Bad iPhone 5 Battery Life? Apple May Owe You a Free Battery Replacement

If your iPhone 5's battery life is much shorter than it should be, you aren't alone. In fact, enough people are suffering from the problem that Apple is replacing iPhone batteries for free. Here's how to see if you qualify.

  • Point your browser to Apple's iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program webpage
  • Select your country from the drop down menu on the left
  • Enter your iPhone's serial number in the Eligibility field, then click Submit

Apple is replacing some iPhone 5 batteries that don't hold a chargeApple is replacing some iPhone 5 batteries that don't hold a charge

If your iPhone 5 qualifies, you can make an appointment at your local Apple retail store to get your battery replaced, visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or contact Apple technical support.

Not every iPhone 5 qualifies for the free battery replacement program. According to the company,

Apple has determined that a very small percentage of iPhone 5 devices may suddenly experience shorter battery life or need to be charged more frequently. The affected iPhone 5 devices were sold between September 2012 and January 2013 and fall within a limited serial number range.

Just because Apple says "a very small percentage" of iPhone 5 owners are having a problem doesn't mean it isn't worth checking to see if you qualify. If you already paid for a replacement battery and your iPhone qualifies for the free program, contact Apple for a refund.