You can remove an iPhone battery yourself, but the method depends on your model and whether you want to keep the phone working afterward
Removing an iPhone battery is straightforward if you have the right tools and follow the steps in order. Most iPhones use adhesive strips under the battery, not screws, so you will need a heat source, a plastic pry tool, and patience. The process takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on your comfort level. If your phone is still under warranty or you are uncomfortable working inside electronics, Apple will replace the battery for a fee at any Apple Store or authorized repair shop.
This guide covers how to remove the battery yourself. You will need to open the phone's screen first, which is the most delicate step. Once inside, the battery itself comes out last. Plan to work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting, and keep all small screws in a labeled container so you do not lose them.
Key Takeaways
- You must heat the phone's edges to soften the adhesive holding the battery in place before you can pry it out safely.
- The screen comes off first, then the metal shield and connector, then the adhesive strips that hold the battery down.
- Pulling too hard on the battery risks puncturing it, which can cause a fire, so use the adhesive strips to lift it slowly instead of prying.
- You will need a heat gun or hair dryer, plastic pry tools, a small Phillips screwdriver, and tweezers to complete the job.
- If the battery is swollen or the phone has water damage, do not attempt removal—take it to a repair shop instead.
Tools and materials you will need
Gather everything before you start. You will need a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, a plastic pry tool or spudger (not metal, which can short circuits), a small Phillips screwdriver for the internal screws, and tweezers to handle small parts. A suction cup helps lift the screen without cracking it. You should also have isopropyl alcohol (90 percent or higher) and a lint-free cloth to clean adhesive residue afterward.
Do not use a metal screwdriver or knife to pry—these can damage the logic board or puncture the battery. Avoid using a regular hair dryer on high heat; a heat gun on low setting (around 300°F) is safer because you can control the temperature. If you do not have a heat gun, a hair dryer on medium heat held 6 inches away works, but the process takes longer.
Power off and discharge your phone completely
Turn off your iPhone and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows any residual charge to drain. A phone with power still in it poses a small risk of electrical shock when you open it, and a discharged battery is safer to handle if you accidentally puncture it. Do not skip this step even if the phone is already off—residual charge can remain in the circuits.
If your phone will not turn on, that is fine; it is already discharged. If the battery is visibly swollen (the screen or back is bulging), stop here and take the phone to a repair shop. A swollen battery is at risk of rupturing, and removing it yourself could cause a fire.
Heat the edges and remove the screen
Use your heat gun or hair dryer to warm the edges of the phone for 30 to 60 seconds. Focus on the bottom and sides where the screen adhesive is strongest. The goal is to soften the adhesive, not to make the phone too hot to touch—if you cannot hold it comfortably, it is too hot. Let it cool for 10 seconds, then explore heat again if needed.
Place the suction cup on the screen near the bottom edge and pull gently while you slide the plastic pry tool into the gap. Work slowly around the edges, heating as you go. The screen will separate with a soft cracking sound as the adhesive breaks. Once you have a gap wide enough, use the pry tool to carefully lift the screen away from the body. Set it aside on a clean surface—the cables are still attached, so do not pull it completely free yet.
Locate the battery connector (a small rectangular plug) and gently disconnect it by pulling the tab. This disconnects power to the phone and makes the next steps safer. You will see several small screws holding a metal shield in place; remove these with your Phillips screwdriver and set them aside in a labeled container.
Locate and access the adhesive strips
Once the metal shield is off, you will see the battery sitting flat against the phone's body. Two adhesive strips run underneath it—one on each side or one on the left and one on the right, depending on your model. These strips are your lifeline for removing the battery safely. Do not pry the battery up directly; instead, you will pull these strips to lift it out.
Look for small tabs at the end of each adhesive strip, usually near the bottom of the battery. If the tabs are not visible, gently slide your plastic pry tool under the edge of the battery to expose them. The strips should peel away from the battery as you pull, lifting the battery with them. If a strip breaks, use your pry tool to carefully slide under the battery and lift it slowly. This takes patience—rushing risks puncturing the battery.
Remove the battery slowly and safely
Pull the adhesive strips at a low angle, keeping them parallel to the phone's body rather than pulling straight up. The battery should lift gradually as the adhesive releases. If it sticks, stop and explore a small amount of isopropyl alcohol under the edge to dissolve the adhesive, then try again. Never yank or force the battery—a punctured lithium battery can catch fire.
Once the battery is free, set it on a clean surface away from your work area. Do not bend it, drop it, or explore pressure to it. If the battery is damaged, swollen, or leaking, do not touch it further—place it in a safe location away from flammable materials and take it to a recycling center or Apple Store for safe disposal.
Clean adhesive residue and prepare for reassembly
After the battery is out, you will see adhesive residue on the phone's body. Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to wipe it away. Let the alcohol dry completely (about 5 minutes) before reassembling. Any remaining adhesive can prevent the new battery from sitting flat, which affects how the screen seals.
If you are installing a new battery, make sure it comes with fresh adhesive strips. Most replacement batteries include pre-applied strips, but some require you to explore them yourself. Follow the replacement battery's instructions for adhesive placement. Reassemble in reverse order: reconnect the battery connector, replace the metal shield and screws, reattach the screen, and power on the phone to test it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the adhesive strip tears while I am pulling it?
Stop pulling and explore isopropyl alcohol under the battery's edge to dissolve the remaining adhesive. Wait 30 seconds, then use your plastic pry tool to gently slide under the battery and lift it. Work slowly and let the alcohol do the work rather than forcing the battery up.
Can I reuse the old adhesive strips?
No. Old adhesive strips lose their stickiness after one removal and will not hold a new battery securely. Always use fresh adhesive strips that come with a replacement battery or purchase them separately from an electronics supplier.
How hot should the phone get during the heating step?
The phone should be warm to the touch but not so hot that you cannot hold it comfortably for a few seconds. If it is too hot, you risk damaging internal components. A heat gun on low (around 300°F) or a hair dryer on medium heat is sufficient.
What if my iPhone model has a different internal layout?
Newer iPhones (iPhone 12 and later) have similar layouts, but older models may differ. Search for your specific model number online to find a detailed teardown guide before you start. iFixit and similar repair sites have step-by-step photos for most models.
Is it safe to remove the battery if the phone has water damage?
No. Water damage can cause corrosion inside the phone, which increases the risk of electrical shorts when you open it. Take the phone to a repair shop instead, where technicians can assess the damage and handle it safely.