You cannot remove the battery yourself on modern iPhones
Apple stopped making iPhones with user-removable batteries in 2016. Every iPhone model from the iPhone 6s onward has a battery that is glued to the inside of the phone, and removing it requires specialized tools and training. If you try to pry it out, you will damage the phone's internal components, crack the screen, or rupture the battery itself — which can cause a fire.
If your battery is failing, your phone is overheating, or you need the battery replaced for any reason, you have two legitimate paths: take the phone to Apple, or take it to an authorized repair shop. Both can remove and replace the battery safely without destroying your device.
Key Takeaways
- iPhones from the iPhone 6s onward have batteries that are permanently glued inside and cannot be removed by hand.
- Attempting to remove the battery yourself will damage the phone and may cause the battery to catch fire.
- Apple and authorized repair shops have the tools and training to remove batteries without harming the phone.
- Battery replacement typically takes one to two hours at an Apple Store or authorized repair location.
- Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs vary, but Apple's official price is usually between $50 and $70.
Why iPhones no longer have removable batteries
Apple removed user-removable batteries to make phones thinner, lighter, and more water-resistant. A removable battery requires a removable back panel, which creates gaps where water and dust can enter. By gluing the battery in place, Apple could seal the phone more completely and use the space more efficiently.
This design choice means the battery is now part of the phone's structural integrity. The battery sits directly against the logic board and other components. If you force it out, you will tear the connectors, crack the solder joints, or puncture the battery casing. A punctured lithium battery can ignite or explode.
What to do if your battery is failing
If your iPhone shuts down at 20 percent battery, drains in an hour, or swells visibly, the battery has reached the end of its life. Take the phone to an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or a reputable third-party repair shop as soon as possible. Do not wait — a swollen battery can damage the screen and logic board, and a failing battery can fail suddenly.
Before you go, back up your phone using iCloud or a computer. The repair shop will erase the phone during the replacement process and restore it afterward, but having your own backup means you control what gets restored and when.
Getting your battery replaced at an Apple Store
Visit apple.com/support and select "Repair and Physical Damage" or "Battery and Power." You can book a Genius Bar appointment online, or walk in and ask to speak to someone about battery service. Bring your phone and your Apple ID password. The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replace it while you wait — usually within one to two hours.
If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement is free. If not, you will pay out of pocket. Apple's standard battery replacement cost is $69 for most models, though some larger phones cost slightly more. Ask the technician for the exact price before they start.
Using an Apple Authorized Service Provider
If there is no Apple Store near you, search for "Apple Authorized Service Provider" on apple.com/support. These are independent repair shops that Apple has certified and trained. They use genuine Apple parts and follow Apple's repair procedures. The cost and turnaround time are usually the same as an Apple Store.
Call ahead to confirm they have the battery in stock for your specific iPhone model. Some smaller shops may need to order the part, which can add a few days to the repair. Ask whether they can do the work the same day or if you will need to leave the phone overnight.
Third-party repair shops and what to watch for
Non-Apple repair shops can replace your battery for less money — sometimes $30 to $50 — but there are real risks. Some use refurbished or counterfeit batteries that fail quickly. Others may not properly seal the phone afterward, leaving it vulnerable to water damage. A few may damage other components during removal and not tell you until after you have paid.
If you choose a third-party shop, look for one with strong reviews specifically about battery replacement, not just general repair work. Ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or third-party batteries, and get that answer in writing. Ask what warranty they offer on the battery and the repair work. A reputable shop will stand behind their work for at least 30 days.
What happens if your battery is swollen
A swollen battery is an emergency. Do not use the phone. Do not charge it. Do not leave it plugged in. Take it to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop when ready, or call Apple Support to find the nearest location that can see you today.
A swollen battery pushes against the screen and logic board from the inside. It can crack the display, damage the charging port, or rupture completely. If it ruptures while you are holding it, the electrolyte inside can burn your skin. This is not a situation where you should wait for an appointment or shop around for price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself with a kit from online?
You can buy battery replacement kits online, but using them risks destroying your phone. The kits include a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, plastic pry tools, and a replacement battery. Even with instructions, most people damage the screen, connectors, or logic board. The cost savings (usually $20 to $40) is not worth a $300 to $800 repair bill if something goes wrong.
How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacing?
Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, that is usually two to three years. After that, the battery will drain faster and the phone may shut down unexpectedly. You do not have to replace it when ready, but performance will degrade over time.
Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it is slow?
If your phone is slow and the battery is old, a new battery may help. Older batteries cannot deliver power as quickly, so the phone throttles performance to avoid shutting down. A fresh battery restores full power delivery. However, if the phone is slow for other reasons — too many apps, old software, or a failing storage drive — a new battery will not fix that.
What should I do with my old battery after it is replaced?
Do not throw it in the trash. Lithium batteries are hazardous waste and can cause fires in garbage trucks or landfills. Apple and most repair shops will recycle the old battery for free when they install the new one. If you removed it yourself, take it to an electronics recycling center or a Best Buy, which accepts old batteries at no charge.
Can I get a battery replacement while I wait?
At an Apple Store, yes — most battery replacements take one to two hours. At some Apple Authorized Service Providers, you may need to leave the phone for a few hours or come back the next day. Call ahead to ask about same-day service. Third-party shops vary widely; some can do it in 30 minutes, others need overnight.