Yes, iPhone batteries can be replaced, but where you go matters

Your iPhone battery can be replaced by Apple, by an Apple-authorized repair shop, or by an independent repair technician. Apple will replace the battery in any iPhone model, though the cost and time depend on whether your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+. If you go to an independent shop, the price is often lower but the repair may void any remaining warranty coverage.

The battery itself is not user-replaceable on modern iPhones — you cannot open the phone and swap it yourself the way you might with an older device. This means you will need to take your phone somewhere to have the work done, which takes time and costs money.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple replaces iPhone batteries for a flat fee (usually $69 to $99 depending on your model) if your phone is out of warranty, or free if you have AppleCare+ coverage.
  • An Apple Store or authorized repair shop will keep your warranty intact, while an independent technician may void it.
  • Battery replacement typically takes one to three hours at an Apple Store, or longer if you use mail-in service.
  • Independent repair shops often charge $30 to $60 for the same work, but verify they use genuine or high-quality batteries before handing over your phone.

Apple's battery replacement service and pricing

Apple charges a flat fee for out-of-warranty battery replacement: $69 for iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 models; $79 for iPhone 11 and XR; and $89 for older models like iPhone X and 8. If your phone is still within its one-year limited warranty and the battery has degraded to 80 percent capacity or lower, Apple replaces it free. If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is also free regardless of capacity loss.

You can start a battery replacement at an Apple Store by visiting in person or by scheduling an appointment through the Apple Support app or website. Apple will run a diagnostic test to confirm the battery is the problem before you pay anything. If you cannot visit a store, you can mail your phone to Apple through their mail-in repair service, though this takes five to seven business days plus shipping time.

Apple uses genuine batteries in all its repairs and guarantees the work with a 90-day warranty on the battery itself. Your phone's overall warranty does not restart, but the repair does not void any remaining coverage you have.

Authorized Apple repair shops

Apple-authorized repair providers — often called AASP (Apple Authorized Service Providers) — charge the same flat fees as Apple Stores and use the same genuine batteries. You can find an authorized shop near you by visiting Apple's repair locator on their website or by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE and asking for a referral.

The main advantage of an authorized shop is convenience: they may have shorter wait times than a busy Apple Store, or they may be closer to your home. The repair process is identical, and your warranty is protected the same way. Some authorized shops are part of larger electronics retailers like Best Buy, while others are independent businesses that Apple has certified.

Independent repair shops and what to watch for

Independent repair technicians typically charge $30 to $60 for an iPhone battery replacement, which is significantly less than Apple's fee. However, using an independent shop means your phone is no longer covered by Apple's warranty — if something goes wrong with the repair or if another part of your phone fails later, Apple will not cover it under warranty.

Before handing your phone to an independent shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or third-party batteries. Genuine batteries are more reliable and last longer, but they are more expensive for the shop to buy, so some use cheaper alternatives. A shop using genuine batteries will usually say so upfront; if they are vague about it, ask directly or go elsewhere.

Check online reviews for the specific shop you are considering, and ask whether they offer any warranty on the battery itself — reputable independent shops usually may provide their work for at least 30 days. If the battery fails or the phone stops working after the repair, you will have no recourse with Apple, so the shop's own warranty matters.

How long battery replacement takes

At an Apple Store, a standard battery replacement takes one to three hours if you wait, though this varies by how busy the store is. During peak times, you may be asked to come back later or to schedule an appointment for another day. If you use Apple's mail-in service, the entire process takes five to seven business days for the repair itself, plus two to three days for shipping each way.

Independent shops are often faster — many can replace a battery in 30 minutes to an hour — because they have fewer customers and less overhead. However, speed should not be your only concern; a rushed repair can damage other parts of your phone, so a shop that takes its time is usually the safer choice.

When your phone is still under warranty

If your iPhone is within one year of purchase and the battery has degraded to 80 percent capacity or lower, Apple will replace it free. You do not need to pay the diagnostic fee or the replacement fee. To check your battery health, go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery Health & Charging on iPhone 15 and newer, or Settings > Battery > Battery Health on older models. The "Maximum Capacity" percentage tells you how much of the original battery capacity remains.

If your battery is still above 80 percent capacity but you are having problems — the phone shuts down unexpectedly, or the battery drains very quickly — Apple will still run a diagnostic. If the test shows a defect, they will replace the battery free even if the capacity percentage is higher. This is covered under the limited warranty, not the battery capacity threshold.

AppleCare+ and battery coverage

AppleCare+ is Apple's extended protection plan, and it includes free battery replacement for the entire duration of the plan — usually two or three years depending on your purchase date. You pay a one-time fee upfront (usually $99 to $149 for an iPhone) and then battery replacement costs nothing, even if the battery has not degraded to 80 percent.

If you do not have AppleCare+ and are considering buying it, note that you can only purchase it within 60 days of buying your iPhone, or in some cases within 30 days. If you are past that window, you cannot add it later. AppleCare+ also covers accidental damage and hardware failures beyond just the battery, so it is worth considering if you keep your phone for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my iPhone battery needs to be replaced?

Check Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery Health & Charging (iPhone 15+) or Settings > Battery > Battery Health (older models). If Maximum Capacity is below 80 percent, the battery is degraded. You may also notice the phone shuts down suddenly, drains quickly, or runs slowly even when plugged in.

Will replacing my battery fix a slow iPhone?

Sometimes. If your phone is slow because the battery is degraded, a new battery will help. But slowness can also come from a full storage drive, too many background apps, or an older processor. A battery replacement will not fix those problems, so ask the technician to run a diagnostic first.

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

Modern iPhones are sealed and require special tools to open safely. Attempting it yourself risks damaging the screen, logic board, or other components, and will void your warranty. It is not worth the risk — use Apple or an authorized shop instead.

What happens to my data when the battery is replaced?

Your data stays on the phone. The technician removes and replaces only the battery, leaving everything else untouched. Back up your phone before you go just to be safe, but data loss during a battery replacement is extremely rare.

Is it cheaper to buy a new iPhone than to replace the battery?

No. A battery replacement costs $69 to $99 at Apple, while a new iPhone costs $800 and up. Even at an independent shop ($30 to $60), replacing the battery is far cheaper than buying a new phone. A battery replacement can extend your phone's usable life by two to three years.