You can replace your iPhone battery yourself using a kit, or have Apple do it at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop

The fastest route is usually Apple: you walk in, they replace the battery while you wait (usually one to two hours), and you pay a flat fee based on your model. If you want to do it yourself, you can buy a battery replacement kit online for $20 to $40, but the work takes patience and the right tools—one slip damages the screen or logic board. A third option is an authorized repair shop, which costs less than Apple but more than a DIY kit, and takes a day or two.

Before you choose, check your battery health. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. If the number is below 80 percent, your battery is degrading. If it is above 80 percent, your phone may not need a replacement yet—Apple's warranty covers batteries that drop below 80 percent within two years of purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces batteries at Apple Stores and authorized repair shops for a set fee ($69 to $99 depending on model), usually within one to two hours.
  • DIY battery kits cost $20 to $40 but require a heat gun, plastic pry tools, and steady hands—one mistake can crack the screen or damage internal parts.
  • Check your battery health in Settings before deciding: Apple covers free replacement if your battery is under two years old and has dropped below 80 percent capacity.
  • If you choose DIY, watch a video for your exact model first—iPhone 6 and earlier are easier than iPhone 11 and newer because newer models have more adhesive.

Getting Your Battery Replaced at an Apple Store

Visit apple.com/support, select your device, and choose Battery Service. You can book an appointment online or call 1-800-MY-APPLE. Bring your phone and a photo ID. Apple will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem, then replace it on the spot if parts are in stock.

The cost depends on your model. As of 2024, out-of-warranty battery replacement ranges from $69 for an iPhone SE to $99 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and the battery has degraded to below 80 percent, Apple replaces it free. If you have AppleCare+, battery service is also free.

Bring a backup plan for your data. Apple does not back up your phone during battery replacement, so if you need your data restored afterward, you will need a recent backup in iCloud or on a computer. The appointment usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the store is.

Using an Authorized Repair Shop

If no Apple Store is nearby, search for Apple Authorized Service Providers on apple.com/support. These shops are certified by Apple and use genuine parts, but they charge less than Apple Stores—typically $50 to $80 for the battery itself, plus labor. Turnaround is usually one to three business days.

Call ahead and ask whether they have your model in stock. Some shops order the battery and ask you to come back, which adds time. Ask also whether they offer same-day service; some do for common models like iPhone 12 and 13. Bring your phone and proof of purchase if you think you might be under warranty.

Replacing the Battery Yourself with a Kit

DIY battery kits come with a replacement battery, plastic pry tools, a suction cup, and sometimes a heat gun. You can find them on Amazon or eBay for $20 to $40. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have done it before, or two to three hours the first time. The hardest part is not the battery swap itself—it is opening the phone without cracking the screen.

Before you start, watch a video walkthrough for your exact model on YouTube. Search "[your model] battery replacement iFixit" or "[your model] battery replacement JerryRigEverything"—these channels show every step and every pitfall. Do not skip this. Different iPhone models have different internal layouts, and a step that works for an iPhone 12 will break an iPhone 13.

You will need: a heat gun or hair dryer, plastic pry tools (metal tools can short the logic board), a suction cup, a small Phillips screwdriver, and isopropyl alcohol to soften the adhesive. Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Lay out each screw in the order you remove it so you do not mix them up—some are different lengths.

Step-by-Step DIY Battery Replacement

Step 1: Power off and heat the edges. Turn off your phone completely. Use a heat gun on low or a hair dryer on high for 30 to 60 seconds along the bottom and sides of the phone. This softens the adhesive holding the screen. Do not overheat—if the phone is too hot to touch, you have gone too far.

Step 2: Open the screen. Place the suction cup on the bottom of the phone and pull gently while using a plastic pry tool to create a gap between the screen and the frame. Work your way around the edges slowly. If the screen does not budge after 30 seconds of gentle pulling, heat it again. Forcing it will crack the glass.

Step 3: Disconnect the battery. Once the screen is open, you will see a ribbon cable connecting the battery to the logic board. Gently lift the connector straight up—do not pull sideways. This disconnects the power and prevents electrical damage while you work.

Step 4: Remove the old battery. The battery is glued down with strong adhesive. Pull the adhesive tabs slowly and evenly. If there are no tabs, use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic tool to soften the glue, then peel the battery out. This step takes patience—rushing breaks the battery or damages the case.

Step 5: Install the new battery. Clean any old adhesive from the case with isopropyl alcohol and let it dry. Peel the backing off the new battery's adhesive strips and press the battery into place, making sure the connector aligns with the port on the logic board.

Step 6: Reconnect and close. Push the battery connector straight down onto the port until it clicks. Reconnect the screen ribbon cable the same way. Press the screen back down, starting at the top and working toward the bottom. The adhesive will hold it in place as you press.

Step 7: Power on and test. Turn the phone on and check that it recognizes the new battery. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging and confirm the capacity shows close to 100 percent. If it shows a warning or does not power on, power off when ready and recheck the battery connector.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is forcing the screen open before the adhesive is soft enough. If you hear cracking sounds, stop and heat the phone again. A cracked screen costs $200 to $400 to replace, which defeats the purpose of a $30 battery kit.

The second mistake is pulling the battery connector sideways instead of straight up. This bends the pins and breaks the connection permanently. Watch the video for your model and see exactly how the connector sits before you touch it. Take your time at this step—it is the point of no return.

The third mistake is mixing up the screws. iPhones have different screw lengths in different locations, and putting a long screw in a short hole can damage the logic board. Lay them out in order as you remove them, or use a small diagram to track where each one goes.

Finally, do not reuse old adhesive. Buy new adhesive strips with your battery kit or separately. Old adhesive loses its grip and your screen will come loose within weeks.

When to Choose Each Option

Choose an Apple Store if you want a may provide and do not want to risk damaging your phone. You pay more, but the work is covered under Apple's service warranty, and if something goes wrong during the replacement, Apple fixes it free. This is the safest choice if your phone is valuable or you are not comfortable with tools.

Choose an authorized repair shop if an Apple Store is not nearby or you want to save $20 to $40. These shops use genuine Apple parts and are certified by Apple, so the work is reliable. Turnaround takes longer—usually one to three days—but the cost is lower and the quality is the same.

Choose a DIY kit if you are comfortable with small tools and want the lowest cost. You save $50 to $80, but you take on the risk of damaging the screen or internal parts. Watch the full video for your model before you start, and work slowly. If you rush or skip steps, you can end up paying more to fix the damage than you would have paid for a professional replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will replacing the battery void my warranty?

No. If you use an Apple Store or authorized repair shop, the battery replacement is covered under Apple's standard service warranty. If you do it yourself with a third-party kit, you do not void the overall warranty, but Apple will not cover damage caused by the DIY work—such as a cracked screen or a broken connector.

How long does a new battery last?

A new battery should hold 80 percent of its capacity for about two years under normal use. After that, it degrades slowly. Most people replace their battery once every two to three years, or when capacity drops below 80 percent and the phone starts shutting down unexpectedly.

Can I replace the battery on an iPhone 6 or older?

Yes, and it is easier than newer models because older iPhones have less internal adhesive. However, iPhone 6 and earlier are no longer supported by Apple for battery service at most stores. You can still use a DIY kit or find a third-party repair shop that handles older models.

What if I damage the screen while opening the phone?

Stop when ready and power off the phone. If the crack is small, you can continue carefully, but if the screen is shattered, the glass pieces can damage the logic board. Take the phone to an Apple Store or repair shop for screen replacement. A DIY screen replacement is more difficult than a battery replacement.

Do I need to back up my phone before battery replacement?

No, battery replacement does not erase your data. However, it is always good practice to have a recent backup in case something goes wrong during the work. Back up to iCloud through Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup before you start.