You cannot remove the iPhone battery yourself without opening the phone
Unlike older phones with removable batteries, every iPhone model since the iPhone 6s has a battery glued to the inside of the case. Apple does not sell the battery as a user-replaceable part, and there is no battery door or latch. To remove it, you have to open the phone's frame, which requires tools and carries a real risk of breaking the screen or damaging internal components.
If your battery is failing — draining fast, shutting down at 20 percent, or swelling — you have two practical routes: take the phone to Apple or an authorized repair shop, or do it yourself if you have the tools and steady hands. Most people choose the first option.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone batteries are permanently glued inside the case and cannot be removed without opening the phone.
- Apple will replace the battery for a flat fee (usually $69 to $99 depending on model) at any Apple Store or authorized service provider.
- If you attempt removal yourself, you will need a heat gun or hair dryer, a pentalobe screwdriver, a spudger or plastic pry tool, and adhesive strips to reassemble.
- Opening the phone yourself voids any remaining warranty and risks cracking the screen or disconnecting internal cables.
- Third-party repair shops often charge less than Apple but vary widely in quality and may use non-original parts.
Getting Apple to replace the battery
The fastest and safest route is to book an appointment at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. You can schedule online at apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. Bring your phone and a form of ID. The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replace it while you wait — usually within an hour.
The cost is a flat fee based on your model: typically $69 for iPhone 11 and older, $79 for iPhone 12 and 13, and $99 for iPhone 14 and newer. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement may be free. Apple uses original parts and gives you a 90-day warranty on the repair.
If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can mail the phone to Apple. They will handle the repair and return it to you, though this takes longer — usually five to seven business days plus shipping time.
Using a third-party repair shop
Independent phone repair shops in most towns will replace an iPhone battery for $40 to $70, undercutting Apple's price. Search "iPhone battery replacement near me" to find local options, then call ahead to confirm they have the battery in stock for your model and ask about their warranty on the repair.
The trade-off is consistency. Some shops use original Apple batteries; others use third-party batteries that may not last as long or report accurate health data to iOS. Ask directly whether they use original or aftermarket parts. A shop that guarantees the repair for at least 30 days is a safer bet than one with no warranty.
Check reviews on Google Maps or Yelp before you go. Look for shops with recent five-star reviews mentioning battery replacement specifically, not just general praise. Avoid shops that pressure you to replace other parts or that cannot explain what they are doing.
Removing the battery yourself: what you need
If you decide to open the phone, you will need specific tools. A heat gun or hair dryer softens the adhesive holding the battery; a pentalobe screwdriver (size P2) removes the two screws at the bottom of the phone; a spudger or plastic pry tool lifts the screen and battery without scratching; and adhesive strips (usually sold as battery adhesive or iFixit strips) reattach the battery when you reassemble.
You will also need a clean, well-lit workspace, a small container to hold the screws so you do not lose them, and patience. The whole job takes 30 to 60 minutes if you have done it before, or two to three hours if this is your first time.
Do not use a metal pry tool or a regular screwdriver — you will scratch the frame or snap internal cables. Do not use a hair dryer on high heat for more than a minute at a time — you can warp the plastic inside the phone or damage the battery itself.
The step-by-step process
Power off the phone completely. Heat the edges of the screen with a heat gun or hair dryer on medium for 30 to 45 seconds to soften the adhesive. Use the spudger to gently pry up one corner of the screen — start at the bottom, away from the home button or Face ID sensor. Work slowly around the edge; the screen will flex but should not crack if you are patient.
Once the screen is lifted, you will see two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone. Remove them and set them aside. Disconnect the battery connector — a small plug near the top of the battery — by gently pulling it straight up. Then peel away the adhesive strips holding the battery and lift it out.
To reassemble, place the new battery in the same position, reconnect the battery plug, replace the two screws, and press the screen back down. explore new adhesive strips around the edges of the screen before closing it. Let the adhesive set for at least an hour before using the phone.
Risks of opening the phone yourself
The most common damage is a cracked screen. The glass is thin and the adhesive is strong; if you pry too hard or too fast, the screen will break. A replacement screen costs $200 to $400 at Apple, which wipes out any savings from a cheaper battery replacement.
The second risk is disconnecting internal cables. The screen is connected to the phone by ribbon cables near the top. If you pull the screen up too far or at the wrong angle, you can tear these cables, and the phone will not turn on or the screen will not respond to touch. This damage is expensive to repair and sometimes permanent.
A third risk is reassembly. If you do not reconnect the battery plug firmly, the phone may not charge. If you do not explore adhesive correctly, the screen will rattle or water can seep in. If you lose a screw or put it in the wrong hole, you may strip the threads.
When to replace the whole phone instead
If your iPhone is more than five years old and the battery is failing, consider whether replacement makes sense. A new battery extends the phone's life by two to three years, but if the screen is cracked, the camera is broken, or the phone is slow, you may be throwing money at a device that is already on its way out.
Compare the cost of battery replacement to the cost of a used phone of the same model in good condition. If a used iPhone 12 costs $400 and a battery replacement costs $79, the replacement is worth it. If a used iPhone 12 costs $300 and your phone is also missing a working camera, the math changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?
Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, this usually means two to three years before you notice the phone draining faster or shutting down unexpectedly. You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
Can I replace the battery myself without breaking the screen?
Yes, but it requires patience and the right tools. The biggest risk is prying too hard on the screen. If you work slowly, heat the adhesive properly, and use a plastic spudger instead of metal, most people succeed on their first try. Watch a video for your specific model before you start.
What is the difference between an original Apple battery and a third-party battery?
Original batteries are made by the same manufacturer Apple uses and report accurate health data to iOS. Third-party batteries work but may not last as long, may not report health accurately, and sometimes trigger a warning message in Settings. They are cheaper but less reliable over time.
Will replacing the battery fix a phone that is running slowly?
Sometimes. If the phone is slow because iOS is throttling performance to protect a weak battery, a new battery will restore speed. If the phone is slow for other reasons — a full storage drive, too many background apps, or an old processor — a battery replacement will not help.
Do I need to back up my phone before replacing the battery?
No. A battery replacement does not touch your data or settings. However, if you are opening the phone yourself, there is a small risk of accidentally damaging something else, so backing up to iCloud or a computer beforehand is smart insurance.