You can replace an iPhone battery yourself or have Apple or a repair shop do it

Apple sells battery replacement kits for most iPhone models, and you can install one yourself if you have the right tools and are comfortable opening your phone. The process takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on your model and experience. Alternatively, Apple will replace the battery at an Apple Store or through mail-in service, and third-party repair shops offer the same service, often faster and sometimes cheaper.

Which route you choose depends on cost, time, and risk tolerance. DIY replacement costs $20 to $70 for the battery and tools. Apple charges $69 to $99 depending on your iPhone model and whether it is under warranty. Third-party shops typically charge $40 to $80. If your phone is under AppleCare+, battery replacement is usually free if the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple sells official battery kits with tools for $20 to $70, and you can install one yourself if you are comfortable opening your phone.
  • Apple Store battery replacement costs $69 to $99 and takes one to three days; mail-in service takes five to seven business days.
  • Third-party repair shops often complete battery replacement the same day for $40 to $80, but may void your warranty.
  • Before replacing the battery, check Settings > Battery > Battery Health to confirm the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity.
  • Opening your iPhone yourself voids the warranty unless you use an official Apple kit and follow their instructions exactly.

Checking your battery health before you start

Your iPhone tracks battery health and shows you the percentage. Go to Settings, tap Battery, then tap Battery Health & Charging. You will see a number labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this is the percentage of charge your battery can hold compared to when it was new. If it is 80 percent or higher, the battery is still within normal range. If it is below 80 percent, replacement will noticeably improve how long your phone lasts on a single charge.

You will also see a line that says "Peak Performance Capability." If it says "Your battery is in normal condition," you do not need to replace it yet. If it says your phone has experienced unexpected shutdowns or that performance has been reduced, the battery is degraded enough that replacement will help.

Replacing the battery yourself with an Apple kit

Apple sells official battery replacement kits through apple.com and at Apple Stores. Search for your specific iPhone model — the kits are model-specific and will not work on other phones. The kit includes the battery, a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool that opens iPhones), a spudger (a plastic prying tool), and adhesive strips to reseal the phone.

Before you open the phone, power it off completely and let it cool for 30 minutes. Disconnect any cables. Follow Apple's step-by-step instructions exactly — they are available on apple.com and include photos for each step. The basic process is: remove the two screws at the bottom, heat the edges with a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, pry open the screen, disconnect the battery connector, remove the old battery, install the new one, reconnect the connector, and reseal the screen with the new adhesive strips.

The hardest part for most people is opening the phone without cracking the screen. If you slip with the prying tool, you can break the display, which costs $200 to $400 to replace. If you are not confident, a repair shop is a safer choice.

Getting a battery replacement at an Apple Store

Make an appointment at apple.com/retail or call your nearest Apple Store. Tell them you need a battery replacement. Bring your phone and your ID. The Genius Bar will confirm the battery is degraded, perform the replacement, and test the phone before you leave. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 60 minutes if the store is not busy.

The cost is $69 for iPhone 14 and earlier models, and $99 for iPhone 15 and later. If your phone is under AppleCare+ and the battery capacity is below 80 percent, the replacement is free. If your phone is under the one-year limited warranty and the battery failure is a manufacturing defect (not normal wear), replacement is also free — Apple will determine this during the appointment.

If the store is busy or does not have a battery in stock, they may offer mail-in service instead. You ship your phone to Apple, they replace the battery, and ship it back. This takes five to seven business days plus shipping time.

Using a third-party repair shop

Independent phone repair shops in most cities offer iPhone battery replacement for $40 to $80, often the same day. Search online for "iPhone battery replacement near me" and call a few shops to compare price and turnaround time. Read reviews on Google or Yelp to check for complaints about quality or data security.

Third-party shops use either genuine Apple batteries (which they buy from wholesalers) or aftermarket batteries made by other manufacturers. Genuine batteries cost more but perform identically to Apple's. Aftermarket batteries are cheaper but may not last as long or charge as reliably. Ask the shop which type they use before you commit.

One important note: using a third-party shop voids your Apple warranty for the battery and may void it for other parts if something goes wrong during the replacement. If your phone is still under warranty or AppleCare+, going to Apple is safer. If your phone is out of warranty, a third-party shop is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Mail-in battery replacement through Apple

If you cannot visit an Apple Store, you can send your phone to Apple for battery replacement. Go to apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Battery Service." Follow the prompts to start a mail-in repair. Apple will email you a prepaid shipping label. Pack your phone securely and drop it at a UPS location or have UPS pick it up from your home.

Apple receives the phone, confirms the battery is degraded, performs the replacement, and ships it back. The whole process takes five to seven business days plus one to two days for shipping each way. You will be without your phone for about two weeks. The cost is the same as in-store: $69 to $99 depending on your model, or free if you have AppleCare+ and the battery is below 80 percent capacity.

What to do if your phone is out of warranty

If your iPhone is more than one year old and you do not have AppleCare+, Apple's battery replacement still costs $69 to $99. At that price, a third-party shop is often cheaper and faster. However, if your phone has other damage (cracked screen, water damage), Apple may refuse to replace just the battery and instead quote you for a full device replacement, which is much more expensive. A third-party shop will usually replace the battery regardless of other damage.

If you are considering a DIY replacement, remember that opening the phone yourself voids the warranty entirely. If something goes wrong during the replacement and you damage the screen or logic board, Apple will not repair it under warranty. A third-party shop carries liability insurance for damage they cause, so you have some recourse if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an iPhone battery last before it needs replacement?

Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real use, this usually means two to three years before the battery noticeably degrades. If you charge your phone every day, expect to need a replacement around year two or three. If you charge it every other day, it may last four years.

Can I replace the battery on an older iPhone model?

Yes. Apple sells battery kits for iPhone 12 and newer. For older models, you can still get a replacement at an Apple Store or third-party shop, but official kits are not available. Third-party shops can replace batteries on any iPhone model, though very old phones (iPhone 6 and earlier) may be harder to find parts for.

Will replacing the battery fix my phone if it keeps shutting down?

If your phone shuts down unexpectedly and your battery health is below 80 percent, a replacement will usually fix it. If your battery health is 80 percent or higher, the shutdowns are likely caused by something else — a software issue, a damaged charging port, or a logic board problem. Check your battery health first before paying for a replacement.

What happens to my data when I replace the battery?

Your data stays on the phone. Battery replacement does not erase anything. Whether you do it yourself, go to Apple, or use a third-party shop, your photos, messages, apps, and settings remain unchanged. Back up your phone before the replacement anyway, just in case.

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

Yes, it is safe. A degraded battery will not catch fire or damage your phone. It simply holds less charge, so your phone runs out of power faster. The only risk is unexpected shutdowns if the battery is very degraded, which can cause you to lose unsaved work. Replacing it is a matter of convenience, not safety.