iPhone battery replacement question.

[Tvflguy]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

[CosmicTrucker]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

85% battery should still last all day. I strongly suggest you take a look at what apps are chewing up the battery life before looking at a battery replacement. I would also look at the charger, cables and whether or not the charge port is clean and clear of dust bunnies.

[Tvflguy]

85% battery should still last all day. I strongly suggest you take a look at what apps are chewing up the battery life before looking at a battery replacement. I would also look at the charger, cables and whether or not the charge port is clean and clear of dust bunnies.


It does but I will be traveling and do not want issues. It has dropped from 90% to 85% quickly so want to refresh to new batt.

[Two Bills]

85% battery should still last all day. I strongly suggest you take a look at what apps are chewing up the battery life before looking at a battery replacement. I would also look at the charger, cables and whether or not the charge port is clean and clear of dust bunnies.

Agree. No way 85% charge warrants a change of battery.
Over use, too much going on in background, probably.

[retiredguy123]

I would suggest that you examine the phone for any swelling. My last phone swelled up, fell apart, and needed to be replaced. It happens to lithium batteries. The same thing happened to my HP laptop. Personally, I would replace the battery. Also, make sure the new battery has the same or higher amp rating.

[Blackie]

Battery Replacement in The Villages | uBreakiFix - Phone and Computer Repair - The Villages (https://www.ubreakifix.com/locations/thevillages/battery-replacement/)

uBreakiFix. Just off Hwy 466.

[Bill14564]

I can't remember if my 12 was at 85% or 80% when I looked into a battery replacement. I wound up with an upgrade instead but everything I had found in my research said an $80 replacement was a good idea.

[Caymus]

It does but I will be traveling and do not want issues. It has dropped from 90% to 85% quickly so want to refresh to new batt.

How are you traveling? You can always charge it in the car. You may want to consider a "power bank" backup battery which cost as low as $20.

[villagetinker]

As noted above, I would check ALL of your apps to see if one or more are consuming a lot of power, also check your settings to see if you have options turned on that are not needed.

[gorillarick]

I go direct to Apple (by mail) for replacement.
google it, or I'm sure it is on their website.

They'll overnight a postage-paid box to you, and have it back to you in less than a week.
Done by professionals/specialists at Apple (not some kid in a mall kiosk).
Genuine Apple battery with a one-year warranty, and my experience - you will not be able to tell it was pried open, and will probably seal to original specs.
They'll also do a full diagnostic as part of the deal, and if they do damage it; they'll fix or replace it.

iPhone 7. Yeah, I use it for music storage and Apple Music player with bluetooth thru my home stereo system, in my car, or with a mobile bluetooth speaker. And - iheart radio; I can get radio stations throughout the US (but not WVLG - go figur).


Iphone 7 about 2 years ago was $60, postage both ways included w/tracking.

[BrianL99]

I go direct to Apple (by mail) for replacement.
google it, or I'm sure it is on their website.

They'll overnight a postage-paid box to you, and have it back to you in less than a week.
Done by professionals/specialists at Apple (not some kid in a mall kiosk).
Genuine Apple battery with a one-year warranty, and my experience - you will not be able to tell it was pried open, and will probably seal to original specs.
They'll also do a full diagnostic as part of the deal, and if they do damage it; they'll fix or replace it.

iPhone 7. Yeah, I use it for music storage and Apple Music player with bluetooth thru my home stereo system, in my car, or with a mobile bluetooth speaker. And - iheart radio; I can get radio stations throughout the US (but not WVLG - go figur).


Iphone 7 about 2 years ago was $60, postage both ways included w/tracking.


I second what everyone is telling you. 85% does not warrant a new battery.

Additionally ...

IF you opt to have the battery replaced (or any other part of your iPhone), do NOT use anything but Genuine Apple Parts. You'll regret it later. Been there, done that. (& your phone will know and keep reminding you.)

[CarlR33]

Apple offers trade in credits if your phone is eligible (not too old) on the purchase of a new product. You deserve a new phone now your retired, LOL

[biker1]

BestBuy is an authorized Apple repair facility and is a good place to go for a replacement. You will wind up with a new Apple battery and you will not be without your phone for very long. Make an appointment. While 80% battery health is a more common figure used for when to replace your battery, doing it now is not a bad idea if you are going to be traveling. A new battery will probably be good for at least another 3 years, at which point your iPhone will be 7 years old and no longer supported by Apple. At that point, you may want to look into getting a new phone (although you can keep an unsupported phone if you choose).

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

[BrianL99]

BestBuy is an authorized Apple repair facility and is a good place to go for a replacement. You will wind up with a new Apple battery and you will not be without your phone for very long. Make an appointment. While 80% battery health is a more common figure used for when to replace your battery, doing it now is not a bad idea if you are going to be traveling. A new battery will probably be good for at least another 3 years, at which point your iPhone will be 7 years old and no longer supported by Apple. At that point, you may want to look into getting a new phone (although you can keep an unsupported phone if you choose).

Just my opinion, based on experience.

I wouldn't use Best Buy for Apple service, if they were the last business on earth. I tried to get them to replace a Battery in my Apple Watch. They wanted $450. I complained to the manager, made another appointment ... same result. They apparently can't or won't replace an Apple watch battery and their prices are set by them, not by Apple.

Apple replaced my watch battery for $89, it was a 3 day turn-around.

[spinner1001]

I second what everyone is telling you. 85% does not warrant a new battery.

Additionally ...

IF you opt to have the battery replaced (or any other part of your iPhone), do NOT use anything but Genuine Apple Parts. You'll regret it later. Been there, done that. (& your phone will know and keep reminding you.)

I agree. 85% is still a healthy battery.

With 85% and not wanting to buy a new phone, I suggest that you get a small external battery to charge the phone when needed. They are not costly and relatively small. The link below is an example.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Lightning-Connector-Certified-Compatible/dp/B0BV5YV836/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._TDJd2Xh6ZDXlsK_BiNdia ojr5KAI3jHNlMgzNJGXV9ufJMH8MwexTXxE8OZL6AxB_-Ntu9l6WPHN0Ll-9PRuFy5_GXlNX8DJDFwigvKri3Ag1yULpnEF7UseaGwkVoVybn 48IpOmu0vHMMRawNIBoWp5MfcieMNp-p6RFxvBtRivujTjPEk3cin8ASFtM7SmfVgXtoK6RkU9J0B2g2m KTgvOPXKYnkDu_zCX8S8mim8bfRxzwU8VV0AA5XezFIMmWG1ZQ sKKa90YJO5fV9qEer3Mw59qaygha0419vs7kE.HgIbuMjPjIaU aurljPPSZOPCSdFqVmLIR2P5wTSRosE&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=694122681508&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9058761&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=9351477909647558357--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9351477909647558357&hvtargid=kwd-311923162942&hydadcr=22222_13463040&keywords=amazon%2Bportable%2Bphone%2Bchargers&qid=1723195521&refinements=p_123%3A157711%7C220892%7C3271&rnid=85457740011&s=wireless&sr=1-1&th=1

Also, I believe Apple will generally not replace a battery until 80% or less capacity.

And I , too, would only replace a iPhone battery with a genuine Apple battery from Apple.

[star20166@yahoo.com]

See Jacob @ Jacobs Computer and Phone Service on 301 in Wildwood just south of city hall. He will fix you up.

[Garyinfl]

Apple recommends battery replacement at 80% health. Go to Settings, Battery. Look at last 10 days. What’s using your battery? Does that usage seem right?

Settings, General, Background App Refresh, off.

[hosegooseman]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

Best Buy did a great job for my iPhone 12Pro Max Screen replacement. It was actually the recommended place by Apple using original parts.

Definitely will be back if needed.

[wlotsberg]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

I assume you mean "Maximum Capacity" is 85%. I have one like that and like you, the battery seemed to deplete too quickly. I had battery replaced at MMD and now the iPhone lasts much longer without doing anything else.

[Berwin]

I note that several of my Apple devices now only charge to 85% on purpose to extend the battery life and I get a brief message to that effect when I put them on the charger.

[chuckpedrey]

UBreakIFix on Wedgewood Lane. Jose

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Same issue here and I went through every app and shut off notifications and background app refresh. .

Makes a huge difference. . . App growth and multiple app upgrades continuously looking to suck more data out of your phone, location services ONLY when using the app. . means your location won't update on the map continuously when looking at another app. .

every time an app updates with a new version, there may be some automatic settings changes as well.

[ThirdOfFive]

$89 is not a lot to pay for peace of mind.

Especially on a trip.

[Tavernierlady]

I agree with ubreakifix, they will test the phone and determine if it is your battery and if they determine it’s not a battery issue they will look at your settings and make recommendations, most times they do not even charge for the advice.

[bowlingal]

TVflguy....go to Jacobs computer ( or call) and see if he can help you with your battery. In Wildwood on 301. He is MUCH cheaper ( by 50%) than ubreakIfix ( which was sold and no longer goes by that name)

[Haggar]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

In addition to all of the other good suggestions try turning down the brightness control.

[retiredguy123]

I have never had a phone battery that wouldn't charge to 100 percent. But, I did have one that swelled up and destroyed my phone.

[nn0wheremann]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….
Gizmo Depot on 441 in Lady Lake, about a block south of 466. Fast, reliable, reasonable.

[Topspinmo]

I go direct to Apple (by mail) for replacement.
google it, or I'm sure it is on their website.

They'll overnight a postage-paid box to you, and have it back to you in less than a week.
Done by professionals/specialists at Apple (not some kid in a mall kiosk).
Genuine Apple battery with a one-year warranty, and my experience - you will not be able to tell it was pried open, and will probably seal to original specs.
They'll also do a full diagnostic as part of the deal, and if they do damage it; they'll fix or replace it.

iPhone 7. Yeah, I use it for music storage and Apple Music player with bluetooth thru my home stereo system, in my car, or with a mobile bluetooth speaker. And - iheart radio; I can get radio stations throughout the US (but not WVLG - go figur).


Iphone 7 about 2 years ago was $60, postage both ways included w/tracking.

In this environment I bet apple farms it out to subcontractors? Normally IMO nothing wrong with that if they control quality control.

[nn0wheremann]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….
Or do it yourself.
https://youtu.be/GJs9ALVS9tQ?si=tVTqpugHaJ56xjsp

[Professor]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

Batteries plus will replace them and they are quite reasonable.

[retiredguy123]

Batteries plus will replace them and they are quite reasonable.
According to their website, the closest store is in Mt. Dora. I think they had one near Best Buy, but it closed.

[jnieman]

Make sure they use Apple parts. I have a non Apple battery. They told me no one but Apple has Apple parts. Not wanting to go to Orlando I let them install it. It does work but when I click the battery tab in settings it shows up as a non Apple battery and no longer registers my battery usage amounts. I wonder if this will be an issue when I trade it in for a new phone at Verizon in the future.

[JMintzer]

I agree. 85% is still a healthy battery.

With 85% and not wanting to buy a new phone, I suggest that you get a small external battery to charge the phone when needed. They are not costly and relatively small. The link below is an example.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Lightning-Connector-Certified-Compatible/dp/B0BV5YV836/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._TDJd2Xh6ZDXlsK_BiNdia ojr5KAI3jHNlMgzNJGXV9ufJMH8MwexTXxE8OZL6AxB_-Ntu9l6WPHN0Ll-9PRuFy5_GXlNX8DJDFwigvKri3Ag1yULpnEF7UseaGwkVoVybn 48IpOmu0vHMMRawNIBoWp5MfcieMNp-p6RFxvBtRivujTjPEk3cin8ASFtM7SmfVgXtoK6RkU9J0B2g2m KTgvOPXKYnkDu_zCX8S8mim8bfRxzwU8VV0AA5XezFIMmWG1ZQ sKKa90YJO5fV9qEer3Mw59qaygha0419vs7kE.HgIbuMjPjIaU aurljPPSZOPCSdFqVmLIR2P5wTSRosE&dib_tag=se&gad_source=1&hvadid=694122681508&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9058761&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=9351477909647558357--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9351477909647558357&hvtargid=kwd-311923162942&hydadcr=22222_13463040&keywords=amazon%2Bportable%2Bphone%2Bchargers&qid=1723195521&refinements=p_123%3A157711%7C220892%7C3271&rnid=85457740011&s=wireless&sr=1-1&th=1

Also, I believe Apple will generally not replace a battery until 80% or less capacity.

And I , too, would only replace a iPhone battery with a genuine Apple battery from Apple.

Anker makes quality products. I have one of their large power banks (that can charge a laptop, multiple times) that I take when I travel...

I also have two of their mag-chargers...

[daniel200]

Your 85% battery is like saying your car that had a 10 gallon gas tank now can only store 8.5 gallons of gas. So yes, the tank empties out about 15% faster

So if your phone in new condition needed a charge after 10 hours of use, it now needs a charge after 8.5 hours. That is not a huge difference.

My 4 year old iphone battery health is only 81%. Rather than replace the battery, I have a couple of magsafe chargers in the house that i can just set the phone on anytime for a boost. I also can charge in the car.

As someone else mentioned, if your iphone is starting to “swell”, then your battery is failing and needs to be replaced immediately

[MSchad]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….
I took an iPhone in once to see about new battery. Tech actually told me I’d be better off buying a battery pack phone case. A 1/3 the price of replacing battery and doubled my phones original battery capacity.

[biker1]

One bad experience on a different product means nothing. BestBuy is an authorized Apple repair shop, they use Apple parts, and charge the same as Apple for the product being discussed; an iPhone12.

Just my opinion, based on experience.

I wouldn't use Best Buy for Apple service, if they were the last business on earth. I tried to get them to replace a Battery in my Apple Watch. They wanted $450. I complained to the manager, made another appointment ... same result. They apparently can't or won't replace an Apple watch battery and their prices are set by them, not by Apple.

Apple replaced my watch battery for $89, it was a 3 day turn-around.

[jimmy o]

Turning off “location services” will greatly extend battery usage. Or if you really want an app to know your location switch that app to “allow only when in use”. Do this whether you decide on new battery or not.

[rsmurano]

I wouldn’t use the geek squad for anything, they are pretty bad at technology. I would go to a local Apple Store and let them fix or replace your battery.
But before that, go into settings and look at the battery to see what apps are draining your battery. Usually it’s safari with a lot of windows open. Try to keep the number of windows open or better yet shutdown safari when your done and see if that keeps your iPhone running longer

[retiredguy123]

A lot of posters are recommending using Apple parts. I never buy any Apple products, and when I need a part to repair something, I always go with the cheapest part I can find. Of course manufacturers recommend using their OEM parts. I know I'm cheap, but, is there any real evidence that OEM parts are worth the extra cost?

Most auto shops would go out of business if they always used original equipment parts for repairs. I bought a Dyson vacuum and 2 batteries failed under warranty until the warranty expired and I bought a battery from Amazon that was half the cost and had 2 times the amp rating. I use 10 dollar refrigerator filters in my whirlpool frig ever since they raised the price for Whirlpool filters to $60. I also bought an $80 ice maker instead of the $300 Whirlpool one.

[MidWestIA]

Make a online appt for apple at mall of millenia - then go have them do it

[retiredguy123]

Make a online appt for apple at mall of millenia - then go have them do it
I wouldn't drive 100 miles roundtrip to replace a battery on a phone that is only worth about $200, when Best Buy is an authorized Apple repair facility. It's just a battery.

[kendi]

My iPhone 12 is dropping battery life. Now 85% but seems to be losing charge quicker during the day. I googled local batt replacement. See that BestBuy does for $89. Any feedback from anyone here re places that install new batteries in iPhones? My 12 is fine and do not want to upgrade to new phone simply due to batt….

I have the same problem. Found out Mozilla tends to drain the battery. Followed some online instructions as to how to stop this but to no avail. Switched to safari using duck duck go. Seems this might help a little but what I would really like to do is totally delete Mozilla but haven’t figured out how to save my bookmarks.

[Bill14564]

A lot of posters are recommending using Apple parts. I never buy any Apple products, and when I need a part to repair something, I always go with the cheapest part I can find. Of course manufacturers recommend using their OEM parts. I know I'm cheap, but, is there any real evidence that OEM parts are worth the extra cost?

Most auto shops would go out of business if they always used original equipment parts for repairs. I bought a Dyson vacuum and 2 batteries failed under warranty until the warranty expired and I bought a battery from Amazon that was half the cost and had 2 times the amp rating. I use 10 dollar refrigerator filters in my whirlpool frig ever since they raised the price for Whirlpool filters to $60. I also bought an $80 ice maker instead of the $300 Whirlpool one.

Real evidence? Probably not, but there is abundant anecdotal evidence that aftermarket knock-off parts are frequently not as good as the OEM parts.

Does it matter that the water filter in your refrigerator doesn't work quite as well? No, just buy another. Does it matter that the ice maker doesn't last as long? No, you can buy two more and still save money.

Does it matter that the battery in your phone fails early? Maybe not, unless it fails by swelling and destroying the phone or catching fire or if the phone becomes damaged when it is disassembled again.

Personally, I am willing to pay a premium for some items if they are important enough to me and I believe I will get better quality. The tires on my car, the beer that I drink, and my phone battery are important enough.

[retiredguy123]

Real evidence? Probably not, but there is abundant anecdotal evidence that aftermarket knock-off parts are frequently not as good as the OEM parts.

Does it matter that the water filter in your refrigerator doesn't work quite as well? No, just buy another. Does it matter that the ice maker doesn't last as long? No, you can buy two more and still save money.

Does it matter that the battery in your phone fails early? Maybe not, unless it fails by swelling and destroying the phone or catching fire or if the phone becomes damaged when it is disassembled again.

Personally, I am willing to pay a premium for some items if they are important enough to me and I believe I will get better quality. The tires on my car, the beer that I drink, and my phone battery are important enough.
I have had two lithium batteries that swelled, one destroyed my Samsung cell phone, and the other almost destroyed my HP laptop. But, both of these batteries were the original battery that came with the devices, not aftermarket ones.

[Bill14564]

I have had two lithium batteries that swelled, one destroyed my Samsung cell phone, and the other almost destroyed my HP laptop. But, both of these batteries were the original battery that came with the devices, not aftermarket ones.

Bad things happen to good people.... and to good quality products. Bad things happen to lower quality products more often.

[retiredguy123]

Bad things happen to good people.... and to good quality products. Bad things happen to lower quality products more often.
I agree, but don't always assume that the aftermarket product is lower quality just because it costs less. The batteries that came with my very expensive Dyson vacuum were crap and didn't last 4 months. I went through 3 Dyson batteries. Finally, I bought a battery from Amazon that was half the price and had an amp rating that was 2 times that of the Dyson battery. Two years later, it is still working fine.

[phylt]

I'm the OP. One thing that I failed to mention was that my 'battery health' dropped from 90% to 85% in a period of about 3 months. I plan to keep my iPhone 12th another 3+ years.

Would rather not change out the battery when it REALLY needs it. That's like having a 3 year old car that will need tires in a year or so and you plan to keep it another 3 years. Why not replace them NOW and enjoy peace of mind and safety while having it?

So I plan to get an appt at BestBuy in the next few months. $89 is cheap money to restore phone power like new. IMO.

Thanks for the input folks.

[jnieman]

When my iPhone battery reached maximum charge at 77 percent an alert came on my phone to tell me my battery needed changing.

[FFlank]

I went to Apple when my iPhone 11 got below 80%. Walked into the store, came back in a couple of hours and it was done. Good experience and less than $100.

[rsmurano]

You can share your bookmarks from Firefox and move them to safari.
As for costs, if you buy apple products, you are looking for quality over cheap. Would you put a cheap rebuilt product on a Porsche?

[Plinker]

When my iPhone battery reached maximum charge at 77 percent an alert came on my phone to tell me my battery needed changing.

Same with our iPhones. We got a message. I purchased two replacement batteries from Amazon which includes an install kit. Cost was only $20 ($40 for both) vs the $85 quote ($170 for both). I followed one of the many replacement videos online and saved $130.
Warning: requires excellent hand/eye coordination and excellent vision. The screws are the tiniest I have ever seen.