Not all iPhone batteries can be removed in the same way. The process is very similar, but you will have to use different tools depending on the model. Also, keep in mind that different models will have slightly different component arrangements.
See how to remove the battery from iPhone 7 and above, as well as slightly older iPhone 6 series smartphones, to get an idea of how things may differ from model to model. If you learn how to remove it from an iPhone, you’ll probably also know how to handle a newer version.
First steps to replace an iPhone battery
Before attempting to remove the battery from your iPhone, make sure its charge is 25% or less. Otherwise, your phone’s battery is at greater risk of catching fire or exploding if accidentally punctured. Tools can slip, so play it safe and discharge the battery if necessary.
Tools needed to replace an iPhone battery
If you choose to do this at home, you will need the following tools:
- Sucker
- Heat gun, hair dryer, or iOpener (optional but recommended)
- spatula
- Pentalobe P2 Screwdriver
- Philips screwdriver #000
- Y000 three-point screwdriver
Although the list of tools seems scary, the process itself is not if you approach it with caution.
Tips to avoid damaging your phone
- Place the screws in a consistent pattern depending on how you remove them, i.e. the top right screw of a bracket is placed on a mat, etc. in the same position. Putting screws in the wrong place can destroy a motherboard, you must love Apple’s design.
- If in doubt, omit the screw. As mentioned above, the screws must return to their original position or you risk damaging the phone.
- Remember to discharge the phone by pressing and holding the phone’s power button after disconnecting the battery cable. It may cause a short circuit in chips, etc. If you don’t drain a phone’s residual power before disconnecting cables other than the battery cable.
- Wear gloves and connect yourself and the iPhone before trying to work on it. They sell ESD mats and wristbands that prevent the charge difference between surfaces from frying sensitive electronics, it’s worth the investment.
- Do not make the repair if you are in contact with carpets and other materials that transfer static well. Use a plastic mat or wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent ESD from transferring as much.
Battery removal: iPhone 7 and later
Compared to removing batteries from a basic TV or streaming device remote, removing an iPhone battery may not be such an easy task for you. It’s possible to do it at home with the right tools and steady hands, but there’s still a risk of damaging your phone. Removing the battery will void your warranty, so it’s always best to do this at a licensed Apple Store.
- Start by turning off your iPhone and then heat the bottom section of the case with a heat gun, hair dryer or iOpener for about a minute, use a medium setting for the hair dryer or heat gun and move it on.
- Now, attach the suction cup to the screen and gently slide the spudger along the edge of the screen. Don’t try to lift the screen yet.
- Double-sided adhesive strips are used to seal the screen, so after gently scraping the edge of the screen, try to lift it slightly. Be sure to lift only a few inches at a time and look for cables that could accidentally break.
- Next, hold the screen up only as far as necessary, no more than 90 degrees, and remove the four three-point screws from the screen’s bottom bracket (look for a connecting strip).
- Take out the display stand.
- Remove the battery connector (the perpendicular plastic strip) and then press and hold the power button for about 5 to 15 seconds. This will drain any residual energy in the system that could cause a short circuit, etc.
- Separate the other plastic strip and the gray strip below.
- Unscrew the smaller three-point screws holding the stand over the second display strip.
- Remove the support.
- Remove the black plastic strip (the other connector).
- Lift up the connector with the spudger and remove it.
- Remove the screws from the barometric vent (black bracket in the lower left corner).
- Remove the barometric vent to reveal the Taptic motor connector.
- Lift up on the black plastic connector and remove it.
- Remove the screws and remove the Taptic motor from the case.
- Remove the adhesive strips covering the battery (you may need to heat the adhesive).
- Remove the battery.
Remember to be very careful when doing this. Everything from lifting connectors to stripping strips should be done slowly. When removing the three strips holding the battery, you don’t want to risk breaking or creasing them. Go slow and try warming the adhesive if you feel too much feedback.
Battery Removal: iPhone 6 Series
The iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus will require different screwdrivers. Keep Pentalobe P2 screwdrivers on hand with 3.6mm heads for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and 3.4mm heads for the 6S and 6S Plus phones.
You’ll also need a suction cup and spudger to lift the screen and manipulate other small components.
This is what you should do:
- Turn off your iPhone and remove the screws next to the Lightning port.
- Use the suction cup in the lower left corner of the screen.
- Lift the screen while holding down the case.
- Open the case with the spudger and lift the screen at a 90 degree angle.
- Find the battery connector bracket (it is covered by a rectangular metal piece with two screws).
- Use a #000 Philips screwdriver to remove the screws.
- Lift the connector off the logic board.
- Remove the cable holder by first removing the screws (five screws on the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, and 6S Plus, and four screws on the iPhone 6S).
- Disconnect the camera cable (a large connector with a cable leading to the screen).
- Remove the remaining connectors.
- Separate the screen from the rest of the case.
- Peel off the adhesive strips from the bottom of the battery.
- Take out the battery.
Words of caution
As you can see, whether you have an old iPhone or a new one, the battery removal process is very similar. You may need different tools to manipulate different screws and connectors, but some general guidelines always apply.
Never force the screen because you risk breaking the case, cables or connectors, which can render your iPhone unusable. If the adhesive has any problems, please use a remote hair dryer to heat it.
Always separate all connectors between the screen and the screen to separate the case. Uncover the battery by unscrewing the connectors and brackets on top. Use a manual to know exactly where the battery is in your iPhone model.
Go as slow as you can with each step, especially when lifting the connectors and removing the battery. Damaging the battery could release dangerous chemicals, not to mention damaging your phone. Remember, if you need to have the battery removed or replaced, it’s always best to take your phone to an Apple Store or mail it to an Apple Repair Center.
iPhone batteries
Depending on your skill level, the $29+ for a new battery could be worth the investment. If you’re comfortable working with electronics, go for it, but if you need your device to be fully functional and you’re not too tech-savvy, take it to a reputable, certified repair shop.
