The battery is inside your iPhone, sealed behind the back glass — you cannot reach it without opening the phone
Unlike older phones with removable batteries, every iPhone model since the iPhone 3G has a built-in, non-removable battery. The battery sits flat against the back panel of the phone, typically in the lower half of the device. You cannot swap it out yourself or access it without disassembling the phone, which requires tools and voids your warranty.
If your battery is failing, Apple or an authorized repair shop will open the phone, disconnect the old battery, and install a new one. This is the only way to replace an iPhone battery while keeping the phone functional and under warranty.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone batteries are sealed inside the phone and cannot be removed or replaced by the user.
- The battery is located behind the back glass panel, usually in the lower portion of the device.
- Battery replacement requires professional service at Apple or an authorized repair center.
- Attempting to open your iPhone yourself will damage the phone and void any remaining warranty coverage.
- You can check your battery health through Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging on any iPhone running iOS 11.3 or later.
How to check your battery health without opening the phone
Apple built a battery health tool into iOS that shows you the condition of your battery without any disassembly. Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this tells you how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new.
A new iPhone battery shows 100% maximum capacity. As you use the phone, this number drops. At 80% capacity, Apple considers the battery degraded enough to warrant replacement. You will also see a "Condition" section that says either "Normal" or "Service Recommended" — if it says Service Recommended, the battery is failing and should be replaced soon.
This tool is the most reliable way to know whether your battery needs replacement. If the percentage is still above 80% and the condition reads Normal, your battery is functioning as expected for its age.
What happens when you take your iPhone to Apple for battery replacement
Apple's battery replacement process takes one to three hours at most locations, though some stores may require an appointment. The technician will power off your phone, remove the display (which is glued on), disconnect the old battery, and install a new one. They will then reassemble the phone and test it before handing it back to you.
The cost varies by iPhone model. Older models typically cost $49 to $69 for a battery replacement, while newer models may cost $69 to $99. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement may be covered at no charge. Out-of-warranty replacements are paid in full at the time of service.
Apple uses genuine batteries in all replacements, so you are getting the same battery that came in the phone originally. The replaced battery is recycled through Apple's program.
Authorized repair shops as an alternative to Apple
If you cannot visit an Apple Store, authorized repair centers can replace your battery for similar prices. These shops are certified by Apple and use genuine parts. You can find authorized repair locations by visiting Apple's support website and entering your zip code, or by calling Apple Support to ask for a referral near you.
Authorized shops often have shorter wait times than Apple Stores and may offer same-day service. The price and warranty on the replacement battery are usually the same as Apple's, though some shops may charge slightly less or more depending on location and demand.
Why you should not try to replace the battery yourself
Opening an iPhone requires specialized tools — a pentalobe screwdriver, a heat gun or hair dryer, pry tools, and adhesive strips to reseal the phone. Even with these tools, the process is difficult. The display is glued to the frame and can crack easily. The battery is also glued down and connected to the logic board with a fragile ribbon cable that can tear.
If anything goes wrong during disassembly, you can damage the display, the logic board, or the battery itself. A damaged battery can overheat or fail to charge. A damaged logic board means the phone will not turn on. Repairing these mistakes costs far more than a standard battery replacement.
Opening your iPhone also voids any remaining manufacturer warranty. If something else fails within the warranty period, Apple will not cover it. For these reasons, professional replacement is the safer and more cost-effective choice.
Signs your iPhone battery needs replacement soon
Beyond the Battery Health tool, several real-world signs suggest your battery is failing. If your phone shuts down suddenly when the battery percentage shows 20% or higher, the battery cannot hold a charge properly. If your phone gets very hot during normal use or while charging, the battery may be degrading. If your phone takes much longer to charge than it used to, or if it drains noticeably faster than it did a few months ago, the battery is likely wearing out.
Another sign is if your phone restarts on its own or becomes sluggish during heavy use. iOS can throttle performance when the battery is weak to prevent unexpected shutdowns, which makes the phone feel slower. Replacing the battery often restores normal speed.
Any of these symptoms warrant a trip to Apple or an authorized repair shop to check the battery health reading. If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, replacement is recommended.
How long iPhone batteries typically last
Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80% of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. A charge cycle is one complete discharge from 100% to 0%, though partial charges count toward cycles too. For most people, this means the battery lasts two to three years before hitting the 80% threshold.
The actual lifespan depends on how you use the phone. Keeping your phone in a cool environment, avoiding extreme heat, and not letting the battery drain completely every day will extend its life. Charging your phone to 100% every night and using it heavily throughout the day will wear the battery faster.
Once you replace the battery, the new one follows the same degradation curve. A replaced battery will again reach 80% capacity after roughly 500 charge cycles, which is typically two to three years of normal use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my iPhone battery at a phone repair shop that is not authorized by Apple?
Yes, but there are trade-offs. Unauthorized shops often charge less than Apple, sometimes $30 to $50 less. However, they may use third-party batteries instead of genuine Apple batteries, which can have shorter lifespans or reliability issues. You also lose any warranty on the replacement. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse. Authorized shops and Apple offer a one-year warranty on the replacement battery.
What should I do if my iPhone battery is swollen?
A swollen battery is a safety hazard and should be replaced when ready. Stop using the phone and take it to Apple or an authorized repair shop as soon as possible. Do not attempt to open the phone yourself — a swollen battery can leak or rupture. Do not leave it plugged in or in direct sunlight. Apple will prioritize a swollen battery for same-day replacement in most cases.
Does turning off background app refresh or lowering screen brightness actually extend battery life?
Yes, both help, but they extend how long the phone runs on a single charge — not how long the battery itself lasts before it degrades. Lowering brightness and closing unused background apps reduce the workload on the battery during daily use, which means less heat and stress. Over months and years, this can slow degradation slightly. However, these settings do not prevent the battery from eventually reaching 80% capacity.
Is it normal for my iPhone to get warm while charging?
Mild warmth is normal, especially with fast charging or wireless charging. If the phone is too hot to hold comfortably, or if it gets hot during normal use without charging, the battery may be failing. Unplug the charger, let the phone cool down, and check the Battery Health reading in Settings. If Maximum Capacity is below 80%, schedule a replacement.
Can I use my iPhone while it is being repaired at Apple?
No, the phone must be powered off and left with the technician during the repair. If you need a phone during the repair, ask whether Apple can provide a loaner device. Some stores offer loaners for battery replacements, though availability varies by location. Call ahead to ask before you bring your phone in.