You can replace an iPhone battery yourself using basic tools, or have Apple or an authorized repair shop do it for you

An iPhone battery replacement takes about 30 minutes to an hour if you do it yourself, or one to three days if you go through Apple. The DIY route costs $15 to $40 for tools and a replacement battery. Apple's official service costs $69 to $99 depending on your model, though it's free if your phone is under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. An authorized third-party repair shop typically charges $40 to $80.

Before you start, back up your phone to iCloud or a computer. Power it completely off and let it cool for a few minutes if it's warm. Gather your tools: a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed star shape Apple uses), a plastic spudger or old credit card, tweezers, and a suction cup. You'll also need a replacement battery—buy one labeled for your specific iPhone model from a reputable seller, not a generic "universal" battery.

Key Takeaways

  • A DIY battery replacement requires a pentalobe screwdriver, plastic spudger, tweezers, suction cup, and a model-specific replacement battery costing $15 to $40.
  • The process involves removing two screws at the bottom, using a suction cup to lift the screen, disconnecting the battery connector, and prying out the old battery with a plastic tool.
  • Apple charges $69 to $99 for a battery replacement and typically completes it within one to three business days.
  • Authorized repair shops offer faster turnaround than Apple in many cases and charge $40 to $80, though quality varies by location.
  • Opening your phone yourself voids any remaining warranty unless you use Apple's official service or an authorized repair partner.

Removing the screen and disconnecting the battery

Start by removing the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. These are small and straightforward to lose—set them in a safe place. Attach the suction cup to the screen just above the home button (or near the bottom edge if your model doesn't have a home button), then pull gently and steadily. You're creating a gap, not ripping the screen off. Once there's a gap of about a quarter-inch, slide the plastic spudger into it and work your way around the edges, gently separating the screen from the body.

When the screen is loose enough to open like a book, be careful—the screen is still connected by cables at the top. Open it slowly and rest it against something so the cables don't stretch. You'll see a metal bracket covering the battery connector and screen cables. Remove the screws holding this bracket (usually three to five small Phillips screws), then lift it off. Disconnect the battery connector first—it's a small plug you can pry up gently with the spudger. Then disconnect the two screen cables the same way. Now the screen is completely free and you can set it aside safely.

Removing the old battery and installing the new one

The battery is glued down with strong adhesive. You'll see pull-tabs sticking out from underneath it—these are designed to help you remove it. Grab one tab gently and pull it slowly at a low angle, parallel to the phone's body. If the tab breaks (which happens often), don't panic. Use the plastic spudger to work around the battery's edges, explore heat from a hair dryer for 30 seconds at a time to soften the adhesive. Work slowly—rushing here can damage the battery or the phone's frame.

Once the old battery is out, clean any remaining adhesive from the frame with a plastic tool or your fingernail. Don't use metal or you'll scratch the interior. Position your new battery in the same spot, making sure it sits flat. Most replacement batteries come with adhesive strips already attached. Press it down firmly for 10 seconds. If your battery didn't come with adhesive, use thin double-sided tape or battery adhesive strips (sold separately for about $5).

Reconnecting cables and closing the phone

Reconnect the battery connector first by pressing it straight down until it clicks. Then reconnect the two screen cables in the same way. Replace the metal bracket and screw it back down. Now comes the moment of truth—power on your phone to make sure it works before you seal the screen back on. If it powers on and shows the correct battery percentage, you're good to proceed.

Position the screen back over the phone body, starting at the top. Press down gently along the edges, working your way around. You'll hear or feel small clicks as the clips re-seat. Don't force it—if it's not going in smoothly, lift it and check that the cables aren't pinched. Once the screen is seated all the way around, replace the two pentalobe screws at the bottom. Power on the phone again and test the screen, buttons, and speakers to confirm everything works.

Using Apple's official battery replacement service

Visit apple.com/support or open the Apple Support app on your iPhone to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at your nearest Apple Store. You can also call Apple directly at 1-800-MY-APPLE. Have your phone's serial number ready (found in Settings > General > About). Tell them you need a battery replacement.

Bring your phone and a form of ID to your appointment. Apple will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replace it while you wait if they have the part in stock. If not, they'll order it and call you when it's ready—usually within two to three business days. The cost is $69 for most models, $79 for larger phones like the Pro Max, and $99 for older models like the iPhone 6s. If your phone is under one year of warranty or you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free.

Finding an authorized repair shop

Authorized Apple repair partners are listed on apple.com/support/repair. Search by your location and filter for "battery" service. These shops are certified by Apple and use genuine or Apple-approved parts, so your warranty remains valid. Call ahead to confirm they have your model in stock and ask their turnaround time—many can do it same-day or next-day.

Prices vary by location but typically range from $40 to $80. Some authorized shops are faster than Apple Stores because they handle fewer customers. Before you go, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or third-party batteries—genuine parts cost more but last longer and are less likely to cause problems. Also ask if they back their work with a warranty; most offer 30 to 90 days on the battery itself.

What to expect after replacement

A new battery should show 100 percent capacity in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. It's normal for the percentage to drop to 99 percent within a few days as the phone calibrates. The battery should hold a full charge for a full day of normal use. If it doesn't, or if the phone shuts down unexpectedly, contact whoever did the replacement—they should warranty the work.

If you did the replacement yourself and something isn't working, you can still take it to Apple, but they may charge a diagnostic fee because you opened the phone. If you used an authorized repair shop and something goes wrong within their warranty period, go back to that shop first. If you used Apple, you're covered by their standard 90-day service warranty.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is pulling the battery pull-tabs too fast or at the wrong angle, which snaps them off and leaves you struggling to remove the battery. Pull slowly and parallel to the phone's body. The second mistake is not disconnecting the battery connector before you start prying—this can short the phone and damage the logic board. Always disconnect the battery first, even though it seems like an extra step.

A third mistake is reassembling the phone without testing it first. Always power it on before you seal the screen back down. If something is wrong, you'll have to open it again. Finally, don't buy the cheapest battery you can find online. Counterfeit batteries are common and may not hold a charge, swell inside the phone, or fail after a few months. Stick with batteries from Apple, authorized retailers, or well-reviewed third-party makers like iFixit or Anker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will replacing the battery myself void my warranty?

Yes. Opening your phone yourself voids any remaining manufacturer warranty. If you use Apple's official service or an authorized repair partner, your warranty stays intact. If something else breaks after a DIY battery replacement, Apple may refuse to cover it under warranty.

How long does a new iPhone battery last?

A new battery should retain 80 percent of its capacity after 500 charge cycles, which typically takes two to three years of normal use. After that, it will gradually lose capacity. Most people replace their battery when it drops below 80 percent capacity, which you can check in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

Can I replace the battery if my phone is water damaged?

Not safely. Water damage can cause corrosion inside the phone that makes the battery dangerous to handle. Take it to Apple or an authorized shop instead—they have the tools to safely assess the damage and replace the battery without risk of short circuits or swelling.

What should I do if the new battery swells after installation?

Stop using the phone when ready and power it off. A swollen battery is a fire hazard. If you did the replacement yourself, take it to Apple or an authorized shop and explain what happened—they can safely remove it. Do not try to open the phone again or use it while the battery is swollen.

Is it cheaper to replace the battery or buy a new phone?

A battery replacement costs $40 to $99 and extends your phone's life by two to three years. A new phone costs $400 to $1,200. Unless your phone has other serious damage, a battery replacement is almost always the cheaper option and better for the environment.