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How to Replace an iPhone 6s Battery: A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing an iPhone 6s battery is a surprisingly manageable DIY project that can breathe new life into your aging device. In essence, it involves carefully opening your iPhone, disconnecting the old battery, and installing a new one while ensuring you follow specific safety precautions.

A Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Guide for the iPhone 6s

Let’s delve into the specifics of iPhone 6s battery replacement. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a successful and safe battery swap.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these essential tools and materials:

New iPhone 6s Battery: Purchase a high-quality, reputable battery from a trusted source to avoid performance issues or safety hazards.
Pentalobe Screwdriver: This specialized screwdriver is needed to remove the two screws at the bottom of the iPhone.
Phillips Head Screwdriver: This will be required for removing screws inside the iPhone.
Suction Cup: This helps create a gap to safely separate the screen from the body.
Spudger or Plastic Opening Tool: Use these to gently pry open the iPhone without damaging internal components. Avoid metal tools, as they can cause shorts.
Tweezers: Useful for manipulating small parts and connectors.
Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Applying gentle heat softens the adhesive holding the screen in place.
Adhesive Strips: Consider purchasing new adhesive strips to re-seal the screen, providing a better seal against dust and moisture.
Antistatic Wrist Strap (Recommended): This protects sensitive components from static electricity damage.
Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from potential battery fumes or debris.
Work Surface with Good Lighting: A clean, well-lit area is crucial for meticulous work.

Step 1: Power Down Your iPhone 6s

The first and most crucial step is to power off your iPhone. This prevents accidental short circuits during the repair process. Press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” slider appears.

Step 2: Remove the Pentalobe Screws

Locate the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of your iPhone, flanking the charging port. Use the pentalobe screwdriver to carefully remove these screws. Keep them in a safe place, as they are easily lost and crucial for reassembly.

Step 3: Apply Heat to the Edges (Optional)

Using a heat gun or hair dryer, gently heat the edges of the screen, particularly the bottom edge, for about a minute. This softens the adhesive that secures the screen to the frame. Be careful not to overheat the device, as excessive heat can damage the screen or other components. Aim for warm, not hot.

Step 4: Use a Suction Cup to Create a Gap

Position the suction cup near the bottom edge of the screen, just above the home button. Firmly press the suction cup onto the screen. Gently pull up on the suction cup while simultaneously using a spudger or plastic opening tool to carefully wedge open a small gap between the screen and the frame. Only lift enough to insert the spudger.

Step 5: Separate the Screen

Once you have a small gap, insert the spudger and carefully slide it along the edges of the iPhone to separate the screen adhesive. Work slowly and gently, avoiding excessive force. Be particularly cautious near the top edge, where the proximity sensor cable is located. The goal is to release the screen adhesive around the entire perimeter.

Step 6: Open the iPhone Like a Book

Once the adhesive is released, carefully open the iPhone like a book, hinging it open from the bottom. Do not fully separate the screen, as it is still connected by fragile cables. Lean the screen against a support to keep it from straining the connections.

Step 7: Remove the Battery Connector Bracket

Locate the metal bracket covering the battery connector. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws securing this bracket. Pay close attention to the screw sizes and placement, as they are often different lengths. Keep the screws organized. Remove the bracket.

Step 8: Disconnect the Battery Connector

Using a spudger or plastic opening tool, gently pry up the battery connector from its socket on the logic board. Be very careful not to damage the connector or surrounding components. This step disconnects the battery, preventing any further power flow during the repair.

Step 9: Remove the Display Cable Bracket

Locate the metal bracket covering the display cable connectors. This bracket typically has multiple screws. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove these screws and then remove the bracket. Again, pay attention to screw placement and size.

Step 10: Disconnect the Display Cables

Use the spudger or plastic opening tool to carefully disconnect the display cables from their sockets on the logic board. There are usually three or four cables to disconnect, depending on the specific model. Pry gently and evenly to avoid damaging the connectors.

Step 11: Fully Separate the Screen

Now that the display cables are disconnected, you can fully separate the screen from the iPhone body.

Step 12: Remove the Battery Adhesive Strips

The iPhone 6s battery is held in place by adhesive strips. These can be tricky to remove. Apple designed these strips to be stretched and pulled out from under the battery. Gently pull on the exposed ends of the adhesive strips, pulling them slowly and steadily at a low angle, parallel to the battery. If the strips break, use a plastic opening tool to gently pry up the battery. Avoid using metal tools, as they can puncture the battery. If the battery is difficult to remove, use a plastic card to slowly slide it under the battery and gently pry it out.

Step 13: Install the New Battery

Carefully align and place the new battery in the iPhone, making sure it sits flush against the frame. If you have new adhesive strips, apply them to the back of the battery before installation.

Step 14: Reconnect the Display Cables

Carefully reconnect the display cables to their sockets on the logic board. Ensure they are securely seated.

Step 15: Reinstall the Display Cable Bracket

Reinstall the metal bracket that covers the display cable connectors, securing it with the appropriate screws.

Step 16: Reconnect the Battery Connector

Reconnect the battery connector to its socket on the logic board.

Step 17: Reinstall the Battery Connector Bracket

Reinstall the metal bracket that covers the battery connector, securing it with the appropriate screws.

Step 18: Carefully Close the iPhone

Carefully align the screen with the iPhone body and gently press it into place, starting from the top edge and working your way down. Ensure that all the edges are properly aligned and that the screen is securely seated.

Step 19: Reinstall the Pentalobe Screws

Reinstall the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the iPhone. Tighten them securely, but do not overtighten.

Step 20: Test Your iPhone

Power on your iPhone and test the new battery. Check to see if the iPhone turns on without the charger connected. Ensure the screen is working properly and the iPhone is charging.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About iPhone 6s Battery Replacement

Is it safe to replace my iPhone 6s battery myself?
Yes, with caution and the proper tools, replacing your iPhone 6s battery is generally safe. However, there’s always a risk of damaging the phone or injuring yourself. Follow instructions carefully and take your time. If you’re uncomfortable, seek professional help.
How much does it cost to replace an iPhone 6s battery?
The cost varies. A DIY replacement kit can range from $20 to $50. Professional replacement can cost between $50 and $100, depending on the service provider.
Where can I buy a reliable iPhone 6s battery?
Purchase from reputable online retailers like iFixit or major electronics stores. Avoid suspiciously cheap batteries from unknown sellers, as they may be low quality or even dangerous.
Will replacing the battery void my iPhone 6s warranty?
Officially, yes. Apple doesn’t cover damage caused by DIY repairs. However, if your phone is already out of warranty, this is not a concern.
How long does an iPhone 6s battery last?
Typically, an iPhone battery lasts for about 500 full charge cycles or around 18-24 months with normal usage. However, battery life degrades over time.
What are the signs that my iPhone 6s battery needs replacing?
Signs include rapid battery drain, unexpected shutdowns, the iPhone not turning on, or the battery health showing a significant decrease in maximum capacity in settings.
How do I check the battery health of my iPhone 6s?
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. This shows your battery’s maximum capacity relative to when it was new.
Can I use a battery from another iPhone model in my iPhone 6s?

No. Each iPhone model has a specific battery design and connector. Using the wrong battery can damage your phone.
What should I do with my old iPhone 6s battery?
Do not throw it in the trash. Recycle it properly at an electronics recycling center or through a battery recycling program.
What if I accidentally damage something during the battery replacement process?
Stop immediately and assess the damage. If it’s minor, you might be able to continue. If it’s significant, seek professional repair assistance.
How can I improve the battery life of my new iPhone 6s battery?
Optimize your settings: Reduce screen brightness, turn off background app refresh, disable location services for unnecessary apps, and enable Low Power Mode.
I’m having trouble removing the battery adhesive strips. What should I do?
If the strips break, use a plastic opening tool to gently pry up the battery, working slowly and carefully. You can also use a bit of isopropyl alcohol around the edges of the battery to loosen the adhesive. Be extremely cautious when prying to avoid puncturing the battery.