Replacing an iPad battery: Is it worth it?

Apple is a leader in the tablet market, thanks to its range of iPads. If you take good care of your iPad and use it properly, it should work well for several years. However, the batteries in iPads will eventually lose efficiency with age and heavy usage. When this happens, you may need to get the battery replaced. This guide will give you all the information you need about replacing the battery in your iPad and whether it’s worth doing so.

Is it Worth Replacing iPad Battery

Apple intends to deliver on its reputation for quality by producing devices with a longer lifespan. Despite the high price tag, customers usually expect to get a lot of value from their purchases. Generally, the battery issue turns out to be the reason why many iPad owners either upgrade their tablets or consider alternatives. The battery becomes less efficient, even if the software and functions are working fine. Instead of buying a new device, it is more sensible to replace the battery and continue using the device.

If you’re experiencing problems with your iPad’s battery, you have two choices: either trade in your old iPad for a discount on a newer model or simply replace the battery to extend its lifespan for a few years. However, before making a decision, let’s take a few factors into consideration.

How old is your iPad?

If your iPad is no longer performing well due to physical damage or old age, it might be a good idea to consider buying a new one online or from the Apple Store. Although your iPad may have been useful for a long time, it can become sluggish and unresponsive with age.

It’s possible that your iPad is nearing the end of its lifespan since it’s having battery issues. To avoid losing any important files or pictures in case it suddenly stops working, we suggest backing up your data.

I own an iPad Air that I bought 2 years back, and if its battery were to become damaged or lose capacity too fast, I would opt to spend $99 to have it replaced instead of buying a new iPad for $599. This would a more cost-effective solution for me. However, if my iPad was older than 4 years then I would choose to upgrade it to a newer model to keep getting all the incremental iPadOS software updates with the latest features.

Is your iPad still under warranty?

Checking if your iPad is still under warranty is important in determining whether you can easily get a battery replacement. If your iPad is still covered by Apple Care+ which lasts for two years or by the standard warranty, Apple will replace the battery or give you a new iPad. To check if your iPad is still under warranty, follow these steps:

1. On your iPad, go to Settings 
2. Now, tap  General > About iPad
3. You need to look for the “Serial Number” option and tap on it. Copy the number and head to the Apple Support website in your browser
4. On the website, click on “Check Coverage” at the top of the webpage
5. Paste the serial number in the blank field and then click “continue”
6. The webpage will now show your iPad’s warranty status, including the purchase date, warranty status, and expiration date.

If your iPad is having issues and it’s still under warranty, you can reach out to Apple Support for help with repairs or replacements. Keep in mind that warranty coverage may be different depending on the country or region where you bought the iPad, so make sure to check the warranty status before contacting support.

If you have Apple Care+ or the standard warranty, you should visit Apple’s website and submit a repair request. Then, follow the instructions on the screen, provide your details, and send your iPad to be inspected and repaired by Apple’s technicians. You will receive a replacement or repaired unit as soon as the battery is fixed. An estimated timeline will be provided when you place the service request.

Battery replacement if your iPad is out of warranty

If your Apple warranty has ended and you want to replace the battery on your iPad, you can request a repair through the Apple website. However, keep in mind that you will have to pay for the battery replacement and shipping fees. The total cost should be around $106 to $110. Once you’ve requested the repair, you can mail your iPad to Apple for them to repair it and send it back to you with a new battery.

We suggest that you reconsider buying a new iPad. It might be more cost-effective in the long run, as spending a hundred dollars on repairing a poorly conditioned iPad could be a waste of money. If you’re interested in buying a new iPad, check out our list of best iPads in 2023.

Third-party battery replacement for your iPad

Replacing your iPad battery with a third-party option may be less expensive than replacing it at an Apple store. But, keep in mind that doing so carries the risk of voiding your device’s warranty or causing damage if not done correctly.

Please note that using replacement batteries made by third-party brands may not meet the same high-quality standards as official Apple batteries. This could potentially result in performance issues or even safety hazards such as the battery exploding or catching fire. There have been plenty of cases reported by media outlets about iPhone and iPad batteries exploding due to fake batteries or fake chargers.

Before getting your iPad battery replaced by a third party, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits. If you do choose to go with a third-party replacement, make sure to select a trustworthy service provider with a history of good work and satisfied customers.

DIY battery replacement 

We should warn you that there are risks involved if you choose to replace the iPad battery yourself. It’s a more challenging option that requires specialized tools since the iPad goes to great lengths to prevent non-professionals from accessing the hardware. If you attempt to replace the battery, you could accidentally damage the circuit board or end up permanently breaking the device.

You can check out this video of iPad Air replacement for reference. We also recommend checking out some teardown videos by a trusted source like iFixit to understand how intricate the inner workings are on iPad.

When Do You Need to Replace Your iPad Battery

How to know it is time to replace your iPad’s battery? After years of reviewing and testing iPads, we have compiled a list of definite signs that you need to check to decide if your iPad needs a battery replacement. Go ahead and perform these checks on your iPad now. 

Short battery life

Over time, your iPad’s battery may lose its ability to hold a charge effectively. Consequently, you might need to charge it more often or experience a considerable drop in battery percentage after using it for just a few hours. Also, when using specific apps or features like watching videos or using GPS, you may notice that the battery drains faster.

Slow performance

If you are experiencing slow performance on your iPad or apps are taking a longer time to open, it may indicate that the battery is no longer capable of supplying sufficient power to operate the device at its best speed. This situation can be more noticeable when using resource-intensive apps or functions, like gaming or video editing.

Overheating

If your iPad is overheating, it could be due to a malfunctioning or damaged battery. This can not only make it uncomfortable to hold but also pose a safety risk. In such a case, it’s crucial to stop using it immediately and get the battery inspected by an expert.

Swollen battery

If you see that your iPad battery is swollen, it means that it must be replaced as soon as possible. The battery could have become swollen because of old age, damage, or manufacturing flaws. A bulging back or a popped-out screen are symptoms that are unsightly and can also be risky.

Random shutdowns

If your iPad keeps shutting down unexpectedly, it’s possible that the battery is no longer holding a charge. This can be quite frustrating, especially if you’re working on something essential. If you are experiencing frequent restarts or shutdowns, it’s a signal that you need to replace the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

To conclude, one final answer to the question – Is it worth replacing iPad battery – is that if your iPad is under 4 years old then it makes more sense to get its battery replaced by an authorised Apple repair centre. However, if your iPad is more than 4 years old and you have budget to upgrade to the latest model of your choice then go ahead and buy a new iPad instead of getting its battery replaced.

If you still have any questions about replacing the battery for your iPad, please leave a comment and we will do our best to assist you.