You can replace an iPhone battery yourself using basic tools, or take it to Apple or a certified repair shop

iPhone batteries degrade over time and eventually hold less charge. When your battery no longer lasts through a full day, you have two main paths: replace it yourself with a kit from a retailer, or have Apple or an authorized repair provider do it for you. The DIY route costs $20 to $40 for tools and a replacement battery, takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on your model, and requires patience with small screws and adhesive. Apple's official service costs $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model and whether it is still under warranty, takes a few days, and comes with a may provide that the work was done correctly.

Your choice depends on how comfortable you are opening electronics, how much time you have, and whether you want a warranty on the work. Both routes are straightforward — the DIY path saves money but carries a small risk of damaging the screen or internal connectors, while the professional route costs more but eliminates that risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 to $99 to replace your battery, depending on your iPhone model, and the work usually takes three to five business days.
  • A DIY battery replacement kit costs $20 to $40 and includes the battery, screwdrivers, and pry tools, but requires you to open your phone and remove adhesive strips.
  • iPhones 6s and newer have batteries glued in place, so you must heat the phone first to soften the adhesive before prying the battery out.
  • If your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, battery replacement may be free if the battery health has dropped below 80 percent.
  • Authorized third-party repair shops (not random phone repair kiosks) can replace your battery for $40 to $60 and often work faster than Apple.

Check your battery health before you start

Before you decide whether to replace your battery, check how much capacity it has lost. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled Maximum Capacity. If it is above 80 percent, your battery is still in reasonable condition. If it is below 80 percent and your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+, you may be able to get a free or low-cost replacement from Apple.

If the percentage is below 50 percent, the battery is degraded enough that you will notice shorter battery life in daily use. This is the point where most people decide to replace it rather than charge their phone twice a day. Write down the exact percentage — you will need it if you contact Apple, and it also helps you decide whether the cost of replacement is worth it right now.

How to replace your battery yourself

A DIY replacement works best if you are comfortable working with small parts and have a clean, well-lit workspace. You will need a battery replacement kit (available from Amazon, iFixit, or other retailers for $20 to $40), a heat gun or hair dryer, and about an hour of uninterrupted time. Most kits include the battery, plastic pry tools, screwdrivers, and new adhesive strips — everything you need except the heat source.

Start by powering off your iPhone completely. Heat the edges of the phone with a hair dryer on medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds — this softens the adhesive holding the battery in place. Use a plastic pry tool (included in most kits) to gently lift one corner of the screen, starting at the bottom. Work slowly around the edges; the screen is glued down and will crack if you force it. Once the screen is loose enough to open like a book, disconnect the battery connector inside (a small plug near the top of the phone). This stops power to the phone and prevents accidental short circuits.

Next, locate the battery pull tabs — thin plastic strips glued to the battery. Pull them slowly and at a low angle to peel the battery away from the phone. If the tabs break, use a plastic pry tool to carefully work the battery out. Once the battery is free, disconnect the screen cable, remove any metal shields or brackets, and install the new battery in the same position. Reconnect all cables, close the screen, and press the edges firmly for 30 seconds to re-seal the adhesive. Power on the phone and check that the battery percentage is now at 100 percent.

Taking your iPhone to Apple or an authorized repair shop

Apple replaces batteries at its retail stores and through its mail-in repair service. Go to apple.com/support, select your device, and choose Battery Service. You can book an appointment at a nearby Apple Store or request a mail-in repair. If you mail it in, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, and the phone usually returns within five to seven business days. The cost is $69 for iPhone 11 and earlier, $79 for iPhone 12 and 13, and $99 for iPhone 14 and newer.

Authorized third-party repair shops (look for the Apple Authorized Service Provider badge) often charge $40 to $60 and may complete the work the same day or within 24 hours. You can find these shops through Apple's website or by searching "[your city] Apple Authorized Service Provider." These shops use genuine or certified replacement parts and provide a warranty on the work, though not as long as Apple's. Avoid non-authorized kiosks in malls, as they may use lower-quality batteries and offer no warranty.

What to expect if your phone is under warranty

If your iPhone is less than one year old and the battery health has dropped below 80 percent, Apple will replace it for free under the standard one-year limited warranty. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is free regardless of capacity loss, as long as the battery is not damaged by physical impact or liquid. Bring your phone and proof of purchase (your receipt or Apple ID account) to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop.

If your phone is older than one year and you do not have AppleCare+, you will pay the full service fee. AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 depending on your iPhone model and extends coverage to two years from the purchase date, including accidental damage and battery service. Check your purchase date and warranty status in Settings > General > About > Limited Warranty before you contact Apple.

Common mistakes to avoid when replacing a battery yourself

The most common error is not heating the phone enough before prying. If the adhesive is still stiff, you will crack the screen or damage the battery connector. Spend a full minute heating the edges, especially the corners, and test the screen with gentle pressure before you start prying. Another mistake is pulling the battery pull tabs too quickly or at a steep angle — they will snap and leave the battery stuck. Pull slowly and parallel to the phone's surface, and if a tab breaks, switch to the plastic pry tool instead of forcing it.

Do not forget to disconnect the battery connector before you touch anything else inside the phone. Even though the phone is powered off, the battery still supplies power to the logic board, and touching the wrong component can cause a short circuit. Finally, do not reuse old adhesive strips. New ones are included in quality kits and are essential for keeping the screen sealed and waterproof after reassembly. Skipping this step will leave your phone vulnerable to dust and moisture damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a battery replacement take at Apple?

In-store replacement usually takes three to five business days because Apple often has to order the part. Mail-in repair takes five to seven business days total, including shipping time. Some Apple Stores offer same-day service if they have the part in stock, but this is not may provide — call ahead to ask.

Will replacing my battery erase my data?

No. Whether you replace it yourself or take it to Apple, the battery replacement does not touch your data. Your photos, messages, and apps remain on the phone. If you are nervous, back up your phone to iCloud before you start.

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

Yes, but it is easier than newer models because the battery is not glued down as heavily. You still need to open the screen and disconnect cables, but you can often lift the battery out without heating the phone first. The same tools and kits work for older iPhones.

What if I damage my screen while replacing the battery?

If you crack the screen during a DIY replacement, you will need to replace that part too, which adds $150 to $300 to your cost. This is why many people choose to have Apple or a repair shop do it — the labor cost is worth the lower risk of additional damage.

Is it safe to use my phone while the battery is being replaced?

No. If you are doing it yourself, the phone must be powered off the entire time. If Apple or a repair shop is doing it, they will have your phone for several days, so you cannot use it during the repair.