Although it took some time for the iPhone 5 to reach Costa Rica after it was launched in September 2012, many Ticos rushed to get their hands on the latest model of the iconic Apple mobile device that redefined smartphones as we know them. If you purchased your iPhone 5 before January 2013, there is a chance that you may be experiencing issues related to battery life and performance. If you think this is your case, follow these steps to change your iPhone 5 battery in Costa Rica.   If in the last few months you have noticed that your iPhone 5 is draining its battery even when you keep it on Airplane Mode, or perhaps you have seen it shut off even though the battery life indicator shows that there is still energy left, you may qualify for Apple’s iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program.   Only iPhone 5 models within a certain serial number range qualify for a free battery replacement courtesy of Apple. As is the case with smartphones these days, the iPhone 5 has many numbers and codes, from IMEI to CDN and from ICCID to MEID. To tell your serial number apart, click on the link below and follow the instructions therein:   http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4061?viewlocale=en_US&locale=es_ES   Armed with your serial number, you need to visit the link below and determine if your iPhone 5 needs a new battery:   https://ssl.apple.com/es/support/iphone5-battery/   In an interview with online news daily CRHoy.com, a spokeswoman from wireless carrier Claro explained that Apple estimates that the number of affected iPhone 5 units in Costa Rica is pretty low; this is supported by the increasing market share taken by Nokia Lumia and the Microsoft Windows Phone mobile operating system in our country and across Latin America. Claro and Movistar are not expected to participate in the iPhone 5 Battery Replacement Program since those two wireless operators did not sell too many of the affected units.   The link above will point out the participating service locations in Costa Rica. For example, users in Downtown San Jose can visit iCon in Curridabat or iShop in Escazu. It is highly recommended to backup all your data before claiming your new battery.