You cannot safely remove an iPhone battery yourself

Apple does not design iPhones for battery removal by the user. The battery is glued to the inside of the phone, and prying it out risks damaging the display, logic board, or other components. You can also damage the battery itself, which may then overheat or catch fire.

If your battery no longer holds a charge or swells visibly, your options are to have Apple or an authorized repair shop remove and replace it, or to replace the entire phone. This guide explains what each route involves and what to expect.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone batteries are permanently glued in place and cannot be safely removed without specialized tools and training.
  • Apple offers battery replacement at an Apple Store or through mail-in service, with costs ranging by model and whether your phone is under warranty.
  • Authorized third-party repair shops can also replace batteries, often faster and sometimes cheaper than Apple.
  • Attempting removal yourself voids your warranty and risks fire, chemical burns, or permanent damage to your phone.
  • If your battery is swollen or leaking, stop using the phone and seek professional service when ready.

Why iPhone batteries are glued in

Apple glues batteries into iPhones to save space and make the phone thinner and lighter. The battery sits directly against the internal frame with strong adhesive strips underneath. This design leaves no room for a user-removable compartment like older phones had.

The adhesive also helps seal the battery compartment against moisture. Removing it requires heat, prying tools, and knowledge of where the adhesive strips run so you do not puncture the battery or nearby components. A single slip can short-circuit the logic board or crack the display.

What happens if you try to remove it yourself

Heating the phone to soften the adhesive can damage the display, which sits just behind the battery. Prying with metal tools can puncture the battery casing, releasing flammable electrolyte inside. A punctured battery can catch fire hours or days later, even if the phone appears fine.

You also lose any remaining warranty coverage. Apple will refuse service on a phone that shows signs of user disassembly, and you will not be able to return it if something goes wrong. If the battery fails after you have opened it, you own the cost of repair or replacement.

Getting a battery replaced at Apple

Visit an Apple Store with your phone and ask about battery service. Apple will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem. If your phone is within one year of purchase and the battery holds less than 80 percent of its original capacity, replacement is covered under warranty at no cost.

If your phone is older or the battery has degraded for other reasons, Apple charges a flat rate for replacement. The cost varies by model — older iPhones cost less than newer ones — but typically ranges from $50 to $70. The replacement usually takes one to two hours if you wait, or you can leave the phone and pick it up the next day.

You can also mail your phone to Apple if no store is nearby. Go to apple.com/support, select your phone model, choose "Battery Service," and follow the steps to start a mail-in repair. Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, replace the battery, and return the phone within five to seven business days.

Using an authorized repair shop

Apple has a network of authorized service providers — often called Apple Authorized Service Providers — that can replace batteries with genuine parts. You can find one near you by going to apple.com/support, clicking "Find Locations," and searching for your city.

Authorized shops often have shorter wait times than Apple Stores and may charge slightly less. They use the same genuine batteries and tools as Apple does, so the quality is the same. Ask about their turnaround time when you call — some can do the replacement the same day.

Third-party repair shops and risks

Independent repair shops not affiliated with Apple can also replace iPhone batteries, usually for $30 to $50. They are often faster and cheaper than Apple or authorized providers. However, they may use aftermarket batteries instead of genuine Apple parts, which can have shorter lifespans or cause unexpected shutdowns.

Check reviews before choosing a third-party shop. Look for shops that use genuine batteries or clearly state what brand they use. Ask whether they offer any warranty on the replacement battery — reputable shops typically may provide the battery for at least three to six months.

Keep in mind that opening your phone at a third-party shop will void any remaining Apple warranty. If something else breaks during the repair, Apple will not cover it.

Signs your battery needs replacement

Your battery may need replacement if your phone shuts down suddenly even when the battery percentage shows 20 or 30 percent remaining. This happens when the battery can no longer deliver the power the phone demands, even though it still holds some charge.

Another sign is if your phone takes much longer to charge than it used to, or if the battery percentage jumps erratically — for example, dropping from 50 percent to 20 percent in seconds. A visibly swollen battery is an emergency: stop using the phone when ready and seek professional service, because a swollen battery can rupture.

You can also check your battery health in Settings. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the "Maximum Capacity" percentage is below 80 percent and your phone is still under warranty, Apple will replace the battery for free.

What to do before you hand over your phone

Back up your data to iCloud or a computer before you take your phone in for service. While battery replacement should not erase your data, backups protect you if something unexpected happens during the repair.

Remove any case or screen protector so the technician can access the phone easily. If you have a passcode, Face ID, or Find My iPhone turned on, you will need to provide your Apple ID password so the technician can disable these features during repair. Bring your password or be prepared to enter it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?

Most iPhone batteries are designed to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, this typically means two to three years before the battery noticeably degrades. Heavy users may need replacement sooner; light users may go longer.

Can I replace the battery myself if I watch a YouTube video?

Videos exist, but they show the process, not whether you will succeed without damaging your phone. Even experienced repair technicians use specialized tools like heat guns, suction cups, and plastic pry tools. A single mistake can cost you hundreds in repairs or force you to replace the phone entirely.

What should I do if my battery is swollen?

Stop using the phone when ready and do not charge it. A swollen battery can rupture and release flammable chemicals. Take it to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop as soon as possible. If you cannot reach one, power off the phone and keep it away from heat and pressure until you can get it serviced.

Will replacing the battery erase my photos and data?

Battery replacement should not erase anything. Your data stays on the phone's storage. However, back up to iCloud or your computer beforehand just in case something unexpected happens during the repair.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new phone?

Battery replacement costs $50 to $70 at Apple, while a new iPhone starts at $400 or more. Unless your phone is very old or has other damage, battery replacement is almost always the cheaper choice. A fresh battery often makes an older phone feel like new again.