You cannot remove an iPhone battery yourself without breaking the phone

Apple has sealed every iPhone model since the iPhone 6s (2015) so that the battery is glued to the inside of the case. Removing it requires heating the adhesive, prying the screen off, disconnecting the display cable, and then carefully peeling the battery away — a process that almost always cracks the screen or damages the logic board if you are not trained to do it. If you try and fail, you will have a broken phone and no battery replacement.

Your only practical option is to have Apple or an authorized repair shop remove and replace the battery for you. This takes about an hour and costs between $69 and $99 depending on your iPhone model, with no appointment needed at most Apple Stores.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones have been sealed since 2015, so the battery is glued inside and cannot be removed without professional tools and training.
  • Attempting to remove the battery yourself will almost certainly crack the screen or damage internal components.
  • Apple Stores and authorized repair shops can replace your battery in about an hour for $69 to $99.
  • If your iPhone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, the battery replacement may be covered at no cost.
  • Third-party repair shops sometimes charge less than Apple but may use non-original parts and void your warranty.

What happens when you try to remove an iPhone battery

The battery in your iPhone is held down with a strong adhesive strip that runs underneath it. To reach the battery, you first have to heat the edges of the phone to soften the adhesive around the screen, then use a plastic pry tool to separate the screen from the case without cracking it. This step alone requires steady hands and knowledge of where the adhesive is thickest.

Once the screen is off, you have to disconnect a ribbon cable that connects the display to the logic board. If you pull too hard or at the wrong angle, you tear the cable and the screen stops working. After that, you peel the battery away from the case using the adhesive strips attached to it — but if those strips tear, you have to use a plastic tool to scrape the battery out, which risks puncturing the battery itself and creating a fire hazard.

Even if you succeed at every step, reassembling the phone means explore new adhesive strips, reconnecting the display cable, and sealing the screen back down. Most people who attempt this end up with a phone that does not turn on, a cracked screen, or a battery that does not hold a charge.

Getting a battery replacement at an Apple Store

Walk into any Apple Store with your iPhone and ask for a battery replacement. You do not need an appointment, though you may have to wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the store is. The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then remove and replace it while you wait.

The cost is $69 for iPhone 11 and older models, $79 for iPhone 12 and 13, and $99 for iPhone 14 and newer. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty that comes with every iPhone, or if you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. You can check your coverage by going to Settings > General > About, then scrolling down to find your coverage status.

Apple uses only original batteries in their replacements, so your phone will perform exactly as it did when new. The battery comes with a one-year warranty, so if it fails before then, Apple will replace it again at no cost.

Using an authorized Apple repair shop instead

If there is no Apple Store near you, you can find an authorized repair provider through Apple's website. Search for "Apple Authorized Service Provider" and enter your zip code. These shops are trained by Apple and use original parts, so the service is the same as going to an Apple Store — same price, same warranty, same battery quality.

Authorized shops sometimes have shorter wait times than busy Apple Stores, especially in smaller cities. Call ahead to ask how long the replacement takes and whether they have your iPhone model in stock.

Third-party repair shops and what to watch for

Independent phone repair shops often charge $40 to $60 for a battery replacement, which is less than Apple. However, they may use aftermarket batteries instead of original Apple batteries. Aftermarket batteries sometimes hold less charge, degrade faster, or do not report their health accurately to your phone's battery settings.

Using a non-Apple battery also voids your iPhone's warranty. If something else breaks on your phone within the warranty period, Apple will refuse to repair it because you opened the case. Some third-party shops do use original batteries and are trustworthy, but you have to ask directly whether the battery is original Apple or aftermarket, and get that answer in writing.

If you choose a third-party shop, check their reviews on Google Maps and Yelp first. Look for shops that have been in business for at least two years and have mostly five-star reviews mentioning battery replacements specifically.

Signs your iPhone battery needs replacement

Your battery is failing if your phone shuts down at 20 or 30 percent charge, even though the battery percentage shows it should have more power left. Another sign is that your phone drains from 100 to 0 percent in a few hours of light use, or the phone gets hot during normal tasks like texting or browsing.

You can also check the battery health directly. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the Maximum Capacity is below 80 percent, the battery has degraded enough that a replacement will noticeably improve performance. If it is below 50 percent, your phone will feel sluggish and drain quickly.

How long a replacement battery lasts

A new original Apple battery will hold at least 80 percent of its capacity after 500 full charge cycles. Most people charge their phone once a day, so a new battery should last two to three years before it degrades to the point where you notice slower performance or shorter battery life.

Aftermarket batteries degrade faster and may only last one to two years. Heat, cold, and frequent full discharges all wear down batteries faster, so if you live in a hot climate or regularly let your phone drain completely, any battery will not last as long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself if I watch a YouTube video?

You can try, but the risk is high. Most people who follow YouTube tutorials crack their screen or damage the logic board during removal. If something goes wrong, you will have a broken phone and still need to pay for repairs. It is safer and often cheaper to let a professional do it.

Will Apple replace my battery for free if it is degraded but my phone still works?

Only if your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+. If your phone is out of warranty and the battery is straightforward degraded (not defective), you pay the standard replacement fee of $69 to $99. Apple does not replace batteries for free just because they have lost capacity over time.

What is the difference between an original Apple battery and an aftermarket one?

Original Apple batteries are made to Apple's specifications and last longer before degrading. Aftermarket batteries are cheaper but often degrade faster and may not report their health accurately to your phone. Original batteries also come with a one-year warranty; aftermarket batteries usually do not.

How do I know if a repair shop is using an original battery?

Ask them directly before you hand over your phone. A legitimate shop will tell you whether the battery is original Apple or aftermarket, and will show you the battery packaging if you ask. If they are vague or refuse to say, go somewhere else.

Can I replace the battery myself if I buy the right tools?

Having the tools does not give you the training. Even technicians who do this every day occasionally crack screens or damage cables. Unless you have done phone repairs before, the risk of a $300+ mistake is not worth the $30 you might save.