Opening an iPhone to access the internal components like the battery requires patience, the right tools, and care to avoid damage. If you need to replace your iPhone’s aging battery, this guide will walk you through the process of safely removing the internal battery step-by-step.
Table of Contents
Prepare Your Workspace
Before opening your iPhone, make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace to work in. You’ll also need the following tools:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Plastic prying tools
- Tweezers
- ESD-safe mat
- Isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloth
Make sure to discharge your iPhone battery below 25% but not completely empty before starting. This helps prevent dangerous shorts if the battery is pierced during disassembly.
Important: Wash your hands thoroughly and remove any jewelry that could contact and short circuit components inside the iPhone.
Open the iPhone
- Remove the two bottom screws on either side of the Lightning port using your Phillips screwdriver. Set them aside in a container so they don’t get lost.
- Insert a plastic opening tool in the slight seam between the screen glass and iPhone body. Carefully pry up and work your way around the phone, releasing the clips securing the display. Caution: Go slowly and apply equal force on both sides to avoid cracking the screen.
- Once the screen releases, disconnect the three cable connectors for the screen and camera using your tweezers. Don’t yank hard, but gently wiggle side-to-side to detach the cables.
- Lift the screen assembly up and away from the body of the phone and place it face-down on your ESD mat. Don’t touch or place pressure on the cables.
Disconnect the Battery
- Use tweezers to gently detach the battery connector at the bottom of the logic board, along with the bracket covering it. Lift it straight up without twisting.
- Release the two battery adhesive strips along the bottom inside edge of the phone interior. Slide your plastic tool gently underneath and slowly cut the tape.
- Insert your tool underneath the pull tab on the top center of the battery. Slide it toward the bottom edge, separating the battery adhesive as you go.
- Once fully disconnected, carefully lift out the battery by the pull tab and place on your ESD mat. Do not bend or puncture the soft pouch!
Install the Replacement Battery
- Prepare the new replacement battery by removing any protective stickers and checking orientation. The connectors should face down when inserted.
- Firmly press the replacement battery adhesive strips in place along the bottom interior edge. Make sure they adhere tightly.
- Lower the battery into position, lightly pressing down to attach the adhesive backing. Don’t force or bend the battery.
- Reattach the connector and bracket at the logic board. Press gently but firmly until it clicks and locks in place.
- Visually inspect all connections and make sure no cables or components are loose or damaged before reassembling.
Close Up the iPhone
- Place the screen assembly back over the body, carefully lining up the connectors. Don’t pinch any cables!
- Reattach the three connectors at the top using tweezers – take your time pressing them back in place.
- Beginning at the top, gently press the screen into place until the clips snap and secure all the way around. Don’t force anything that won’t clip easily.
- Replace the two bottom screws next to the charge port and tighten carefully with your Phillips screwdriver until snug.
- Finally, clean entire phone exterior with a microfiber cloth dampened slightly with isopropyl alcohol.
And that’s it! You’ve safely replaced the internal battery on your iPhone. Power it on and test before using normally. If reassembly went smoothly, it should function like new!
Troubleshooting Guide
Follow this troubleshooting checklist if your iPhone won’t power on or has issues after reassembling:
- Make sure battery and all connectors are properly seated and locked in place
- Try reseating all cable connections and pressing more firmly
- Check for any debris like tape residue interfering with connections
- Examine if any flex cables were pierced or components damaged
- Review each disassembly step for mistakes made or improper technique
If problems persist, you may need professional microsoldering repair for damaged components. Schedule an appointment with a qualified iPhone repair shop.
