You cannot remove the iPhone battery yourself — Apple sealed it inside
iPhones have not had user-removable batteries since the iPhone 6s (2015). The battery is glued to the inside of the phone's case, and removing it requires opening the device, which voids your warranty and risks damaging the screen, logic board, and other components. If your battery is failing, your options are a repair from Apple or an authorized repair shop, or replacing the phone.
This design choice was Apple's decision to make phones thinner and more water-resistant. It also means that when a battery degrades — which happens to every lithium battery over time — you cannot swap it out yourself the way you could with older phones.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones have sealed, non-removable batteries glued inside the case, so you cannot remove one without professional tools and risking damage.
- If your battery is draining too fast or not holding a charge, Apple or an authorized repair shop can replace it for a fee that varies by model.
- Opening an iPhone yourself to remove the battery will void your warranty and may damage the screen, antenna, or logic board.
- You can check your battery's health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see if it is degrading.
How to check if your battery is actually failing
Before you decide the battery needs to come out, confirm it is actually the problem. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled Maximum Capacity. This tells you how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new.
A battery at 80 percent capacity or higher is normal wear. At 79 percent or lower, the battery is degrading noticeably. At 50 percent or lower, you will see real-world drain — the phone may shut down suddenly even when the percentage says 20 percent, because the battery cannot deliver power fast enough under load.
You will also see Condition listed as "Normal" or "Service Recommended" or "Service Battery." If it says anything other than "Normal," the battery should be replaced. This is Apple's own assessment of whether the battery is failing.
What Apple charges to replace the battery
Apple's battery replacement cost depends on your model and whether you are still under warranty. If your phone is less than one year old and the battery is failing, it is covered under the standard one-year limited warranty at no cost. If you are past one year, you pay out of pocket.
Replacement costs range from roughly $50 to $100 depending on the model — newer phones cost more. You can check the exact price for your model by visiting apple.com/support, selecting your device, and looking for battery service. Apple will also run a diagnostic in-store to confirm the battery is the issue before charging you.
The replacement takes one to three hours at an Apple Store if they have the part in stock, or longer if they have to order it. Some Apple Authorized Service Providers (Best Buy's Geek Squad, for example) also do battery replacements, often faster and sometimes cheaper than Apple itself.
Why you should not try to remove it yourself
The battery is glued down with strong adhesive, so removing it requires prying tools that can slip and puncture the battery itself — which can cause a fire. The screen is also glued on, and separating it without the right heat gun and suction cups will crack it. The antenna cables, display connector, and logic board are all tightly packed, and one wrong move disconnects them permanently.
Even if you somehow succeed, you still need a new battery to install, and iPhone batteries are not sold separately to consumers — only to authorized repair shops. You would have to buy the entire display assembly or back case just to get a battery, which costs more than having Apple replace it.
Opening the phone also triggers Apple's tamper detection. Your warranty is void, and if something breaks during the process, Apple will refuse to repair it under warranty. If the phone stops working entirely, you have no recourse.
Third-party repair shops and what to watch for
Independent repair shops can replace iPhone batteries for less than Apple — sometimes $30 to $60 depending on the model and your location. If you choose this route, make sure the shop is reputable: check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp, ask how long they have been in business, and confirm they use new (not refurbished) batteries.
Some shops use lower-quality batteries that degrade faster or do not hold as much charge. Ask whether they offer a warranty on the replacement — reputable shops typically may provide the battery for six months to a year. Also ask whether they use adhesive or mechanical fasteners to reseal the phone, because adhesive is more durable.
Be aware that third-party repair will also void any remaining AppleCare+ coverage you have. If your phone is still under AppleCare+, it is usually worth going to Apple instead, because the coverage is broader and includes accidental damage.
What to do if your battery is swelling
A swollen battery is an emergency. If your phone's back case is bulging, the screen is separating from the frame, or you see the battery itself protruding, stop using the phone when ready. A swollen battery can catch fire or explode, especially if punctured or heated.
Do not try to remove it yourself. Take the phone to Apple or an authorized repair shop the same day and tell them the battery is swollen. They will treat it as a priority and replace it quickly. If the phone is too damaged to use safely, they may replace the entire device under warranty depending on your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the battery if my iPhone is out of warranty?
Yes. Apple will replace the battery for a flat fee (typically $50–$100 depending on model) even if your warranty has expired. You can also use a third-party repair shop, which is often cheaper but may not include a warranty.
Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it is slow?
Not necessarily. A degraded battery can cause slowdowns because the phone throttles performance to avoid sudden shutdowns. Replacing the battery may restore speed, but if the phone is slow for other reasons (full storage, old iOS version, too many background apps), the battery replacement will not help.
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. In real use, that is roughly two to three years of normal daily charging. After that, it will degrade gradually.
What if I need my phone while it is being repaired?
Apple and most repair shops can usually complete a battery replacement in one to three hours. If you cannot wait, ask whether they offer a loaner phone or expedited service. Some locations have faster turnaround than others.
Is it cheaper to buy a new phone than replace the battery?
Usually not, unless your phone is very old or already has other serious damage. A battery replacement costs $50–$100. A new iPhone costs $800 and up. If your phone is otherwise working well, replacing the battery extends its life by two to three more years.