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Replacement battery checklist: buy, inspect, install

Batteries are the cheapest part on most tickets, which makes them easy to buy on price alone. A bad cell still costs you a second visit, so here's what to check from the listing to the handoff, for any supplier.

1. Read the listing, not just the price. Note the exact model, the stated capacity, and whether the listing says anything about a tag-on flex or battery health support. Grade names like "Premium" or "Evolve" are each supplier's own terms, so compare like for like.
2. Inspect the cell on arrival. Reject any battery that is swollen, dented, punctured, or has a creased or torn wrap. Don't install a puffy cell to "see if it works". Photograph the label and the date code if there is one.
3. Check the charge before install. A new cell normally ships partly charged. A battery that reads near zero volts out of the box may have sat for a long time, so treat it as suspect.
4. Install and test charging. Power on, confirm the percentage reads sensibly, plug in, and make sure it charges. If you can, let it run a while and watch for fast drops or unexpected shutdowns before the customer leaves.
5. Set expectations about part messages. Newer iPhones can show a message that the battery can't be verified as genuine, and may hide battery health, after a third-party replacement. Tell the customer before the job, not after.
6. Document for an RMA. If it fails, keep the cell, the packaging and the order number, film the problem, and contact the supplier inside its return window. Never ship a swollen or damaged lithium battery back without asking the supplier how they want it handled.

What batteries cost right now

Public list prices, no login, before account or volume discounts, last checked 2026-10-26. Only suppliers whose terms allow automatic price checks are included right now. We never estimate prices.