How to replace the battery in your iPhone 5s
Follow these instructions to replace your iPhone 5s battery and restore its functionality; exercise caution if the existing battery exhibits swelling.
- To safeguard the display cables from potential harm, proceed with disassembling the front panel assembly as outlined in this guide.
- For those experienced with handling delicate components, you may choose to forgo detaching the display and proceed straight to battery removal by manually stabilizing the display assembly during battery extraction.
To ensure peak functionality, following this guide's completion, perform a battery calibration: Initially, fully charge the battery to 100%, maintaining the charge for an additional two hours. Subsequently, deplete the battery completely by using your iPhone until it automatically powers down. Lastly, recharge the battery to 100% without interruption.
Step 1 | Removing the Pentalobe screws
To prevent potential fire or explosion hazards during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery is depleted to a level below 25% prior to beginning work; a fully charged battery poses a significant risk of ignition or rupture if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe screwdriver, detach the two screws, each measuring 3.9 mm, located on the left and right sides of the Lightning connector.
To prevent electrical shock or damage, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe screwdriver, detach the two screws, each measuring 3.9 mm, located on the left and right sides of the Lightning connector.
Step 2 | Taping the display glass
To avoid injury and contain shattered fragments while you work, secure any cracked display glass with tape.
Apply clear packing tape across the iPhone screen, ensuring each strip overlaps the previous one to completely protect the display surface.
To prevent glass fragments from scattering and maintain stability during the display separation process, this technique is essential.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments released during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
Apply clear packing tape across the iPhone screen, ensuring each strip overlaps the previous one to completely protect the display surface.
To prevent glass fragments from scattering and maintain stability during the display separation process, this technique is essential.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments released during the repair process, always use safety glasses.
Step 3 | Display separation prevention
Carefully lift the display assembly—consisting of a glass screen, a plastic bezel, and integrated metal clips—from within the phone's chassis during the subsequent procedures.
Ensure complete removal of the display assembly, irrespective of the tool selected.
When delamination between the glass and plastic is observed, similar to the depiction in the initial image, use a plastic opening tool to insert it into the gap between the plastic frame and the phone’s metal chassis, carefully levering each metal clip free from the casing.
To ensure proper closure during reassembly of a phone featuring a detached display bezel, apply a narrow adhesive strip positioned between the plastic bezel and the glass surface.
Ensure complete removal of the display assembly, irrespective of the tool selected.
When delamination between the glass and plastic is observed, similar to the depiction in the initial image, use a plastic opening tool to insert it into the gap between the plastic frame and the phone’s metal chassis, carefully levering each metal clip free from the casing.
To ensure proper closure during reassembly of a phone featuring a detached display bezel, apply a narrow adhesive strip positioned between the plastic bezel and the glass surface.
Step 4 | Anti-Clamp instructions
To simplify the process of separating the components, the following actions utilize the Anti-Clamp tool, a specialized device developed for this purpose; if you do not have access to this tool, proceed to the instructions two steps further down.
Refer to the included guide for detailed procedures regarding Anti-Clamp operation.
To release the Anti-Clamp's arms, move the blue handle in a rearward direction.
Position the arms so they extend across the iPhone's left or right side.
Affix two suction cups, one to the front and one to the rear surface of the iPhone, placing them close to the lower edge, directly above the home button.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface you intend to work on.
To improve the Anti-Clamp's grip on your iPhone if the exterior feels excessively slick, apply the provided adhesive pad for enhanced traction.
Refer to the included guide for detailed procedures regarding Anti-Clamp operation.
To release the Anti-Clamp's arms, move the blue handle in a rearward direction.
Position the arms so they extend across the iPhone's left or right side.
Affix two suction cups, one to the front and one to the rear surface of the iPhone, placing them close to the lower edge, directly above the home button.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface you intend to work on.
To improve the Anti-Clamp's grip on your iPhone if the exterior feels excessively slick, apply the provided adhesive pad for enhanced traction.
Step 5
To secure the arms, advance the blue handle in the direction indicated.
Rotate the handle fully in a clockwise direction, ensuring the cups extend.
Maintain parallel positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction cups' grip and reposition the arms.
Once sufficient space is created by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display panel.
To ensure adequate separation, reposition the handle by 90 degrees.
Apply adjustments in increments not exceeding 90 degrees, pausing for several seconds after each adjustment to allow the Anti-Clamp device to function and the process to stabilize.
Rotate the handle fully in a clockwise direction, ensuring the cups extend.
Maintain parallel positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction cups' grip and reposition the arms.
Once sufficient space is created by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display panel.
To ensure adequate separation, reposition the handle by 90 degrees.
Apply adjustments in increments not exceeding 90 degrees, pausing for several seconds after each adjustment to allow the Anti-Clamp device to function and the process to stabilize.
Step 6 | Manual Opening Procedure
Lacking an Anti-Clamp tool, secure the front panel with a single suction cup for lifting.
Position a suction cup directly on the display surface, situated slightly higher than the home button's location.
Ensure the entire cup makes contact with the screen surface to guarantee a secure seal.
Position a suction cup directly on the display surface, situated slightly higher than the home button's location.
Ensure the entire cup makes contact with the screen surface to guarantee a secure seal.
Step 7 | Start lifting the front panel assembly
Detach the front panel by disengaging the retaining clips, then carefully separate the phone's housing just enough to access and disconnect the multiple ribbon cables that connect the panel. Proceed with caution to prevent component damage.
Securely affix the suction cup to the front panel assembly, positioning it close to the home button.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to gently create a small gap between the front panel and the rear case, beginning at the home button area.
Using a plastic opening tool, apply gentle prying force to the rear case edges, separating them from the front panel assembly, simultaneously lifting with the suction cup.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the front panel assembly, as it requires a significantly snugger fit compared to typical device construction.
Securely affix the suction cup to the front panel assembly, positioning it close to the home button.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to gently create a small gap between the front panel and the rear case, beginning at the home button area.
Using a plastic opening tool, apply gentle prying force to the rear case edges, separating them from the front panel assembly, simultaneously lifting with the suction cup.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the front panel assembly, as it requires a significantly snugger fit compared to typical device construction.
Step 8
Disconnecting the front panel assembly entirely from the rear case is discouraged because it's connected by multiple sensitive ribbon cables.
To detach the suction cup, depress the plastic projection that maintains the airtight seal.
Carefully detach the screen from the device by releasing the suction cup.
To detach the suction cup, depress the plastic projection that maintains the airtight seal.
Carefully detach the screen from the device by releasing the suction cup.
Step 9 | Removing the Touch ID cable bracket
Carefully separate the phone's casing to expose the metallic bracket securing the home button cable.
To prevent damage to the home button cable and its connector, avoid excessive separation of the phone's housing; maintain slack in the cable, as overextension can cause harm.
To maintain Touch ID operation, exclusively use the phone's factory-supplied home button assembly; replacement of the cable connection will revert home button functionality to standard operation, excluding Touch ID features.
Carefully leverage the bracket loose using a spudger tip, then grasp and detach it with tweezers.
For reassembly procedures, proceed with the following two steps later; if you are currently disassembling, bypass these instructions and move directly to Step 12.
To prevent damage to the home button cable and its connector, avoid excessive separation of the phone's housing; maintain slack in the cable, as overextension can cause harm.
To maintain Touch ID operation, exclusively use the phone's factory-supplied home button assembly; replacement of the cable connection will revert home button functionality to standard operation, excluding Touch ID features.
Carefully leverage the bracket loose using a spudger tip, then grasp and detach it with tweezers.
For reassembly procedures, proceed with the following two steps later; if you are currently disassembling, bypass these instructions and move directly to Step 12.
Step 10
To complete reassembly, position the Touch ID cable bracket so its upper edge fits between the battery and the Touch ID cable connector, aligning it with the metal tab, then secure the bracket’s lower edge by snapping it over the connector.
Position the bracket's upper edge so it covers the Touch ID cable connector, then move it horizontally to the right.
Position the bracket so it rests on the connector, ensuring the "leg" side creates a small incline and the opposite edge sits between the cable connector and the battery's adjacent metal tab. Using a spudger, apply light downward force to the bracket to secure both the rear and front clasps.
Position the bracket's upper edge so it covers the Touch ID cable connector, then move it horizontally to the right.
Position the bracket so it rests on the connector, ensuring the "leg" side creates a small incline and the opposite edge sits between the cable connector and the battery's adjacent metal tab. Using a spudger, apply light downward force to the bracket to secure both the rear and front clasps.
Step 11
Carefully position the Touch ID cable bracket's front section over the cable connector, then secure it by pressing downwards with the flat edge of a spudger.
To ensure the bracket sits level against the surface, reposition it by sliding it back over the cable connector if it doesn't seat properly.
To ensure the bracket sits level against the surface, reposition it by sliding it back over the cable connector if it doesn't seat properly.
Step 12 | Disconnecting the home button cable connector
Carefully lift the home button cable connector from its socket using the pointed end of a spudger.
Carefully detach the cable connector from its receptacle; avoid lifting the receptacle itself, as it's secured to a glued-down cable that can be damaged if pried.
Carefully detach the cable connector from its receptacle; avoid lifting the receptacle itself, as it's secured to a glued-down cable that can be damaged if pried.
Step 13 | Opening up the phone
After disconnecting the connector, pivot the assembly, using the phone's upper edge as a fulcrum, to separate the home button end from the rear case.
Carefully position the display at a roughly 90-degree angle, then secure it in a supported position using an external object to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure it with a rubber band.
As a temporary substitute, an unopened, standard-sized canned drink can provide support for the display during the repair process.
Carefully position the display at a roughly 90-degree angle, then secure it in a supported position using an external object to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure it with a rubber band.
As a temporary substitute, an unopened, standard-sized canned drink can provide support for the display during the repair process.
Step 14
Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the metal bracket that holds the battery connector by unscrewing the two 1.6 mm screws holding it in place on the logic board.
Step 15
Detach the bracket securing the battery connector using a tri-point screwdriver.
Step 16
Carefully lift the battery connector away from its corresponding socket on the logic board, employing the flat edge of a spudger to avoid damage.
Exercise extreme caution during the lifting process, ensuring you apply force solely to the battery connector; avoid any contact with the logic board socket or the board's surface, as this could result in socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.
Exercise extreme caution during the lifting process, ensuring you apply force solely to the battery connector; avoid any contact with the logic board socket or the board's surface, as this could result in socket destruction or damage to adjacent components.
Step 17
Detach the cable bracket from the logic board by unscrewing the screws listed below.
Carefully manage all screws during this stage to ensure correct reassembly; improper placement, such as using a 1.3 mm or 1.7 mm screw in the bottom right hole, will severely damage the logic board and prevent the device from powering on.
Avoid applying excessive force when tightening screws; overtightening can damage components. Should a screw resist proper engagement during installation, verify it matches the specified size.
- A Phillips screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.7-millimeter screw.
- A Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.2-millimeter screw.
- A Phillips head screw, size #000 and measuring 1.3 millimeters.
- An additional screw, measuring 1.7 mm in diameter and utilizing a Phillips #000 head, is required.
Carefully manage all screws during this stage to ensure correct reassembly; improper placement, such as using a 1.3 mm or 1.7 mm screw in the bottom right hole, will severely damage the logic board and prevent the device from powering on.
Avoid applying excessive force when tightening screws; overtightening can damage components. Should a screw resist proper engagement during installation, verify it matches the specified size.
Step 18
Detach the bracket securing the front panel assembly cable to the logic board.
Step 19
Carefully detach the front camera and sensor cable assembly from its connector using a spudger or similar non-conductive tool.
Step 20
Prior to either detaching or reattaching the cable in this procedure, ensure the battery is disconnected.
Carefully detach the LCD cable connector.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, a blank screen or display lines may appear upon powering on the device; to resolve this, re-establish the cable’s connection and restart the phone, preferably by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
Carefully detach the LCD cable connector.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, a blank screen or display lines may appear upon powering on the device; to resolve this, re-establish the cable’s connection and restart the phone, preferably by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
Step 21
Carefully separate the digitizer cable connector to release its connection.
Step 22
Detach the front panel assembly from the rear case.
Step 23 | Battery
Carefully insert the spudger tip in the space separating the battery and the headphone jack to release the battery's adhesive securing tab.
Step 24
Carefully detach the battery's adhesive pull tab to release it from the device.
Using a cutting tool, sever the black battery adhesive tab by slicing through the two white adhesive strips that hold it in place, thus disconnecting the tab.
Using a cutting tool, sever the black battery adhesive tab by slicing through the two white adhesive strips that hold it in place, thus disconnecting the tab.
Step 25
To ensure proper removal, maintain the strips' flatness and prevent creases, as folds can cause them to adhere and tear rather than detach smoothly.
To detach a battery adhesive strip, gently draw it downwards, towards the iPhone's base, being careful to engage the white section of the strip if you can; the black tab might separate during this process.
To detach the strip, apply consistent, even force while guiding it out from the space between the battery and the rear case; ensure the pulling angle remains at 60 degrees or less to optimize the process.
Exercise caution to prevent the part from catching on any other internal iPhone elements.
To release the strip completely, maintain traction and gradually extend it, potentially repositioning your grip closer to the battery as needed, because it will elongate significantly beyond its initial size.
To detach a battery adhesive strip, gently draw it downwards, towards the iPhone's base, being careful to engage the white section of the strip if you can; the black tab might separate during this process.
To detach the strip, apply consistent, even force while guiding it out from the space between the battery and the rear case; ensure the pulling angle remains at 60 degrees or less to optimize the process.
Exercise caution to prevent the part from catching on any other internal iPhone elements.
To release the strip completely, maintain traction and gradually extend it, potentially repositioning your grip closer to the battery as needed, because it will elongate significantly beyond its initial size.
Step 26
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 pan head screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4 in-lbs to prevent damage.
Apply the same procedure to the remaining strip.
Having detached both strips completely, proceed directly to step 27.
When the battery adhesive detaches and the underlying portion is irretrievable, carefully introduce a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol—with a concentration exceeding 90%—beneath the battery's edge, specifically targeting the location of the fractured adhesive strip(s).
Allow approximately one minute for the alcohol to dissolve the adhesive securing the battery, then carefully separate the battery from the device casing using the spudger’s flat edge.
To prevent damage, avoid using excessive force when removing the battery. Should the adhesive still resist separation, add a small amount of alcohol to help dissolve it. Ensure the pry tool does not bend, break, or penetrate the battery casing during the process.
Applying force to the logic board can result in device damage.
Exercise caution when applying separation force near the left side, close to the volume controls, as doing so risks damaging the ribbon cable connected to the volume button.
Consider the subsequent step for additional troubleshooting approaches.
Apply the same procedure to the remaining strip.
Having detached both strips completely, proceed directly to step 27.
When the battery adhesive detaches and the underlying portion is irretrievable, carefully introduce a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol—with a concentration exceeding 90%—beneath the battery's edge, specifically targeting the location of the fractured adhesive strip(s).
Allow approximately one minute for the alcohol to dissolve the adhesive securing the battery, then carefully separate the battery from the device casing using the spudger’s flat edge.
To prevent damage, avoid using excessive force when removing the battery. Should the adhesive still resist separation, add a small amount of alcohol to help dissolve it. Ensure the pry tool does not bend, break, or penetrate the battery casing during the process.
Applying force to the logic board can result in device damage.
Exercise caution when applying separation force near the left side, close to the volume controls, as doing so risks damaging the ribbon cable connected to the volume button.
Consider the subsequent step for additional troubleshooting approaches.
Step 27 | Alternative methods to unstick the battery from the case
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of no more than 6 in-lbs to prevent damage to the threads.
To free a battery adhered to the back cover, apply heat using an iOpener or a hair dryer, focusing on the area immediately behind the battery.
Exposure to excessive heat presents a fire risk for the iPhone's battery.
Carefully remove the battery; avoid using excessive force. Ensure the battery remains undamaged and avoid puncturing or deforming it with the pry tool.
Applying force to the logic board can result in device damage.
Exercise caution when applying separation force close to the upper-left area, specifically around the volume controls, as doing so risks harming the ribbon cable connected to the volume button.
To dislodge the battery from the back cover, use dental floss or, for greater leverage, an unwound guitar string—specifically, a 0.009-inch E string from a 12-string guitar set.
Using floss or string, carefully maneuver it between the upper battery and its housing, then join the ends, secure them with a folded cloth, and apply consistent tension to draw the string through.
To free a battery adhered to the back cover, apply heat using an iOpener or a hair dryer, focusing on the area immediately behind the battery.
Exposure to excessive heat presents a fire risk for the iPhone's battery.
Carefully remove the battery; avoid using excessive force. Ensure the battery remains undamaged and avoid puncturing or deforming it with the pry tool.
Applying force to the logic board can result in device damage.
Exercise caution when applying separation force close to the upper-left area, specifically around the volume controls, as doing so risks harming the ribbon cable connected to the volume button.
To dislodge the battery from the back cover, use dental floss or, for greater leverage, an unwound guitar string—specifically, a 0.009-inch E string from a 12-string guitar set.
Using floss or string, carefully maneuver it between the upper battery and its housing, then join the ends, secure them with a folded cloth, and apply consistent tension to draw the string through.
Step 28
Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs to prevent damage.
Carefully remove the battery from within the rear case enclosure.
Carefully slide the protective plastic covering off the new battery, ensuring you don't snag or damage the ribbon cable during removal.
To prevent damage, ensure any residual alcohol solution is completely removed by wiping or by allowing it to evaporate fully prior to battery installation.
To guarantee correct positioning within its designated space, briefly plug the battery connector back into the logic board's socket prior to securing the new battery.
Secure the battery in place, then sever its electrical connection before proceeding with the remaining assembly steps.
To secure a battery lacking factory-applied adhesive, follow the instructions detailed in this guide for adhesive strip replacement.
Following reassembly, execute a complete system reset to proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any future diagnostic procedures.
Carefully remove the battery from within the rear case enclosure.
Carefully slide the protective plastic covering off the new battery, ensuring you don't snag or damage the ribbon cable during removal.
To prevent damage, ensure any residual alcohol solution is completely removed by wiping or by allowing it to evaporate fully prior to battery installation.
To guarantee correct positioning within its designated space, briefly plug the battery connector back into the logic board's socket prior to securing the new battery.
Secure the battery in place, then sever its electrical connection before proceeding with the remaining assembly steps.
To secure a battery lacking factory-applied adhesive, follow the instructions detailed in this guide for adhesive strip replacement.
Following reassembly, execute a complete system reset to proactively avoid potential problems and streamline any future diagnostic procedures.