Replace your iPhone battery when it stops holding a charge through a normal day, drains faster than it used to, or shows a low-battery warning even after a full charge

An iPhone battery degrades over time. Apple designs them to retain 80 percent of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles — roughly one to two years of normal use. Once a battery falls below that threshold, you will notice the phone dies sooner, charges more slowly, or shuts down unexpectedly even when the battery percentage says it has power left. That is the moment to replace it.

You do not have to wait for the battery to fail completely. Replacing it before it becomes unreliable saves you from being stranded with a dead phone and gives you back the performance you had when the phone was new. Most people replace their battery between 18 months and three years of ownership, depending on how often they charge and how they use the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Battery health below 80 percent capacity means the battery is aging normally and will continue to decline.
  • If your phone shuts down at 20 or 30 percent battery, or drains noticeably faster than it did six months ago, replacement is due soon.
  • Apple's battery replacement costs between $69 and $99 depending on your iPhone model, and takes one to two hours at an Apple Store or authorized repair shop.
  • Third-party repair shops often charge less but may use non-original batteries, which can affect performance and future repairs.
  • You can check your battery health yourself in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see the exact percentage remaining.

How to check your iPhone's current battery health

Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this is how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. If it shows 80 percent or higher, your battery is still within its normal lifespan. If it is below 80 percent, the battery is degrading faster than expected or you have used it heavily.

The same screen shows "Condition" — either "Normal" or a warning like "Service Recommended" or "Service Battery." If you see "Service Recommended," the battery is still usable but declining. If you see "Service Battery," Apple is telling you the battery has degraded enough that you should replace it soon. Do not ignore "Service Battery" — the phone may shut down without warning.

Physical signs that replacement is overdue

Before you check the settings, your phone itself will tell you something is wrong. The most common sign is unexpected shutdown — the phone powers off even though the battery icon shows 20, 30, or 40 percent remaining. This happens because the battery cannot deliver the power the phone needs in that moment, even though it still holds some charge. It is a safety feature, but it means the battery is failing.

Rapid drain is another clear signal. If your phone loses 20 percent battery in an hour of light use when it used to last all day, the battery is wearing out. You might also notice the phone takes much longer to charge, or the charger gets hot during charging — both signs the battery is struggling. Some people see the phone become sluggish or apps crash more often, which can happen when the battery cannot supply steady power.

The difference between battery age and battery health

A two-year-old iPhone with 85 percent maximum capacity is in better shape than a one-year-old iPhone with 70 percent capacity. Age alone does not determine when to replace the battery — how you use the phone does. Leaving your phone plugged in overnight, charging it in hot weather, or using it heavily while charging all wear the battery faster.

If you have owned your phone for three years and the battery is still at 82 percent, you can wait longer. If you have owned it for one year and it is already at 65 percent, replace it now. The percentage matters more than the calendar date.

Apple Store replacement versus third-party repair

Apple replaces batteries at Apple Stores and authorized service providers. The cost is $69 for iPhone SE models, $79 for iPhone 11 and earlier, and $99 for iPhone 12 and newer. The replacement uses an original Apple battery and takes one to two hours. You can book an appointment online or walk in, though appointments are faster.

Third-party repair shops — including some Best Buy locations and independent repair stores — often charge $40 to $60 for the same service. The trade-off is that they may use a non-original battery, which can affect how the phone reports battery health in Settings and may cause issues if you need Apple warranty service later. Some third-party shops use original batteries too, so ask before you book.

What happens to your phone during battery replacement

The technician removes the screen, disconnects the old battery, and installs a new one. Your data stays on the phone — nothing is erased. After replacement, your battery health will show close to 100 percent in Settings, and your phone should charge and drain at the speed it did when new. The replacement battery comes with a one-year warranty.

If you replace the battery at an Apple Store, you can often walk out the same day. If the store is busy, they may ask you to come back later or the next day. Third-party shops usually have shorter wait times but may not offer the same warranty coverage.

Should you replace the battery or the whole phone

If your phone is less than four years old and the only problem is the battery, replacement is the cheaper choice. A battery replacement costs $69 to $99. A new iPhone costs $800 and up. If your phone has other damage — a cracked screen, water damage, or hardware failure — you may need to weigh the cost of multiple repairs against buying a new phone.

If your phone is five years old or older, consider whether you want to keep using it. Older iPhones may not run the latest iOS updates, apps may stop working, and other hardware may fail soon. A battery replacement extends the life of an aging phone by one to three years, but it does not fix everything else that wears out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace the battery myself?

You can, but it is difficult and risky. The battery is glued to the phone, and prying it out can damage the screen or other components. If you damage something during removal, repair costs will exceed the price of a professional replacement. Most people should use an Apple Store or authorized repair shop.

Will replacing the battery affect my warranty?

No. Battery replacement does not void your warranty. The new battery comes with a one-year warranty of its own. If you use a third-party repair shop, ask whether they offer a warranty on their work — some do, some do not.

How long does a new battery last?

A replacement battery will degrade the same way the original did — to about 80 percent capacity in 500 charge cycles, or roughly 18 to 24 months of normal use. You may need another replacement in two to three years depending on your charging habits.

What if my phone is still under AppleCare+?

AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost if the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent. If you have AppleCare+, take your phone to an Apple Store and they will replace the battery for free. Without AppleCare+, you pay the standard fee.

Does fast charging wear out the battery faster?

Yes, slightly. Fast charging generates more heat, which degrades the battery over time. If you want your battery to last longer, use a standard charger when possible and avoid charging in hot environments. However, the difference is small — most people should use whatever charger is convenient.