iPhone battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 at Apple, depending on your model
Apple charges a flat rate for out-of-warranty battery replacement on most iPhones. The standard price is $69 for iPhone 11 and older models, and $79 for iPhone 12 through iPhone 15. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement is free. You can check your coverage status by entering your serial number at apple.com/support or by visiting an Apple Store.
Third-party repair shops and authorized Apple resellers often charge less — typically $40 to $60 — but quality and warranty coverage vary widely. Some shops use genuine Apple parts; others use aftermarket batteries that may not hold a charge as long or integrate fully with iOS battery health reporting.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $69 for iPhone 11 and older, $79 for iPhone 12 through iPhone 15, and the service is free if you have AppleCare+ or an active warranty.
- Authorized Apple resellers and third-party repair shops typically charge $40 to $60 but may use non-genuine parts that do not report battery health to your phone.
- You can check your warranty status and schedule a replacement at apple.com/support or by visiting an Apple Store in person.
- Battery replacement usually takes one to three hours at an Apple Store, or one to two days if ordered by mail through Apple's mail-in repair service.
Where to get your battery replaced
Apple Stores offer same-day or next-day service in most locations. You can book an appointment online at apple.com or by calling your nearest store. If no Apple Store is near you, Apple offers a mail-in repair service: you ship your phone to Apple, they replace the battery, and you receive it back within five to seven business days. Both routes use genuine Apple parts and come with a 90-day warranty on the battery itself.
Authorized Apple resellers — including Best Buy, Target, and carrier stores like Verizon and AT&T — also perform battery replacements at the same Apple prices. Service times vary by location; some complete the work in a few hours, while others may take a day or two. Call ahead to confirm they stock batteries for your model and can fit you in.
Independent repair shops and mall kiosks charge less but carry more risk. Some use genuine parts sourced from recycled phones; others use third-party batteries that may not trigger iOS battery health warnings when they degrade. If the shop uses a non-genuine battery, your phone will display a "Unable to verify this iPhone has a genuine Apple battery" message in Settings, and you will lose access to some battery management features.
AppleCare+ and warranty coverage
If you purchased AppleCare+ when you bought your iPhone, battery replacement is free as long as the battery health has dropped below 80 percent. AppleCare+ costs between $99 and $379 depending on your model and covers two years of accidental damage, hardware failures, and battery service. You can check whether you have AppleCare+ by opening Settings > General > About and scrolling to "Limited Warranty" — if AppleCare+ is listed, you are covered.
The standard one-year limited warranty covers battery replacement only if the battery fails due to a manufacturing defect, not normal wear. Apple tests your battery before service; if it has degraded straightforward from use over time, you will be charged the standard fee. You can see your battery health percentage in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging — if it shows 80 percent or higher, Apple will likely charge you for the replacement.
How long the service takes
At an Apple Store, battery replacement typically takes one to three hours if you have an appointment and the store has your model in stock. Walk-in service may take longer depending on how busy the store is. If the store does not have your battery on hand, they can order it and complete the service the next day, or you can choose mail-in repair instead.
Apple's mail-in service takes five to seven business days from the time you ship your phone. You can start the process at apple.com/support, print a prepaid shipping label, and drop your phone at any UPS location. Apple will diagnose the battery, perform the replacement, and ship it back to you. During this time, you will not have access to your phone, so plan accordingly if you rely on it for work or communication.
Comparing costs across repair options
| Repair Option | Cost | Time to Complete | Parts Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store (out of warranty) | $69–$79 | 1–3 hours | Genuine Apple |
| Apple Mail-in Service | $69–$79 | 5–7 business days | Genuine Apple |
| Authorized Reseller (Best Buy, Target, carriers) | $69–$79 | 1–2 days | Genuine Apple |
| Independent Repair Shop | $40–$60 | 1–2 hours | Genuine or aftermarket |
| AppleCare+ Coverage | Free | 1–3 hours | Genuine Apple |
What to do before you go in for service
Back up your data to iCloud or your computer before you drop off your phone. Apple does not erase your phone during battery replacement, but it is always safer to have a backup in case something goes wrong. You can back up to iCloud by opening Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tapping "Back Up Now," or connect to a computer and use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
Bring your phone and a valid ID to the Apple Store or authorized reseller. If you have AppleCare+, bring proof of purchase or your receipt, though Apple can usually look it up by your phone's serial number. If you are using the mail-in service, you do not need to include anything except the phone itself — do not send the charger or cables.
Signs your battery needs replacement
Your iPhone will show a battery health percentage in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. When this number drops below 80 percent, your phone may shut down unexpectedly under load, even if the battery percentage display shows 20 or 30 percent remaining. This is normal aging; lithium batteries lose capacity over time. If you notice your phone shutting down during heavy use, or if battery health is below 80 percent and you use your phone heavily, replacement will restore normal performance.
You do not have to replace the battery the moment it hits 80 percent. Many people wait until health drops to 70 percent or lower, or until the phone shuts down regularly. The choice depends on how much you use your phone and how long you plan to keep it. If you are upgrading to a new iPhone within the next year, battery replacement may not be worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the battery myself?
Apple does not sell batteries to consumers for self-installation. If you open your iPhone yourself, you will void any remaining warranty and risk damaging the display, logic board, or water resistance seal. Some third-party retailers sell battery kits with tools, but the process requires technical skill and carries real risk of permanent damage.
Will my phone data be erased during battery replacement?
No. Apple does not erase your phone during battery service. Your apps, photos, messages, and settings will remain exactly as they are. However, you should still back up your data before service in case an unexpected issue occurs.
How long does a replacement battery last?
A genuine Apple battery typically lasts two to three years of normal use before dropping below 80 percent health again. The exact lifespan depends on how often you charge, what temperatures you expose the phone to, and how heavily you use it. Aftermarket batteries may degrade faster.
What if I have an iPhone 6 or older?
Apple no longer stocks batteries for iPhone 6 and earlier models. You will need to use a third-party repair shop, which may charge $30 to $50 depending on the model and shop. Call ahead to confirm they have the battery in stock and can service your specific iPhone.
Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement if the battery is worn out from normal use?
Yes. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement once the battery health drops below 80 percent, regardless of whether the decline is from normal use or a defect. Without AppleCare+, you pay the standard fee once the battery shows wear from normal aging.