You can replace an iPhone battery yourself if your model allows it, or have Apple do it for a flat fee

Most iPhones have a built-in battery that is not meant to be user-replaceable, but Apple will swap it for you at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop for a set price. Newer iPhone models (iPhone XS and later) have a small pull-tab that makes removal easier, but the process still requires tools and care. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the cost may be reduced or free depending on the battery's condition.

The fastest route is to visit an Apple Store and let a technician handle it — the job takes about an hour, and you walk out with a working battery. If you want to do it yourself, you will need a pentalobe screwdriver, a suction cup, a plastic spoon or pry tool, and patience. This guide covers both paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges a flat fee for battery replacement that varies by iPhone model, typically between $50 and $100, and the job takes about an hour at an Apple Store.
  • If your iPhone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, the replacement may cost less or nothing if the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity.
  • Doing the replacement yourself requires a pentalobe screwdriver, suction cup, plastic pry tool, and about 30 to 45 minutes of careful work, and voids any remaining warranty.
  • Newer iPhones (XS and later) have a pull-tab on the battery that makes removal easier than older models, but the screen still must come off first.
  • If you damage the screen, home button, or other components during a DIY replacement, repair costs will be much higher than the battery swap itself.

Check your battery health before you decide

Your iPhone can tell you how much capacity your battery has lost. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and look at the "Maximum Capacity" percentage. A battery at 80 percent or higher is still in good condition; below 80 percent, it will drain faster and may shut down unexpectedly under load.

If your phone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, Apple will replace the battery at no cost if the capacity has dropped below 80 percent. If you are out of warranty and do not have AppleCare+, you will pay the standard replacement fee. This check takes 30 seconds and tells you whether a replacement is worth the cost right now.

Getting Apple to replace it at a store or service center

Visit apple.com/repair or call 1-800-MY-APPLE to find an Apple Store or authorized service provider near you. You can book an appointment online or by phone. Bring your iPhone and a form of ID; you do not need to back up your data beforehand, though it is a good idea anyway.

The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replace it while you wait. The job takes 45 minutes to an hour. Costs vary by model: iPhone 14 and 15 models run about $70, older models like the iPhone 11 run about $65, and iPhone XS through 13 models run about $65 to $70. If your phone is under warranty or AppleCare+ covers it, the cost drops to $0 if the battery has degraded, or you may pay a reduced fee if the damage is accidental.

Tools and preparation for a DIY replacement

If you choose to replace the battery yourself, gather these tools first: a P2 pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape used on iPhones), a suction cup, a plastic spoon or opening tool, a heat gun or hair dryer, tweezers, and isopropyl alcohol. You will also need a replacement battery designed for your specific iPhone model — buy one from a reputable electronics supplier, not a generic third-party seller, because cheap batteries fail quickly and can swell inside the phone.

Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Turn off your iPhone completely before you start. If your phone is wet or has been dropped recently, do not attempt this repair — water damage or internal cracks can cause injury or fire when you open the battery compartment. Clear at least two hours for the job, even if online guides claim it takes 30 minutes; rushing leads to broken screens and damaged connectors.

Step-by-step removal and replacement

Step 1: Remove the screen (15 to 20 minutes). Heat the edges of your iPhone with a hair dryer for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive. Place the suction cup on the screen near the home button and pull gently while using a plastic spoon to pry the gap open. Work slowly around all four edges — the screen is glued down and will crack if you force it. Once the gap is wide enough, slide the spoon around the perimeter to separate the adhesive. Lift the screen up slowly; it is still connected by cables at the top, so do not pull it all the way off yet.

Step 2: Disconnect the screen cables (2 minutes). You will see a metal bracket covering the connectors at the top of the phone. Remove the two or three small screws holding it, then gently lift the bracket away. You will see two or three ribbon cables plugged into the logic board. Use a plastic spoon or your fingernail to flip the small black tabs that hold each cable in place, then slide the cables out. Set the screen aside on a clean surface.

Step 3: Remove the battery connector (1 minute). Locate the battery connector — a small plug near the bottom of the logic board. Flip the black tab holding it in place and slide the connector out. This disconnects the battery from power so you can safely remove it.

Step 4: Remove the old battery (5 to 10 minutes). On iPhone XS and newer, you will see a small pull-tab sticking out from under the battery. Pull it slowly and steadily at a 45-degree angle; the battery should slide out. If the tab breaks or the battery does not move, explore a small amount of isopropyl alcohol under the edge and wait 30 seconds for the adhesive to soften, then try again. On older models without a pull-tab, use a plastic spoon to pry the battery up from the edges — work slowly and do not puncture the battery itself, as this can cause a fire.

Step 5: Install the new battery (3 minutes). Clean the battery compartment with a lint-free cloth. Slide the new battery into place and press it down firmly until it sits flat. Reconnect the battery connector by sliding the ribbon cable back in and flipping the black tab to lock it.

Step 6: Reconnect the screen (2 minutes). Slide each screen cable back into its connector and flip the black tabs to lock them. Replace the metal bracket and tighten the screws. Carefully lower the screen back down and press around the edges to re-seat it. The adhesive will not be as strong as the factory seal, so the screen may feel slightly loose at first.

Step 7: Power on and test (5 minutes). Turn on your iPhone and check that the screen responds to touch, the home button works, and the battery charges. If anything does not work, power off when ready and reopen the phone to check that all cables are fully seated.

Common mistakes that damage your phone

The most common error is forcing the screen open before the adhesive has softened. If you pry too hard, the screen will crack and you will have to pay $200 to $400 for a replacement on top of the battery cost. Heat the edges for a full minute and work slowly — there is no time pressure once you have started.

The second mistake is puncturing the old battery while prying it out. A punctured lithium battery can catch fire inside your phone or in your hand. If the battery swells, leaks, or smells like chemicals, stop when ready and take the phone to Apple or a repair shop. Do not try to finish the job yourself.

The third mistake is forgetting to disconnect the battery before you touch any other components. If you accidentally short the logic board while the battery is still connected, you can fry the entire phone. Always flip that battery connector tab first.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you crack the screen during removal, stop and take the phone to an Apple Store. Continuing the repair will only cause more damage. If the battery connector does not slide back in easily, do not force it — the connector may be bent, and forcing it can break the logic board. If the screen does not respond to touch after reassembly, the ribbon cables may not be fully seated; power off and reopen the phone to check.

If your phone does not turn on after the repair, the battery may be defective or the connector may not be making contact. Reopen the phone, disconnect and reconnect the battery, and try again. If it still does not power on, take it to Apple or an authorized repair shop — attempting further troubleshooting risks more damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does replacing the battery myself void my warranty?

Yes. Opening your iPhone voids any remaining manufacturer warranty and AppleCare+ coverage. If something breaks during the repair or shortly after, Apple will not cover it. This is why many people choose to have Apple do the replacement instead — you keep your warranty and get a may provide on the work.

How long does a new battery last before it needs replacing again?

A new battery is designed to retain 80 percent of its capacity after about 500 full charge cycles, which typically takes two to three years of normal use. After that, capacity degrades slowly. Most people replace the battery once every three to four years.

Can I use a cheap third-party battery instead of an Apple battery?

You can, but cheap batteries often fail within months and may swell inside your phone, which can damage the screen and logic board. The cost difference is usually $20 to $30, but a failed battery can cost $200+ to repair. Spend the extra money on a quality replacement from a reputable seller.

What if my iPhone screen is already cracked — can I still replace the battery?

Yes, but it is harder. A cracked screen is more fragile and may break further when you try to pry it open. If the crack is severe, consider having Apple replace both the screen and battery at once — it is often cheaper than doing them separately.

Is it safe to use my iPhone while the battery is being replaced?

No. Your phone must be powered off and the battery must be disconnected from the logic board before you open it. Using the phone while it is open risks electrical shock and damage to the internal components.