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

The fastest way is to visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider, where a technician will swap the battery in under an hour for a flat fee (usually $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model). If you want to do it yourself, you will need a pentalobe screwdriver, a plastic spudger, tweezers, and an adhesive strip—all available in iPhone battery replacement kits online for $15 to $30. The process takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on your model and your comfort with small electronics. Both routes preserve your data; nothing is erased during a battery replacement.

Before you start, back up your phone to iCloud or your computer. Power it completely off and let it cool for a few minutes. A warm phone is harder to work with and the adhesive strips that hold modern batteries in place stick better to cool surfaces.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Stores and authorized repair shops charge a flat fee ($69–$99) and complete the job in under an hour without erasing your data.
  • DIY replacement requires a pentalobe screwdriver, plastic spudger, tweezers, and an adhesive strip—all sold together in kits for $15 to $30.
  • The DIY process takes 30 to 90 minutes and involves removing two screws, disconnecting the battery connector, and peeling out the old battery with an adhesive strip.
  • iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer) are harder to open than older models because the screen must be removed first, making professional service the safer choice for those models.
  • Your phone will work normally with a new battery; you do not need to reinstall anything or reconfigure settings.

Taking your iPhone to Apple or an authorized repair shop

Visit apple.com/repair or call your nearest Apple Store to check battery replacement availability and book an appointment. You can also search for Apple Authorized Service Providers in your area—these are independent shops certified by Apple to perform battery replacements. Both routes use genuine Apple batteries and come with a one-year warranty on the replacement.

Bring your iPhone and a form of ID. The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem (sometimes what feels like a battery issue is actually a software glitch), then replace it while you wait. You will not lose photos, messages, or any other data. The fee is the same whether you go to Apple or an authorized provider, though some independent shops may charge slightly less.

Replacing the battery yourself: what you need

Buy a battery replacement kit designed for your specific iPhone model. These kits include a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool that opens iPhones), a plastic spudger (a flat prying tool), tweezers, and a pre-cut adhesive strip to hold the new battery in place. Do not use a metal screwdriver or knife—you will damage the phone. Kits cost $15 to $30 and are sold on Amazon, iFixit, and other electronics retailers.

You will also need a clean, flat workspace and good lighting. A desk lamp or phone flashlight pointed at the phone helps you see the tiny screws and connectors. Some people use a magnetic mat to keep screws organized so they do not roll away.

Step-by-step: opening your iPhone and removing the old battery

Power off your phone completely. If it is warm, let it sit for 10 minutes. Remove any case or screen protector.

For iPhones with a home button (iPhone 8 and earlier): Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone, on either side of the charging port. Use a plastic spudger to gently pry up the screen from the bottom edge—start at a corner and work your way around. The screen is held by adhesive and clips, so go slowly. Once the screen is open about 30 degrees, you can see the battery connector inside. Disconnect it by gently pulling the small plastic tab straight toward you. Peel out the old battery using the adhesive strip that comes in your kit—pull slowly and at a low angle so the battery does not tear. If the adhesive is stubborn, warm it gently with a hair dryer on low heat for 10 seconds.

For iPhones with Face ID (iPhone X and newer): This is more complex because the entire screen must be removed, not just opened. The screen is glued down with strong adhesive. Most people use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the edges, then carefully pry with a spudger. Once the screen is off, you will see the battery connector and the battery itself. Disconnect the connector and peel out the battery the same way. If you are not comfortable with this step, have Apple do it—the risk of cracking the screen is high.

Installing the new battery and closing the phone

Remove the backing from the adhesive strip and press it onto the new battery. Slide the new battery into the space where the old one was, making sure it sits flat. Reconnect the battery connector by pushing the plastic tab straight in until you hear or feel a click.

For phones with a home button: Close the screen by pressing it down from the top first, then work your way down the sides. You will hear small clicks as the clips re-seat. Replace the two pentalobe screws at the bottom. Power on the phone and check that the battery percentage shows correctly in Settings > Battery.

For phones with Face ID: Reconnect any other connectors you unplugged (usually the display connector), then carefully lower the screen back into place. Press down firmly around all the edges so the adhesive bonds. Replace any screws. Power on and verify the battery shows correctly.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not force the screen open—if it is not budging, warm it with a hair dryer first. Forcing it will crack the glass and cost you $200 to $400 to replace. Do not pull the battery straight up; pull it at a low angle so the adhesive strip peels cleanly. If the strip tears and the battery stays stuck, use the hair dryer again and try a different corner.

Do not touch the battery connectors with wet hands or metal tools. Do not mix up the screws—the two at the bottom are the same size, but if your phone has other screws (some models do), write down where each one came from. Do not close the screen until the battery connector is fully seated; a loose connection will cause the phone to shut down randomly.

If your phone does not power on after reassembly, the battery connector is probably not fully clicked in. Power off, open the screen again, and reseat the connector. If it still does not work, the new battery may be defective—contact the kit seller for a replacement.

When to choose professional service instead of DIY

If your iPhone has Face ID (iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or newer), the difficulty jumps significantly because the screen removal is complex and the risk of damage is high. A cracked screen costs more to fix than the battery replacement itself. For these models, Apple's $69–$99 fee is worth the peace of mind.

If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare coverage, check with Apple first—battery replacement may be covered at no cost if the battery health has dropped below 80 percent. If you have never opened a phone before, start with a model that has a home button (iPhone 8 or earlier) if you have one available to practice on. Once you have done it once, the process becomes much faster and less stressful the second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will replacing the battery erase my photos and messages?

No. A battery replacement does not touch the storage where your data lives. Your photos, messages, contacts, and apps will all be exactly as they were before. The only reason to back up beforehand is as a safety precaution in case something goes wrong during the process.

How long does a new battery last?

A new iPhone battery is designed to retain 80 percent of its capacity after 500 full charge cycles (roughly one to two years of normal use). After that, it will still work but will hold less charge. Most people replace the battery again after two to three years.

Can I use a third-party battery instead of an Apple battery?

Yes, but Apple batteries are more reliable. Third-party batteries are cheaper ($20–$40 vs. $69–$99 at Apple) but may not last as long or charge as consistently. If you buy a kit, check the reviews to see whether the battery included is genuine or a clone.

What if I damage the screen while opening the phone?

If you crack the glass, you will need to replace the entire screen assembly, which costs $200–$400 at Apple. If you damage the connector or internal components, the phone may not power on. This is why many people choose to have Apple do it—the $69–$99 fee includes the risk.

Do I need to recalibrate the battery after replacing it?

No. Modern iPhones recognize a new battery automatically. Just power on the phone and use it normally. You do not need to drain it completely or do anything special.