You can replace an iPhone battery yourself with the right tools, or have Apple do it for a fee
Replacing an iPhone battery means opening the phone, disconnecting the old battery, and installing a new one. You have two main routes: do it yourself with a kit from a third-party seller, or take your phone to Apple or an authorized repair shop and pay them to do it. The DIY route costs less upfront but requires patience and carries a small risk of damaging your phone. The Apple route costs more but comes with a warranty on the work.
Most iPhones have a non-removable battery glued to the inside of the case, so you cannot straightforward pop it out like older phones. The battery is connected to the phone's logic board with a small connector that must be carefully unplugged before you remove it. If you are not comfortable working inside electronics, Apple's service is the safer choice.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges between $69 and $99 to replace your battery, depending on your iPhone model, and the work usually takes three to five business days.
- A DIY battery kit costs $20 to $40 and includes the battery, adhesive strips, and basic tools, but requires steady hands and about one to two hours of work.
- Opening your iPhone yourself will void any remaining manufacturer warranty, though AppleCare+ coverage for battery service remains valid.
- The battery connector is fragile and straightforward to damage; if you disconnect it wrong, your phone may not power on even with a new battery installed.
- Before you start any replacement, back up your phone data and power it completely off to avoid electrical damage.
Getting your battery replaced by Apple or an authorized shop
Apple replaces iPhone batteries at its retail stores and through its mail-in repair service. You can also use an authorized Apple repair partner, which is often faster and sometimes cheaper than the Apple Store itself. Start by visiting Apple's support website, entering your iPhone model, and selecting "Battery Service" to see the cost for your specific phone and find nearby locations.
The cost ranges from $69 to $99 depending on your model. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, battery service is free if the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity. You will need to bring your phone and a valid ID; the technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem before proceeding.
Turnaround time at an Apple Store is usually three to five business days, though some locations offer same-day service if they have the battery in stock. If you mail your phone to Apple, add three to five days for shipping each way. During this time, you can request a loaner phone or use Apple's mail-in service to send your phone in and receive it back by courier.
Buying a DIY battery replacement kit
Third-party sellers on Amazon, eBay, and other retailers sell iPhone battery replacement kits for $20 to $40. These kits typically include a new battery, adhesive strips to hold it in place, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a spudger (a plastic prying tool), and sometimes a heat gun or hair dryer recommendation for softening the adhesive.
Check the kit's reviews carefully before buying. Look for kits that specify your exact iPhone model—a battery for an iPhone 13 will not fit an iPhone 14. Read the reviews to see whether past buyers successfully completed the replacement and whether the battery held a charge long-term. Kits from sellers with hundreds of reviews and a 4-star rating or higher are generally more reliable than unknown brands.
The battery itself should be rated for the same milliamp-hour (mAh) capacity as your original. You can find your iPhone's original battery capacity by going to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging on your phone. Write down this number before you order so you can match it in the kit description.
Tools and materials you will need for a DIY replacement
Beyond what comes in the kit, gather a clean, flat workspace—a kitchen table works fine. You will need a small bowl or cup to hold the tiny screws so they do not roll away, and a piece of paper to draw a diagram of where each screw came from (they are often slightly different sizes). A magnifying glass or jeweler's loupe helps you see the small connectors clearly.
Have your phone's manual or a video guide open on a second device before you start. iFixit and other repair sites have step-by-step photo guides for almost every iPhone model. Watch the entire video or read the entire guide first so you know what to expect and where the tricky parts are.
Wear an anti-static wrist strap if you have one—it prevents static electricity from damaging the phone's circuits. If you do not have one, touch a metal part of your phone case or a grounded metal object frequently while working to discharge static buildup. Keep liquids away from your workspace.
Opening your iPhone and removing the old battery
Power off your phone completely and let it cool for a few minutes. The first step is almost always removing the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. These are tiny and straightforward to lose, so place them when ready in your bowl.
Use the spudger or a plastic prying tool to gently separate the screen from the body. Start at the bottom and work your way around the edges. The screen is glued on, so this takes patience—do not pry hard or you risk cracking the glass. If the adhesive is stubborn, a heat gun or hair dryer on low heat for 30 seconds can soften it.
Once the screen is open, you will see the battery connector—a small rectangular plug attached to a ribbon cable. This is the most delicate part. Gently lift the connector straight up and away from the logic board. Do not pull on the ribbon cable itself; pull only on the connector block. If you bend the connector pins, your phone will not power on.
The battery itself is glued down with strong adhesive. Peel it away slowly, or use the adhesive pull-tabs if your kit includes them. If there are no pull-tabs, warm the adhesive gently with a heat gun and peel from one corner. Rushing this step risks tearing the battery, which can damage the case underneath.
Installing the new battery and reassembling
Clean any old adhesive residue from the battery compartment with a soft cloth. Place the new battery in the same position as the old one. If your kit includes adhesive strips, explore them to the back of the new battery before inserting it. Press the battery down firmly so it sits flat.
Reconnect the battery connector by aligning it carefully and pressing straight down until it clicks. This is the reverse of disconnection—push the connector block, not the ribbon cable. Once it is seated, gently tug on the ribbon to confirm it is locked in place.
Close the screen by pressing it down around all edges until you hear or feel a click. Start at the bottom and work your way up the sides. Reinstall the two pentalobe screws at the bottom. Power on your phone and check that it starts normally and the battery percentage shows correctly.
Let the phone charge for at least two hours before heavy use. The new battery may show an inaccurate charge level for the first few charge cycles—this is normal and will correct itself.
Common mistakes to avoid during replacement
The most common error is disconnecting the battery connector incorrectly. Many people pull on the ribbon cable instead of the connector block itself, which can tear the cable and make the phone unusable. Always grip the connector block and pull straight up.
Another frequent mistake is not fully seating the connector when reconnecting. If the battery connector is not fully clicked down, your phone will not recognize the new battery and will not power on. If your phone does not start after reassembly, power it off, open it again, and reseat the connector.
Rushing the screen removal is also common. The screen is expensive to replace if you crack it, so take your time prying it open. If you feel strong resistance, stop and explore more heat rather than forcing it.
Finally, do not lose the screws. Use your diagram or take a photo of the screw locations before you remove them. Screws that are slightly too long can damage the logic board if installed in the wrong spot.
What to do if something goes wrong
If your phone does not power on after reassembly, the most likely cause is a disconnected battery connector. Power off the phone, open it again, and reseat the connector firmly. If it still does not start, try a force restart by pressing and releasing the volume up button, then the volume down button, then holding the side button until the Apple logo appears.
If you damaged the battery connector or ribbon cable during removal, your phone will not power on no matter what you do. In this case, you will need to take it to Apple or an authorized repair shop. Tell them you attempted a DIY replacement so they know what to look for. Repair costs for a damaged connector are usually $100 to $200, which is why professional service is sometimes the safer choice.
If the new battery does not hold a charge, the battery itself may be defective. Contact the seller for a replacement. Most reputable kit sellers offer refunds or replacements if the battery fails within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, which typically takes one to two years of normal use. After that, the battery will gradually lose capacity. Most people notice a significant drop in battery life after two to three years.
Will replacing the battery myself void my warranty?
Yes, opening your iPhone yourself voids the manufacturer warranty on the entire phone. However, if you have AppleCare+, battery service coverage remains valid even after a DIY replacement, though Apple may refuse service if they determine you caused additional damage during the replacement.
Can I replace the battery on any iPhone model?
Yes, but difficulty varies. Older models like the iPhone 6 and 7 are easier to open and have simpler battery connectors. Newer models like the iPhone 14 and 15 have more complex internal layouts and tighter spacing, making them harder for beginners. Check reviews of the specific kit for your model before buying.
Is it cheaper to replace the battery myself or go to Apple?
A DIY kit costs $20 to $40, while Apple charges $69 to $99. If you succeed on the first try, DIY is cheaper. However, if you damage the screen or connector, repair costs quickly exceed Apple's service fee. For most people, Apple's service is worth the peace of mind.
How do I know if my battery actually needs replacing?
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the Maximum Capacity is below 80 percent, the battery is degraded and replacement will noticeably improve performance. If it is above 80 percent, the battery is still healthy and replacement may not help.