Apple will replace your iPhone battery if it is worn out, but the cost and timeline depend on your warranty status and which model you own

Apple runs a battery replacement program for iPhones with degraded batteries. If your battery health has dropped below 80 percent of its original capacity, Apple considers it worn and will swap it for a new one. The replacement is not free unless your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty or you have AppleCare+. Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs between $49 and $69 depending on your iPhone model, and the work usually takes three to five business days at an Apple Store or through Apple's mail-in service.

The key difference is whether your battery failure is covered by warranty. If your iPhone is less than one year old and the battery is defective (not just worn from normal use), Apple replaces it at no charge. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered for the duration of your plan. If neither applies, you pay the out-of-warranty fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces batteries that have degraded below 80 percent capacity, but charges $49 to $69 unless your phone is under warranty or you have AppleCare+.
  • The one-year limited warranty covers battery replacement only if the battery is defective, not if it has straightforward worn out from normal use over time.
  • AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost for accidental damage or degradation, and extends coverage to two years from your purchase date.
  • You can check your battery health through Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging on any iPhone running iOS 11.3 or later.
  • Mail-in battery replacement takes longer than in-store service but is an option if no Apple Store is nearby.

How to check your iPhone battery health before contacting Apple

Before you schedule a replacement, look at your actual battery health number. Open Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity." This number tells you how much charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. If it shows 80 percent or higher, Apple will not replace the battery under their standard program, even if your phone feels slow or drains quickly.

A battery at 79 percent or lower is considered degraded by Apple's standard. However, Apple may replace a battery above 80 percent if it is defective—meaning it fails suddenly, will not hold a charge at all, or swells. The difference matters because a worn battery (one that has straightforward lost capacity over time) is not the same as a defective battery (one that is broken). You need to know which one you have before you contact Apple, because the conversation will go differently.

What the one-year limited warranty covers and does not cover

Apple's standard one-year limited warranty covers defective batteries but not batteries that have worn out from normal use. This is the crucial distinction. If your iPhone is eight months old and the battery suddenly will not charge, that is a defect and Apple replaces it free. If your iPhone is eight months old and the battery health shows 75 percent because you charge it every day, that is normal wear and you pay the out-of-warranty fee.

The warranty does not cover batteries damaged by liquid, physical damage, or unauthorized repairs. It also does not cover batteries that have degraded as a result of normal aging—even if you have barely used the phone. Apple's position is that battery degradation is expected and normal, so it is not covered unless the battery fails completely or swells.

AppleCare+ and what it includes for battery replacement

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan, and it covers battery replacement at no cost for the full length of your plan. AppleCare+ runs for two years from your purchase date (or from the date you add it to your phone). During that time, you can have your battery replaced as many times as you need, with no charge. You do not have to wait for the battery to degrade to a certain level—if you want it replaced, Apple replaces it.

AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage like drops and liquid exposure, with a deductible of $29 to $99 per incident depending on your model. The plan costs between $3 and $4 per month for most iPhones, or a one-time payment of $99 to $199 upfront. If you think you will need battery replacement or want protection against accidents, the math often works out in your favor, especially if you keep your phone for two years or longer.

Out-of-warranty battery replacement costs and how to schedule it

If your battery is degraded and you do not have AppleCare+, Apple charges a flat fee for replacement. The cost is $49 for iPhone 11 and earlier models, and $69 for iPhone 12 and newer models. This fee covers the new battery and the labor to install it. You pay this amount whether you go to an Apple Store in person or use Apple's mail-in service.

To schedule a replacement, visit apple.com/support, select your iPhone model, and choose "Battery Service." You can book an appointment at a nearby Apple Store, or request a mail-in kit that Apple sends to your home. With in-store service, the replacement usually takes the same day or the next day if the store is busy. With mail-in service, you ship your phone to Apple, they replace the battery, and they ship it back—the whole process takes about five to seven business days.

What happens if your battery is swollen or damaged

If your battery is visibly swollen, do not wait for an appointment. A swollen battery is a safety hazard and can damage your phone or cause injury. Stop using the phone and take it to an Apple Store as soon as possible, or contact Apple Support by phone to arrange a mail-in replacement. Swollen batteries are treated as defects, not wear, so Apple may replace them free even if you are out of warranty—but call first to confirm before you travel to a store.

If your battery has been damaged by liquid or physical impact, the replacement may not be free. Apple will inspect the phone and determine whether the damage is covered under your warranty or AppleCare+ plan. Liquid damage is usually not covered unless you have AppleCare+, which includes accidental damage protection. Physical damage from a drop is also not covered by the standard warranty, but is covered by AppleCare+ with a deductible.

Alternatives if Apple's cost is too high

If you do not want to pay Apple's fee, you have other options. Third-party repair shops like iFixit, uBreakiFix, and local independent repair stores often charge less—typically $30 to $50 for battery replacement. These shops use either genuine Apple batteries or high-quality third-party batteries. The trade-off is that you lose any remaining warranty coverage on your phone, and the repair shop's warranty on the battery is usually shorter than Apple's.

Some carriers like Verizon and AT&T also offer battery replacement through their stores, sometimes at a lower cost than Apple or with discounts for customers on certain plans. Check with your carrier before you book an Apple appointment. If your phone is very old or the battery cost is close to the price of a used replacement phone, you might also consider whether upgrading makes sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take Apple to replace an iPhone battery?

In-store replacement usually takes the same day or next day, depending on how busy the store is. Mail-in service takes five to seven business days total, including shipping time both ways. If you need your phone urgently, in-store is faster, but you may have to wait for an available appointment slot.

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

You can, but it is difficult and voids your warranty. iPhones are glued together, and opening one requires special tools and skill. If you damage the screen, battery connector, or other components during the repair, you will have to pay for those replacements too. Unless you have experience with phone repair, Apple's service or a professional repair shop is safer.

Does Apple replace batteries for iPhones bought from other retailers?

Yes. Apple replaces batteries for any iPhone, regardless of where you bought it, as long as it is a genuine Apple device. You do not need a receipt, but you will need to provide your phone number or email so Apple can look up your device and warranty status in their system.

What if my battery health is at 80 percent exactly?

At exactly 80 percent, your battery is at the threshold. Apple's policy is that 80 percent and above is considered acceptable capacity. However, if your battery is defective—meaning it fails to charge, drains unusually fast, or swells—Apple may replace it regardless of the percentage. Call Apple Support or visit a store to have them inspect it.

Can I get a refund if I paid for battery replacement and then my phone broke?

No. Battery replacement is a separate service from your phone's warranty. Once the battery is replaced, you own the new battery and cannot return it for a refund. If your phone breaks after the battery replacement, the new issue is covered under your warranty or AppleCare+ plan separately, but the battery replacement fee is not refundable.