Have you noticed battery issues with your iPad? Maybe it’s getting depleted quickly or does not charge properly, or you can’t even get it to charge in some cases? If so, it might be time to consider a battery replacement. But is it worth replacing iPad battery, or is it simpler to go for a brand new iPad? That depends on a lot of factors, like the age of the iPad, whether your iPad is still under warranty, and the exact issue you’re facing. Read on for a clearer idea of how to proceed!
Is it Worth Replacing iPad Battery
If you’ve been facing iPad battery issues, there are two options for you — trade in your old iPad and get a discount on a newer one, or replace the battery on the iPad and have it run for a few more years, at least. But before we decide that, let’s consider a few points.
Is your iPad performing properly?
If your iPad works smoothly except for whatever battery troubles, your issue may be solved by a simple battery swap. Many people use their iPads for light activities such as watching YouTube videos or playing the occasional game. If that’s all you use your iPad for, there is no need to get a new iPad. And if you’re facing charging issues with your iPad, we recommend reading through our troubleshooting guide.
But make sure you take a look at some newer models either way because there might be a ton of features that you’re missing out on, as iPads have evolved by leaps and bounds in the last few years. You might even find a new use for your iPad if you get a newer model. For example, did you know that many people have started using iPads as their primary work machine in place of laptops? We wrote an article about all iPads in order, and you should read it for a better idea of the amazing Apple tablets on the market today.
But how can you tell if your iPad is running smoothly? Here are a few points to consider.
Can it update to the latest iPadOS
Apple offers software support for many more years than its competitors, and if your iPad is no longer supported, we would suggest you start shopping for a newer iPad model. The reason for this is that while you may think it’s only a battery issue, you’re also exposed to a lot of security risks when you use an outdated operating system.
iPadOS is currently at version 15.4, and here’s the list of supported iPads:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch iPad (9th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Air 2
If your iPad is not on this list, you will no longer receive software updates from Apple. Here is an in-depth article about how long iPads last; take a look at it to get a better idea of whether you should buy a new iPad!
Check iPad battery health
Most iPhone users would be familiar with the battery health feature, which tells you how well or how badly your battery is holding up. Unfortunately, Apple has not added this as a feature in iPads, but there are still ways you can find out the health of your battery.
The easiest way would be to get apps that diagnose the condition of your iPad battery, like iMazing, coconutBattery, or 3UTools. If you’d like to learn more about these tools and other useful information, we wrote a piece about checking your iPad’s battery health. We’ve also written about indicators that will make it clearer for you if your iPad will hold up for much longer!
How old is your iPad?
If your iPad is physically damaged or just too old to perform as a good tablet should, it might be time to cut your losses and head on over to Amazon or the Apple website to look at some new iPads. Your iPad may have served you well for all these years, but age can really slow down your tablet and make it unresponsive or laggy.
The battery issues might indicate that your iPad is on its last leg, and you should back up your data so that you don’t lose any photos or files in case the gadget suddenly stops working.
If you’ve gone through the above steps and find that your iPad isn’t in the best condition, we recommend you head to the nearest Apple store and browse through the iPad collection. You can start your research online, but we feel that operating one of these devices in person will greatly impact your decision.
Is your iPad still under warranty?
If your iPad is still under warranty, it makes this process very simple — you should definitely get the battery replaced if it’s causing you grief. If you have purchased Apple Care+, you’re covered for two years from the time of purchase, and if you’re under the standard warranty, Apple will either put in a new battery in your tablet or give you a new iPad as a replacement. But how do you check if your iPad is still under warranty? Here are the steps:
- Turn on your iPad and open up your Settings app.
- Navigate to General > About iPad.
- Here, you should find all kinds of device details, including model and serial number. Below these details, your Warranty details should be listed.
- Make sure you’re connected to WiFi because it can take a few seconds for this to update as your iPad checks warranty coverage online.
If you’re covered by Apple Care+ or the standard warranty, head to Apple’s website and submit a repair request. You can then follow the on-screen instructions, submit your details, and mail in your iPad to have it inspected and repaired by Apple’s technicians. You will get a replacement or the repaired unit delivered as soon as the battery is replaced. A realistic timeline will be provided when placing the service request.
If your Apple warranty has expired
If your Apple warranty has expired, and you wish to have the iPad battery replaced, you can register a repair request via the Apple website, the difference being that you will have to pay for the replacement battery, as well as shipping and handling charges, which should set you back by approximately $106 to $110, tops. You can then mail in your iPad, wait while they repair it, and send it back to you with a new battery.
Here, we would recommend that you consider a new iPad once again. This is because you might spend a hundred dollars and have your iPad die shortly after if it’s in poor condition. You can consider buying the iPad 10.2-inch that was launched in 2020 for approximately $329, but we’re sure you can find better deals on Amazon for iPads. You can also compare this with higher models, and we’re pretty confident some of them will entice you!
Battery replacement via third-party
Now, this method isn’t recommended by Apple or by us, but a simple and inexpensive solution to resolving battery issues on your iPad is to find a local electronics store that will replace your battery cheaply and quickly. It might even work out perfectly for you, but understand that there’s always a risk when adding a third-party part to an Apple device.
Replace iPad battery yourself
This option is for the braver ones, but we must point out the risks involved. Replacing the iPad battery yourself might permanently brick the device, or you might accidentally damage the circuit board while swapping out the battery. iPad puts a great deal of effort (and emphasis) into restricting non-professionals from accessing the hardware, so you will also need specialized tools.
But if you’ve decided to do it, we would recommend a site like iFixit.com, because they have detailed guides like this one, which shows you how to replace the iPad battery. They have a very detailed iPad section that lets you buy parts according to the model that you own.
If you take this route, you can replace your battery for anywhere between $50 to $100.
Make a Genius Bar appointment
If you’re one of those lucky people who live near an Apple Store, you can take your iPad to the Genius Bar at the store to have it examined. We recommend you call ahead and get an appointment so that the process goes smoothly and you don’t have to wait for too long. The service technicians can then inspect your iPad and give you a full report, and if you’re under warranty, replace your iPad with a brand new unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth putting a new battery in an old iPad?
It depends on how old the iPad is, whether it still gets software updates from Apple and whether it has any additional issues besides battery troubles. If your iPad is only 3-5 years old and has no significant problems, you can consider getting the battery replaced.
How much does it cost to replace an iPad battery?
It will cost you nothing to replace the iPad battery if you’re still under warranty. However, if you’re out of warranty, it will cost you approximately $100 to $110 to mail your iPad to Apple and get it repaired and sent back to you.
How many years does an iPad battery last?
Ideally, the iPad battery should last anywhere between 5-7 years. Though, it’s not uncommon to see battery issues after 4 to 5 years.
Conclusion
So is it worth replacing iPad battery? As you can see, it all boils down to the condition that your iPad is in. If you feel it still has a few good years in it, you should consider getting a new battery. But if it shows signs of slowing down, it might be time to shop for a newer model! If there are any questions you may have for us about newer iPads, or older ones too, please leave us a message in the comments below!
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