iPhone Battery Replacement

iPhone Original (2G) - Battery Replacement
Description:  The iPhone 2G was revolutionary leap in the smart phone category.  It was the first smart phone to take advantage of a touch screen for all it's functions.  The phone was powerful, although simple for users.  By combining the iPod, phone, email, and Internet browser in a single compact device Apple quickly became a recognized leader in the industry.  1 1/2 years later, competitors are still trying to match the features and functions of this device.  The next generation iPhone Apple released is called iPhone 3G.

iPhone Battery Replacement - Media Options
        Printer Friendly Instructions
        iPhone Battery Replacement Video

iPhone Battery Replacement Difficulty
We would rate this battery replacement 5 out of 5 screw drivers (Hardest) in terms of difficulty.  There are many components and connectors removed in the process.  Soldering skills are required to replace the battery.  The 3 battery terminal connections on the system board are delicate and are known to detach.  If this occurs you will require a new system board.  Do not pull on any of the battery wires!  If you're not technical avoid performing this battery replacement by yourself.


Physical Attributes

        Dimensions: 115 x 61 x 11.6 mm
        Weight: 4.8 oz

        Original Battery Size: 1400 mAh
        Battery Connector: Soldered Direct Wiring

        Battery Type: Li-Polymer
        Battery Voltage: 3.7v

        Casing Type: Brushed Aluminum
        Screen Size: Color LCD - 480x320pxi - 3.5 Inches
        Scrolling Type:  Multi Touch Display  
        Camera: 2.0 Megapixel    

Device Information

        Manufacture:  Apple™
        Operating System: OS X - Cocoa 2.2

        Capacity Options:  4GB & 8GB

        Year Introduced: 2007

iPhone 2G Disassembly Procedure  

Tool Reality Check:  You will need additional tools to open the case.  iPhone case tolerances are extremely tight making the case removal difficult.  The plastic opening tool is mainly used to release connectors and leverage the battery from the case.  You will need a small flat head screw driver to leverage the iPhone case open.  We'll show you a few case opening techniques in these instructions. 

Required Tools:Soldering iron, flat head screw driver, case opening tool, & small paper clip

Step #1 - Power Off iPhone & Remove SIM Card
Hold down the power button for 5 seconds and shut down.  Remove the SIM card and holder using a small paper clip or pin.  If the SIM card holder is not removed you will damage the iPhone upon case removal.


Step #2 - Remove Back Plastic Panel
Using the case opening tool or small flat head screw driver leverage it into the edge where the plastic meet's the aluminum backing.  It's usually best to start near the side or edge of the iPhone.  The black plastic piece should pop-off after enough pressure is applied.  Set this piece aside in a safe area.


Step #3 - Remove Case Screws
After the plastic back piece is removed it will reveal 3 small screws that holds down the aluminum casing.  Remove these screws and set them aside in a safe area.


Step #4 - Remove Aluminum Case
This is one of the most difficult steps of the iPhone battery replacement process.  Take your time and use a combination of the methods listed below.  Keep working it until the case pop's open.
 
    a.  There are 2 different techniques for removing the aluminum back cover.  The power thumb technique involves an upward motion of a small screwdriver as you press down with your thumb.  Start on the right hand side away from the antenna wire and apply pressure using your pointing finger as a fulcrum.  After enough pressure is applied on right side and it's worked long enough the case should pop open. 


The 2nd technique involves using the flat head screw driver and leveraging it between the back case and the front bezel.  This technique has a tendency to leave marks on the aluminum surfaces so should be used with caution.  In some instances, you may need to employ a combination of techniques to crack the case open. 


    b.  Once it's loose, carefully lift the aluminum backing off the iPhone and pay attention to the ribbon cable that is still connected to the aluminum case.  Set the two halves side by side and you should have a clear view of the battery at this point.


Step #5 - Unsolder Battery
    a.  Make note of the order of the colored battery wires and where they plug into the system board.  This is also documented in the battery installation step below.


    b.  Carefully remove the clear rubber glue covering the battery connections on the system board.  You can use the small screw driver to break it up or a finger nail clipper to help remove it.  Tweezers or needle nose tool could also help in the process.  You don't need to remove all of it but just enough to unsolder the connections.  Important:  These soldered connections are very delicate and that why there's glue holding them down.  If the actual connector completely lifts up you'll need a new system board.  Do not pull up on the wires!

    c.  Plug in your soldering iron and let it come up to temperature which takes roughly 10 minutes.  Touch the iron to each area where the battery wires connect to the system board.  Make sure you touch the iron on the solder joint where the wire connects to the board.  The battery wires should release after a short period of time.  The battery should now be disconnected from the main system board and ready for the replacement battery.  

Battery Replacement Procedure  

Battery Replacement Precaution:  The new battery has the red (+) live wire covered with heat shrink wrap.  Do not remove this heat shrink wrap until the white and black wires are already soldered into place.  If this red wire accidentally touches the other wires or the iPhone ground (any metal) you'll short out the replacement battery.   
 
Step #1 - Tin the Battery Wires
The "tinning" process involves putting a thin layer of solder on the ends of the new replacement battery wires.  This is done by placing the hot iron on the end of the wire and putting on a thin layer of solder.  The solder layer should be so thin that it's not noticeable. Don't tin the last red wire until the other 2 wires are already soldered into place.  This is to prevent the replacement battery from shorting out by accident.

Step #2 - Solder in the New Replacement Battery
Verify the wire order to ensure the wires go into the correct connections.  Start with a single wire and place it while heating the solder joint.  Try and heat the wire along with the solder joint at the same time.  If necessary, add additional solder but don't use too much as it should only be a small bead on the system board.  Repeate the process for each wire.  Important: The iPhone may or may not power on once the red wire is connected.  In some cases you may need connect the back cover interface connector then hold down the "Home" and "Power" buttons simultaneously for 8 seconds to reboot the iPhone.


Step #3 - Reassemble and Test
Reassemble and install the system board and battery back into place.  Reassemble all parts and connections working backwards from the disassembly process.  Test the iPhone functionality prior to installing the final covers.  Remember to charge the battery a minimum or 3 hours for the first change.  If possible, charge the battery up overnight to ensure you battery is off to a great capacity start.

Congratulations!  You've completed the iPhone 2G battery replacement procedure 

Optional - iPhone 2G System Board Disassembly 

Release the ribbon cable going from the back case to the main system board.  This is done by leveraging the connector with the case opening tool or you fingernail.  It should just popup and release as pressure is applied.  The back side aluminum casing should now be completely removed.

There are 3 connection points for the antenna.  These need to be popped up prior to removing the system board.  Use the case opening tool or a small flat head screwdriver to disconnect the antenna connections.  Note: There is a little bit of glue holding these down so additonal pressure could be required.


  

Step #3 - Remove the System Board & Battery
    a. Remove the 3 phillips screws holding down the system board.  Note: The screw sizes are different so keep track of where each screw goes.  If necessary, write down the location of each for installation reference. 
     

    b.  Slowly lift the system board up starting with the SIM card opening side.  You'll notice there are still 4 ribbon cables still connected (Ref #1).  Disconnect 3 of them with a small flat head screwdriver as you lift up on the system board.  The final connector is wide and on the bottom.  There is a folding pivot lock that keeps this connector in place (Ref #2).  Fold the arm up to unlock the ribbon cable.  After all the ribbon cables are disconnected, the system board and battery should lift up together. Leverage the battery at the corners as you lift.  The system board and battery should now be removed.
                    
                     (Ref #1)
     

                      (Ref #2)