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iPhone 12 Battery Replacement

iPhone batteries are designed to retain 80% of their original capacity after undergoing approximately 500 complete charge cycles, typically providing 18-24 months of use before degradation becomes noticeable. Subsequently, your iPhone might require more frequent charging, and the operating system could indicate diminished performance, resulting in slower operation. This procedure details how to substitute your battery and return your iPhone to its original operational speed.

Exercise necessary care if your battery exhibits swelling.

Be aware that, with versions of iOS 17.6 and prior, your iPhone might present a message concerning the "genuineness" of the battery following the repair, even when utilizing authentic Apple components; if the device operates normally, this message can be disregarded. With iOS 18 and later releases, utilize Apple's Repair Assistant to verify the authenticity of the replacement battery.

To ensure peak efficiency, after concluding this repair process, condition the newly installed battery: Initially, charge it to 100% and maintain charging for a minimum of two additional hours. Subsequently, deplete the battery until the iPhone automatically powers down. Finally, recharge the device completely to 100%.

Step 1 | Eject the SIM card tray

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Begin the process by utilizing a SIM card eject tool, or a straightened paperclip, and inserting it into the aperture situated on the SIM card tray’s edge, which is adjacent to the volume buttons.The SIM card tray is positioned along the iPhone's side, near the volume controls, and features a tiny opening designed for the eject tool.Applying consistent pressure to the inserted tool will release the SIM card tray from its housing.Ensure a secure and deliberate push is applied to the tool to avoid damage to the device’s mechanics.
  • The tray will protrude slightly, allowing for its manual removal after the initial ejection.

Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray

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Proceed to step two, which involves extracting the SIM card tray.Carefully detach the SIM card tray from the iPhone's chassis.The SIM card should dislodge from its holder with minimal effort.Ensure correct alignment of the SIM card within the tray during reinsertion.
A flexible rubber seal encircles the SIM tray, offering resistance to water and particulate matter.
Should this seal become compromised or be absent, replacement of either the seal or the SIM tray is necessary to safeguard the iPhone's internal electronics.
Damage or loss of the gasket necessitates a replacement to maintain the iPhone's environmental protection.

Step 3 | Remove the pentalobe screws

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The third stage of the repair process commences now. Exercise extreme care: a fully charged lithium-ion battery presents a fire or explosion hazard if damaged.Ensure the iPhone is completely powered down prior to any disassembly work.
Begin by extracting the pair of screws, each measuring 6.75 millimeters in length, which are a P2 pentalobe type, located along the iPhone's lower edge.
Separating the display assembly from the chassis will irreversibly damage the iPhone's water resistance.Procure replacement waterproof seals beforehand if you intend to reassemble the device without installing new seals.Alternatively, meticulous care must be taken to prevent liquid ingress during reassembly if the original seals are reused.
Prior to starting, it is essential to reduce the iPhone's battery charge level to less than 25%.

Step 4 | Mark your opening picks

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Proceed to step 4.Excessive insertion of a separation tool risks harming the device; therefore, a marking procedure is essential to avoid such damage.
  • Using a measuring tool, determine a distance of precisely 3 millimeters.Employ a permanent marker to create a visible indication on the separation tool at the calculated 3 mm point.For enhanced precision, consider marking the other corners of the separation tool with varying distance measurements.
  • As an alternative method, affix a coin to the separation tool, positioning it 3 millimeters from the tip.
  • The described marking or coin-attachment technique serves to limit the tool's insertion depth.

Step 5 | Tape over any cracks

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Proceed to step 5.To mitigate additional damage and potential injury while repairing a screen with cracks, secure the glass surface with adhesive tape.
  • Apply multiple layers of transparent packing tape across the entire iPhone display, ensuring substantial overlap.
  • Always utilize eye protection, such as safety glasses, to guard against dislodged glass fragments during the repair process.
  • Should the suction cup fail to maintain adhesion, create a handle from a robust adhesive tape, like duct tape, to facilitate screen lifting.
  • As a last resort, secure the suction cup directly to the screen's surface using superglue.

Step 6 | Anti-Clamp instructions

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The subsequent three actions illustrate the Anti-Clamp, a proprietary tool developed to simplify the initial separation process; should you choose not to utilize this tool, proceed to the instructions three steps further down.
  • Detailed guidance regarding the Anti-Clamp's operation can be found in a separate, comprehensive instructional document.
  • To release the locking mechanism, retract the blue handle, which will disengage the Anti-Clamp's gripping arms.
  • Carefully position the arms across either the left or right side of the iPhone's frame.
  • Place the suction cups in close proximity to the lower edge of the iPhone, ensuring one is situated on the front surface and the other on the rear.
  • Apply firm pressure to compress the suction cups, creating a secure bond with the intended area of the iPhone's surface.
  • Should the iPhone's exterior prove excessively smooth, hindering the Anti-Clamp's ability to maintain adhesion, applying adhesive tape can enhance surface friction.

Step 7

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Advance the blue handle to secure the arm assemblies in their locked position.
  • Rotate the handle a full 360-degree circle, or continue rotation until the suction cups exhibit signs of deformation.
  • Maintain precise parallel alignment between all suction cups; should misalignment occur, slightly reduce suction cup adhesion and reposition the arm components.

Step 8

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To facilitate subsequent procedures, stabilize your iPhone on a firm surface, like a hardback book, ensuring it remains level and free from your hands.
  • Employ a hair dryer to apply warmth along the iPhone's lower edge, aiming for a temperature just beyond comfortable touch.
  • Refer to a dedicated guide for detailed instructions on the proper operation of a hair dryer.
  • Allow a sixty-second interval to permit the adhesive to loosen and create a discernible separation.
  • Once a noticeable space exists, carefully slide an opening pick beneath the screen's plastic border.
  • Should the Anti-Clamp fail to generate an adequate gap, increase heat application to the area and incrementally rotate the handle by ninety degrees.
  • Avoid rotating the handle beyond a ninety-degree increment at any point, and observe a sixty-second pause between rotations, allowing the Anti-Clamp and time to effectively separate the components.

Step 9 | Heat the bottom edge

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  • Employ a hair dryer or heat gun to apply warmth to the lower perimeter of the iPhone.Continue heating the iPhone's bottom edge until its surface temperature reaches a point where it feels marginally uncomfortable to touch.
  • Avoid prolonged, concentrated heat application with the hair dryer to prevent localized overheating.This precaution helps safeguard the device's internal components from heat damage.

Step 10 | Apply a suction cup

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  • When employing a solitary suction handle, position it against the lower perimeter of the device's frame, ensuring a distance from the outermost glass boundary.To prevent damage, maintain clearance from the extreme outer rim of the glass surface during suction handle application.

Step 11 | Lift the screen slightly

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  • Following the previous steps, proceed to the next stage.
  • Apply steady, consistent upward force to the suction cup to generate a small separation between the display assembly and the device's surrounding structure.
  • Carefully slide an opening tool into the created space, positioning it between the display and the protective plastic border, ensuring it does not contact the display surface.
  • Prioritize inserting the opening tool beneath the substantial plastic border to prevent potential damage to the display panel; a visible separation should be apparent, and the tool should move freely without resistance, requiring additional upward screen movement if a gap is not visible.
  • The robust, waterproof sealant securing the display demands considerable force to initially separate; if difficulty arises, apply additional localized heat and gently oscillate the display to reduce adhesive strength, facilitating tool insertion.

Step 12 | Separate the bottom edge adhesive

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  • During this stage, ensure the initial insertion of your opening tool does not exceed a depth of 3 millimeters from the lower border.
  • Employ a reciprocating motion, moving your opening tool back and forth along the lower edge, to effectively sever the adhesive bond.
  • Maintain the opening tool's position within the lower right corner to inhibit the adhesive from reforming a seal.
  • To avoid re-adhesion, keep the tool positioned at the lower right edge.

Step 13 | Heat the right edge

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To facilitate separation, apply warmth to the right-hand perimeter of the iPhone, encompassing the power button's location, utilizing a hair dryer.
  • Continue heating until the surface temperature of the display reaches a point where it is noticeably uncomfortable to the touch, indicating sufficient adhesive softening.

Step 14 | Separate the right adhesive

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Begin the separation process by positioning a prying tool at the lower-right periphery of the iPhone’s enclosure.
  • Advance the tool along the right side of the device’s casing, moving upwards until the upper-right corner is reached.
  • To prevent potential harm to the internal parts, ensure the tool's insertion depth remains under 3 millimeters.
  • Maintain the tool's position at the top-right corner of the iPhone before proceeding with subsequent steps.
  • The adhesive bond between the iPhone's components is released through the movement of the opening pick.

Step 15 | Heat the top edge

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Employ a hair dryer, directing heat toward the iPhone's upper border, until the screen's temperature reaches a point just beyond comfortable touch.
  • Applying warmth to the iPhone's top edge with a hair dryer facilitates screen separation by raising its temperature to a level slightly uncomfortable to the hand.

Step 16 | Separate the top adhesive

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  • Utilize a specialized opening tool to disengage the adhesive securing the iPhone's upper right edge.
  • To prevent potential harm to the proximity and other sensors located at the top of the device, ensure the tool's insertion depth remains below 3 millimeters.
  • Maintain the opening tool's position within the top left corner of the iPhone's enclosure as you proceed with the repair process.

Step 17 | Heat the left edge

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To facilitate separation, apply warmth to the left side of the iPhone's display using a hair dryer, continuing until the surface reaches a temperature just beyond comfortable touch.

Step 18 | Separate the left adhesive

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  • To prevent harm to the two screen-to-phone cables, ensure your opening tool does not extend beyond a depth of 2 millimeters along the left side.Carefully maneuver your opening tool in a circular motion around the upper-left corner of the display.Employ your opening tool to move downward along the left edge, releasing the adhesive bond.
  • Should you encounter resistance while separating the adhesive, apply heat to the left edge to soften it.
  • The two cables linking the display to the device's mainboard are vulnerable to damage if the opening tool is inserted too far.
  • A rotational motion around the top-left corner facilitates the initial separation of the display from the device's frame.

Step 19 | Open the iPhone

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Orient the iPhone so that its right-hand side is visible to you.
Initiate the opening process by pivoting the display upwards from the right side, mimicking the action of opening a book's cover.
Refrain from completely detaching the display at this stage, because delicate ribbon cables remain connected to the logic board.
Secure the display in an upright position using a support to maintain access to the internal components.
When reassembling, position the display, ensure the top edge clips are properly aligned, and then gently apply pressure to the top edge before securing the remainder of the display; if resistance is encountered, inspect the display's perimeter clips for any deformation.

Step 20 | Unscrew the battery and display connector cover

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  • Detach the battery and display connector cover by unscrewing two Y000 screws, each measuring 1.1 mm in length.Carefully organize all screws during disassembly, ensuring each is reinstalled in its original location to prevent potential damage to the iPhone.Prior to permanently reattaching the display, it's advisable to verify proper functionality by briefly powering on the iPhone at this stage.
  • A complete power cycle of the iPhone is necessary before proceeding with the final assembly steps.
  • Confirm all features are operational after powering on, then completely shut down the device before securing the display.

Step 21 | Remove the battery and display connector cover

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Detach the protective housing.

Step 22 | Disconnect the battery

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  • Employing a spudger tool, or a similarly non-marring implement like a clean fingernail, carefully lift the battery connector's retaining clip from its corresponding receptacle on the main circuit board.Exercise caution to avoid compromising the integrity of the black silicone sealant that encases this connector and others; this sealant is crucial for safeguarding the device's internal components from water and particulate contamination.To preclude unintended power delivery to the device during the repair process, gently deflect the battery connector away from the logic board's surface.
  • This deliberate repositioning minimizes the risk of the connector inadvertently engaging the socket and initiating power flow.
  • The silicone seals offer an additional layer of defense against ingress of both water and dust, so preserving their condition is essential for maintaining device longevity.

Step 23 | Disconnect the display cable

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  • Employing a spudger or fingernail, carefully separate the display cable connector.For reattachment, align the connectors precisely and apply downward pressure sequentially to each side until a distinct click is heard, avoiding pressure on the central portion.Misalignment during reattachment can result in bent pins, leading to irreversible damage.
  • Proper connector alignment is crucial to prevent pin deformation and ensure the display cable functions correctly.

Step 24 | Disconnect the digitizer cable

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  • Employ a spudger tool, or a fingernail, to release the digitizer cable's connector.Should any portion of the display exhibit unresponsive touch behavior following the repair process, it is necessary to remove the battery and then reconnect the digitizer cable connector, ensuring a secure latching engagement and verifying the absence of contaminants within the socket.Properly securing the digitizer cable connector is crucial for restoring full functionality.
  • Dust or debris within the connector socket can impede proper contact and cause malfunctions; therefore, meticulous cleaning is recommended during reassembly.

Step 25 | Unscrew the front sensor connector cover

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  • Employ a Y000 driver to detach the four screws that hold the front sensor connector cover in place.The front sensor connector cover is fastened with four screws requiring a Y000 driver for removal.Specifically, three screws, each measuring 1.1 millimeters in length, are used to secure the cover.
  • One screw, differing in length at 1.4 millimeters, is also part of the securing mechanism.To access the front sensor connector, begin by loosening the four screws with a Y000 driver.
  • The front sensor connector cover is maintained by a combination of three screws, each 1.1 mm long, and a single 1.4 mm screw.A Y000 driver is essential for the disassembly process, as it is needed to remove the four screws holding the front sensor connector cover.

Step 26 | Remove the front sensor connector cover

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  • Move the cover upwards, originating from the left side, until the right-side clip disengages.
  • Detach the cover from the device.
  • When putting the device back together, initially position the right-side clip into its corresponding receptacle, subsequently pivoting the remainder of the cover to secure it.

Step 27 | Disconnect the front sensors

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Employing a spudger tool, or carefully using a fingernail, facilitates the separation of the front sensor assembly's cable connector.The connector securing the front sensor assembly cable should be released using a spudger or a fingernail.To detach the cable connector from the front sensor assembly, a spudger is recommended as an alternative to a fingernail.A spudger, or a fingernail, can be utilized to carefully disengage the connector of the front sensor assembly cable.Disconnecting the front sensor assembly cable connector is best achieved with a spudger, or cautiously with a fingernail.

Step 28 | Remove the display assembly

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  • Detach the display unit from the device.
  • If you intend to substitute the waterproof sealant bordering the display's perimeter during reassembly, halt the process at this juncture.

Step 29 | Unscrew the loudspeaker

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  • Employ a Phillips head screwdriver to detach the four fasteners.The screws, each measuring 1.6 millimeters in diameter, hold the loudspeaker in place.These fasteners must be removed to access the loudspeaker.A Phillips driver is the appropriate tool for this task.Carefully unscrew the four 1.6 mm screws to release the loudspeaker.

Step 30 | Remove the loudspeaker

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  • Detach the loudspeaker component.

Step 31 | Unscrew the SIM card reader connector cover

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  • Employ a Y000 driver for the task of detaching the SIM card reader connector cover.The screws, each measuring 1.4 millimeters in length, must be removed using the appropriate driver.Securely fasten the SIM card reader connector cover with these two screws.A Y000 driver is the necessary tool to loosen and extract the fasteners.To access the SIM card reader connector, the cover is held in place by two screws of 1.4 mm length, requiring a Y000 driver for removal.

Step 32 | Remove the SIM card reader cable connector cover

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  • To access the SIM card reader cable connector, detach the protective cover.

Step 33 | Disconnect the SIM card reader

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Employ the tip of a spudger to elevate the SIM card reader cable connector vertically from its connection on the logic board.Carefully apply upward force with a spudger to disengage the SIM card reader cable connector from its socket within the logic board assembly.To release the SIM card reader cable connector, utilize a spudger, applying pressure directly upwards to separate it from the logic board's socket.

Step 34 | Unscrew the SIM card reader

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  • Employ a Y000 driver to detach the SIM card reader, which is held in place by three screws.The SIM card reader is fastened with two screws, each measuring 1.4 millimeters in length.A single 1.1-millimeter screw is also utilized in the SIM card reader's retention.
  • Carefully unscrew the fasteners using the appropriate Y000 driver to avoid damage.
  • The three screws, consisting of two 1.4 mm and one 1.1 mm, secure the SIM card reader assembly.

Step 35 | Remove the Taptic Engine cable connector bracket

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Detach the securing bracket that holds the Taptic Engine cable connector in place.

Step 36 | Unscrew the SIM card reader

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  1. Employ a standoff screwdriver or a diminutive flathead driver to detach the SIM card reader's securing hardware.The standoff screw, measuring 2.82 mm in length, requires removal to access the SIM card reader.Optimal removal of standoff screws is achieved with a dedicated standoff screwdriver or compatible bit.
  2. Should a standoff screwdriver be unavailable, a small flathead screwdriver can be utilized, but with heightened care to prevent slippage and potential component damage.
    Exercise extreme caution when using a flathead screwdriver as a substitute, as slippage could result in harm to nearby parts.

Step 37 | Remove the SIM card reader

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  • Detach the SIM card reader assembly.
    Prior to reassembly, verify the SIM eject plunger is fully depressed against the device's side.The SIM eject plunger is a small component used to release the SIM tray.Ensure the SIM eject plunger is positioned flush with the phone's casing to facilitate proper functionality.

Step 38 | Disconnect the Taptic Engine

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  • Employing the tip of a spudger, lift the Taptic Engine cable connector vertically from its receptacle on the logic board.

Step 39 | Unscrew the Taptic Engine

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  • To detach the Taptic Engine, the fastening of which is achieved through screws, those screws must be removed.
    The Taptic Engine is secured with two standoff screws, each measuring 2.8 millimeters in length.
    A single Phillips screw, with a length of 1.8 millimeters, is also utilized in the Taptic Engine's attachment.

Step 40 | Remove the Taptic Engine

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  • Carefully detach the Taptic Engine component.The Taptic Engine must be disconnected for further repair procedures.Complete removal of the Taptic Engine is the next step.

Step 41 | Locate the adhesive pull-tabs

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  • Four stretch-release adhesive elements fasten the battery to the rear case, with two positioned along the battery's lower edge and the remaining two along the upper edge.
  • A small, black pull-tab is attached to the end of each adhesive element, held in place by a minimal bond to the battery's perimeter.
  • The subsequent instructions detail the process of gently extracting each pull-tab, which will extend the adhesive layer beneath the battery.
  • Should any of these 'command-strip' style adhesives tear during removal, continued adherence to the following instructions will provide guidance for addressing the situation.

Step 42 | Remove the stretch-release adhesive

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  • To release the battery from its base, carefully lift the initial adhesive pull-tab, separating the adhesive layer from the battery's lower border.
  • Important safety note:Avoid using pointed implements to interact with the battery; penetration could result in the release of hazardous substances or ignition.

Step 43

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  • To release the battery from its securing adhesive, draw the second pull-tab downwards, separating it from the battery's lower perimeter.

Step 44

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  • Securely grasp the initial pull-tab using your fingertips and gradually draw it away from the battery's surface, directing it towards the iPhone's lower edge.
  • Maintain consistent tension on the adhesive strip through pulling, allowing ample time for it to extend and detach from beneath the battery's surface, avoiding excessive force.
  • Refrain from applying pressure to the battery itself; instead, ensure a secure grip on the iPhone's lateral edges.
  • Maintain the strip's flatness, preventing any wrinkles, and strive for uniform pulling across its entire length, rather than concentrating force in a central area or on a single side.
  • Position your pulling angle at a shallow inclination to minimize the likelihood of the strip catching on the battery's perimeter.
  • Should the adhesive strip fragment during removal, attempt to recover the detached pieces with your fingers or blunt tweezers, and then resume pulling, avoiding any prying action beneath the battery.
  • In the event that any adhesive strip fragments become lodged beneath the battery and are inaccessible, proceed with removing the remaining strips and follow the subsequent instructions.

Step 45

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  • Securely grasp the second adhesive pull-tab using your fingertips, then draw it away from the battery's surface, directing it downwards towards the iPhone's base.
  • Replicate the technique employed for the prior adhesive strip, maintaining consistent pressure to avoid compressing the battery, ensuring the strip remains smooth and free of creases, and applying force at a shallow inclination.
  • Should the adhesive strip fracture during removal, attempt to recover any detached fragments with your fingers or blunt-tipped tweezers, and proceed with pulling; however, refrain from inserting tools beneath the battery.
  • Proceed to the subsequent repair stage if the adhesive residue detaches from beneath the battery and proves irretrievable.

Step 46

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To release the battery from its securing adhesive, detach the two leftover pull-tabs from the upper edge.

Step 47

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  • Employing the previously utilized method, detach the two remaining retaining tabs sequentially to extend and extract the adhesive securing the battery.
  • Exercise caution to prevent the battery from being ejected forcefully from the iPhone during the final adhesive removal.
  • Should complete adhesive strip removal have been achieved, proceed past the subsequent instruction.
  • Conversely, if adhesive remnants persist, advance to the following step for remediation.

Step 48 | How to remove a stuck battery

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  • Persistent difficulty in battery removal can be addressed by carefully introducing a small quantity of isopropyl alcohol, possessing a concentration exceeding 90%, beneath the battery's edge, specifically targeting the damaged adhesive area.
  • Allow approximately sixty seconds for the alcohol to diminish the adhesive bond's strength.
  • Employing a specialized opening tool or the planar surface of a spudger, delicately elevate the battery from its position.Strictly avoid any deformation or perforation of the battery's structure during the separation process using the prying instrument.This concludes the outlined procedure.

Step 49 | Remove the battery

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  • Disconnect the power source by removing the battery.
  • Ensure complete evaporation of any residual alcohol from the device's interior, either through careful wiping or allowing it to dry naturally, prior to battery installation.
  • Should your replacement battery lack pre-applied adhesive backing, consult this instructional guide for procedures on applying fresh adhesive strips.
  • Following reassembly, execute a forced system restart to proactively mitigate potential problems and streamline any subsequent diagnostic efforts.
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