iPhone5 Battery Replacement

Mijn probleem

After ~21 months of ownership, I was tired of extremely fast battery drain on my iPhone, and powering off regardless of displayed battery percentages, sometimes with even >50% charge supposedly left. BatteryLife app (jailbreak) reported ~34% capacity remaining, so I decided to replace it.

Mijn oplossing

This was my first time repairing a phone I still was depending on so I was a little nervous, even though I have destructively tore down android phones in the past. I watched the iFixit video and read through the iFixit instructions on the website, keeping them up in the background. With these resources the actual repair was simple and straightforward.

I only used the tools provided in the replacement kit. The cover separated easier than I thought, and I skipped the removal of the ribbon cables holding the front to the back, opting to carefully hold the two parts like a clamshell and working with my other hand, it probably helps that I have big hands and would be more worried about damaging them while trying to unplug and replug with my large fingers. The battery was firmly glued in, and I could only really pry from the two side points, because the top pry point was nearly impossible to get to as I didn't remove the top. Firm consistent pressure with the pry tool did the trick, though I did destroy the battery ribbon connector trying to pull on it.

For reassembly, the phone went together easily. BatteryLife at first reported ~85% capacity, then I gave it a full overnight charge, followed by a full discharge, and another full charge, at which point I was seeing >99% capacity.

Mijn advies

Repair is rather straight forward, if this is your first time with electronics, be careful as ribbon cables are very delicate.

- I saved a little headache by not removing the display and camera cables, but was very careful to hold the front and back firmly in my hand while working with the other. Again, this may not be advisable, but I thought it would be easier than fussing with them.

-When prying the battery out, use firm and consistent pressure on the plastic opening tool and alternate between pry points a few times.