There’s more than one reason you might need a new iPhone battery. If it isn’t lasting as long on a charge as it once did, it’s randomly shutting down during times of intense use, or iOS is telling you the battery health isn’t great, you should have the battery switched out to extend the phone’s life and usefulness.

Here’s how to replace the iPhone’s battery and restore power to your iPhone.

How to Check iPhone Battery Health

On an iPhone 6 or later running iOS 11.3 or later you can check your battery’s health and see its reported condition. If it has extensive wear, it will indicate a new battery is advisable.

Instructions in this article apply to the iPhone SE, 5, 6, 7, 8, X, XS, XR, and XS Max.

  • Open the iPhone’s Settings.
  • Scroll down and tap Battery.
  • Tap Battery Health to display results.

Using Apple’s Battery Replacement Service

If you have any inclination your iPhone needs a new battery you can take it to Apple to have them replace it. For the entirety of 2018, the cost will be cheaper for most iPhones.

iPhones are not being slowed for malicious reasons, but simply to prolong the natural life of lithium-ion batteries and prevent sudden shutdowns.

Open the iPhone’s Settings.

Scroll down and tap Battery.

Tap Battery Health to display results.

To start the process of having Apple replace the iPhone battery, visit this Apple Support page, then select Start a battery replacement. You’ll be prompted to log in with your Apple ID before following the localized instructions.

You can get a new battery for an iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, or iPhone X for $29 with no AppleCare coverage until December 31st, 2018.

If you’re covered by a warranty or have AppleCare+, a battery replacement is free for all phone models.

The iPhone XS, XR, and XS Max can have their batteries replaced for a higher price point of $69, and will be completely covered under warranty until late 2019.

How to Perform an iPhone Battery Replacement Yourself

If you’re so inclined, you can replace the battery yourself, which usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, based on your experience with the iPhone hardware. 

iPhones use lithium-ion batteries, which are traditionally a unique size and shape for each phone. Despite largely staying the same physical shape for two years in a row, the internal components have shifted around over the years.

Apple has long used unique and specialized screws to prevent unauthorized access to its phones. These tiny internal screws don’t change regularly but have over the years.

If you’re attempting to replace the battery yourself, there are some things you should know ahead of time.

When looking for instructions to follow be sure to read the comments and make sure the person or company has good ratings and reviews.

How to plan ahead for your DIY battery swap

  • Create a static and clutter free tabletop to work with that provides at least 2 feet by 2 feet of space.
  • Use a magnetic screw bowl or some other containers to place tiny screws after removal.
  • Get the necessary specialized tools, as iPhones use proprietary screws. These will be called out in the instructions.
  • Make sure to have a second device to keep text or video instructions visible.
  • Have a pen and paper handy for making notes along the way.
  • Give yourself plenty of time. The last thing you want to do is rush through this process and accidentally damage your iPhone.

Finding the Right Tools, Battery, and Instructions

Once you’re ready to replace your own battery, research the recommended tools and battery options for each phone individually, as they’re all slightly unique.

Create a static and clutter free tabletop to work with that provides at least 2 feet by 2 feet of space.

Use a magnetic screw bowl or some other containers to place tiny screws after removal.

Get the necessary specialized tools, as iPhones use proprietary screws. These will be called out in the instructions.

Make sure to have a second device to keep text or video instructions visible.

Have a pen and paper handy for making notes along the way.

Give yourself plenty of time. The last thing you want to do is rush through this process and accidentally damage your iPhone.

Apple has a long history of using specialized screws which need a specialized screwdriver. When looking up specific instructions, be sure to note the screwdriver and plastic pry tools you’ll need.

iPhone Battery Replacement Steps Overview

As you begin the iPhone battery replacement, these are the key areas you’ll encounter.

  • When removing the screen, be sure to apply enough force to break the seal loose. However, too much force could damage the clips or front camera connectors.
  • The battery is secured with an adhesive to the case and will not fall out once the necessary screws have been removed.
  • After inserting a new battery, it’s critical to reassemble the parts in exactly the same reserve order as disassembly.
  • Once the replacement is completed, plug the device in, power it back on and check all functions. Be sure to check the front and rear camera, headphone jack, speakers, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity to make sure all cables are properly seated.

When removing the screen, be sure to apply enough force to break the seal loose. However, too much force could damage the clips or front camera connectors.

The battery is secured with an adhesive to the case and will not fall out once the necessary screws have been removed.

After inserting a new battery, it’s critical to reassemble the parts in exactly the same reserve order as disassembly.

Once the replacement is completed, plug the device in, power it back on and check all functions. Be sure to check the front and rear camera, headphone jack, speakers, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity to make sure all cables are properly seated.

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