iPhone 1st Generation Battery Replacement - iPhone (1st Generation)

Step 1 | SIM Card

Using a SIM card eject tool or a straightened paper clip, gently push into the aperture located adjacent to the headphone jack.
Using gentle, consistent pressure, depress the paper clip to release the SIM card tray and cause it to eject.

Step 2

Using your fingers, carefully eject the SIM card tray from the iPhone by sliding it outward.

Step 3 | Antenna Cover

To detach the antenna cover, depress both top tabs inward, toward the black cover, as indicated in the image; this will disengage the two catches situated on the underside.

Step 4

Carefully insert the metal spudger in the space separating the antenna cover from the dock connector, avoiding the connector's internal components.
Using a metal spudger, carefully separate the antenna cover from the silver front bezel by inserting the spudger into the space between the dock connector and the cover, and gently lifting upward close to the two tabs to establish a slight separation.

Step 5

Using an iPod opening tool, gently separate the antenna cover from the front bezel, ensuring the tool's wedge faces the antenna cover.
Using the tool, maneuver it along the corner and advance it upwards, stopping when the metal backing is contacted.
Perform the identical steps again for the remaining connector side.

Step 6

Apply firm, even pressure while sliding the antenna cover upwards, disengaging it from the iPhone's retaining clips. Should resistance be encountered, confirm the cover is fully raised to release the catches.

Step 7 | Case

Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, detach the rear panel by unscrewing the three screws that hold it in place.

Step 8

Opening the iPhone requires patience and care; allocate sufficient time for the process and remain composed, as it can be difficult.
Using a dental pick, proceed to the subsequent step by inserting it into the designated small, square aperture.

Step 9

Carefully detach the rear panel, beginning on the side containing the control buttons.
Insert the dental pick fully into the square-shaped opening; firm pressure and slight manipulation may be necessary to achieve complete insertion.

Step 10

To release the rear panel, use a dental pick and apply a swift, counterclockwise force directly outward, perpendicular to the display assembly’s surface; rapid movement is preferable to avoid bending the case.

Step 11

Carefully disengage the rear panel from the iPhone's chassis by gently sliding a spudger between the panel and the device's frame, focusing on the corner and top edges.

Step 12

Using the same steps, proceed with the repair on the opposite side of the iPhone; insert the dental pick fully into the rectangular opening, and be prepared to gently maneuver the tool and exert considerable pressure to ensure complete insertion.

Step 13

To release the rear panel, use a dental pick and apply a swift, rotational force—turning it clockwise—while pressing directly outward against the display assembly; rapid movement is preferable to avoid deforming the case.
Because the headphone jack cable secures the rear panel to the iPhone, avoid completely detaching it at this stage.

Step 14

Prior to detaching the headphone jack cable, ensure the device is powered down.
Carefully detach the headphone jack cable connector from the logic board using a spudger.

Step 15 | Battery

Carefully employ the pointed end of a spudger to detach the opaque white adhesive securing the battery terminals.
Before disconnecting the red battery lead and potentially causing a short circuit against the metal shield, clear any adhesive from the black and white leads. Following that, desolder the black and white leads, then remove any remaining adhesive and desolder the red lead.

Step 16

Starting at the casing's edge furthest from the battery connectors, use a spudger to gently separate the battery from the plastic frame, applying upward pressure. The battery is secured by adhesive, so a gradual release is expected.

To release a stuck battery, carefully introduce a small amount of isopropyl alcohol with a concentration exceeding 90% beneath its perimeter.
Allow approximately sixty seconds for the isopropyl alcohol to reduce the bond strength of the adhesive.

Carefully disengage the battery by applying slight upward pressure with the spudger’s flat edge.Avoid using excessive force when removing the battery.To loosen the adhesive further, carefully add additional alcohol droplets as necessary.
Avoid using the pry tool to create holes or bends in the battery.

Any residual alcohol solution within the device should be thoroughly removed with a clean cloth or permitted to evaporate completely before proceeding.

Step 17

Familiarize yourself with soldering techniques using our dedicated tutorial, as prior experience is recommended for successful completion of this step.

To proceed with soldering, gather a soldering iron, solder, and desoldering wick; these components are typically available at electronics retailers like Radio Shack.

To remove oxidation and residue, apply a small quantity of solder to the soldering iron tip, then carefully wipe the tip across a moistened sponge.

Step 18

Position the desoldering wick directly over the solder ball.
Position the soldering iron's tip directly onto the desoldering wick, ensuring it covers the solder ball.
Maintain contact with the soldering iron to ensure the solder flows completely into the wick.

Perform the identical steps for the other two connectors.

Carefully extract the battery from the iPhone, ensuring all traces of solder are cleared from the connection points before detaching the wires from the circuit board; these wires should separate easily, exhibiting minimal resistance.

Step 19

To remove any residue from the board's visible areas, gently wipe with a soft cloth or sponge lightly dampened with a small quantity of rubbing alcohol.
Using the soldering iron, apply its tip to both the metal connector on the board and the solder wire simultaneously, allowing the heat to melt the solder and create a small joint directly on the connector.

After a brief melting of the solder on the circuit board, remove the solder itself before withdrawing the soldering iron.

Step 20

A properly formed solder joint exhibits a smooth, rounded shape resembling a miniature dome or hemisphere; if the joint appears flattened or uneven, apply the soldering iron tip to the solder to remelt it, then remove the iron.
If the connection proves unreliable, apply a slightly increased amount of solder.

Step 21

Connect the red wire initially, then the white wire, concluding with the black wire.
Securely position the new battery's wire so it makes contact with the freshly applied solder bead.
Apply the soldering iron's tip to the solder bead, maintaining contact until the solder flows completely.
Position the wire lead so it's centered within the solder bead, then detach the soldering iron.
Repeat the connection process for the remaining two, ensuring that the solder joints do not bridge between connectors.