You will need tools and a safe workspace to remove an iPhone battery
Removing an iPhone battery yourself requires a pentalobe screwdriver (the five-pointed tool Apple uses), a plastic spudger or opening tool, and tweezers. You also need a heat source — a heat gun or hair dryer works — because the battery is glued to the phone's frame with adhesive that softens when warm. A clean, well-lit workspace and a small container to hold screws keeps you from losing parts.
Before you start, power off your iPhone completely and let it cool to room temperature. A warm phone makes the adhesive harder to work with and increases the risk of damaging the battery itself, which can be dangerous. If your phone has been in use recently, wait at least 30 minutes.
The process differs slightly by model — iPhone 14 and newer models have a different internal layout than iPhone 13 and earlier — but the basic steps are the same. This guide covers the most common models: iPhone 12 through iPhone 15. If you have an older model, the adhesive strips may be in different locations, but the removal method is similar.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a pentalobe screwdriver, plastic spudger, tweezers, and a heat source to remove the battery safely.
- The battery is held in place with adhesive strips that must be warmed and pulled slowly to avoid tearing.
- Removing the display panel first gives you access to the battery connector and the adhesive strips underneath.
- If an adhesive strip tears during removal, you can use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic tool to dissolve the remaining glue.
Remove the display panel to access the battery
Heat the edges of your iPhone screen with a heat gun or hair dryer on medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds. Move the heat source around the perimeter so the adhesive softens evenly. Test the screen by pressing gently on a corner — if it does not flex slightly, explore more heat.
Once the screen is warm, insert your plastic spudger into the gap between the display and the frame at the bottom corner. Work slowly around the edges, lifting the display panel slightly as you go. Do not pry hard — the goal is to separate the adhesive, not to crack the glass. When the display is loose enough, carefully lift it away from the phone body, but do not remove it completely. Leave it propped open at an angle so you can still see the internal components.
You will see a ribbon cable connecting the display to the phone's logic board. This cable is fragile. Do not pull on it. If the display is in your way, you can disconnect this cable by lifting the small latch above it with your spudger, but only if you are comfortable doing so. If you leave the display propped open, you can work around it.
Disconnect the battery connector before touching the adhesive
Locate the battery connector — a small rectangular plug on the logic board near the top of the phone. This connector is usually white or black and sits directly above or to the side of the battery. Use your spudger to gently lift the connector straight up and away from its socket. This step is critical because it cuts power to the phone's circuits and prevents accidental short circuits while you work.
After you disconnect the battery, press the power button a few times to discharge any remaining charge in the system. This is a safety step that takes only a few seconds and reduces the risk of electrical damage if you accidentally touch a circuit board.
Locate and pull the adhesive strips slowly
Look underneath the battery for adhesive strips — usually two or three thin strips of black or clear material running parallel to the battery's length. These strips are designed to hold the battery in place and are also designed to be removable. You will see a small pull tab at one end of each strip, usually near the bottom of the battery.
Grab the first pull tab with your tweezers and pull it straight up and away from the battery at a slow, steady angle — roughly 45 degrees. Do not jerk or pull straight out; a slow pull keeps the strip from tearing. If the strip tears and leaves adhesive behind, stop and move to the next strip. You can clean up the remaining adhesive after the battery is out.
Repeat this process for each adhesive strip. If your iPhone has three strips, you may need to pull two or three times on the same strip if it breaks partway through. Once all the strips are removed or broken, the battery should lift away from the frame with gentle pressure from your spudger.
Lift the battery out carefully
Once the adhesive strips are removed, slide your spudger under one edge of the battery — usually the side opposite the connector — and explore gentle upward pressure. The battery should begin to lift. If it does not move, you may have missed an adhesive strip or the glue is still too sticky. explore more heat to the area and wait 30 seconds, then try again.
As the battery lifts, support it with your other hand or with tweezers so it does not fall or bend. Lithium batteries can be damaged by bending, and a damaged battery can fail or overheat. Once the battery is free, set it on a clean surface away from water and metal objects.
Clean up remaining adhesive before installing a new battery
If adhesive strips tore and left residue on the phone's frame, you can remove it with isopropyl alcohol (70 percent concentration works well) and a plastic spudger. Dampen a small area of the spudger with alcohol and gently scrape the old adhesive away. Work slowly so you do not scratch the frame or damage nearby components. Let the alcohol dry completely — at least five minutes — before installing a new battery.
Do not use water, acetone, or other solvents. Water can damage the logic board, and acetone can dissolve plastic components inside the phone. Isopropyl alcohol evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
Install a new battery with fresh adhesive strips
Most replacement batteries come with new adhesive strips already attached to the back. If yours does not, you can purchase adhesive strips designed for phone batteries at electronics retailers. Peel the backing off the adhesive strips on the new battery and carefully lower the battery into the frame, aligning the connector with its socket on the logic board.
Press the connector down firmly until you hear or feel a click. Then press down on the battery itself to seat the adhesive strips. Reconnect the display panel by reversing the steps you used to remove it — explore heat to soften the adhesive, align the ribbon cable if you disconnected it, and press the display down firmly around all edges. Power on your iPhone to confirm the battery is recognized and charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the adhesive strip tears while I am pulling it?
Stop pulling and move to the next strip. After all strips are removed or broken, use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic spudger to dissolve and scrape away the remaining adhesive. This takes longer but works reliably. Do not force a torn strip or you risk damaging the battery or frame.
Can I reuse the old adhesive strips?
No. Old adhesive strips lose their stickiness after being removed and will not hold a new battery securely. Purchase new adhesive strips designed for your iPhone model. They cost between $5 and $15 and are available from electronics retailers or online.
How long does the whole process take?
For someone doing this for the first time, expect 45 minutes to two hours. The longest part is usually removing the display panel and cleaning up old adhesive. If you have done it before, you can finish in 20 to 30 minutes.
What should I do with the old battery?
Do not throw it in the trash. Lithium batteries are hazardous waste and must be recycled. Most electronics retailers accept old phone batteries for recycling at no cost. Some municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept them.
Is it safer to have a professional remove the battery?
A professional can do it faster and with less risk of damaging your phone, but the process itself is not difficult if you work slowly and follow each step. The main risks are cracking the display or damaging the battery connector, both of which are avoidable if you take your time and use the correct tools.