You can replace an iPhone battery yourself using a kit, or have Apple or a repair shop do it for about $69 to $99
The fastest route is Apple's mail-in service or an in-store appointment — they handle the whole job in one visit and your battery comes with a one-year warranty. If you want to do it yourself, you will need a small screwdriver set, a suction cup, and a battery replacement kit specific to your iPhone model. The job takes 30 minutes to an hour if you follow the steps carefully, but it voids any remaining warranty and requires patience with small parts.
Before you start, back up your phone and power it completely off. If your battery is swollen or leaking, do not attempt the repair yourself — take it to Apple or a certified technician instead, because a damaged battery can catch fire.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $69 to $99 for a battery replacement depending on your iPhone model, and the new battery comes with a one-year warranty.
- A DIY battery kit costs $15 to $40 and includes the battery, screwdrivers, and prying tools, but you lose your warranty if something goes wrong during the swap.
- The repair takes 30 minutes to an hour and requires removing the screen first, which is the hardest part of the job.
- Third-party repair shops charge $40 to $80 and often complete the work same-day, but quality and warranty terms vary widely.
- If your battery is visibly swollen, leaking, or your phone is overheating, do not open it yourself — take it to a professional.
Apple's battery replacement service and cost
Apple replaces batteries at any Apple Store or through their mail-in service. The cost is $69 for iPhone 15 and newer, $79 for iPhone 11 through 14, and $99 for older models. The replacement battery carries a one-year warranty, and the work usually takes three to five business days if you mail it in, or one to two hours if you go to a store.
To start, go to apple.com/support or call 1-800-MY-APPLE to book an appointment. You will need your phone and a valid ID. If your phone is under AppleCare+, the battery replacement is free if the battery health has dropped below 80 percent. If you do not have AppleCare+, you pay the standard fee.
The mail-in option works if you do not have a nearby Apple Store. You request a shipping label on Apple's website, pack your phone, and send it in. Apple sends it back with a new battery installed. This route takes longer but costs the same as in-store service.
DIY battery replacement with a kit
A battery replacement kit for your specific iPhone model costs $15 to $40 on Amazon or eBay and includes the battery, a small screwdriver set, a suction cup, plastic prying tools, and tweezers. The kit does not include adhesive strips to reseal the screen, so budget another $5 to $10 for those if you want a watertight seal afterward.
The first step is the hardest: removing the screen. Heat the edges of your phone with a heat gun or hair dryer for 30 seconds to soften the adhesive, then use the suction cup to pull the screen away from the body. Work slowly around all four edges. Once the screen is loose, disconnect the battery connector inside — it is a small plug near the top of the phone. Then unscrew the battery bracket (usually two or three screws), peel away the old battery, and slide the new one in. Reconnect the battery, screw the bracket back, and press the screen down firmly.
The biggest risk is cracking the screen while prying it open or damaging the display ribbon cable when you disconnect it. If either happens, you have bought a new screen as well. This is why many people choose to have it done professionally even though they could do it themselves.
Third-party repair shops and their warranties
Independent phone repair shops charge $40 to $80 for a battery replacement and often finish the same day. The quality of the replacement battery varies — some shops use genuine Apple batteries pulled from recycled phones, while others use third-party batteries that may not last as long or hold a charge as well.
Before you choose a shop, ask whether they use original Apple batteries or aftermarket ones, and what warranty they offer on the replacement. A reputable shop will may provide the battery for at least three to six months. Check Google reviews and ask friends for recommendations, because the difference between a good shop and a bad one is whether they properly reseal your phone and whether the battery they install actually lasts.
One drawback: third-party repairs do not count toward Apple's warranty, and if something else breaks later, Apple may refuse to service it if they can tell a non-Apple technician opened your phone. This matters less if your phone is out of warranty already.
When to replace your battery and warning signs
Your iPhone will tell you when the battery is degrading. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and look at the "Maximum Capacity" number. When it drops below 80 percent, the battery is aging normally and replacement is worth considering. Below 50 percent, the phone will slow down and shut off unexpectedly even when the battery shows charge remaining.
Other signs your battery needs replacement: the phone shuts off suddenly at 20 or 30 percent battery, it takes much longer to charge than it used to, or the back of the phone feels warm during normal use. If the back is visibly swollen or the screen is bulging outward, stop using the phone when ready and take it to Apple or a repair shop — a swollen battery can catch fire.
Do not wait for the battery to fail completely. A degraded battery makes the phone slower and less reliable, and replacing it early extends the life of the whole device by two to three years.
Comparing the three routes: cost and time
| Route | Cost | Time | Warranty | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store | $69–$99 | 1–2 hours | 1 year | None |
| Apple Mail-in | $69–$99 | 3–5 business days | 1 year | None |
| DIY Kit | $15–$40 | 30–60 minutes | None | Cracked screen, voided warranty |
| Third-party shop | $40–$80 | Same day | 3–6 months (varies) | Lower-quality battery, no Apple warranty |
What to do before you replace the battery
Back up your phone to iCloud or your computer before any repair. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap "Back Up Now", or connect to a Mac or PC and use Finder or iTunes. This takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have.
Power off your phone completely and let it sit for five minutes. This clears any temporary data and makes the repair safer. If you are using Face ID or Touch ID, write down your passcode somewhere safe in case the repair affects those features (it usually does not, but it is good to have it written down).
If you are doing the repair yourself, work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Lay out all the screws and small parts on a piece of paper so you do not lose them. Take a photo of the inside of your phone before you start, so you can refer to it if you forget where something goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it is slow?
If your battery health is below 50 percent, yes — Apple throttles the processor to protect the battery, so a new battery often makes the phone feel faster. Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health first. If the number is above 80 percent, slowness is caused by something else and a new battery will not help.
Can I replace the battery myself if I have never done a repair before?
You can, but the hardest part is removing the screen without cracking it. If you are not comfortable with small, delicate work, a third-party shop is worth the extra $25 to $40 to avoid breaking something. Watch a full video for your exact iPhone model on YouTube before you decide.
What happens if I crack the screen while replacing the battery?
You will need to buy a replacement screen kit and install that too, which adds $30 to $60 to your cost and another hour of work. This is why many people choose to have Apple or a shop do it — the labor cost is worth the peace of mind.
Does a third-party battery work as well as an Apple battery?
It depends on the shop. Genuine Apple batteries last longer and charge faster, but good third-party batteries work fine for most people. Ask the shop whether they use original or aftermarket batteries before you commit, and read reviews to see what other customers say about battery life.
Can I replace the battery if my phone is still under warranty?
Yes, and if the battery health is below 80 percent, Apple will replace it for free under AppleCare+. If you do not have AppleCare+, you pay the standard fee even under warranty. The standard one-year hardware warranty does not cover battery degradation.