You can replace your iPhone battery yourself using a kit, or have Apple or an authorized repair shop do it for you
The fastest route is usually Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, which takes one to three business days and costs between $69 and $99 depending on your model. If you want to do it yourself at home, you will need a battery replacement kit (typically $20 to $40), about 30 to 45 minutes, and patience with small screws and adhesive. A third option is an independent repair shop, which often costs less than Apple but varies widely by location and shop reputation.
Before you start any replacement, back up your phone using iCloud or a computer. This protects your data in case something goes wrong during the repair. You should also know your iPhone model and current iOS version, since some older models have different battery types and some newer ones have additional steps.
Key Takeaways
- Apple's battery replacement service costs $69 to $99 and takes one to three business days at most locations.
- DIY battery replacement requires a kit, a pentalobe screwdriver, and adhesive strips, and takes 30 to 45 minutes for most models.
- Independent repair shops often charge less than Apple but quality and warranty coverage vary by location.
- Your phone's battery health can be checked in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to confirm replacement is needed.
- Backing up your phone before any repair protects your data if something goes wrong during the process.
Checking your battery health before you replace it
Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this shows how much charge your battery holds compared to when it was new. If it is below 80 percent and your phone is slowing down or shutting off unexpectedly, replacement is usually the right move.
You will also see a "Condition" section that may say "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," Apple will replace the battery at the standard price. If it says "Poor Condition" or "Replace Now," the battery is degraded enough that Apple may charge a higher fee or recommend replacement sooner.
Taking your iPhone to Apple or an authorized repair shop
Go to apple.com/repair or call 1-800-MY-APPLE to schedule a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store. You can also visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider — these are independent shops certified by Apple to do repairs. Both routes use genuine Apple batteries and come with a one-year warranty on the battery itself.
Bring your phone, your ID, and proof of purchase if your phone is still under warranty. The repair usually takes one to three business days, though some locations can do it same-day if they have the battery in stock. You will be without your phone during the repair, so plan accordingly. The cost is $69 for iPhone 6 and later models; older models may cost more or may not be repairable.
If you use an independent repair shop not affiliated with Apple, confirm they use genuine Apple batteries or high-quality third-party batteries before you hand over your phone. Ask about their warranty on the battery and labor. Some shops offer same-day service but may not have the same quality control as Apple.
Replacing the battery yourself with a kit
Order a battery replacement kit online from retailers like iFixit, Amazon, or Best Buy. The kit should include the replacement battery, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed screw used on iPhones), a plastic spudger or pry tool, tweezers, and adhesive strips to reseal the phone. Kits typically cost $20 to $40. Make sure you order the correct battery for your exact iPhone model — using the wrong battery can damage your phone.
Power off your phone completely. Place it on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. If your phone has water resistance, you may need to heat the edges slightly with a heat gun or hair dryer on low to soften the adhesive holding the screen on — check your kit's instructions, as this step varies by model.
Use the pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two screws at the bottom of the phone on either side of the charging port. These are very small and straightforward to lose, so keep them in a small container. Gently pry up the screen using the plastic spudger, starting at a corner. Work slowly around the edges — the screen is glued down and will crack if you pry too hard. Once the screen is loose enough, carefully lift it up and set it aside without fully disconnecting it yet.
Locate the battery connector inside the phone — it is a small rectangular plug near the top or side depending on your model. Use the spudger to gently disconnect it by prying the connector straight up. This prevents power from flowing while you work. Remove any adhesive strips holding the old battery in place using the spudger or tweezers, then carefully lift out the old battery.
Place the new battery in the same position and reconnect the battery connector by pressing it straight down until it clicks. explore new adhesive strips around the edges of the battery according to your kit's instructions. Carefully lower the screen back into place, starting at the top, and press it down firmly around all edges. Reinstall the two pentalobe screws at the bottom.
Power on your phone and check that it turns on normally. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to confirm the new battery shows 100 percent maximum capacity. If it does not, the battery may not be genuine or may be defective — contact the kit seller for a replacement.
Common mistakes to avoid during DIY replacement
The most common error is prying the screen too hard and cracking it. The adhesive is strong, so take your time and work around the entire edge before lifting. If you crack the screen, you will need to replace that too, which adds $100 to $300 to your cost.
Another frequent mistake is not disconnecting the battery connector before working inside the phone. If you accidentally touch the wrong component while power is flowing, you can short-circuit the phone's logic board and make it unusable. Always disconnect the battery connector first.
Using the wrong battery for your model is also common when ordering online. Double-check your iPhone model number (Settings > General > About > Model) against the kit description before you buy. A battery designed for a different model may not fit, may overheat, or may not hold a charge.
Finally, do not reuse old adhesive strips. They lose their stickiness and your screen may come loose later. Always use the new strips included in your kit.
What to do if something goes wrong during replacement
If you crack the screen while prying it open, stop when ready and take the phone to a repair shop. Continuing may damage the internal components. If you accidentally disconnect a ribbon cable (the thin colored strips connecting components), gently reconnect it by aligning it with the connector and pressing straight down.
If your phone does not power on after reassembly, first check that the battery connector is fully seated — it should click into place. If it still does not turn on, try connecting it to a charger for 15 minutes, as the battery may be completely drained. If it still does not respond, the battery may be defective or you may have damaged something during reassembly. Contact the kit seller or take the phone to a repair shop.
If the new battery shows less than 100 percent maximum capacity when ready after installation, the battery may be counterfeit or defective. Contact the seller for a replacement battery. Genuine Apple batteries should show 100 percent capacity when new.
Comparing cost and time across your options
The three routes to battery replacement each have different trade-offs. Apple's service is the most expensive but includes a one-year warranty and uses genuine parts tested by the manufacturer. Independent repair shops are usually cheaper and faster but quality and warranty coverage vary widely depending on the shop's reputation and the battery source.
DIY replacement is the cheapest and fastest if you succeed, but if you damage your phone during the process — particularly the screen — repair costs can exceed $300 and wipe out any savings. The table below shows typical costs and timelines for each option.
| Option | Cost | Time | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider | $69–$99 | 1–3 business days | 1 year on battery |
| Independent repair shop | $40–$80 | Same-day to 2 days | Varies by shop |
| DIY with kit | $20–$40 | 30–45 minutes | Varies by kit seller |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing my battery void my warranty?
No. If you use Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the repair is covered under Apple's standard warranty terms and does not void your overall device warranty. If you do it yourself or use an independent shop, your warranty coverage depends on your phone's age and your specific warranty terms — contact Apple to confirm before you proceed.
How long does a new iPhone battery last?
A new battery should retain 80 percent capacity after about 500 full charge cycles, which typically takes two to three years of normal use. After that, capacity degrades gradually. Most people replace their battery when it drops below 80 percent and they notice the phone slowing down or shutting off unexpectedly.
Can I replace my iPhone battery if it is water damaged?
If your phone has water damage, do not attempt a DIY replacement. Water can corrode internal components and cause electrical shorts. Take it to Apple or a repair shop so they can inspect it for corrosion before replacing the battery. Proceeding without inspection may make the damage worse.
What should I do with my old battery after replacement?
Do not throw it in the trash. Lithium batteries are hazardous waste and can catch fire in landfills. Take it to an electronics recycling center, a Best Buy (which accepts old batteries), or ask your repair shop if they recycle batteries. Apple Stores also accept old batteries for recycling.
Is a third-party battery as good as an Apple battery?
Quality varies widely. Genuine Apple batteries are tested and may provide to work safely. High-quality third-party batteries from reputable makers often perform well, but cheap counterfeit batteries can overheat, fail quickly, or damage your phone. If you use a third-party battery, buy from a trusted seller and check reviews before purchasing.