The iPad is a device that has found widespread acclaim within its niche, as is the case with many Apple products. Generally speaking, yours should hold up for several years of use, provided that you take good care of it and don’t use it roughly.
Eventually, though, you may start running into issues with the battery. If it won’t hold a charge as well as it used to, that is a clear indication that yours is on the way out. What can you do about it?
In this article, we will talk about some of the options available to you as you start looking into ways of replacing it. Our complete guide to iPad battery replacement explores every aspect of this topic.
iPad Battery Replacement for Devices Still Under Warranty
The first thing that we’ll address is what you can do if your iPad battery is struggling, and the device is still under warranty, or you purchased the AppleCare+ plan for it. In either of those cases, it will cost you nothing to get the battery replaced. Actually, in those situations, Apple will often give you a replacement iPad.
You might be uncertain whether your device is still under warranty. This is easy to figure out, though. All you have to do is to check the serial number, then put it into the Apple Warranty Checker tool on their website.
Find the serial number by hitting Settings, then General. Next, go to About, then scroll down to the Serial Number section.
The other thing that you can do is to sync your device with iTunes. If you do this, the serial number will show up under the device’s information.
To sync your iPad with iTunes, download the latest version of iTunes to your laptop or desktop. Then, connect your iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
On the upper left corner of the iTunes window, you should see a device icon. Click it. From the list that you’ll find under Settings on the iTunes window’s left-hand side, you can click the content that you’d like to sync.
Once you’ve done that, you will see detailed information about your iPad. All you have to do is find the serial number. You can then use that information to determine whether your device is still under warranty by using the Warranty Checker tool on the Apple website.
If your warranty is still active, or if you have AppleCare+ (here’s how to check), then you can go through the Apple website and tap the Start a Service Request button. You fill in the form, and then you send in your iPad.
A replacement will come in the mail. If you do that, be sure to back up your device and wipe it clean before you send it away.
The other thing that you can do is to take it to an Apple Store with a Genius Bar. It is best if you schedule an appointment first.
The employees there will test the iPad to see if they can figure out why the battery is failing. Usually, though, they have no problem handing over a replacement, provided the issue is something that’s covered by the warranty or AppleCare+.
Apple warranties and AppleCare+ both cover manufacturer’s defects. Your iPad’s battery not charging or holding a charge should be considered a manufacturer’s defect, so you should have no issues getting a replacement iPad.
You should be able to pick up your new iPad within 3-5 business days. If you live in an area where there is no Apple Store handy, then you’ll need to go through the website.
iPad Battery Replacement if Your Warranty is Expired
If your warranty is expired and the battery is failing, then there are some other options open to you. If you send your iPad to Apple, they will replace the battery for $99, plus $6.95 shipping and handling. To start that repair, use the Start a Service Request on the Apple site again, or take it to a Genius Bar.
It’s not ideal to have to pay $99, but if you think about it, the price is not so high if it gets your device working again. The time that it might not be worth it to get the replacement battery is if you have an older generation of the iPad, and you feel like it might be time to get a newer one.
Apple came out with the 5th generation of the iPad Air, the 4th generation of the iPad Pro 11-inch, and the 6th generation of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch last year. Any of those might be suitable if you have a model that’s several years old and it needs a replacement battery.
If there are fun or useful features on the newer iPads that didn’t exist when you bought your current one, then an upgrade probably makes sense. If you do that, you can also sell off your used one and put the money that you get from it toward a brand-new iPad.
If you sell the used iPad to Apple or a buyback program, then you can also get cash or credit to put toward the new one.
Getting Your iPad Battery Replaced at Third-Party Stores
You could also go through a third-party entity (which is to say, not an Apple Store) to get your iPad battery replaced. There are things like electronics stores or kiosks at malls that will sometimes open up your iPad and do a battery replacement for you.
You will have to use your best judgment if you want to go this route. It might be a bit cheaper to go through one of these entities. At the same time, you have no way of knowing how well-trained the employees there are. They might damage your device as they’re trying to replace the battery.
For peace of mind, you could at least try going through a store or kiosk that is Apple-authorized to do these sorts of repairs. If they can advertise their Apple affiliation, that means the employees have received specialized training in working with Apple products. This assumes, of course, that they’re telling the truth when they make that claim.
It’s helpful if you can find some feedback from prior customers of whatever entity you’re considering using. Look at places like online message boards, Yelp, Better Business Bureau reviews, etc.
The DIY iPad Battery Replacement Option
If you’re short on cash, or you feel that you’re good with electronics, then you might open up your device and switch out the battery yourself. If you do this, you’re taking a risk. By opening up your iPad and tinkering with it, you might cause some sort of damage that’s not related to the battery.
The estimated cost of the tools and replacement battery needed to switch out your current one is between $50 and $90. Taking this action will void any warranty that you have left on the iPad.
There are different online stores that will sell you a replacement iPad battery. Just make sure that you get the one that’s intended specifically for the generation of iPad you have.
It can be helpful to watch some YouTube videos about switching out an iPad battery before you do it. If you’re able to complete the job successfully, then you will at least get that pleasant sense of accomplishment that goes along with executing a do-it-yourself project.
One thing is undeniable: if your iPad battery is failing, you’ll need to go with one of the options we’ve mentioned. Until you do, you’re not going to be able to fully enjoy your device and its various features.
iPad Battery Replacement: Wrapping Things Up
If you need to replace your iPad battery, you have four options:
- Replace it for free under warranty (if you are eligible)
- Replace the battery through Apple
- Replace the battery with a third-party service
- Replace the battery yourself
The first option is clearly the best, however many iPads will no longer be eligible for a battery replacement by the time it is needed.
Replacing the battery through Apple’s program is the best paid option. Third-party services may be less reputable, and trying to replace the battery on your own is complicated and may lead to further issues.
If you are considering a paid option, you should also consider if it is time for an upgrade. For example, if you have an earlier model iPad, you may not want to pay $99 for a repair since the repair cost may be higher than the value of the iPad. While it may be more expensive to buy a new iPad, you can trade-in your old iPad to subsidize the cost.