Replace your iPhone battery when it stops holding a full charge or shuts down unexpectedly

An iPhone battery degrades over time and loses its ability to hold a charge. Apple designs batteries to retain 80 percent of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. Once your battery drops below that threshold, you will notice the phone dies faster, even when the battery percentage says it should have power left. If your phone shuts down at 20 or 30 percent battery, or if a full charge lasts only a few hours of normal use, replacement is the practical choice.

The timing depends on your usage pattern and how old the phone is. A phone used heavily every day may need a battery replacement after two to three years. A phone used lightly may go four to five years. If your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, replacement is cheaper or free. If not, the cost runs between $69 and $99 depending on the model.

Key Takeaways

  • Replace your battery when the phone shuts down unexpectedly, drains faster than normal, or stops holding a charge after a full night plugged in.
  • Most iPhone batteries degrade noticeably after two to three years of daily use, though light users may go longer.
  • Apple's battery health tool in Settings shows the current capacity percentage and can help you decide whether replacement is urgent.
  • Replacement through Apple costs $69 to $99 and takes one to three days; third-party shops may charge less but void your warranty.

How to check your battery health in Settings

Open Settings, tap Battery, then Battery Health & Charging. The Maximum Capacity percentage tells you how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. A battery at 80 percent capacity is still functional but degrading. A battery at 70 percent or lower will drain noticeably faster and may trigger unexpected shutdowns.

The Condition section shows whether the battery is Normal or Degraded. If it says Degraded, the battery has worn past the point where Apple considers it reliable. You do not have to replace it when ready — the phone will still work — but you should plan to replace it within a few weeks or months before the problem worsens.

Signs your battery needs replacement now

Unexpected shutdowns are the clearest sign. If your iPhone powers off when the battery shows 20 or 30 percent remaining, the battery can no longer deliver the power the phone demands. This happens because the battery's internal resistance increases as it ages, and it cannot supply enough current all at once. Restarting the phone and using it again will work, but the shutdowns will happen more often.

Rapid drain is another sign. If your phone loses 10 to 15 percent battery per hour during normal use — texting, email, light browsing — and the Battery Health tool shows capacity below 80 percent, replacement will restore normal runtime. A phone that used to last a full day on one charge but now dies by afternoon is a candidate for replacement.

Slow performance tied to battery age is less obvious but real. iOS throttles processor speed on phones with degraded batteries to prevent shutdowns. If your phone feels sluggish and the Battery Health tool shows low capacity, a new battery may restore speed. This throttling is intentional and protects the phone, but it is a sign the battery is failing.

Where to replace your battery

Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers replace batteries for $69 to $99 depending on the iPhone model. Older models like the iPhone 11 cost less; newer models like the iPhone 15 cost more. The replacement usually takes one to three business days, though some locations offer same-day service if you arrive early. You can book an appointment through the Apple Support app or website.

Third-party repair shops often charge $30 to $60 less than Apple. Shops like iFixit, Best Buy's Geek Squad, and local independent repair stores offer battery replacement. The trade-off is that third-party replacement voids any remaining warranty coverage and may use batteries not made by Apple. Some third-party batteries are reliable; others fail within months. If you choose a third-party shop, ask whether they use OEM (original equipment manufacturer) batteries or aftermarket ones, and whether they offer a warranty on the replacement.

What happens if you wait too long

A degraded battery does not suddenly fail catastrophically. Instead, the phone becomes less reliable and less useful. Shutdowns happen more frequently, forcing you to restart and lose your place in apps. Battery drain accelerates, so you spend more time charging and less time using the phone. The processor throttling makes the phone feel slow even when it is plugged in.

In rare cases, a very old battery can swell inside the phone and damage the screen or other components. This is uncommon but possible. If your phone feels warm to the touch or the screen appears to be lifting from the frame, stop using it and take it to Apple or a repair shop when ready — a swollen battery is a safety risk.

Cost comparison: replacement versus a new phone

A battery replacement costs $69 to $99. A new iPhone costs $800 to $1,200. If your phone is two to four years old and works otherwise, battery replacement is the practical choice. You get another two to three years of use for less than 10 percent of the cost of a new phone.

If your phone is five or more years old, the decision is less clear. Older models may not receive the latest iOS updates, and other components like the screen or charging port may also be wearing out. A battery replacement extends the life, but you may face other repairs soon after. If you plan to keep the phone for another two years, replacement makes sense. If you are considering upgrading anyway, a new phone may be the better value.

How to extend battery life between replacements

Charge your phone to 80 percent and let it drop to 20 percent before charging again, rather than charging to 100 percent every night. Keeping the battery constantly at full charge stresses it and speeds degradation. Enable Optimized Battery Charging in Settings — Battery Health & Charging. This feature learns your charging habits and slows charging to 80 percent overnight, then finishes the last 20 percent before you wake up.

Avoid exposing your phone to extreme heat or cold. High temperatures degrade batteries faster. Do not leave your phone in a hot car or in direct sunlight for hours. In cold weather, the battery will report lower capacity temporarily, but it recovers when warmed. Disable background app refresh for apps you do not use constantly, and turn off location services for apps that do not need it. These steps reduce the power draw and slow battery wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the battery myself?

You can, but it is difficult and risky. iFixit sells battery kits with tools for $30 to $50, and their guides show the steps. The process requires opening the phone, disconnecting the display, and removing adhesive strips holding the battery. One slip damages the screen or logic board. If you damage the phone during replacement, repair costs far exceed the battery cost. Unless you have done phone repairs before, professional replacement is safer.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?

AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost if the battery capacity drops below 80 percent while the plan is active. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full $69 to $99. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 depending on the iPhone model and covers accidental damage, hardware failures, and battery service for two years. If you plan to keep your phone for three or more years, AppleCare+ often pays for itself through battery and repair coverage.

Will a new battery make my old iPhone feel like new?

A new battery restores runtime and eliminates unexpected shutdowns, but it does not speed up the processor or improve the screen. If your phone feels slow because of battery throttling, a new battery will remove that throttling and the phone will feel faster. If the phone is slow for other reasons — old processor, full storage, too many background apps — a new battery will not fix that. Battery replacement is worth doing if battery health is the main problem.

How long does battery replacement take at Apple?

Most Apple Stores complete battery replacement in one to three business days. Some locations offer same-day service if you book early and arrive before noon. Third-party shops often finish the same day or next day. If you need the phone urgently, call ahead and ask whether same-day service is available. Mail-in service through Apple takes five to seven business days total, including shipping time.

What should I do if my phone shuts down but the battery health shows 80 percent or higher?

Unexpected shutdowns with healthy battery capacity suggest a different problem — a software issue, a failing power management chip, or a problem with the charging port. Restart the phone and update to the latest iOS version. If shutdowns continue, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store. The issue may be repairable under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, but it is not a battery problem.