Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers are your main options

Apple will replace your iPhone battery at an Apple Store or through an Apple Authorized Service Provider — a repair shop that Apple certifies and supplies with genuine parts. Apple Stores handle replacements the same day if you walk in without an appointment, though you may wait. Authorized Service Providers vary by location and may require you to drop off your phone and pick it up later, sometimes within 24 hours.

Both routes use genuine Apple batteries and come with a warranty on the replacement. Apple Stores are in major cities and malls; Authorized Service Providers are often in smaller towns and suburbs. You can find both by visiting apple.com/repair, entering your zip code, and selecting iPhone battery service.

The cost is the same at both: $69 for most iPhone models if your phone is out of warranty, or free if you have AppleCare+ coverage. If your battery health has dropped below 80 percent and your phone is still under the one-year limited warranty, Apple replaces it free even without AppleCare+.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Stores and Authorized Service Providers both use genuine batteries and offer warranty coverage, with Apple Stores typically faster for same-day service.
  • Battery replacement costs $69 out of warranty, or free if you have AppleCare+ or your phone is under one year old with battery health below 80 percent.
  • Find your nearest location by visiting apple.com/repair and entering your zip code to see wait times and availability.
  • Third-party repair shops are cheaper but may use non-genuine batteries, which can affect performance and may void your warranty.
  • Mail-in service through Apple takes five to seven business days but works if no local option is available.

What to expect when you arrive for a battery replacement

At an Apple Store, tell the Genius Bar staff you need a battery replacement. They will run a diagnostic to confirm the battery is the problem — this takes a few minutes and is free. If the battery is failing, they will quote you the cost and ask if you want to proceed that day.

The actual replacement takes 30 minutes to an hour. During that time, your phone stays in the store. Apple backs up your data before opening the phone, so you do not lose anything. When it is done, your phone powers on and you walk out with a new battery and a receipt showing the warranty period (usually one year on the battery itself).

Bring your phone charged to at least 50 percent, and bring your ID. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian. You do not need an appointment at most Apple Stores, but you can book one online at apple.com to skip the wait.

Third-party repair shops: faster and cheaper, but with trade-offs

Independent repair shops and chain stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target offer battery replacement for $30 to $50, roughly half the Apple price. Many can do the work while you wait — sometimes in under an hour. These shops are often more convenient if you live far from an Apple Store.

The catch is that most third-party shops use non-genuine batteries — aftermarket parts that work but may not hold a charge as long as Apple batteries. Some shops offer genuine Apple batteries at a higher price, so ask before you book. Non-genuine batteries can also trigger a warning in your iPhone's settings that says "Unable to verify this battery," though the phone still functions normally.

Third-party repairs typically do not include a warranty, or offer only 30 to 90 days. If the battery fails after that, you pay again. Using a non-genuine battery may also void your AppleCare+ coverage if you have it, though this varies by shop and by Apple's interpretation.

Mail-in battery service if you have no local option

If no Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider is near you, Apple will mail you a prepaid shipping box. You pack your phone, drop it at any UPS location, and Apple receives it within two to three business days. They replace the battery and ship it back, usually within five to seven business days total.

You can start a mail-in repair at apple.com/repair by selecting your device and choosing "Mail In" as the service type. Apple will ask you to describe the problem and may run a remote diagnostic. Once approved, they email you a shipping label and instructions.

During the mail-in process, you are without your phone for a week or more. Apple backs up your data before the repair, so nothing is lost. The cost is the same as in-store service: $69 out of warranty, or free with AppleCare+ or if your phone qualifies under warranty.

How to check your battery health before you go

Before you book a replacement, check your iPhone's battery health in Settings. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging. You will see a percentage labeled "Maximum Capacity" — this is how much charge your battery holds compared to when it was new.

If the percentage is 80 percent or higher, your battery is normal. If it is below 80 percent, Apple considers it degraded and will replace it. If you are still under warranty or have AppleCare+, the replacement is free. If you are out of warranty and the health is below 80 percent, you can choose to replace it now or wait until it degrades further.

You will also see "Condition" listed as either "Normal" or "Service Recommended." If it says "Service Recommended," the battery is failing and you should replace it soon — performance may slow down or the phone may shut off unexpectedly.

Preparing your phone for battery replacement

Back up your data before you go, even though Apple does this automatically. Use iCloud or a computer with iTunes or Finder to create a backup in case something goes wrong. Turn off Find My iPhone in Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone, because Apple needs to do this before they open the phone, and it speeds up the process if you do it first.

Charge your phone to at least 50 percent. Bring your ID and, if you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian. If you have a case or screen protector, you can leave it on — the repair shop will remove it. Do not bring anything else inside the phone, like a SIM card ejector tool or a second device.

If your phone has a passcode, you do not need to disable it, but tell the staff what it is so they can test the phone after the repair. If you use Face ID or Touch ID, those will work normally after the battery is replaced.

What happens after your battery is replaced

Your phone will show 100 percent battery health when ready after the replacement. The new battery will take a few charge cycles to reach its full capacity, so do not be surprised if the percentage dips slightly after a week or two — this is normal and it will stabilize.

If you replaced the battery at an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider, the replacement comes with a one-year warranty. If the new battery fails during that year, you can return for a free replacement. Keep your receipt as proof.

If you used a third-party shop, check what warranty they offer — it may be 30 days, 90 days, or none at all. Some shops will replace a failed battery free within the warranty period; others charge a reduced fee. Ask before you leave the shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my iPhone battery myself?

Apple does not sell batteries to consumers, and opening your iPhone yourself will void the warranty. If you try and damage the phone, Apple will not repair it. Self-repair kits exist online, but they are risky — the battery is glued in, and prying it out can damage the logic board or start a fire. Professional replacement is safer and not much more expensive.

How long does a battery replacement take?

At an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider, expect 30 minutes to an hour if you wait. If you drop it off, it may take 24 hours. Mail-in service takes five to seven business days total. Third-party shops often finish in under an hour.

Will I lose my data if I replace the battery?

No. Apple backs up your data before opening the phone, and the battery replacement does not touch your storage or apps. Your phone will be exactly as you left it when you pick it up.

Is AppleCare+ worth it for battery replacement?

AppleCare+ costs $99 to $199 depending on your iPhone model and covers two accidental damage incidents and battery replacement. If you replace the battery once, AppleCare+ pays for itself. If you keep your phone for three or more years, the odds of needing a battery replacement are high, so it may be worth the cost.

What if my phone is too old to find parts for?

Apple typically stocks batteries for iPhones up to five to seven years old. If your phone is older than that, Apple may not have the part in stock and may offer a trade-in credit toward a new phone instead. Call your local Apple Store to ask if they have the battery for your specific model before you go.