start a repair through Apple's website, call 1-800-MY-APPLE, or walk into an Apple Store. If you use the website, you will be asked to choose a location and time slot. Most stores can complete a battery replacement in one to three hours if they have the part in stock. If they do not, the repair takes three to five business days.

Bring your phone, a photo ID, and the phone number or email associated with your Apple ID. If you have a screen protector or case, remove it before you arrive. Apple will not replace the battery if the phone has water damage or a cracked screen, so they may charge you for a screen repair first.

Third-party repair shops and their costs

Authorized repair partners like Best Buy's Geek Squad, uBreakiFix, and local independent shops certified by Apple charge $40 to $80 for battery replacement. Many complete the work on the same day or within 24 hours. Some shops offer mail-in service if you do not have a location nearby.

Not all repair shops are authorized by Apple. Unauthorized shops may use non-original batteries, which can degrade faster or fail without warning. Before you choose a shop, search for "[your city] Apple authorized repair" or check Apple's official repair locator at support.apple.com/repair. You can also call ahead and ask whether they use original Apple batteries or third-party batteries.

Third-party shops often have lower prices because they have lower overhead than Apple Stores and can work faster. However, using a non-authorized shop may void any remaining warranty on your phone. If your phone is still under warranty, Apple's free or discounted battery replacement is usually the better choice.

What to do if your battery is swollen

A swollen battery is an emergency. Stop using the phone when ready and do not charge it. A swollen battery can rupture and leak acid or catch fire, especially if the phone is in a pocket, bag, or under a pillow where heat cannot escape.

Take the phone to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop within the next few days. Do not wait. Tell them the battery is swollen when you arrive. They will prioritize the repair and may be able to complete it the same day. If you cannot reach a repair location, power off the phone, place it in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials, and contact Apple by phone to arrange a mail-in repair or replacement.

Battery replacement costs and warranty coverage

Apple's battery replacement cost depends on your model. iPhone SE and iPhone 11 cost $69; iPhone 12, 13, and 14 cost $79; iPhone 15 and 16 cost $99. These prices explore if your phone is out of warranty or the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity after the warranty period.

If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery is defective, Apple replaces it at no cost. AppleCare+ extends this coverage to two years and also covers accidental damage. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is free for the duration of your plan.

Some phone carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, offer battery replacement as part of their device protection plans. Check your plan documents or call your carrier to see whether battery replacement is covered. Best Buy's Geek Squad Protection plan also covers battery replacement at no additional cost.

How long a battery replacement takes

At an Apple Store, battery replacement usually takes one to three hours if the part is in stock. If the store has to order the battery, the repair takes three to five business days. You can check availability and book a time slot on Apple's website before you go.

At third-party shops, turnaround is often faster. Many independent repair shops and Best Buy locations complete battery replacement on the same day, sometimes within an hour. Mail-in services take five to ten business days from the time the shop receives your phone.

If you need your phone urgently, call ahead and ask whether the shop has your model in stock and what their current wait time is. Shops are busier on weekends and after holidays, so weekday mornings often have shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself with a kit from Amazon?

Kits exist, but they require a heat gun, opening tools, and steady hands. One mistake ruptures the battery or breaks the screen. The cost of a failed attempt is higher than paying a professional. If you have never repaired electronics, this is not a safe project.

Will replacing the battery erase my data?

No. A battery replacement does not touch your data. Your photos, messages, and apps remain on the phone. The technician removes the battery and installs a new one without accessing your storage or settings.

What if my phone is out of warranty and the battery is still good?

If your battery is healthy and holds a charge, you do not need to replace it. Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the number is above 80 percent and your phone is not draining unusually fast, your battery is fine.

Can I use a non-Apple battery to save money?

Non-original batteries are cheaper upfront but often degrade faster and may not report accurate health information to your phone. They also void your warranty. An original battery from an authorized shop is more reliable over time.

How long does a new iPhone battery last?

A new battery is designed to retain 80 percent of its capacity after 500 full charge cycles, which is roughly two years of normal use. After that, the battery degrades gradually. Most people replace their battery or phone every three to four years.