Yes, you can replace an iPhone battery, but your options depend on whether you do it yourself or use Apple

You can replace an iPhone battery in three ways: through Apple's official service, through an authorized Apple repair partner, or by doing it yourself with a replacement battery kit. Apple charges between $69 and $99 depending on your model. Third-party repair shops typically charge $40 to $80. If you do it yourself, a battery kit costs $15 to $40, but you risk voiding your warranty and damaging the phone if something goes wrong during the repair.

The easiest and safest route for most people is Apple's mail-in service or an in-store appointment at an Apple Store. You can also visit an authorized repair partner — Best Buy's Geek Squad, for example, handles iPhone batteries. The self-repair option exists, but it requires tools you probably don't own, steady hands, and comfort working inside a phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple's official battery replacement costs $69 to $99 and takes three to five business days through mail-in service or same-day at some Apple Stores.
  • Authorized repair partners like Best Buy Geek Squad offer battery replacement for $40 to $80 and often have faster turnaround than Apple.
  • Self-repair kits cost $15 to $40 but require opening your phone, which voids the warranty and risks water damage if the seal is not replaced correctly.
  • iPhones with batteries at 80 percent health or lower may be covered under AppleCare+ if you have it, reducing or eliminating the cost.

How to check if your battery needs replacement

Your iPhone tells you when the battery is degrading. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. Look at the number next to "Maximum Capacity." If it shows 80 percent or lower, your battery is wearing out and replacement will noticeably improve how long the phone lasts between charges.

You may also see a message saying "Your battery's health is significantly degraded" or "Service Recommended." This is Apple's way of saying the battery should be replaced soon. A battery at 50 percent capacity will drain much faster than when the phone was new, even if the phone itself works fine.

Getting a replacement through Apple

Start by visiting apple.com or opening the Apple Support app on your phone. Select your device model and choose "Battery Service." You can schedule an appointment at an Apple Store, request mail-in service, or find an authorized repair location near you.

At an Apple Store, the repair usually takes the same day if you drop it off, though some stores offer while-you-wait service. Mail-in service takes three to five business days plus shipping time. You will receive a prepaid shipping label, send your phone to Apple's repair center, and they will mail it back once the battery is replaced. The cost is $69 for iPhone 11 and older models, $79 for iPhone 12 and 13, and $99 for iPhone 14 and newer.

If you have AppleCare+, battery replacement is covered at no cost if the battery health has dropped below 80 percent. Without AppleCare+, you pay the full service fee.

Using an authorized repair partner

Best Buy Geek Squad, Walmart, and other authorized repair partners can replace iPhone batteries for less than Apple charges. Geek Squad typically charges $40 to $60 depending on the model. Walmart's service is usually $30 to $50. These shops often have faster turnaround — many can complete the repair the same day or within 24 hours.

To find an authorized partner near you, go to apple.com/repair and enter your zip code. The site shows which locations are certified by Apple and what services they offer. Authorized partners use genuine Apple parts and maintain the phone's water resistance seal, so the warranty remains valid after the repair.

Doing the repair yourself

Self-repair is possible but requires tools most people do not own: a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed screw used on iPhones), a suction cup, plastic pry tools, and tweezers. You also need a replacement battery kit, which you can buy from iFixit, Amazon, or other electronics retailers for $15 to $40.

The process involves removing the screen, disconnecting the battery connector, ungluing the old battery, and gluing in the new one. The hardest part is removing the screen without cracking it — it is glued down and requires heat and careful prying. If you slip, you can damage the display, the logic board, or the antenna cables. Once you open the phone, you must also replace the adhesive strips that seal the screen back on, or water will eventually get inside.

Self-repair voids your warranty immediately. If something breaks during the repair, Apple will not fix it for free. If water damage occurs later because the seal was not replaced correctly, that is also not covered. This option makes sense only if you are comfortable with the risk and have done similar repairs before.

What to expect during the repair process

Whether you go through Apple, an authorized partner, or do it yourself, the repair itself takes 30 minutes to two hours. Apple and authorized shops will back up your data before starting, so you do not lose anything. They will also test the new battery before returning the phone to make sure it holds a charge properly.

After the repair, your battery health will show as "Unknown" or "100 percent" for a few days while the phone recalibrates. This is normal. After a full charge cycle or two, the actual health percentage will stabilize and show the true capacity of the new battery.

When replacement is not the answer

If your phone is very old — iPhone 6s or earlier — Apple may not offer battery service because parts are no longer in stock. In that case, an independent repair shop might still have batteries available, but they will not be genuine Apple parts. The phone will still work, but water resistance may be compromised.

If your phone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare+, always use Apple or an authorized partner. The cost is lower, the parts are genuine, and the warranty stays intact. Self-repair only makes financial sense if you are comfortable with the risk and the phone is out of warranty anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a new iPhone battery last?

A new battery should retain 80 percent capacity for two to three years under normal use. This varies based on how often you charge it and whether you let it drain to zero regularly. Keeping your phone between 20 and 80 percent charged extends battery life.

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

Maybe. If the phone shuts down even though the battery percentage shows 30 or 40 percent, a degraded battery is likely the cause and replacement will fix it. If the phone shuts down at any percentage, the problem might be the logic board instead, and battery replacement will not help. Apple can diagnose this during the service appointment.

Can I replace the battery myself without opening the phone?

No. iPhones do not have a removable battery. The battery is glued inside and the screen must be removed to reach it. There is no way to replace it without opening the phone.

What happens to my data when I send my phone to Apple for battery service?

Your data stays on the phone. Apple does not erase it during battery replacement. They back up your phone before starting the repair, so even if something goes wrong, your information is safe. You will get the same phone back with the same apps, photos, and settings.

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

Usually not. A battery replacement costs $69 to $99. A new iPhone costs $800 to $1,200. Unless your phone is very old or has other serious problems, replacing the battery extends its useful life for much less money.