How to Replace iPhone Battery Yourself – Step-by-Step Guide With Tools List

Replacing an iPhone battery yourself is a practical way to extend the life of your device, avoid high official repair costs, and maintain control over parts and data. While Apple offers battery service, pricing starts at 65 GBP for older models and 99 GBP for newer ones — and independent repair shops often charge 45–75 GBP. A DIY replacement can cost as little as 15–30 GBP for a quality third-party battery and basic tools.

However, this is not a simple plug-and-play task. iPhones use strong adhesive, delicate connectors, and proprietary screws. One misstep can damage the display, logic board, or battery itself — posing safety risks.

This guide walks you through the full process for iPhone models with removable batteries (iPhone 6 through iPhone 13; note: iPhone 14 and later use more complex battery isolation systems and are not recommended for first-time DIYers). We focus on the widely used iPhone 11 as a representative example — the steps apply similarly to iPhone XR, XS, 12, and 13, with minor variations.

Before You Begin: Is DIY Right for You?

Ask yourself honestly: – Do you have a steady hand and patience for 60–90 minutes of careful work

– Are you comfortable using small tools and following technical steps in order
– Do you accept that if something goes wrong, Apple will no longer service your device
– Is this your primary phone, or do you have a backup during the repair

If two or more answers are “no”, consider a professional repair. For many users, the time, risk, and potential hidden costs outweigh the savings.

Tools You Will Need:

Do not attempt this with household tools like butter knives, screwdrivers from old electronics kits, or pliers. Using improper tools increases the chance of damaging your iPhone irreparably.

Here is the essential toolkit (prices based on UK suppliers, 2025):

1. P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver (0.8 mm) – for the two bottom screws on the back
   Cost: 3–6 GBP
2. Y000 Tri-Point Screwdriver – used on some battery connector brackets (iPhone 7 and later)
   Cost: 3–5 GBP
3. Phillips Screwdriver – for internal screws
   Cost: included in most kits
4. Plastic Opening Picks (at least 3–4) – for prying without scratching
   Cost: 2–4 GBP for a pack
5. Suction Handle or Suction Cup – to lift the display safely
   Cost: 3–6 GBP
6. Spudger or Plastic Pry Tool – for disconnecting connectors
   Cost: included in kits
7. iOpener or Hair Dryer – to soften adhesive (iOpener recommended for even heat)
   iOpener cost: 10–15 GBP | Hair dryer: already owned
8. Tweezers (anti-static, fine tip) – for handling small screws and connectors
   Cost: 4–7 GBP
9. Magnetic Project Mat – to keep screws organized by step
   Cost: 8–12 GBP (highly recommended)

Optional but helpful:

– Headband magnifier or task lamp with daylight bulb
– Small container for adhesive removal (isopropyl alcohol 90 percent or higher)
– Battery adhesive removal strips (pre-cut, included with some battery kits)

Total tool investment: Approximately 35–55 GBP if buying a complete repair kit (e.g. iFixit, TechRestore UK, or Amazon UK “iPhone repair kit”). Reusable for future repairs.

Battery Selection: What to Buy

Avoid the cheapest batteries on eBay or Amazon. Poor-quality cells can swell, drain quickly, or lack proper voltage regulation — risking logic board damage.

Look for batteries that include: – CE and RoHS certification

– Smart battery management (communicates charge level accurately)
– Pre-installed adhesive strips (simplifies reassembly)
– At least 12-month warranty

Recommended UK suppliers (as of 2025):

– TechRestore UK (tested, high cycle life)
– iFixit (original equipment-level, ships from EU)
– MobileSentrix (for trade users, but sells to public)

Average price: 18–28 GBP for iPhone 11/XR/XS battery with adhesive and tools.

Estimated Total Cost Breakdown

– Quality battery: 22 GBP
– Reusable tool kit (one-time): 45 GBP
– Total first repair: 67 GBP
– Subsequent repairs: 22 GBP (tools already owned)

Compare to Apple: 65–99 GBP
Compare to local shop: 45–75 GBP

Savings become real after the second repair — or if you fix devices for friends/family.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide (iPhone 11)

Note: Power off your iPhone completely before starting. Do not skip this.

Step 1: Remove the Bottom Screws

Locate the two small Pentalobe screws flanking the Lightning port. Use the P2 Pentalobe driver. Turn counter-clockwise until fully loose — do not force. Place screws on your magnetic mat, labeled “Bottom”.

Step 2: Apply Heat to the Display Edges

Use an iOpener heated in the microwave for 30 seconds (or a hair dryer on medium heat for 90 seconds). Apply to the bottom edge of the screen for 2 minutes. This softens the adhesive securing the display.

Do not overheat — the display and battery are sensitive to high temperatures. Keep the heat moving; never hold a hair dryer in one spot for more than 10 seconds.

Step 3: Lift the Display

Attach the suction cup near the bottom edge, just above the home button area (even though iPhone 11 has no physical button, the logic is the same). Pull up gently to create a small gap.

Insert a plastic opening pick into the gap. Slide it carefully along the right edge, then top, then left — do not insert more than 3 mm to avoid damaging the display cables underneath.

Only open the display about 1–2 inches (30–45 degrees) — like opening a book. Do not lay it flat. The display is still connected by delicate ribbon cables.

Step 4: Remove the Display Bracket Screws

With the display propped open, locate the metal bracket covering the display connectors (top-right of the logic board). It is held by three Phillips screws:

– Two 1.3 mm screws
– One 2.8 mm screw

Use the Phillips driver. Place each screw on the mat in order. Lift the bracket off and set aside.

Step 5: Disconnect the Display

Using the spudger or plastic pry tool, gently lift the connectors in this order:

1. Display (largest connector, closest to battery)
2. Digitizer (touch)
3. Front camera/microphone

Always pry from the connector side, not the board side. Apply even pressure. If resistance is high, double-check that all screws are removed.

Once all three are disconnected, you can fully remove the display and set it aside on a soft surface (screen down, on microfiber cloth).

Step 6: Remove the Battery Connector Bracket

Locate the small metal bracket covering the battery connector (lower left of logic board). It is held by two Y000 screws (on iPhone 11 and newer) or Phillips screws (on older models).

Remove screws and set aside. Lift the bracket.

Step 7: Disconnect the Battery

Using the spudger, gently pry the battery connector straight up from its socket. Do not slide or twist — lift vertically.

Important: Once disconnected, wait 30 seconds before proceeding. This ensures the logic board discharges and reduces short-circuit risk.

Step 8: Remove the Old Battery
The battery is glued in place with strong adhesive strips (usually two, running lengthwise).

Do not use metal tools or pry directly under the battery — puncturing a lithium-ion cell can cause fire or chemical leakage.

Instead:
– Pull the clear adhesive tabs slowly and evenly, at a low angle (15–30 degrees), using tweezers or fingers.
– If a tab breaks, apply a few drops of high-concentration (90 percent+) isopropyl alcohol under the battery edge using a syringe or cotton swab. Wait 2–3 minutes — the alcohol weakens the adhesive. Then use a plastic pick to gently lift one corner and continue peeling.

Work patiently. If the battery bends or swells during removal, stop immediately. Place it in a fireproof container and take it to a recycling centre — do not continue.

Step 9: Prepare the New Battery

Remove the new battery from packaging. Check that adhesive strips are pre-attached (most quality kits include them). If not, apply new strips carefully — avoid covering the battery connector area.

Peel the protective backing from the adhesive, but leave the pull-tabs covered until final placement.

Step 10: Install the New Battery

Align the battery in the chassis. Press down firmly and evenly for 10–15 seconds to activate the adhesive.

Do not connect the battery yet.

Step 11: Reconnect the Battery

Reattach the battery connector bracket first — insert screws and tighten gently (do not overtighten).

Then, using the spudger, press the battery connector firmly into its socket until it clicks.

Wait 5 seconds. Then press and hold the side button to power on the iPhone.

If the Apple logo appears, the battery is functional. Let it boot fully before proceeding.

If the screen remains black:

– Recheck the battery connector — is it fully seated
– Ensure no screws are misplaced under the logic board
– Try a forced restart: press Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button for 15 seconds

Step 12: Reconnect the Display

With the iPhone powered on and showing the lock screen, reconnect the three display connectors in reverse order:

1. Front camera/microphone
2. Digitizer
3. Display

Press each down firmly until they seat.

Reinstall the display connector bracket and tighten all three screws.

Step 13: Reattach the Display

Align the display carefully — ensure no cables are pinched. Lower it slowly into place.

Press around the edges evenly for 30 seconds to re-adhere the display seal.

Step 14: Reinstall Bottom Screws

Insert and tighten the two Pentalobe screws.

Step 15: Calibrate the Battery (Recommended)

To ensure accurate battery percentage reporting:

1. Charge the iPhone to 100 percent uninterrupted
2. Continue charging for at least another hour
3. Use the phone until it shuts down from low battery
4. Charge again to 100 percent

This full cycle helps the system recalibrate the battery gauge.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Skipping the battery disconnect
   Always disconnect the battery before touching any internal components. A short across the logic board can kill critical ICs — repair cost then exceeds 150 GBP.
2. Forcing connectors
   Ribbon connectors require precise alignment. If a connector does not seat easily, lift it and try again. Never push sideways.
3. Using metal tools near the battery
   A slip with a screwdriver can puncture the battery pouch. Use only plastic or nylon tools near the battery compartment.
4. Over-tightening screws
   iPhone screws strip easily. Stop when you feel firm resistance — do not “crank” them down.
5. Ignoring adhesive temperature
   Cold adhesive cracks, hot adhesive oozes and bonds to the wrong parts. Ideal working temperature: 22–25°C room + localized heat (iOpener at 65–75°C).

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Case 1: iPhone won’t power on

– Recheck battery and display connectors
– Ensure no foreign objects (e.g. loose screw) are shorting the board
– Try a different charging cable and adapter

Case 2: Display shows lines, flickers, or no touch

– Most likely a digitizer or display connector issue. Power off, reopen, and reseat connectors.
– If persistent, the display may be damaged — replacement cost: 40–80 GBP for third-party.

Case 3: Battery drains extremely fast or overheats

– Poor-quality battery or faulty calibration. Try recalibration steps above.
– If swelling occurs, power off immediately and remove the battery if safe. Dispose at a certified e-waste facility.

Case 4: Water damage indicator turns red

– Moisture from isopropyl alcohol can trigger this. It does not mean water damage — just residual liquid. Let the phone dry for 24 hours before reassembly.

Why Some People Should Avoid DIY

While empowering, DIY battery replacement is not for everyone. Consider professional help if:

– Your iPhone has a cracked display (adds complexity and risk of glass shards)
– You have vision or motor control limitations
– The phone contains irreplaceable data with no recent backup
– You are repairing an iPhone 14 or newer (battery isolation requires special software tools to

disable the battery management system — without this, the phone may show “Service Required” or disable Face ID)

In those cases, a trusted local repair shop — like UK Tech Team in Waltham Cross — offers battery replacement from 39 GBP, same-day service, and a 90-day warranty. That peace of mind has value.

Final Tips for Success

1. Work in a clean, well-lit, static-free area. Avoid carpets.
2. Take photos at each step — they help during reassembly.
3. Keep children and pets away — small parts are choking hazards.
4. Back up your iPhone before starting, via iCloud or iTunes.
5. Do not rush. A calm 75-minute job is better than a frantic 40-minute disaster.

Conclusion

Replacing an iPhone battery yourself is a feasible and rewarding project for many users — especially if you invest in proper tools, use a quality battery, and follow instructions carefully. You gain independence, save money over time, and reduce e-waste by keeping devices in use longer.

But be honest about your skill level. There is no shame in choosing a professional repair when the stakes are high. The goal is not to prove you can do it alone — it is to get a reliable, long-lasting result.

At UK Tech Team, we support the Right to Repair movement and encourage informed DIY. If you attempt a repair and run into trouble, we offer diagnostic help and rescue services — because a working iPhone benefits everyone.

Ready to try. Or ready to book. Either way, your iPhone has more life in it — you just need to give it the right power.