iPhone 15 Battery Replacement
This document details the procedure for swapping out the battery within an iPhone 15.
After approximately 1000 full charge cycles, an iPhone battery is expected to retain 80% of its original capacity; diminished battery performance, such as requiring more frequent charging or reduced device speed, may indicate a need for battery replacement.
- Acquire a substitute.Carefully disconnect the battery, observing proper polarity to avoid short circuits, and ensure all connections are secure before proceeding with any further repairs, noting the battery's voltage is 12V.Apply fresh adhesive specifically designed for back glass to secure the replacement during reassembly.
Carefully inspect the component, ensuring all measurements remain at 12.5 volts, using a multimeter and appropriate safety precautions, before proceeding.Carefully disconnect the battery, observing proper polarity to avoid short circuits, and ensure the terminals are clean before proceeding; replacement requires a 12-volt, 400 CCA (cold cranking amps) unit, and always wear eye protection during this process.Due to potential expansion, exercise necessary safety measures.
Because of Apple’s component pairing limitations, users running iOS 17.6 or an earlier version might encounter alerts regarding the substituted part and experience a loss of battery health information, although functionality remains unaffected.Carefully disconnect the battery, observing proper polarity and ensuring no shorts occur, then safely remove it from the device, noting its voltage rating and physical dimensions for replacement purposes.Functionality remains unaffected otherwise; on iOS 18 and later versions, perform Apple authentication calibration.Install fresh batteries, ensuring correct polarity as indicated by the plus (+) and minus (-) symbols within the battery compartment, using a Phillips head screwdriver to secure the battery cover.Employ the Repair Assistant application.
Step 1 | Prepare your phone for disassembly
- To optimize battery health, ensure the charge level drops to a minimum of 25% before recharging.A fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a potential safety risk..
- Disconnect all connected wires from the device.
- Simultaneously press the power button and one of the volume buttons, then slide your finger across the screen to initiate the power-off sequence.
Step 2 | Tape over any cracks
- To prevent injury and simplify the repair process when the display or rear glass exhibits severe cracking, apply strips of packing tape across the damaged surfaces, ensuring they overlap.
- Ensure a flat surface, approximately the size needed to accommodate a suction cup, exists close to the lower extremity.
Step 3 | Mark your opening picks
- To avoid potential damage to your device, ensure the opening pick does not extend beyond a safe depth; establish a reference point on the pick to guarantee proper insertion.
- Determine the dimension using an appropriate measuring tool.Three millimeters.Using a permanent marker, clearly indicate the opening point on the pick.
- Alternative corner markings, using the same measurement tools, can be applied to the remaining corners of the pick.
- Securely affix a coin to the tip of a pick using adhesive tape.Three millimeters.Beginning at the foremost point.
Step 4 | Remove the pentalobe screws
Employ a P2 pentalobe screwdriver to detach the pair of fasteners.Screws measuring 7.7 millimeters in length.Flanking the charging port are components on both the left and right sides.
Step 5 | Heat the bottom edge
- Apply heat evenly along the lower perimeter of the rear glass panel using a hair dryer or heat gun, continuing until the surface is warm enough to be comfortably touched.
- To prevent heat-related battery damage, ensure the device's temperature remains below the specified limit.
Step 6 | Insert an opening pick
- Using a suction handle, secure it firmly to the lower edge of the rear glass panel.
- Apply firm, consistent upward pressure to the handle to separate the rear glass from the frame.
- Carefully slide the pointed end of a prying tool into the separation.
Step 7 | Back glass information
Exercise caution while separating the adhesive bonds holding the rear glass in place during subsequent procedures, paying particular attention to these zones.
- To prevent damage to the fragile cable linking the rear glass assembly and the device, refrain from using your opening tool in the area adjacent to the volume down button.
- To prevent damage, exercise caution and limit the insertion depth of your tool as directed throughout the repair process, as the phone's edge features several delicate spring contacts.
Step 8 | Separate the bottom edge adhesive
To prevent damage, limit the insertion depth of the opening pick to a maximum of 5 millimeters when working along the bottom edge.
Using a pick, gently work along the lower edge, moving it back and forth to release the adhesive bond.
To stop the adhesive from bonding again, maintain a pick's position in the lower right corner.
Step 9 | Heat the right edge
Step 10 | Separate the bottom right corner adhesive
- Ensure the pick's insertion does not exceed a depth of 7 millimeters.Position yourself on the right-hand side.
- Carefully maneuver a pick along the lower right edge, inserting it between the device housing and the rear glass until resistance is met from the substantial retaining clip.
- Avoid cutting beyond the area containing the volume buttons.Protect the wireless charging cable from harm.
- Maintain the presence of this tool within the assembly.Ensure the adhesive remains separated to avoid re-bonding.
Step 11 | Heat the left edge
Step 12 | Separate the left edge adhesive
- Starting at the left-hand side, proceed.Ensure the tool's insertion depth remains at or below 5 millimeters..
- Position another opening pick near the lower boundary.
- Using a pivoting motion, position the second pick so its tip engages the lower left edge.
- Using the pick, gently lift the upper left edge to release the adhesive bond.
- Maintain the position of this tool.Avoid allowing the adhesive to re-bond.
Step 13 | Heat the top edge
Apply heat evenly across the upper perimeter of the rear glass panel until its surface reaches a temperature that is comfortable to touch with your hand.
Step 14 | Separate the top edge adhesive
- Avoid pushing the tool beyond the specified depth.Three millimeters.Position the component along the uppermost boundary.
- Using the second opening pick, maneuver it along the upper edge, pivoting from the left side to the right, to release the adhesive bond.
- Expect to perceive audible clicks and a slight movement indicating the disengagement of the uppermost two retaining clips.
- Maintain the positioning of the pick to avoid the adhesive re-bonding.
Step 15 | Heat the top right corner
Apply heat to the upper right quadrant of the rear glass panel until its surface temperature is high enough to be felt as hot when touched.
Step 16 | Separate the top right corner adhesive
- Avoid pushing the tool past the specified depth.Four millimeters.Position yourself on the right-hand side.
- Using the second opening pick, maneuver it to the upper right corner and advance it toward the volume up button to release the adhesive bond.
Step 17 | Open the back glass
- Carefully pivot the rear glass cover away from the device's right side, raising it upwards.
- Carefully inspect the entire edge of the rear glass for any remaining adhesive or obstructions like clips, as a seemingly secure fit may conceal areas preventing complete separation.
- To prevent stress on the cable, support the rear glass on an elevated platform during the repair.
Step 18 | Unfasten the lower connector cover
- Carefully organize all screws during disassembly, noting their original locations to ensure correct reassembly.
- Employ a 3/8-inch socket wrench to loosen the retaining bolt, ensuring you apply consistent torque to prevent damage to the threaded insert and following the manufacturer’s specified 15 Nm value; observe caution to avoid stripping the bolt head.Use a Y000-sized tri-point screwdriver.Detach the pair of fasteners.Screws measuring 1.3 millimeters in length.Ensure the lower connector cover is firmly in place.
Step 19 | Remove the lower connector cover
- Carefully employ tweezers to maneuver the cover, sliding it upwards along the phone's body to release the latch securing it to the logic board.
- Detach the protective housing.
Step 20 | Disconnect the battery
- Using one hand, maintain the back glass in a vertical position and pivot it slightly to expose the battery press connector located immediately beneath the volume buttons.
- The connector's head features embossed plus and minus markings.
- Employ the pointed end of a screwdriver to carefully apply pressure.Use a specialized tool designed for prying, referred to as an opening pick.Using a prying tool, carefully lift the battery press connector to release it from its socket on the logic board.
Step 21 | Unfasten the middle connector cover
Employ the provided 3/8-inch socket wrench to securely tighten the fastener.Use a Y000 tri-point screwdriver.Detach the component.A screw measuring 0.9 millimeters in length.Affix the cover panel over the central connector, ensuring it is properly aligned and fastened.
Step 22 | Remove the cover
- Carefully slide a spudger's flat end, or your fingertip, along the top edge of the cover, directing the movement downwards to release the clips securing it.
- Carefully detach the cover.
Step 23 | Disconnect the wireless charging coil
Employ a 5/32-inch hex key to loosen the retaining screw, ensuring you do not overtighten it, and then carefully detach the component.Use a specialized tool designed for prying, often referred to as an opening pick.Using a prying tool, carefully lift the wireless charging coil and detach the NFC connector.
Step 24 | Remove the back glass
Carefully detach the rear glass panel, ensuring no damage occurs.
Step 25 | Separate the battery cable
- A small amount of adhesive holds the battery cable in place on the logic board.
- Using an opening pick, carefully disengage the battery cable from the logic board by gently sliding the pick between them.
- Avoid using your tool in a way that could damage the battery or create bends in the cable.
Step 26 | Peel up a corner of the pull tabs
To release the iPhone battery, carefully detach the two adhesive strips designed to hold it in place, following the subsequent four procedures.
Exercise caution to prevent battery damage, such as dents or punctures, and ensure that pointed instruments are kept away from the battery during this process.
Carefully insert the tip of a pick under each stretch release pull tab, working from the top surface of the battery, to loosen its edge until it’s accessible for grasping with blunt nose tweezers.
Step 27 | Peel up the pull tabs
- Employ blunt nose tweezers to secure a pull tab, then carefully detach it from the battery.
- Wait to extract the retaining tab located beneath the battery.
- Perform the same procedure on the remaining pull tab.
Step 28 | Free the top edge of the battery
Before detaching the strips, carefully peel back the stretch release adhesive that encircles the battery's upper edge.
Using tweezers, gently separate one of the retaining tabs from the battery.
Carefully insert a pick beneath the battery strip to sever the adhesive bond along the top edge.
Perform the same procedure on the remaining pull tab.
Step 29 | Remove the stretch release adhesive
- Using a 1/4-inch socket wrench, carefully loosen and remove the component.A self-adhesive backing is present.Carefully grasp the battery's pull tab and, maintaining a shallow angle, gently draw the battery upwards and outwards from its compartment.
- Allow sufficient time for the strip to extend and reposition it as needed. Prevent scraping against any components or cables located above the battery; using a tool to wrap around the strip can improve your grip and control.
- Perform the same procedure on the remaining strip.
- Should a piece of the strip detach, attempt to recover it from beneath the battery; however, if retrieval proves impossible, proceed directly to the subsequent step, which details an alternative procedure.
Step 30 | Alternate method to remove the battery
Support the phone's right side, which contains the volume controls, to prevent it from tipping.
- Carefully dispense a small quantity—a few drops—of the highly-concentratedUse rubbing alcohol, which is isopropyl alcohol.Ensure the adhesive covers more than 90% of the battery's inner perimeter.
- Using a suitable tool, carefully lift the upper portion of the phone's casing and perform the same action on the upper edge of the battery.
Allow 60 seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to saturate the area beneath the battery, facilitating adhesive loosening.
Step 31 | Insert a plastic card
Handle the battery with care to avoid any bends or folds; if resistance is encountered, gently add additional drops ofUse rubbing alcohol, which is isopropyl alcohol.Repeat the process.
- Using a plastic card, gently slide the short side into the gap located on the left side of the battery, where it meets the device's frame.
- Using a levering motion, carefully separate the battery from its compartment while ensuring the device remains immobile.
Applying consistent force for up to 60 seconds may be necessary to release the adhesive bond, as the required duration varies based on adhesive strength.
Step 32 | Pry up the battery
After the plastic card initially fits beneath the battery, move it laterally to sever any adhesive still holding the battery in place.Employ a bonding agent..
Grasp the battery by carefully raising it until a secure grip can be achieved.
Step 33 | Remove the battery
Step 34 | End of disassembly
- With the device now disassembled, proceed with the following instructions to reassemble it.
To ensure a secure connection, position the connector precisely above its receptacle and apply even pressure—initially on one side using a fingertip or spudger, then the opposite side—until you hear a distinct click indicating it is fully seated. Avoid applying excessive force; if the connector doesn't engage easily, realign it and attempt the process again.
Step 35 | Remove the residual battery adhesive
- To remove any substantial leftover battery adhesive from the iPhone frame, carefully lift and detach the pieces with tweezers.
To remove any lingering battery adhesive from the iPhone frame, carefully clean the surface using either coffee filters or a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol having a concentration greater than 90%.
Step 36 | Remove the plastic sleeve
Step 37 | Remove adhesive liner
- Should your replacement battery lack factory-applied adhesive, use the provided instructions to secure it in place before proceeding with the device's reassembly.
- Carefully remove the protective backing from the battery adhesive to expose the bonding surface.
Step 38 | Place the battery
- Carefully position the battery above its designated compartment within the iPhone and establish the connection by securing the press connector.
- Carefully position the battery while it's connected, then apply finger pressure to secure it within the frame.
- Employ the pointed end of a screwdriver to secure the battery in place.Use a plastic pry tool to gently separate.Using the appropriate tool, depress the connector to release and separate the battery cable.
Step 39 | Remove the back glass adhesive
Exercise caution to prevent any harm to the spring contacts during the cleaning process.
Before finalizing the phone's reassembly and securing the rear enclosure, verify the repair's functionality by temporarily reconnecting the battery and back glass, then activating the device to confirm expected operation. Following this test, deactivate the phone, detach the battery and back glass, and proceed with the remaining assembly steps.
Stubborn adhesive residue on the device's surface can be challenging to eliminate; to assist in its removal, gently warm the area with a.Utilize a device designed to emit warm, directed airflow, typically employing a heating element and fan, ensuring the unit's voltage matches the power source (120V in North America) and maintaining a safe operating distance from flammable materials to prevent fire hazards.orApply warmth using a device that generates heat, ensuring the temperature does not exceed 200°F (93°C) to prevent damage..
Carefully insert the tip of the tool into.Use a plastic pry tool to gently separate.Apply firm, even pressure while manipulating the adhesive to achieve a consistency allowing for secure handling with tweezers.
Carefully remove the adhesive securing the phone using tweezers.
Step 40
To maintain the iPhone's water resistance, completely remove any remaining adhesive or debris from the frame.
To protect the tip and prevent scratching, cover it with a clean, non-abrasive microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth.Use a plastic pry tool to gently separate.Dampen the cleaning cloth with several drops of isopropyl alcohol, ensuring the alcohol concentration exceeds 90%.
Using a cloth, remove any remaining adhesive by gently wiping along the frame's edges, maintaining a consistent direction.
Allow several minutes for any residual cleaning alcohol to fully dissipate before continuing the repair.
Step 41 | Orient the adhesive
- Carefully position the adhesive strip adjacent to the device, aligning its openings with the spring contact areas and the rear camera to ensure proper orientation.
- Variations in appearance are possible for the adhesive product.
Step 42 | Apply the adhesive
- Because the adhesive bonds immediately upon contact, any adjustments after initial placement are impossible; instead, the existing adhesive must be completely removed and replaced with a fresh application.
- Initiate liner removal by grasping the pull tab and gently separating the backing from the adhesive, commencing at the lower edge, leaving a portion of the liner attached.
- Position the liner aside, then carefully align the adhesive strip with the lower edge of the iPhone.
- Carefully position the adhesive's lower edge within the frame's designated channel, ensuring precise alignment of the iPhone’s spring contacts with the corresponding openings in the liner.
Step 43
Carefully position the adhesive, then secure it with the tool's flat edge.Use a plastic pry tool, often referred to as a spudger, to gently separate components.Apply firm, even pressure with your finger across the entire lower border.
Step 44
- As you remove the adhesive backing, ensure firm contact with the iPhone's frame edges.
- Proper alignment of the adhesive's lower edge ensures the side and top edges seat correctly; otherwise, discard the adhesive and reapply with a fresh strip.
- Should the adhesive strip not be perfectly positioned, and a replacement isn't immediately available, the iPhone can be reassembled and used as usual without the adhesive; however, be aware that the device's water resistance will be reduced until proper adhesive is applied.
Step 45 | Press the adhesive into place
- Verify correct liner placement by confirming that spring contacts and the rear camera are positioned within their designated openings; if misaligned, discard the adhesive and repeat the process using a fresh liner sheet.
- Employ the tool’s planar edge.Use a plastic pry tool, often referred to as a spudger, to gently separate components.Ensure the adhesive makes full contact with the frame's edges by applying even pressure around its entire circumference.
- Avoid contact with the spring contacts extending through the pink liner.
Step 46 | Remove the top liner
- Carefully peel away the adhesive backing layer.
- The liner's construction varies based on the adhesive used; it may consist of several sections or be a continuous piece.
Step 47 | Prop up the back glass
- To prevent the screen from shifting, securely brace the rear glass on the device’s right side with a stable support, such as a small box.
- Employ the tool's planar edge.Use a plastic pry tool, often referred to as a spudger, to avoid scratching surfaces.To establish a wireless charging connection, manually join the wireless charging coil connector, subsequently linking the battery connector.
Step 48 | Place the middle connector cover
Position the middle connector cover so that it extends slightly beyond the bottom clip's slot on the logic board, ensuring the wireless charging coil connector is properly seated.
Step 49
- Apply downward pressure to the cover using a fingertip.
- Applying downward pressure, move the cover in an upward direction until the metal clips engage with their corresponding locations on the logic board.
Step 50 | Place the lower connector cover
- Carefully position the upper edge of the lower connector cover and secure it within its designated slot on the logic board using tweezers.
- Position the lower connector cover so it overlaps the press connectors.
Step 51 | Install the cover screws
- Employ a 3/8-inch socket wrench to loosen the fastener, ensuring you apply consistent pressure to prevent damage to the retaining clip and observe the torque specification of 15 Nm during reinstallation, as indicated in the service manual.Use a Y000-sized screwdriver with a three-pronged tip.Secure the component using the specified fasteners, ensuring proper alignment with the designated mounting points and adhering to the torque specifications of 3.2 Nm.A screw measuring 0.9 millimeters in length.Affix the central connector cover, ensuring it is properly aligned and fastened.
- Employ a 3/8-inch socket wrench to loosen the fastener, ensuring you apply consistent pressure to prevent damage to the retaining clip and observe the torque specification of 15 Nm during reinstallation, as indicated in the service manual.Use a Y000-sized screwdriver with a three-pronged tip.Secure the pair using the specified fasteners.Screws measuring 1.3 millimeters in length.Ensure the lower connector cover is firmly attached.
Step 52 | Remove the final adhesive liners
- Carefully detach the lower frame's pull tabs, located close to the charging port, using tweezers or your fingertips.
Step 53
Step 54
- Position the replacement back glass against the device's rear surface, ensuring it doesn't contact the adhesive to allow access to the protective liners still covering the right-hand side edge.
- Carefully detach any leftover liners from the right side of the device using tweezers or your fingertips.
Step 55 | Install the back glass
- Carefully position the back glass flat against the frame, applying even pressure until the retaining clips click into place.
- Apply even pressure along the edges of the rear glass to secure all retaining clips.
Step 56 | Heat the back glass
Employing a heat gun, warm the perimeter edges of the rear glass to facilitate adhesive adhesion.Use a specialized device designed for electronics disassembly, such as an iOpener, to gently loosen the adhesive securing the display assembly.Apply heat from a hair dryer or heat gun to the surface until its temperature reaches a point where it can be comfortably touched.
To ensure a strong seal, apply consistent pressure evenly across the entire edge of the rear glass; for enhanced adhesion, utilize screen vise clamps if available, otherwise proceed with alternative securing methods detailed below.
Step 57 | Press the back glass
- Ensure uniform pressure across the iPhone's rear assembly during compression and bonding of the back glass to the frame, taking into consideration the camera module's protrusion.
- Using the original iPhone packaging, position the lid on a level surface.
- Since the original packaging is unavailable, proceed to the alternative procedure instead.
- Position the iPhone, camera lens facing upward, within the box's lid, ensuring the camera protrusion aligns with the designated indentation.
- Utilize an object approximately the dimensions of a standard iPhone in footprint, but exceeding the box's side height. Position this object atop the iPhone, then add several substantial weights.
- Allow the items to remain undisturbed for a minimum of thirty minutes; reduce their weight necessitates a longer waiting period. For optimal results, maintain the stacked configuration overnight.
Step 58
Lacking the original packaging, use the subsequent three steps to apply consistent pressure across the rear glass surface.
- Position the iPhone on a level, non-abrasive surface with the display facing downward.
- To prevent damage to the rear glass's surface, affix masking tape across its exterior.
Step 59
- Use flat, uniform items like coins to create consistent spacing along the tape's perimeter, ensuring the tape is pressed firmly against the rear glass.
- Ensure the combined thickness of the shims creates a uniform elevation exceeding the camera module's protrusion.
Step 60
- To apply downward pressure evenly across the iPhone's surface, position several books or a similar weighty item on top of the device.
- To prevent marking or damage, avoid placing the coins directly on delicate or valuable surfaces.
- Allow the items to remain undisturbed for a minimum of thirty minutes; reduce the duration if the objects are heavier. For optimal results, maintain the stacked position overnight.