Introduction

iPhone batteries are rated to hold 80% of their capacity for up to 500 charge cycles, which lasts roughly 18-24 months for most users. After that, your iPhone may need to be charged far more frequently, and iOS may warn you that performance is affected (in other words, your phone will run slower). Use this guide to replace your battery and restore your iPhone to like-new performance.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

Note: After the repair, your iPhone may display a warning about the “genuineness” of the battery, even when using original Apple parts. If your iPhone functions normally, you can safely ignore the warning.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

  1. JVwauFGp15pboki4
    JVwauFGp15pboki4
    6ZrVNyXTV2DYTb13
    • Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

    • Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

    • Remove the two 6.7 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    is it oem apple battery, because at some photo shows(Ifixit) and another shows (apple) ... wait your answer?

    karim -

  2. mnZMucYMAsHGXCrx
    • Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.

    • Heating the bottom edge of the iPhone helps soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

    • Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about two minutes in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

    • If you have trouble during the opening procedure the adhesive most likely cooled down. Apply more heat to further soften the adhesive. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.

    you need to clarify that you're heating the metal frame, not the glass. I gently heated the glass front with a heat gun and proceeded to pull the display apart, destroying it. :-(

    Jim Harger -

  3. 5SDAKLhJ2tKixZi2
    5SDAKLhJ2tKixZi2
    AiIZeabpT2QgAUuj
    mQtJCcNYqYRWGWPQ
    • The next two steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle towards the hinge to disengage opening mode.

    • Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.

    • Push down on the cups to apply suction to the desired area.

    • If you find that the surface of your device is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use packing tape to create a grippier surface.

  4. VA6XQ4nKFw2roKJc
    VA6XQ4nKFw2roKJc
    wLKiErMcMDQIBoIq
    X5BTNkFXQyLRGt32
    • Push the blue handle away from the hinge to engage opening mode.

    • Turn the handle clockwise until you see the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned to each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • Insert an opening pick under the screen when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle clockwise half a turn.

    • Don't crank more than a half a turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next two step.

  5. MKV3OGqZaxNHEhUc
    MKV3OGqZaxNHEhUc
    hHhDVWStBbPQpiZN
    • If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, as close to the edge as possible.

    • If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

  6. nQTSoddbEVTMfZHR
    nQTSoddbEVTMfZHR
    KlrDYepF3DQrMwU5
    jdiUyLciFyBYDGOm
    • Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

    • The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you're having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

  7. A1oBwCyETfZ3eBwg
    A1oBwCyETfZ3eBwg
    nOJW3MH4vbghr4vJ
    kLNvCWTAVyBPWgjF
    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and along the right edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

    • Don't insert the opening pick too far underneath the front panel, or you may cause damage to internal components.

  8. fNr6LtIUSLI1Awqc
    fNr6LtIUSLI1Awqc
    3j5OIrqp4XTjBChZ
    HbRIWfXm3VF2BEMJ
    • Re-insert your pick at the bottom left corner of the iPhone.

    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and along the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

    • Don't insert the pick very far, or you may damage the display cables along this side of the iPhone. Insert it only a few millimeters, or about the width of the display bezel.

  9. luVslv2EJDPHjdFY
    luVslv2EJDPHjdFY
    bhGJkCcPB6iwKJWR
    tMyUCZXybbOw6SsY
    • The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.

    • Again, don't insert the pick more than a few millimeters—about the width of the display bezel—or you may damage the front panel sensor array.

    • Insert your pick underneath the top-right corner of the display panel.

    • Slide the pick around the top right corner. Because of the clips you might encounter some resistance.

    • Gently pulling the front panel assembly towards the bottom edge of the phone simplifies this step a little.

    • Slide the pick along the top edge and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

  10. aONwtMNHEXNDaFRb
    • Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

    • If you used an iSclack and it's still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.

  11. GKjjmXfhwhaIRErW
    GKjjmXfhwhaIRErW
    2JqHTqMrNqKn2oIC
    Bgygc1XwrnZIXYqP
    • Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the right side, like the front cover of a book.

    • Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone's logic board.

    • Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

    • During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn't click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren't bent.

  12. s32v5LyOyuYgWKwK
    s32v5LyOyuYgWKwK
    LZTDcUatrTtkQdMX
    • Remove the 1.25 mm-long Y000 screw securing the battery & display connector cover bracket.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

    • During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.

  13. sSx1WV2GJT4GTDvI
    sSx1WV2GJT4GTDvI
    XJvryN6fwJQrk14F
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the battery & display connector bracket.

    • There are two little hinges on the right edge of the connector bracket. Make sure to align them with their counterparts during reassembly.

  14. lQtM3wSEjFBP4bUT
    lQtM3wSEjFBP4bUT
    cAGmO4Gkg5y1sdJM
    • Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.

    • Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.

  15. Bg2WOTycx6pQSryg
    Bg2WOTycx6pQSryg
    IMpe3jXIrjPmFpZ3
    • Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the OLED panel cable connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

  16. nPYF4uJRS6rlvqj5
    nPYF4uJRS6rlvqj5
    CvgjiiCJADpTTDXb
    • Remove the five 1 mm-long Y000 screws securing the front sensor assembly cover bracket.

    There is an error here. There are different screws. 2 large and 3 small.

    zeidin09 -

  17. uQjgeWT2KXfFZYOA
    uQjgeWT2KXfFZYOA
    OTkQXcHJLAQwguIy
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the front sensor assembly bracket.

  18. GZpFOHpLepHvKBKQ
    GZpFOHpLepHvKBKQ
    bRxWP1dlhidDyEDy
    • Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector.

  19. 6WvMQVuRTVALGms5
  20. pYZMIXpWMncYTXB2
    pYZMIXpWMncYTXB2
    1Lb14GBcFCcbjEGV
    • Remove the four 1.5 mm-long Phillips #000 screws securing the speaker.

  21. ZY4plW2TuMj4XZbT
    ZY4plW2TuMj4XZbT
    DMnyDZUBsRcu4B16
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the speaker.

  22. IXFdefICht1JmsCX
    IXFdefICht1JmsCX
    aRDFj32xSi2aOrXH
    • Peel down the first battery adhesive pull-tab to un-stick it from the bottom edge of the battery.

    • Don't jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

  23. RbRZYsTTrZ5YU4jR
    RbRZYsTTrZ5YU4jR
    D6sBxcLgi4odOHZU
    CGdtKBeZpeL4esnV
    • Grab the pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

    • Pull hard enough to maintain tension on the strip, but don't force it. Give it plenty of time to stretch and un-stick from under the battery.

    • Don't press down on the battery. Hold the iPhone firmly by its sides.

    • Keep the strip flat and unwrinkled. Try to pull evenly on the whole strip, rather than pulling mainly in the middle or on one side.

    • Pull at a low angle so the strip doesn't snag on the edge of the battery.

    • If the adhesive strip breaks off, try to retrieve it using your fingers or blunt tweezers, and continue pulling—but do not pry under the battery.

    • If any of the adhesive strips break off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, try to remove the other strips, and then proceed as instructed below.

  24. Ov15jwZUshuZqlvD
    Ov15jwZUshuZqlvD
    Bqo3LHPAULJXOaLY
    • Grab the wide pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

  25. m4Dco3nTwYRFXt23
    m4Dco3nTwYRFXt23
    VU14BAv6eAFeWRwP
    iTTTpcM1EvWRFdTF
    • Grab the pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

    • Repeat the previous procedure on the two remaining pull tabs.

    • If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, apply a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery in the area of the broken adhesive strip(s).

    • Wait about one minute for the alcohol solution to weaken the adhesive.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the battery.

    • Don't try to forcefully lever the battery out. If needed, apply a few more drops of alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.

  26. ErjPBxpvRlydekgR
    ErjPBxpvRlydekgR
    F6vE16AJCBHKNyYq
    • Remove the battery.

    • If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.

    • Use this guide to install new battery adhesive strips.

    • Perform a force restart after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

Conclusion

If possible, turn on your device and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing.

Secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. In order to position it correctly, apply the new adhesive into the device at the places where the old adhesive was located, not directly onto the battery. Press the new battery firmly into place.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order. Apply new adhesive where necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

For optimal performance, after completing this guide, calibrate your newly installed battery.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our iPhone 12 mini Answers community for help.

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 23/11/16

167396 Reputation

4 comments

If you replace the battery (even with a first party one) you will need to go to Apple, unfortunately, as is for the new iPhone 13 models.

Roman -

I don't think it's stated clearly enough that the display adhesive is VERY strong and you might think you've gotton a big enough gap when sticking in a pick will actually separate the layers of the screen and break it (defintely not speaking from experience). Make sure the phone is totally, thoroughly heated and be very, very careful.

Wesley Halliwell -

is it oem apple battery, because at some photo shows(Ifixit) and another shows (apple) ... wait your answer?

karim -

Hi karim,

the batteries that you can buy for iPhones in our shop are not OEM.

Dominik Schnabelrauch -