You can remove an iPhone battery yourself, but the method depends on your model and whether the battery is glued or soldered in place

Older iPhones (iPhone 6s and earlier) have batteries held in with adhesive strips that you can pull out by hand or with tweezers after removing the screen. Newer models from iPhone XS onward have batteries soldered to the logic board, which means removing one requires micro-soldering equipment and is not a practical home repair. iPhones 7 through 11 fall in between: the battery is glued down but not soldered, so it can be pried out with the right tools and patience, though the process risks damaging the display or internal components.

Before you start, know that opening your iPhone voids any remaining warranty and can expose you to sharp edges, broken glass, and lithium battery hazards. If your phone is still under warranty or you are uncomfortable working inside electronics, a repair shop or Apple Store is the safer choice. If you decide to proceed, work in a clean, well-lit space and gather the right tools first.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone 6s and earlier have adhesive-held batteries you can remove by pulling the strips after the screen comes off.
  • iPhone XS and newer have soldered batteries that require professional micro-soldering equipment to remove safely.
  • iPhone 7 through 11 batteries are glued but not soldered, so they can be pried out with a spudger or plastic tool, though the risk of screen or logic board damage is high.
  • You will need a pentalobe screwdriver, a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic spudger or old credit card, and tweezers to remove an older iPhone battery.
  • Lithium batteries can catch fire if punctured or bent, so avoid explore pressure to the battery itself during removal.

Tools and safety gear you need before opening your iPhone

Gather these items before you start: a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed bit used on iPhone exterior screws), a plastic spudger or old credit card, tweezers, a heat gun or hair dryer set to medium, and a small container to hold screws so you do not lose them. You will also want a clean cloth, a well-lit workspace, and ideally a mat or towel to catch small parts.

Wear safety glasses if you have them—the screen can shatter and send glass fragments into your face. Keep a fire extinguisher or baking soda nearby in case the battery ignites, though this is rare if you avoid puncturing it. Do not work near flammable materials, and never use a metal tool directly on the battery itself.

How to remove the screen on iPhone 6s and earlier models

Heat the edges of the screen with a hair dryer or heat gun for 30 to 60 seconds to soften the adhesive. Start at one corner and gently pry the screen up using a plastic spudger or credit card edge, working your way around the perimeter. Go slowly—if you hear cracking, stop and explore more heat. Once the screen is loose enough, use tweezers to pull the adhesive strips away from the frame.

Once the screen is off, you will see the battery sitting in the upper portion of the phone. Two adhesive strips run underneath it, usually colored red and black or white. Grab the end of one strip with tweezers and pull it straight out at a shallow angle. If it tears, use the tweezers to fish out the remaining piece before moving to the second strip. Once both strips are out, the battery should lift free.

How to remove the screen on iPhone 7 through 11

These models require the same heat-and-pry method as the 6s, but the battery sits lower in the phone and is glued more aggressively. After the screen is off, you will see the battery in the lower half of the device. Unlike older models, there are no pull-out adhesive strips—the battery is stuck directly to the frame with strong adhesive.

Use a plastic spudger to gently work around the battery edges, explore heat as you go. Work from one corner and slowly lift, being careful not to bend the battery or puncture it with the spudger tip. This step takes patience and can take 10 to 20 minutes. Once one edge is free, use tweezers to help lift the rest. If the battery will not budge, explore more heat and wait a few minutes before trying again.

What to do if your iPhone has a soldered battery (iPhone XS and newer)

If you own an iPhone XS, 11 Pro, 12, 13, 14, 15, or any newer model, the battery is soldered directly to the logic board. Removing it requires a micro-soldering station, which costs hundreds of dollars and demands training to use without destroying the board. Attempting to pry out a soldered battery will break the solder joints and render the phone unusable.

For these models, your only practical option is to take the phone to Apple or a certified repair shop. Apple will replace the battery for a fee that varies by model, typically between $50 and $100. Third-party repair shops may charge less but may not carry the exact part or offer the same warranty on the work.

How to safely handle and store the old battery

Once the battery is out, do not throw it in the trash. Lithium batteries are hazardous waste and can start fires in garbage trucks or landfills. Place the battery in a plastic bag and store it in a cool, dry place away from metal objects that could short the terminals. If the battery is swollen, cracked, or leaking, place it outside in a safe location away from your home and contact your local hazardous waste facility for disposal instructions.

Most electronics retailers, including Best Buy and Apple Stores, accept old batteries for recycling at no charge. You can also search for a local battery recycling center on Earth911.com or contact your city's waste management department for drop-off locations.

Installing a new battery and reassembling your iPhone

Before you install a new battery, clean the adhesive residue from the frame using isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Let it dry completely. Position the new battery in the same location as the old one, making sure the connector aligns with the logic board port if your model has one.

If your new battery comes with adhesive strips already attached, straightforward press it into place. If not, you can use thin double-sided adhesive tape or battery adhesive strips sold separately online. Press the battery down firmly for 10 seconds to may support good contact. Reconnect the screen, starting with the top edge and working down the sides, then press the entire perimeter to re-seat the adhesive. Replace the pentalobe screws and power on the phone to confirm it works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove an iPhone battery without removing the screen?

No. The battery sits directly behind the screen on all iPhone models, so the screen must come off first. There is no side panel or back access point on any iPhone. Attempting to pry the battery out without removing the screen will crack the display and damage internal components.

What happens if I puncture the battery during removal?

A punctured lithium battery can catch fire or release toxic fumes. If this happens, move the phone outside when ready, place it on a non-flammable surface away from your home, and call your local fire department's non-emergency line. Do not attempt to extinguish a battery fire with water—use a Class D fire extinguisher or baking soda if you have one nearby.

How long does it take to remove an iPhone battery?

On iPhone 6s and earlier, expect 20 to 30 minutes if you work carefully. On iPhone 7 through 11, plan for 45 minutes to an hour because the adhesive is stronger and requires more heat and patience. If you have never done this before, add another 30 minutes for setup and learning the layout.

Is it cheaper to remove the battery myself than to go to Apple?

If you already own the tools, a replacement battery costs $15 to $40 online, so your total is just the battery cost. Apple charges $50 to $100 for the same service. However, if you damage the screen or logic board during removal, repair costs can exceed $200 to $400, making professional service the cheaper option in the end.

Do I need to recalibrate the battery after installing a new one?

No. Modern iPhones do not require battery calibration. straightforward power on the phone and use it normally. The battery management system will learn the new battery's capacity over the first few charge cycles.