Yes, you can replace your iPhone battery, but your options depend on whether your phone is under warranty and which model you own

Apple will replace the battery in any iPhone model, either through an Apple Store, an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or by mail. The cost ranges from $69 to $99 for most models, though the price varies by iPhone generation. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty or you have AppleCare+, the replacement may be covered at no cost — but only if the battery has degraded to 80 percent capacity or lower, which Apple tests before proceeding.

You can also have an independent repair shop replace the battery, often for less money. These shops exist in most cities and advertise battery replacement services online. The trade-off is that Apple will not service your phone again if something goes wrong after an independent repair, and the replacement battery may not be genuine Apple hardware.

A third option — replacing the battery yourself — is technically possible for some iPhone models using a kit you can order online, but it requires opening the phone and risks damaging the screen, logic board, or water sealing if you make a mistake.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple charges $69 to $99 for a battery replacement at an Apple Store or authorized service provider, and covers it free if your phone is under warranty and the battery has degraded below 80 percent capacity.
  • Independent repair shops often charge less than Apple but may use non-genuine batteries, and Apple will refuse to service your phone afterward if something fails.
  • You can check your battery health yourself in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see the current capacity percentage before paying for a replacement.
  • Mail-in battery replacement through Apple takes about one week and requires you to ship your phone, while in-store replacement usually takes a few hours.
  • Newer iPhone models (iPhone 15 and later) have batteries that are easier to remove, but older models require heating and prying that can damage the phone if done incorrectly.

How to check your battery health before replacing it

Open Settings on your iPhone, then go to Battery, then 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 shows 80 percent or higher, your battery is still within normal range. If it shows below 80 percent, a replacement may improve how long your phone lasts between charges.

You will also see a "Condition" line that says either "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," Apple considers the battery degraded enough to warrant replacement, and you may be covered under warranty or AppleCare+. If it says "Normal," you do not need to replace the battery yet, even if the capacity number is lower than you expected — iPhones are designed to work normally at 80 percent capacity.

Getting a battery replacement through Apple

Visit apple.com/support or open the Apple Support app on your iPhone and select "Battery and Charging." Choose your device model, then select "Battery Service." You can then book an appointment at an Apple Store near you or request mail-in service.

At an Apple Store, a technician will test your battery to confirm it needs replacement, then replace it while you wait — usually within two to three hours. You will need to bring your phone and a valid ID. If you choose mail-in service, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping label, you mail your phone to Apple, and they return it within five to seven business days.

Before you go, check whether your phone is under the one-year limited warranty (which covers battery degradation) or whether you have AppleCare+. If you have either, the replacement is free. Without coverage, the cost is $69 for iPhone 11 and earlier, $79 for iPhone 12 through iPhone 14, and $99 for iPhone 15 and later.

Using an independent repair shop

Search online for "iPhone battery replacement near me" or check review sites like Yelp to find local repair shops. Many phone repair stores, electronics retailers, and even some grocery stores with service counters offer battery replacement. Prices typically range from $40 to $70, which is less than Apple charges.

Before you hand over your phone, ask whether the shop uses genuine Apple batteries or third-party replacements. Genuine batteries are more reliable and last longer, but third-party batteries are cheaper. Also ask about the shop's warranty on the repair — reputable shops usually may provide the battery for at least 30 days.

The main risk is that Apple will refuse to service your phone in the future if something breaks after an independent repair. Apple's warranty does not cover damage caused by non-Apple repairs, and some Apple Stores will not even diagnose problems on phones that have been opened by someone else. If your phone is still under AppleCare+, an independent repair may void that coverage.

Replacing the battery yourself

DIY battery replacement kits are sold online through retailers like iFixit and Amazon. The kits include a replacement battery, adhesive strips, and tools like a pentalobe screwdriver and plastic pry tools. Prices range from $20 to $50 depending on the iPhone model.

The process requires opening the phone by removing the bottom screws, heating the edges to soften the adhesive, and carefully prying the screen away from the body. Once the screen is open, you disconnect the battery connector, remove the old battery, and install the new one. For newer iPhones (iPhone 15 and later), Apple has made the battery easier to remove by using a pull-tab instead of adhesive.

The main risks are cracking the screen while prying it open, damaging the display connector, or breaking the water-sealing gasket that keeps moisture out. If any of these happen, you will need to pay for additional repairs. Most people without experience opening electronics should not attempt this — the cost of fixing a mistake often exceeds what you save by doing it yourself.

What to expect after battery replacement

After a battery replacement, your phone should hold a charge noticeably longer than before, especially if the old battery had degraded below 80 percent capacity. The new battery will show 100 percent capacity in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging, though it may drop slightly over the first few days as the phone calibrates.

If you had the replacement done through Apple, your phone remains under warranty for hardware defects. If you used an independent shop, the warranty covers only the battery itself, not other parts of the phone. If you did the replacement yourself, you have no warranty coverage.

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 use, this typically takes two to three years, depending on how often you charge and how you use the phone. Some people need a replacement after 18 months; others go four years without one.

Will replacing my battery fix slow performance?

If your phone has been running slowly and the battery health is below 80 percent, a replacement may help. iPhones slow down when the battery is degraded to prevent the phone from shutting down unexpectedly. Once you replace the battery, the slowdown should stop. If the phone is still slow after replacement, the problem is something else.

Can I replace just the battery without replacing other parts?

Yes. Apple and independent repair shops replace only the battery unless you ask them to fix something else. The battery is a separate component, and replacing it does not require touching the screen, logic board, or other parts of the phone.

What happens if I replace my battery at a non-Apple shop and something breaks?

Apple will not cover the damage under warranty, and some Apple Stores may refuse to service the phone at all. If you have AppleCare+, the coverage may be voided. You would need to return to the repair shop that did the work and ask them to fix the problem, or pay out of pocket to have it repaired elsewhere.

Is it worth replacing the battery or should I just buy a new phone?

If your phone is less than four years old and works well otherwise, a battery replacement usually costs far less than a new phone and extends the life of your current device by another two to three years. If your phone is older, has other hardware problems, or you want a newer model anyway, buying a new phone may make more sense.