Dead iPhone Battery Replacement Guide: DIY or Hire It Out?

Is your iPhone battery dead? We compare battery replacement options, including battery brands, pricing, and replacement services.

In a world reliant on mobile communications, a dead iPhone battery can be one of the most frustrating misfortunes you’ll face – especially since Apple hasn’t made it easy to replace your iPhone battery. Here, we compare different iPhone battery replacement options to help you decide how to replace your iPhone battery.

DIY versus battery replacement services

The iPhone doesn’t feature a battery door or removable rear case that allows easy access to your battery, which means battery replacement involves a bit of disassembly. If you feel comfortable taking your iPhone apart (and confident in your ability to put it back together), you can save money by replacing your own iPhone battery. If the DIY method makes you nervous or you simply don’t want the hassle, an iPhone battery replacement service can do it for you. Here’s what you can expect from both methods.

NOTE: If your iPhone is covered by AppleCare+ and its battery health drops below 80% of original capacity, Apple will replace the battery at no additional charge., Apple will replace your battery free-of-charge.

Replacing your own iPhone battery

DIY iPhone battery replacement has changed significantly over the years. For older generations like the iPhone 4, 5 and 6, the process involves removing a few screws and disconnecting a few wires to access the battery. For seasoned tinkerers, the process isn’t that complicated and can often be completed in less than 30 minutes. Even less-experienced iPhone owners can usually complete the repair in under an hour with the help of a detailed guide:

Recent generations like the iPhone 15, 16 and 17 are still more complicated than older models. The process involves opening the phone, disconnecting internal components, removing adhesive and carefully resealing the device to help maintain water resistance. Depending on the model and your experience level, the repair can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

Generally speaking, iPhone battery replacement became more difficult as Apple introduced water resistance, stronger adhesives and more compact internal designs. However, newer models like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 have become somewhat easier to repair thanks to Apple’s new electrically released battery adhesive system, which simplifies battery removal compared to many previous generations. Even so, replacing the battery still requires specialized tools, patience and careful attention to detail.

If you decide to go the DIY route, understand there are risks involved with replacing your own battery. They include:

• You will void the warranty (and if it’s under warranty, why not just have Apple replace it for free?)
• You’ll void your carrier insurance policy, if you have one
• If you break something, you might have to pay someone else to repair it (and that could cost far more than the original battery replacement)
• It’s possible for poorly constructed aftermarket batteries to leak acid, catch fire or explode

That said, all you need are a replacement battery and some special tools for opening your iPhone. Many iPhone parts retailers sell complete replacement kits that include both the battery and tools required to complete the repair.

Where to buy iPhone replacement batteries

Apple does not sell OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts to the public, which means you’ll need to purchase your replacement iPhone battery from a third-party manufacturer via a retail seller. You’ll also need to purchase a toolkit if you don’t already have the tools you need. Basic toolkits typically cost anywhere from $5 to $25. Here are some replacement iPhone battery options and what they cost.

Replacement batteries

How much does iPhone battery replacement cost?

Here’s a list of popular replacement service fees (be sure to understand what each warranty covers):

• Apple (out-of-warranty): $99 – $119
• Batteries + Bulbs: $80 – $130
• iFixYouri: $70 – $120
• My Broken Phone: $60 – $100

As you can see, the only drawbacks to paying someone else to replace your iPhone battery are increased price and, in the case of mail-in repairs, going without your iPhone for a few days.

Should you pay a repair service or replace your own iPhone battery? That ultimately depends on whether you feel comfortable replacing your own battery and if you want to hassle with the repair at all. For the tech-savvy budget-minded, DIY might be the best option; for those lacking the ability or desire to perform the repair, it might be better to hire an iPhone repair company to replace your iPhone battery.