You cannot remove the battery yourself on any modern iPhone
Apple stopped making iPhones with user-removable batteries in 2016. Every iPhone model from the iPhone 6s onward has the battery permanently glued and soldered to the internal frame. If you need the battery out, you must take the phone to Apple, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or a third-party repair shop — you cannot do it at home without damaging the phone.
The reason is design: thinner phones and water resistance require sealed construction. A removable battery would mean a larger case, more moving parts, and more places for water to enter. Apple chose durability and thinness over user access.
If your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, Apple will replace the battery at no cost if it has degraded below 80 percent capacity. If you are out of warranty, the cost is usually $69 to $99 depending on your model.
Key Takeaways
- No iPhone model from 2016 onward has a removable battery — the battery is glued and soldered inside the frame.
- Attempting to remove the battery yourself will crack the screen, damage the logic board, and void any remaining warranty.
- Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers can replace your battery in one to three days for $69 to $99 out of warranty.
- If your battery health has dropped below 80 percent and you have AppleCare+, the replacement is covered at no cost.
- Third-party repair shops can remove and replace the battery for less money, but the work is not covered by Apple's warranty.
What happens if you try to remove it yourself
Opening an iPhone to reach the battery requires removing the screen first. The screen is glued down with a strong adhesive that requires heat and a suction cup to separate. If you pull too hard or heat unevenly, the glass cracks — and a cracked screen costs $200 to $400 to replace depending on your model.
Once the screen is off, the battery is glued to the frame with adhesive strips. Prying it out without the right tools will bend or puncture the battery, which can cause it to swell, catch fire, or release toxic chemicals. You will also likely damage the nearby logic board, the antenna, or the charging port in the process.
If you damage the phone while opening it, Apple will refuse to repair it under warranty. You will have to pay full price for whatever repairs are needed, which often costs more than buying a used phone of the same model.
How to check your battery health before deciding
Before you pay for a replacement, check whether your battery actually needs to be replaced. Go to Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. You will see a number labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this is the percentage of the battery's original charge that it can still hold.
If the number is above 80 percent, your battery is fine. Apple considers anything above 80 percent normal wear. If it is between 70 and 80 percent, the battery is degraded but still usable — many people wait until it drops further before replacing it.
If the number is below 70 percent, you will notice the phone shutting down unexpectedly when the battery hits 20 or 30 percent, even though it shows charge remaining. This is when replacement becomes worth the cost.
Getting a replacement through Apple
The fastest way is to visit an Apple Store with your phone. Go to apple.com/retail, find the store nearest you, and book a Genius Bar appointment online. Bring your phone and your Apple ID password. The technician will confirm the battery health, quote the price, and usually complete the replacement the same day or within 24 hours.
If you do not have an Apple Store nearby, you can mail your phone to Apple. Go to support.apple.com, select your phone model, choose "Battery," and click "Mail in for Repair." Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, you pack the phone, and Apple replaces the battery and ships it back. This takes five to seven business days total.
If you have AppleCare+, the battery replacement is covered at no cost as long as the battery health is below 80 percent. If you do not have AppleCare+ and you are out of warranty, the cost is $69 for iPhone 11 and older, $79 for iPhone 12 and 13, and $99 for iPhone 14 and newer.
Using an Apple Authorized Service Provider
Apple Authorized Service Providers are independent repair shops that Apple certifies to use genuine parts and follow Apple's repair standards. They can replace your battery for the same price as Apple and often faster, because they do not require an appointment.
To find one, go to apple.com/repair and enter your zip code. The site will show you all the authorized providers in your area, their hours, and whether they have the battery in stock. Call ahead to confirm they can do the work the same day.
The advantage over Apple is speed and convenience — many authorized providers are local and do not require an appointment. The disadvantage is that the warranty on the repair is usually one year instead of Apple's standard coverage, and if something goes wrong during the replacement, you may have less recourse.
Third-party repair shops and mail-in services
Independent repair shops that are not Apple Authorized can replace your battery for $40 to $60, roughly half the Apple price. Places like iFixit, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local phone repair shops all offer this service.
The trade-off is that they do not use Apple's parts or follow Apple's exact process. The battery will work fine, but it may not have the same longevity or safety certification as an Apple battery. If something goes wrong during the repair — a cracked screen, a damaged port — you have no recourse with Apple.
Mail-in services like iFixit and Puls will come to your home, replace the battery in front of you, and leave. This costs more ($80 to $120) but saves you a trip. Read the reviews carefully before choosing a mail-in service, because if they damage your phone, you are dealing with them directly, not with Apple.
When to replace the battery versus when to replace the phone
If your phone is three years old or newer and the battery health is below 70 percent, a replacement usually makes sense. A new battery costs $69 to $99 and will give you another two to three years of reliable use.
If your phone is five years old or older, consider whether you want to keep it. A battery replacement extends the phone's life, but older phones also start to slow down, lose software support, and develop other hardware problems. If you are already thinking about upgrading, a battery replacement may not be worth the money.
If the phone has other damage — a cracked screen, a broken charging port, water damage — get a repair estimate for everything before deciding. Sometimes the total cost of repairs exceeds the value of the phone, and buying a used phone of the same model or a newer refurbished phone is cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the battery myself with a kit from Amazon?
You can buy a battery replacement kit with tools and adhesive strips for $20 to $40, but it requires opening the phone, which risks cracking the screen or damaging the logic board. Unless you have done phone repairs before, the cost of fixing mistakes usually exceeds what you save. A professional replacement is safer.
How long does a battery replacement take at Apple?
At an Apple Store with an appointment, the replacement usually takes one to two hours. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait longer. Mail-in repair takes five to seven business days. Apple Authorized Service Providers vary, but most can do it same-day if they have the battery in stock.
Will replacing the battery void my warranty?
No. A battery replacement by Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider does not void your warranty. The replacement battery itself is covered for one year. If a third-party shop does the work, their warranty on the repair is usually one year, but Apple's warranty on the rest of the phone remains unchanged.
What if my phone is still under warranty but the battery is degraded?
If your battery health is below 80 percent and your phone is still under the standard one-year limited warranty, Apple will replace the battery at no cost. If you have AppleCare+, the battery is covered for the full two or three years of the plan, regardless of when you purchased it.
Is it normal for iPhone batteries to degrade?
Yes. All lithium batteries degrade over time with use. Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles (roughly one year of normal use). After that, degradation continues gradually. This is why Apple offers battery replacement as a standard service.