You cannot change an Apple Watch battery yourself — Apple does it for you
Apple Watch batteries are sealed inside the case and cannot be opened without breaking the device. Unlike some smartwatches, there is no user-replaceable battery. When your battery no longer holds a charge, you have two paths: send the watch to Apple for a battery replacement, or replace the entire device.
Battery replacement through Apple costs between $70 and $100 depending on the model, plus shipping if you mail it in. The process takes about a week from the time Apple receives it. If your watch is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the cost may be lower or free.
If your watch is several years old, the cost of replacement may be close to the price of a new entry-level Apple Watch, so it is worth comparing before you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Watch batteries cannot be replaced by the user — only Apple or an authorized service provider can do it.
- Battery replacement costs $70 to $100 and takes about one week, not including shipping time.
- AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost if your watch is enrolled and the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent.
- For older models, the cost of battery replacement may be close to the cost of a new watch, so compare prices before committing.
- Third-party repair shops can replace the battery for less, but doing so voids any remaining warranty.
How to send your Apple Watch to Apple for battery replacement
Start by backing up your watch data to your paired iPhone. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, then tap About and note your watch model and serial number — you will need this for the service request.
Go to apple.com/support and select Apple Watch. Choose "Battery and charging" as the issue, then select "Battery replacement" from the menu. You can request mail-in service or find an Apple Store or authorized service provider near you. If you choose mail-in, Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label.
Before you ship the watch, unpair it from your iPhone. On your iPhone, open the Watch app, go to General, scroll to the bottom, and tap Unpair Apple Watch. This erases the watch and removes it from your account. Pack the watch securely and drop it off at the carrier location or mail it using the label Apple provided.
What to expect during the replacement process
Once Apple receives your watch, they will run diagnostics to confirm the battery is the problem. This usually takes one to two business days. If the battery is indeed faulty, they will replace it and run a full test before shipping it back to you.
The entire process — from receipt to return shipment — typically takes five to seven business days. You can track the status of your repair through your Apple ID account. When the watch arrives, you will need to pair it again with your iPhone and restore your data from the backup you made before sending it in.
AppleCare+ coverage for battery replacement
If you purchased AppleCare+ when you bought your watch, battery replacement is covered at no cost as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent of its original capacity. AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage and hardware failures for two years from the date of purchase.
To check if your watch is enrolled in AppleCare+, open the Watch app on your iPhone, go to General, then tap About and scroll down to AppleCare+. If you did not purchase it at the time of purchase, you may still be able to add it within 60 days of buying the watch, depending on your region.
Third-party repair shops as an alternative
Independent repair shops can replace an Apple Watch battery for $40 to $60, roughly half the cost of Apple's service. However, opening the watch case requires specialized tools and skill — a poor repair can damage the water resistance seal or the screen.
Before choosing a third-party shop, check reviews on Google or Yelp and ask whether they use genuine Apple parts or aftermarket batteries. Aftermarket batteries may not perform as well or last as long. Keep in mind that any repair done outside Apple voids your remaining warranty and AppleCare+ coverage.
Signs your Apple Watch battery needs replacement
A battery that no longer holds a charge for a full day is the clearest sign. If your watch dies by mid-afternoon even after a full night of charging, or if it shuts down unexpectedly when the battery indicator shows 20 or 30 percent, the battery is likely degraded.
You can also check the battery health directly. On your iPhone, open the Watch app, go to General, then tap About and look for Battery Health. If it shows below 80 percent, Apple will replace it under AppleCare+ at no cost. If it is between 80 and 90 percent, the battery is aging but not yet at the replacement threshold.
Extending battery life before replacement becomes necessary
Apple Watch batteries degrade over time with normal use, but you can slow that process. Avoid letting the battery drain completely to zero regularly — charge it when it reaches 20 percent. Keep the watch away from extreme heat, which accelerates battery degradation.
Disable features you do not use, such as always-on display, background app refresh, or continuous heart rate monitoring. Reduce screen brightness and limit notifications. These changes will not prevent eventual battery replacement, but they can add a year or more to the battery's useful life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an Apple Watch battery last before it needs replacement?
Most Apple Watch batteries degrade to below 80 percent capacity after two to three years of daily use. Some last longer if you charge carefully and avoid heat. Once capacity drops below 80 percent, the watch may not last a full day on a single charge.
Can I replace the battery myself with a kit from online retailers?
You can buy battery replacement kits online, but opening an Apple Watch requires specialized tools and carries a high risk of damaging the screen, water resistance seal, or internal components. Most people who attempt this end up with a broken watch. A professional repair is safer.
Will Apple replace the battery if my watch is out of warranty?
Yes. Apple replaces out-of-warranty batteries for the standard fee of $70 to $100, depending on the model. Warranty status does not affect your ability to get a battery replacement — only the cost.
What happens to my data when I send my watch in for battery replacement?
You must unpair the watch before sending it to Apple, which erases all data on the device. That is why you need to back up to your iPhone first. When the repaired watch arrives, you pair it again and restore from your backup.
Is it cheaper to buy a new Apple Watch than to replace the battery?
For older models, sometimes yes. A Series 3 or Series 4 battery replacement costs $70 to $85, but a new Series 9 or SE starts at $249. If your watch is four or more years old, compare the replacement cost to the price of a current model before deciding.