When your once mighty iPhone 13 starts to lose its stamina and the battery doesn’t quite last as long as it used to – it might be time for a replacement. If your iPhone 13 is facing such issues this guide will walk you through the process. However, it’s important to note that replacing the battery yourself can void any warranties and may risk damaging your device if not done correctly. Always consider professional services if unsure.
You can compare the front & backs of the iPhone 13 (vertical rectangle shape) vs. the iPhone 13 Pro Max battery (L-Shape)
Signs Your iPhone 13 Battery Needs Replacement
- Battery Health Check: Before diving into the replacement process, it’s essential to determine if your battery truly needs a change. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging to check your battery’s current maximum capacity. If your iPhone’s battery health is below 80%, it might be time for a replacement.
- Unexpected Shutdowns: If your iPhone unexpectedly restarts and displays a message about the battery being unable to deliver peak power, it’s a clear sign of battery degradation.
Preparation Before Starting
- Gather Necessary Tools To begin, you’ll need the following tools:
- Pentalobe screwdriver
- Tri-point screwdriver
- Plastic spudger
- Tweezers
- Suction handle
- New iPhone 13 battery
- Adhesive strips
- Battery Life Expectancy: iPhone batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of their capacity for around 500 charge cycles, which typically lasts between 18-24 months for the average user.
- Safety First: If your battery is swollen, it’s crucial to handle it with care. The best course of action would be to send it to a professional repair team. Swollen batteries can be hazardous.
- Discharge the Battery: Before you begin the repair, ensure your iPhone battery is discharged below 25%. Puncturing a charged lithium-ion battery can be dangerous.
- Switch Off Your iPhone: Always turn off your device before starting any repair. Before you start, make sure your iPhone is completely turned off to prevent any electrical mishaps.
Getting Started
- Removing the Pentalobe Screws: At the bottom of the iPhone, you’ll find two pentalobe screws. Unscrew and set them aside.
- Heating the iPhone: Using a heater, like the Forward FW-360, heat the iPhone to about 100 degrees celsius for 2-3 minutes. This process softens the adhesive holding the LCD screen, making it easier to open.
- Opening the iPhone: Attach a suction cup to the bottom edge of the phone. If your screen is cracked, cover it with tape and then attach the suction cup. Gently pull to create a gap between the front panel and rear case. Use a pry tool or plastic card to further open the phone. Remember to be gentle and patient.
Make sure you attach the suction handle to the lower half of the iPhone’s front screen. While pulling up on the handle, use a plastic spudger to gently pry the screen away. The iPhone 13 opens from the right side, like a book. - Note: The adhesive seal makes this step challenging. It’s crucial to be patient and gentle to avoid breaking the screen.
Disconnecting the Display
- Removing the Connector Cover: There are three screws holding the battery and display connector cover. Remove these screws and the cover.
- Disconnecting the Battery: Use a spudger to pry the battery connector from its socket. Ensure the spudger is clean. Bend the connector away to disconnect it fully. This is easiest if you open the phone to about a 90-degree angle. Use the tri-point screwdriver to remove the screws securing the battery connector. With the plastic spudger, gently disconnect the battery connector.
- Disconnecting the Display Cable: Similarly, disconnect the display cable using a spudger or fingernail.
Battery Removal
This can be a bit tricky, as the battery is glued down. Start by carefully peeling away any adhesive strips from the bottom of the battery. Slowly and gently pry the battery up and out using the plastic spudger.
- Stretch-release-adhesives: The battery is held in place with four of these adhesives. Each adhesive has a black pull tab. When stretched, they lose their stickiness.
- Removing the Adhesives: Using tweezers, pull down the adhesive pull tabs. Apply consistent tension to ensure they don’t rip. If any adhesive breaks, you can use some IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) to weaken the remaining adhesive.
- Lifting the Battery: Once all adhesives are removed, gently lift the battery using a spudger or your fingers.
Installing the New Battery
With the old battery out, position the new battery in the phone. Make sure it fits snugly and sits flat.
- Prepping the Phone: Clean the inside of the phone with IPA and a clean cloth.
- Attaching Adhesives to the New Battery: Peel the protective liners off the adhesives and stick them to the battery. Ensure they are centered and press them firmly in place.
- Positioning the Battery: Carefully position the battery in the phone and press it into place.
Reassembling the iPhone
Reconnect the battery connector and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Before sealing, ensure everything is connected and properly aligned. Carefully close the iPhone, pressing the screen back into place from top to bottom. Re-insert the Pentalobe screws next to the charging port.
- Reconnecting the Display and Battery: Follow the earlier steps in reverse to reconnect the display and battery.
- Waterproof Adhesive: If you want to maintain your iPhone’s water resistance, replace the waterproof adhesive. If not, continue re-fitting your screen.
- Testing: Before sealing everything up, power on your iPhone to ensure everything works correctly. Then, power it down again.
- Sealing the iPhone: Align the display with the phone’s body and gently press it into place. Finally, re-fit the pentalobe screws.
Power On and Test
Turn on your iPhone 13 and ensure everything works correctly, especially focusing on battery performance.
DIY Replacement vs. Professional Service
- DIY Approach: With the right tools and a bit of patience, you can replace your iPhone’s battery yourself. Websites like iFixit offer detailed guides and kits to assist you. However, be aware that opening up your iPhone can void its warranty. Additionally, if you have a water-resistant iPhone model, it may lose this feature after you’ve opened it. A DIY replacement battery can be purchased around $30-$60 depending on where you buy it. While this might save you some money compared to a professional replacement, consider the risks involved
- Apple Certified Service: If you’re not comfortable with the DIY approach or want to ensure your iPhone remains under warranty, consider using Apple’s official replacement service. Apple offers various options, including shipping your phone for repairs, visiting an Apple Store, or even having a provider come to your location. If your iPhone is still under warranty or you have AppleCare Plus+, and the battery is deemed defective, the replacement might be free. If you’re out of warranty, though, you could be looking at a price of about $89.
- 3rd Party Repair: If you’re out of warranty or don’t care to continue warranty coverage any longer, a 3rd party repair shop should save you quite a bit of money on an iPhone 13 battery repair. iPhone repair shops like GadgetMates specialize in iPhone battery swaps so they can have you in and out usually in an hour or two.
Safety Considerations
- Heating the iPhone: Some DIY guides might instruct you to heat the back of the iPhone to loosen the glue holding the battery. Be cautious, as overheating can ignite the battery. Always follow safety guidelines and ensure you have a clear understanding of the process.
- Potential Risks: Replacing the battery yourself comes with risks, such as damaging internal components or even the battery itself. Always work in a well-lit area and take your time to understand each step.
Conclusion
Replacing the iPhone 13 battery can breathe new life into an aging device, but it’s not a task for the faint-hearted. Always work slowly and carefully. If in doubt, seeking professional assistance is a wise choice to avoid potential damage or hazards.
Replacing your iPhone 13 battery can give your device a fresh lease of life, but it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. Whether you choose the DIY route or opt for professional service, always prioritize safety and ensure you’re using quality replacement parts. Remember to work slowly and carefully, ensuring you follow each step meticulously. With your new battery installed, your iPhone 13 should be back to its peak performance.
FAQs
- Is it safe to replace my iPhone 13 battery at home?
- While many individuals successfully replace their batteries, there’s always a risk. If not done correctly, you might damage the phone or harm yourself. Ensure you’re confident in your abilities and always prioritize safety.
- Will replacing the battery void my warranty?
- If you’re opening the iPhone yourself, it’s likely to void any Apple warranty. Always check your warranty status and terms before proceeding.
- Where can I buy a genuine iPhone 13 battery?
- You can purchase one from Apple directly or from reputable third-party vendors. Ensure you’re buying a genuine and high-quality battery.
- How long does an iPhone 13 battery last before needing replacement?
- With typical usage, an iPhone battery should last about 2-3 years before seeing significant degradation.
- Can I dispose of my old iPhone battery in regular trash?
- No, iPhone batteries are lithium-ion and should be recycled properly. Check local regulations or visit a nearby electronics recycling center.
- How long does an iPhone battery typically last?
- iPhone batteries are designed to last for about 500 charge cycles, retaining up to 80% of their capacity. This usually translates to 18-24 months for most users.
- What should I do if my battery is swollen?
- Swollen batteries can be dangerous. It’s recommended to send it to a professional repair team for safe handling and replacement.
- Do I need to replace the waterproof adhesive after replacing the battery?
- If you want to maintain your iPhone’s water resistance, it’s advisable to replace the waterproof adhesive. Otherwise, you can skip this step, but be cautious about exposing your phone to liquids.
- How do I check my iPhone’s battery health?
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- How long does it take for an Apple Store to replace my iPhone battery?
- Typically, it can take anywhere from an hour to a day, depending on the store’s workload.
- Is it safe to replace my iPhone battery myself?
- While many have successfully done so, it comes with risks. If you’re not confident in your technical skills, it’s best to seek professional help.
- Will my iPhone remain water-resistant after a DIY battery replacement?
- If you open up a water-resistant iPhone model, it may lose its water-resistant feature.
- How much does a DIY iPhone battery replacement kit cost?
- Kits can range from $30-$60 depending on your location.
Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com. You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.
When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.
Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.
