You have three ways to replace an iPhone battery

Apple will replace your battery at an Apple Store or through mail-in service. An authorized Apple repair shop (usually a carrier store or independent repair business with Apple certification) can do it the same way. You can also buy a battery kit and replace it yourself if you have the right tools and comfort with small electronics — but this voids your warranty and risks damage to the phone.

The route you choose depends on whether you want a warranty on the work, how quickly you need it done, and whether you want to keep your phone's water resistance intact. Apple's method preserves both; DIY replacement does not.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges between $69 and $99 for a battery replacement depending on your iPhone model, and the work takes three to five business days at a store or one to two weeks by mail.
  • Authorized repair shops charge the same as Apple and offer the same warranty, but availability varies by location.
  • DIY battery kits cost $20 to $50 but require a pentalobe screwdriver, spudger, and adhesive strips, and you will lose water resistance and your AppleCare warranty.
  • Apple's battery replacement is covered under AppleCare+ if your phone is enrolled, and covered free under the one-year limited warranty if the battery holds less than 80 percent capacity.
  • Your iPhone will be backed up automatically if you use iCloud; if not, back up to a computer before dropping it off for service.

Apple Store and mail-in replacement: cost and timeline

Apple charges $69 for an iPhone 15, $79 for an iPhone 14 or 13, and $99 for older models like the iPhone 12 or 11. These prices are current as of 2024 but may vary by region. If you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. If your battery health is below 80 percent and your phone is within one year of purchase, Apple replaces it free under the limited warranty — you can check your battery health in Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery Health.

At an Apple Store, you can make an appointment through the Apple Support app or website. Drop-in service is available but wait times vary. The work usually takes three to five business days, though some locations finish it the same day if they have stock. You keep your phone's water resistance rating and get a one-year warranty on the replacement battery.

If you mail your phone to Apple, the process takes one to two weeks plus shipping time. You will receive a prepaid shipping label through the Apple Support app. Apple backs up your phone before the replacement and restores it afterward, so you do not lose your data.

Authorized repair shops: same price, different locations

Carrier stores (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and independent shops with Apple's Authorized Service Provider badge charge the same as Apple — $69 to $99 depending on model. They offer the same warranty and use genuine Apple parts. The main difference is convenience: you may have a carrier store closer to you than an Apple Store, or shorter wait times.

To find an authorized shop near you, go to Apple's official repair locator at apple.com/repair and enter your zip code. The list shows Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers separately. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and to book an appointment, as some locations require one.

DIY battery replacement: tools, cost, and tradeoffs

A third-party battery kit for your iPhone model costs $20 to $50 on Amazon or eBay. You will also need a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a plastic spudger or pry tool, tweezers, and adhesive strips to reseal the phone. Some kits include these tools; others do not. A complete toolkit runs $30 to $60 total.

The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your comfort level. You remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone, heat the edges with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive, pry open the screen, disconnect the battery connector, remove the old battery, and glue in the new one with the adhesive strips included in the kit. YouTube has step-by-step videos for each model.

The tradeoff is significant: your phone will no longer be water-resistant after you open it, because the adhesive seal is not as tight as Apple's factory seal. Your AppleCare warranty is void. If something goes wrong during the replacement — a cracked screen, a severed ribbon cable, a battery that does not hold charge — you have no recourse except to pay for another repair. Most people who do this successfully report it works fine, but the risk is real.

How to check if your battery actually needs replacement

Go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity." This is how much charge your battery holds compared to when it was new. Apple considers a battery degraded when it drops below 80 percent. Most iPhones reach 80 percent after 500 to 1,000 charge cycles (roughly two to three years of normal use).

You will also see "Condition" — if it says "Normal," your battery is fine. If it says "Service Recommended" or "Service Battery," Apple recommends replacement. If it says "Not Available," your phone may have a non-genuine battery or a problem with the battery sensor itself; in that case, contact Apple.

Battery percentage alone does not tell the whole story. If your phone shuts down at 20 percent charge, or if it drains 10 percent in an hour of light use, replacement may help even if the percentage is above 80. But if your phone holds charge normally and the percentage is above 80, replacement will not make a noticeable difference.

What to do before you hand over your phone

Back up your data. If you use iCloud, your phone backs up automatically when it is plugged in and on Wi-Fi. You can force a backup by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. If you do not use iCloud, plug your phone into a computer with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows) and click Back Up Now.

Write down your Apple ID password. Apple will ask for it when your phone is returned, to reactivate it. If you have a passcode, write that down too. Remove any cases or screen protectors so the technician can access the phone easily.

If you are mailing your phone, take a photo of the serial number (Settings > General > About > Serial Number) in case you need to reference it with Apple Support.

Warranty and what happens if something goes wrong

Apple's battery replacement comes with a one-year warranty on the battery itself. If the replacement battery fails within a year, Apple replaces it again free. This warranty applies whether you go to an Apple Store, an authorized shop, or use mail-in service.

If your phone is damaged during the replacement — a cracked screen, for example — Apple will tell you the cost to fix it before proceeding. You can decline and pick up your phone unrepaired. If you authorized the repair and it goes wrong, Apple covers the damage under the service warranty, not as a separate charge.

If you chose DIY and something breaks, you are responsible for the cost of a second repair. Most third-party batteries work fine, but if yours fails after a few months, you have no recourse except to pay Apple or an authorized shop to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the battery myself if my phone is still under warranty?

Technically yes, but it voids your AppleCare warranty. If your phone is within one year of purchase and the battery is below 80 percent capacity, Apple replaces it free — there is no reason to do it yourself. If you do open the phone, AppleCare no longer covers accidental damage or hardware failures.

How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?

Most iPhone batteries degrade to 80 percent capacity after 500 to 1,000 full charge cycles. In real use, that is roughly two to three years for someone who charges daily. If you charge multiple times a day or use your phone heavily, it may degrade faster. If you charge once every two days, it may last longer.

Will a third-party battery damage my iPhone?

A quality third-party battery will work, but it will not be as reliable as an Apple battery, and your phone will lose water resistance. If the battery fails or swells, you will need to pay for a replacement. Cheap batteries from unknown sellers have higher failure rates.

What if I need my phone back the same day?

Some Apple Stores and carrier stores can replace a battery the same day if they have stock and you arrive early. Call ahead to ask. If same-day service is not available, mail-in takes one to two weeks, so an in-store appointment is faster even if it takes three to five days.

Does Apple replace the battery if it is swollen?

Yes. A swollen battery is a safety hazard and Apple treats it as a defect. If your battery is visibly swollen, tell the technician before they open the phone — they will take extra precautions. Swollen batteries are usually replaced free even outside the warranty period, though Apple may charge a diagnostic fee if the swelling caused other damage.