Yes, you can replace an iPhone battery, but where and how depends on your model and warranty status

Apple will replace your iPhone battery for a flat fee at any Apple Store or through mail-in service. If your phone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare+, the replacement may be free if the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity. You can also take your phone to an authorized Apple repair partner, though availability varies by location. Third-party repair shops offer battery replacement too, usually for less money, but this voids your warranty and may affect water resistance.

The process takes anywhere from same-day service at an Apple Store to one to two weeks if you mail your phone in. Most people choose Apple's official service because it preserves the phone's water-resistant seal and keeps the warranty intact — something a third-party repair cannot may provide.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges a flat fee for battery replacement (typically $69 to $99 depending on model), or free if your phone is under warranty and the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity.
  • AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent, even after the standard warranty expires.
  • Apple Store service takes one to three hours for most models, or you can mail your phone in for one to two weeks of turnaround time.
  • Third-party repair shops cost less but void your warranty and may not restore the phone's original water resistance seal.
  • You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see the current capacity percentage before deciding whether to replace it.

How to check your battery health before replacing it

Open Settings, tap Battery, then select Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this tells you how much charge your battery holds compared to when it was new. If it shows 80 percent or higher, your battery is still within normal range. If it is below 80 percent, Apple considers it degraded and will replace it under warranty or AppleCare+ at no cost.

You will also see a "Condition" line that says either "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," the battery is wearing out faster than expected and should be replaced soon. This condition can appear even if capacity is still above 80 percent, and it also qualifies for free replacement under warranty or AppleCare+.

Apple Store battery replacement and cost

Taking your phone to an Apple Store is the fastest and most straightforward option. Most locations can replace your battery the same day if you walk in, though you may need to schedule an appointment through the Apple Support app or website. The process usually takes one to three hours depending on how busy the store is.

The cost is $69 for iPhone 15 and newer models, $79 for iPhone 14 and older models, and $99 for iPhone XS Max and earlier. If your phone is within the standard one-year warranty and the battery has degraded below 80 percent, or if you have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement for the full two years of coverage, even after the standard warranty ends.

Apple will also test your phone while you are there to confirm the battery is the problem. If something else is causing the issue, they will tell you before starting the repair.

Mail-in battery replacement through Apple

If you do not have an Apple Store nearby or prefer not to visit in person, you can send your phone to Apple for repair. Start by going to support.apple.com, selecting your device, and choosing "Battery Service." You will answer a few questions about your phone's condition, and Apple will give you a prepaid shipping label.

Pack your phone in a box with the label and drop it off at any UPS location. Apple typically receives it within two to three business days, completes the repair within one to two business days, and ships it back. Total turnaround is usually one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive an email when your phone ships back out.

The cost is the same as in-store service: $69 to $99 depending on your model, or free if you are under warranty or have AppleCare+. You pay for return shipping unless the repair is free.

Authorized Apple repair partners

Apple has a network of authorized repair partners — usually electronics retailers, mobile carriers, and independent repair shops — that can replace your battery using genuine Apple parts. These locations follow the same pricing and warranty rules as Apple Stores. You can find authorized partners near you by visiting support.apple.com, selecting your device, and choosing "Find Locations."

Service times vary by location. Some partners offer same-day or next-day service, while others may take several days. Call ahead to ask about availability and turnaround time. Authorized partners preserve your warranty and water resistance seal the same way Apple Stores do, since they use the same parts and procedures.

Third-party repair shops and cost trade-offs

Independent repair shops not affiliated with Apple typically charge $30 to $60 for a battery replacement, significantly less than Apple's official service. However, this choice comes with real trade-offs. Your warranty becomes void immediately after the repair, meaning Apple will not cover any other problems with your phone going forward. Water resistance may also be compromised because third-party shops often cannot reseal the phone to the same standard as Apple's factory process.

The quality of the replacement battery itself varies. Some shops use genuine Apple parts they source independently, while others use third-party batteries that may not hold a charge as long or perform as reliably. Before choosing a third-party shop, ask whether they use genuine Apple batteries or aftermarket ones, and whether they offer any warranty on the repair itself.

If your phone is still under AppleCare+ or the standard warranty, using a third-party shop will void that coverage. This is usually not worth the $20 to $40 you might save.

What happens to your data during battery replacement

Your data stays on your phone during a battery replacement — Apple and authorized partners do not erase your device as part of this repair. You will not lose photos, messages, apps, or settings. However, you should back up your phone before sending it in for mail-in service, just in case something unexpected happens during shipping or repair.

Before dropping off your phone at an Apple Store or authorized partner, sign out of iCloud and remove the device from Find My iPhone. This prevents activation lock issues when the phone powers back on after the repair. You can sign back in as soon as you get it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Apple designs iPhone batteries to retain 80 percent of their capacity after 500 full charge cycles. In real-world use, this typically means two to three years before the battery noticeably degrades. Heavy users who charge their phone multiple times a day may need replacement sooner. You can check your battery's current health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.

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

Unexpected shutdowns can be caused by a degraded battery, but they can also signal other hardware problems. Apple will run diagnostics at the store to confirm the battery is the issue before charging you for the repair. If the problem is something else, they will tell you what it is and what the repair will cost.

Can I replace the battery myself?

iPhones are not designed for user replacement. The battery is glued to the case, and opening the phone risks damaging the display, water-resistance seal, and internal components. Apple and authorized partners have the tools and training to do this safely. Self-repair voids your warranty and may cause permanent damage.

Does AppleCare+ cover battery replacement?

Yes. AppleCare+ covers battery replacement at no cost as long as the battery capacity has dropped below 80 percent. This coverage lasts for the full two years of AppleCare+, even after the standard one-year warranty expires. Without AppleCare+, you pay the standard fee unless your phone is still under the one-year warranty.

What is the difference between a genuine Apple battery and a third-party battery?

Genuine Apple batteries are manufactured to Apple's specifications and tested to hold their charge longer. Third-party batteries are cheaper but may degrade faster and perform less reliably. If you use a third-party battery, your phone's warranty becomes void, and you lose any coverage for other problems that might develop.