Yes, iPhone batteries can be replaced, but where and how you do it matters
Your iPhone battery can be replaced at any point in the phone's life, but Apple and authorized repair shops charge different amounts depending on your model and whether your phone is under warranty. If your battery health has dropped below 80 percent and your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty, Apple will replace it at no cost. Outside of warranty, a replacement battery costs between $69 and $99 at an Apple Store, depending on your iPhone model. Third-party repair shops often charge less, but you lose any remaining warranty coverage on the phone itself.
The battery is not something you can safely replace yourself — the process requires opening the phone, disconnecting the display, and removing adhesive that holds the battery in place. Attempting this without proper tools and training risks damaging the display, logic board, or battery itself, which can create a fire hazard. Apple and authorized technicians have the equipment and training to do this safely.
Key Takeaways
- Apple replaces batteries free under the one-year limited warranty if the battery health is below 80 percent, and charges $69 to $99 out of warranty depending on your model.
- You can check your battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to see the current percentage before deciding whether to replace it.
- Authorized Apple repair shops and some third-party repair shops can replace your battery, but third-party shops may void your remaining warranty.
- Do not attempt to replace the battery yourself — the process requires opening the phone and risks damage to the display and internal components.
- Battery replacement typically takes one to three hours at an Apple Store, though you may need an appointment.
Where to get your battery replaced
Apple Stores are the most straightforward option. You can make an appointment through the Apple Support app or by visiting apple.com/support, select your device, and choose "Battery Service." The technician will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery needs replacement, then perform the service while you wait or pick it up the same day if the store is busy. You do not need to bring anything except your phone and your Apple ID password.
Apple Authorized Service Providers — independent repair shops certified by Apple — offer the same service at the same price. You can find one near you by going to apple.com/support, selecting your device, and clicking "Find Locations." These shops follow Apple's repair standards and use genuine Apple parts, so your warranty coverage remains intact.
Third-party repair shops that are not Apple-authorized can replace your battery for less money, often $40 to $60. However, opening your phone voids any remaining manufacturer warranty on the device itself. If something else fails after a third-party battery replacement, Apple will not cover it under warranty. Choose a third-party shop only if you have already lost warranty coverage or if cost is your only concern.
What to expect during the replacement process
When you arrive at Apple or an authorized shop, the technician will ask about your phone's behavior and may run a battery diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem. This takes a few minutes. They will then explain the cost and timeline — usually one to three hours, though some locations can do it faster if they are not busy.
During the replacement, the technician opens the phone from the front, disconnects the display, and uses heat and special tools to remove the old battery. They then install a new genuine Apple battery, reconnect the display, and test the phone to make sure it powers on and the battery charges correctly. You will get your phone back with a new battery and the same data you had before — nothing is erased.
If you drop off your phone instead of waiting, ask for a timeline. Some stores offer same-day service; others may keep it overnight. You will receive a receipt showing the battery was replaced and the warranty on that battery component (usually 90 days).
Cost breakdown by iPhone model
| iPhone Model | Out-of-Warranty Cost at Apple |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | $99 |
| iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max | $99 |
| iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max | $99 |
| iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | $99 |
| iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | $69 |
| iPhone XS, XS Max, XR | $69 |
Prices are current as of 2024 and may change. If your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty and your battery health is below 80 percent, the replacement is free. AppleCare+ extends the warranty to two years and covers battery replacement at no cost if the battery health drops below 80 percent during that period.
When you should replace your battery
Replace your battery when the health percentage in Settings drops below 80 percent, or when you notice your phone shuts down unexpectedly even though the battery percentage shows 20 or 30 percent remaining. This unexpected shutdown is a sign that the battery can no longer deliver the power the phone needs, even if it still holds a charge.
You do not have to replace the battery when ready when it hits 80 percent — the phone will continue to work. However, the lower the health percentage, the faster the battery will drain and the more often you will experience unexpected shutdowns. Most people find that replacing the battery between 70 and 80 percent health gives them several more years of usable phone life before other components start to fail.
If your phone is more than three years old and the battery is below 50 percent health, consider whether replacing the battery is worth the cost. At that age, other components like the display or charging port may fail soon after, and you might be better served by upgrading to a newer phone.
What happens to your old battery
Apple and authorized repair shops recycle your old battery. They do not send it back to you — it stays with the shop and goes into their battery recycling program. Lithium-ion batteries contain materials that can be recovered and reused, and they are hazardous waste if thrown in the trash, so this recycling is important.
You do not need to do anything with the old battery. The technician handles the entire process, and you will not see the old battery again. If you are concerned about data on the old battery (there is none — batteries store energy, not data), you can ask the technician to destroy it in front of you, though this is not necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will replacing my battery erase my data?
No. The battery is a separate component that stores energy only. Your photos, messages, apps, and settings are stored on the phone's storage drive and are not affected by a battery replacement. Your phone will have the same data after the replacement as it did before.
Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?
You can, but it is not recommended. The process requires opening the phone, disconnecting the display, and removing adhesive that holds the battery in place. Without proper tools and training, you risk damaging the display, logic board, or battery itself, which can create a fire hazard. The cost savings are not worth the risk.
How long does a battery replacement take?
At an Apple Store or authorized shop, battery replacement usually takes one to three hours. Some locations can do it faster if they are not busy. You can wait for your phone or drop it off and pick it up later the same day. Call ahead or check the Apple Support app to see the current wait time at your nearest location.
Does replacing my battery void my warranty?
No. Replacing your battery at Apple or an authorized shop does not void your warranty on the phone itself. The battery itself comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of replacement. If you use a third-party repair shop that is not Apple-authorized, you may lose remaining manufacturer warranty coverage on the phone.
What if my phone is too old to find parts for?
Apple typically stocks battery parts for phones up to five to seven years old. If your phone is older than that and a battery is not available, the technician will tell you during the diagnostic. At that point, your only option is a third-party shop, if one will work on your model, or upgrading to a newer phone.