When and How to Replace Your iPhone Battery
You can replace your iPhone battery in two ways: take it to Apple or an authorized repair shop, or do it yourself if you have the right tools and your phone model supports it. Apple charges between $69 and $99 depending on your model, and the work takes about an hour. Self-replacement is free except for the battery itself (typically $20 to $40 online) but requires opening your phone, which voids your warranty and risks damaging the screen or internal parts if you slip.
Most iPhones from iPhone XS forward have non-removable batteries sealed with adhesive, making DIY replacement difficult without a heat gun and specialized pry tools. Older models like the iPhone 6, 7, and 8 are easier to open but still require patience and the correct screwdriver size. If your phone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, Apple will replace the battery for free if the battery health has dropped below 80 percent.
Key Takeaways
- Apple and authorized repair shops replace iPhone batteries for $69 to $99 and complete the work in about one hour.
- iPhones with sealed batteries (XS and newer) require heat, adhesive removal tools, and significant skill to open safely without damaging the screen.
- Older iPhone models like the 6, 7, and 8 can be opened with a pentalobe screwdriver and a plastic spoon, but the process still takes 30 to 45 minutes and carries risk.
- You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see if replacement is necessary.
- Self-replacement voids your warranty, while Apple or authorized repair keeps your coverage intact.
Check Your Battery Health Before You Start
Open Settings on your iPhone, then tap Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity." If it is 80 percent or higher, your battery is still within normal range. If it is below 80 percent and your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, Apple will replace it at no cost.
The same screen shows "Condition" at the bottom. If it says "Service Recommended" or "Service Not Available," the battery needs replacement. Write down the exact percentage and condition status before you book an appointment or order a replacement battery, because you will need this information to explain the problem to a technician or to confirm you have the right battery model.
Taking Your iPhone to Apple or an Authorized Repair Shop
Visit apple.com/repair or call 1-800-MY-APPLE to book a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store near you. You can also visit an authorized Apple repair shop—search "Apple authorized service provider" plus your city to find one. Bring your phone and a form of ID. Tell them your battery health percentage so they can confirm the battery needs replacement.
Repair time is usually one to two hours if you wait, or you can drop the phone off and pick it up the same day. Apple will run diagnostics to confirm the battery is the problem, replace it, and test the phone before you leave. Your warranty remains active, and if anything goes wrong during the repair, Apple covers it.
Self-Replacement for iPhone 6, 7, and 8 Models
If you own an iPhone 6, 7, or 8, self-replacement is possible with basic tools. You will need a P2 pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape used on iPhones), a plastic spoon or opening tool, a suction cup, and a replacement battery kit from a reputable seller like iFixit or Amazon. Do this on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Power off your phone completely before you start.
Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. Use the suction cup to pull the screen away from the body—pull gently and steadily, do not jerk. Slide the plastic spoon or tool into the gap to keep it open. Once the screen is lifted enough to fit your fingers, carefully disconnect the battery connector (a small plug near the top of the phone) by pulling straight up. Peel away the adhesive strip holding the battery, or use a plastic tool to pry it out slowly. Install the new battery by reversing these steps: reconnect the battery plug, press the screen back down, and replace the two screws.
The entire process takes 30 to 45 minutes if you go slowly. The most common mistake is pulling the screen too hard and cracking it, or disconnecting the wrong cable and damaging the display connector. If you feel uncertain at any step, stop and take your phone to a repair shop instead.
Why Self-Replacement Is Risky for Newer iPhones
iPhones from XS onward use a sealed design with the battery glued to the frame using strong adhesive. To remove it, you must heat the phone to 80 degrees Celsius (176 degrees Fahrenheit) using a heat gun, then carefully peel the battery away while it is warm. If the phone cools too quickly, the adhesive hardens and the battery becomes impossible to remove without breaking it or the internal components.
The screen on newer models is also more fragile and more expensive to replace if you crack it during opening—repair costs $200 to $400. The battery connector is smaller and easier to damage, and the internal layout leaves little room for error. Unless you have done this repair before or have watched a detailed video guide multiple times, the risk of a $300 to $400 mistake is high. For these models, professional repair is the safer choice.
What to Do If Your Phone Won't Turn On After Battery Replacement
If you replaced the battery yourself and the phone will not power on, the battery connector may not be fully seated. Power off the phone, remove the screen again, and disconnect and reconnect the battery plug. Make sure it clicks into place. If the phone still will not turn on, the battery itself may be defective—order a replacement from the same seller and swap it in.
If the screen will not turn on but you hear the phone vibrate or see a charging symbol, the display connector may have been damaged during opening. This requires professional repair. If you took your phone to Apple or an authorized shop and it will not turn on after repair, contact them when ready—they will diagnose and fix the problem under their repair warranty.
Cost Comparison: DIY Versus Professional Repair
The choice between doing the repair yourself and paying for professional service depends on your phone model, your comfort with tools, and how much you can afford to lose if something goes wrong. The table below shows the real costs and risks of each path.
| Repair Method | Cost | Time | Risk | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or Authorized Shop | $69–$99 | 1–2 hours | None | Covered by Apple |
| DIY (iPhone 6, 7, 8) | $20–$40 | 30–45 minutes | Screen crack ($200–$400) or connector damage | Voids warranty |
| DIY (iPhone XS and newer) | $20–$40 | 45–90 minutes | Screen crack ($300–$400) or battery damage | Voids warranty |
For most people, the $69 to $99 professional repair is worth the peace of mind. You get a warranty on the work, your phone stays under Apple's coverage, and you avoid the risk of turning a $40 battery replacement into a $400 screen repair.
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 charge cycles (roughly one to two years of normal use). After that, capacity drops gradually. Most people notice slower performance or shorter battery life between years two and three.
Can I replace the battery myself if I have never done it before?
For iPhone 6, 7, and 8, yes, but watch a full video guide first and go slowly. For iPhone XS and newer, no—the risk of damaging a $300+ screen is too high unless you have done the repair before. Professional repair is safer and only costs $69 to $99.
Will Apple replace my battery if I cracked the screen?
Apple will replace the battery, but they will charge you separately for screen repair. The total cost will be higher than battery replacement alone. If the screen damage is severe, they may recommend replacing the entire phone.
What if I buy a cheap battery online instead of an official one?
Cheap third-party batteries often have lower capacity and degrade faster. They may also not fit properly or have poor safety standards. Spend the extra $10 to $15 on a reputable brand like iFixit or Anker to avoid problems.
Does replacing the battery fix slow performance?
Yes, if the slowness is caused by battery degradation. iOS throttles performance on older batteries to prevent shutdown. A new battery restores full speed. If the phone is still slow after battery replacement, the problem is elsewhere (storage full, too many apps, older processor).