You cannot remove an iPhone battery yourself without damaging the phone

Modern iPhones are sealed devices. The battery is glued to the inside of the case, and there is no user-accessible battery compartment. If you try to pry the phone open, you will crack the screen, damage the logic board, and likely break the battery itself — which can cause it to catch fire.

Apple designed iPhones this way starting with the iPhone 6s in 2015. Every model since then, including current models, requires professional tools and training to open safely. If your battery needs to be removed or replaced, you have two legitimate routes: Apple's official service or a certified repair shop.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhone batteries are permanently glued inside the sealed case and cannot be removed by hand or with household tools.
  • Attempting to open an iPhone yourself voids the warranty, risks breaking the screen and internal components, and can cause the battery to ignite.
  • Apple offers battery replacement through the Apple Store, Apple Authorized Service Providers, and mail-in repair if you do not have a store nearby.
  • Third-party repair shops certified by Apple or independent technicians can also replace batteries, often faster and sometimes cheaper than Apple.
  • If your iPhone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, battery replacement may be free if the battery health has degraded below 80 percent.

What happens when you try to open an iPhone yourself

The screen is glued to the aluminum frame with a strong adhesive. To reach the battery, a technician must heat the edges of the phone to soften this glue, then carefully pry the screen away using specialized tools. If you use a knife, flathead screwdriver, or heat gun without proper technique, the screen will shatter.

Once the screen is off, the battery itself is held down with adhesive strips. These strips are designed to be pulled at a specific angle. If you pull the wrong way, the battery case ruptures. A ruptured lithium-ion battery can swell, leak, or catch fire — especially if you then try to charge the phone.

Even if you somehow remove the battery without breaking it, you still need to disconnect the battery connector from the logic board. This connector is tiny and fragile. Damaging it means the phone will not power on again, even with a new battery installed.

Getting your battery replaced through Apple

Visit apple.com/support or call Apple Support to set up a repair. You can choose to visit an Apple Store if one is near you, mail your phone to Apple, or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider (a third-party shop that Apple has certified and supplies with genuine parts).

At the Apple Store, battery replacement usually takes a few hours. You can often book an appointment online and drop the phone off, then pick it up the same day. The cost depends on your model and warranty status. If your battery health has fallen below 80 percent and your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement is free. Otherwise, expect to pay between $50 and $100 depending on the model.

If you mail the phone to Apple, the repair takes 5 to 10 business days plus shipping time. Apple will test the battery first and confirm the cost before proceeding. You will receive the phone back with a new battery and a 90-day warranty on the repair itself.

Using a certified third-party repair shop

Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent shops that Apple has trained and certified. They use genuine Apple parts and follow Apple's repair procedures. You can find them through apple.com/support by entering your zip code. These shops often have faster turnaround than the Apple Store and may charge slightly less.

Independent repair shops that are not Apple-certified can also replace iPhone batteries. Many are skilled and honest, but they may use aftermarket batteries instead of genuine Apple parts. An aftermarket battery may work, but it often has lower capacity, shorter lifespan, and less reliable charging behavior. Ask the shop whether they use genuine or aftermarket batteries before you agree to the repair.

Whichever shop you choose, ask about their warranty on the repair. Most offer 30 to 90 days of coverage if the battery fails or the phone stops working after the replacement.

How to check your battery health before you go

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity." This is the battery's current health. A new iPhone battery is at 100 percent. At 80 percent, the battery can still hold a charge, but it drains faster than it should. At 50 percent, the phone may shut down unexpectedly even when the battery indicator shows 20 or 30 percent remaining.

If your maximum capacity is below 80 percent, your battery is degraded and should be replaced. If it is above 80 percent but you are having problems — the phone shuts down suddenly, or the battery drains in a few hours — the battery health reading may not tell the whole story. Bring the phone to a technician anyway; they can run a full diagnostic.

What to do if your phone is water-damaged or cracked

If your iPhone has a cracked screen or water damage, tell the repair shop before they start. A cracked screen makes the phone harder to open safely, and water damage can cause the battery to fail during removal. The shop may charge an additional fee to replace the screen or dry out the phone first.

If the phone has been wet, do not charge it or turn it on until a technician has inspected it. Water inside the case can cause a short circuit, and charging a wet phone can damage the battery or the charging circuit. Let the phone dry completely or have a shop assess the damage.

Why you should not delay a battery replacement

A degraded battery does not just drain faster — it can cause the phone to shut down without warning, even at 20 or 30 percent charge. This is because the battery cannot deliver the power the processor needs, so iOS cuts power to protect the hardware. Over time, a very degraded battery can also swell, which pushes the screen and back panel apart and can crack the case.

If you notice your phone shutting down unexpectedly or draining in a few hours, replacing the battery is usually cheaper and faster than waiting for the phone to fail completely. A working phone with a new battery can last another two to three years. A phone that has failed completely may not be worth repairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the battery myself with a kit from the internet?

You can buy a battery replacement kit online, but it is not recommended. The kit includes a replacement battery and basic tools, but not the specialized heating equipment or training a technician uses. The risk of breaking the screen, damaging the logic board, or rupturing the battery is very high. If something goes wrong, you have voided your warranty and may have made the phone unrepairable.

How long does a battery replacement take at the Apple Store?

If you have an appointment, most replacements take 2 to 4 hours. Walk-ins may wait longer depending on how busy the store is. Some stores can do it same-day if you drop it off in the morning. Call ahead or check the Apple Support app to see the current wait time at your nearest store.

Will a third-party battery work as well as an Apple battery?

A genuine Apple battery will perform better and last longer than most aftermarket batteries. Aftermarket batteries are cheaper but often have lower capacity and may not charge as reliably. If you use a third-party shop, ask them to use a genuine Apple battery if possible, even if it costs a bit more.

What if my iPhone is out of warranty?

You still pay for the battery replacement, but the cost is the same whether your phone is under warranty or not. Apple charges a flat fee based on your model, usually $50 to $100. Third-party shops may charge less. The repair itself does not require a warranty.

Can I use my phone while the battery is being replaced?

No. The phone must be powered off and opened to access the battery. The entire process takes a few hours at minimum. Plan to be without your phone for at least that long, or longer if you are mailing it to Apple.