iPhone Battery Replacement

iPod 4th Gen/Photo - Technical Whitepaper
Description:  The iPod 4th Gen came in a few types of models.  One had a black and white screen and the other contained a color screen.  The color screen model is referred to as 4th Gen Photo.  Both used click wheel design for menu navigation.  These models are recognized as Apple's transition point to color screens and the advent of video on subsequent designs from Apple. 

Battery Installation Difficulty
We would rate this installation 3 out of 5 screw drivers (Moderate) in terms of difficulty. 


Physical Attributes

Device Information

        Manufacture:  Apple™
        Operating System:  Proprietary

        Capacity Options:  20GB, 30GB, 40GB, & 60GB

        Year Introduced: 2005


iPod 4th Gen/Photo Disassembly Procedure  

Disclaimer: Opening the case will void the manufacture warranty.  TopTechies is not responsible for damage or problems that may result from following the disassembly and replacement procedures.  Please observe all static safe precautions while working inside your iPod.  These instructions require a moderate level of technical ability and proficiency in the use of hand tools as well as a general understanding of electronic components.  Buyer assumes full responsibility for the installation of this replacement battery.

Preperation: Start with a clean, open table that has good light.  Take the two opening tools out of the battery blister package and set them aside. 

Required Tools: Phillips screw driver & case opening tools

Step #1 - Open the Case
Insert the large opening tool into the side of the iPod's back shell as shown.  The first thing you have to do is open a gap between the front face and the back shell.  The easiest way to do this is to squeeze the iPod a bit, while pressing towards the side of the iPod you are trying to insert the tool into.  It will take a few tries, don't get discouraged.  You may find you have to hold the iPod in your hand to get enough force to insert the tool - if you do so, please be very careful, don't slip and cut your hand with the tool, or drop your iPod.

Once the tool is inserted, gently work it from the top edge to the bottom edge, releaseing all of the clips on the left side.  You may have to move the tool up and around the top edge to get that clip to release.

Work the tool around the bottom edge, and across the dock connector to the right side.  Use extreme caution while sliding the tool across the dock connector, you can easily bend the metal around the dock connector as it is much thinner than the rest of the back shell.  There are 2 clips, one on each side of the dock connector to release.

Finish releasing the back shell in the same manner as the left side, working the tool back and fourth until the clip releases.  You once again may have to move the tool up and around the top to get the shell of come off completely.

Once the back shell is released, place the iPod on it's face and GENTLY lift the back shell off, lifting up and away from the dock connector.  Do NOT place too much pressure on the cable taht connects the back of the iPod to the front of the unit. 

Step #2 - Remove Hard Drive
Lift up on the hard drive from the dock connector side about 1".  On the opposite side, gently remove the connecting cable from the hard drive by pulling straight on the connector using the black portion of the ribbon cable, it's raised up above the drive a bit.  Do not bend any pins on the hard drive while removing, use extreme caution.  Once removed, place the hard drive aside.

Step #3 - Prepare Battery
Once the hard drive is removed, you can now see the battery that needs to be removed.  This is probably the most difficult portion of the battery replacement.  The iPod battery is glued into the housing of the iPod.  As you can see the glue is all around the battery.  Please the thin tool taht came with the battery in between the groove shown, and gently, but firmly, pry upward on the battery.  If your're lucky, the battery will come loose with a "snap".  If the battery will not release you have need to use a hair dryer to heat the battery and loosen the glue.  Good Luck!

Step #4 - Lift Logic Board
Once the battery is loose, you need to remove the 2 T-6 screws to lift the logic board up enough to remove the battery wire and connector.  Remove both screws now and set them aside.

Step #5 - Remove the Battery
Once the logic board screws are removed, gently lift up on the edge of the logic board and remove the wire from underneath.  Unplug the battery from the connector, supporting the logic board while doing so, it is fragile -  so be careful.  The battery should now be removed.

Battery Installation Procedure  

Step #1 - Insert Battery
Take the replacement 4G/Photo High Capacity battery and firmly press into the opening.  Try and minimize stress that may be put on the logic board while positioning battery.  Insert the plug and route the wires over the top of the circuit board.

Step #2 - Install Hard Drive
Place the hard drive back on the iPod and line the connectors up.  There is a plastic guide pin that will make sure you get the drive installed properly.  Fully seat the cable into the hard drive and then place it back on top of the iPod.

Step #3 - Reassemble Case
Place the back of the iPod back onto the front.  Work from one side to the other, pressing the face onto the back.  Use equal pressure around the perimiter of the iPod until the case fully closes.  Look at the dock connector when done and make sure the static shield is fully tucked in.  You don't want the dock connector to be blocked.

Congratulations!  You've completed the battery installation procedure for the iPod 4th Generation/Photo.