How do I replace the battery in the iPhone 5?

Just as it is for all iPhone models, Apple does not intend for one to replace the battery in the iPhone 5.

When the battery in any iPhone no longer holds a charge (or alternately holds a lesser charge than it did when it was new), Apple intends for the user to return the entire mobile to the company to have the battery replaced for a cost of US$79 plus US$6.95 shipping (and applicable sales tax). Apple reports that this service takes three to five business days.

However, much faster and more affordable third-party repair services also are available.

For those with technical expertise, the proper tools, and sufficient time and patience (at least half an hour is a realistic estimate for the first time), self-replacement is possible, although professional installation is strongly recommended.

Identification Help

There are five distinct iPhone 5 models and EveryiPhone.com evaluates the differences in detail.

However, for the purpose of replacing the battery, you only need to determine if you have an iPhone 5 or a different iPhone rather than the exact iPhone 5 model.

Each iPhone can be externally identified by a unique Model Number listed on the back of the device toward the bottom. Specifically, the iPhone 5 is model number A1428, A1429, and A1442.

The iPhone 5 models also can be differentiated by the Serial Number with EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup. The serial number is not externally listed, but it is available when plugged into a computer on the "Summary" tab in iTunes, within the iOS (Settings > General > About), and in the Nano SIM card tray.

In addition to its serial number, EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature can identify iPhone 5 models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" from within the iOS), as well.

Specific Battery

The iPhone 5 uses a specific battery that is not shared by any other iPhone model.

Consequently, if you have decided to replace the battery on your own, be sure to purchase the correct battery. Additionally, make certain to purchase your battery from a respected company that sells quality parts. A low quality battery may not only function improperly but also may leak or even start a fire.

Site sponsor OWC sells quality batteries for the iPhone 5.

Battery Replacement Procedure

If you have replaced the battery in an iPhone before, the iPhone 5 battery replacement process has more in common with the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS than the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S as it involves opening the device via the display.

Thankfully, unlike the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, it does not involve removing the logic board, so battery replacement generally is easier than it is for those models. It is much easier to replace the battery in the iPhone 5 than it is to replace its display, as well.

In many ways, the iPhone 5 battery replacement process is more complicated than the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, though, and it is much, much easier to accidentally damage the iPhone 5 because of delicate circuitry immediately behind the battery (rather than a metal plate as on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S).

Based on hands-on experience and the video below, the general procedure is:

1. Turn off the iPhone 5 and confirm that it is completely off.
2. Unscrew the two five-point Torx (pentalobe) screws on the bottom of the iPhone.
3. Open the display with a suction cup. The display opens like a hinge toward the top, so put the suction cup immediately above (but not touching), the home button and pull toward the top with a firm but steady motion with one hand while holding the sides of the phone with the other hand. It may require quite a bit of pressure, but start with a small amount of pressure and increase if needed. Some users have completely torn the display off by pulling too hard. Also be very careful to not push on the display too hard with your wrist as it could crack the display (and even cut you).
4. With the display partially opened, use a nylon or plastic tool around the edges to carefully open the device, if needed. Do not attempt to remove the display yet as it is attached by delicate cables.
5. You can access the battery without removing the screen, but it typically is safer to remove it to avoid potential damage to the display itself or the cables that connect it to the housing. Alternately, you can have someone else hold the display at a 70 degree angle while you carefully access the battery. Do not bend the display past 90 degrees as it will break cables.
6. If you opt to remove the screen, unscrew the three Phillips screws in the upper right hand corner and make a note of which screw goes where as they are not the same length. Remove the metal cover. If the connectors do not pop off automatically, disconnect these three cables with a nylon or plastic tool. Do not use a metal screwdriver to disconnect the cables. Place the display aside carefully.
7. Unscrew the the two Phillips screws on the metal cover to the bottom right of the battery and make a note of the location of each screw as they are different lengths. The battery connector often pops off automatically after the metal cover is removed, but if not, use a plastic or nylon tool to carefully disconnect it. Do not use a metal screwdriver to disconnect the cable.
8. Gently, but firmly pull on the plastic tab under the battery. Depending on the amount of adhesive, this may be a slow, time consuming pull, but do not pry on the battery as the risk of damaging chips immediately underneath it is extremely high. Many users have accidentally damaged the battery -- or permanently damaged their iPhone -- by prying on the battery with metal and even plastic tools. Do not remove the plastic behind the battery either. Be very, very careful. Be patient. Take your time.
9. Reassemble the iPhone 5.

Watch the below video for a demonstration.

Battery Replacement Video Instructions

This video from site sponsor OWC shows the battery replacement procedure for the iPhone 5 (and makes it look quite easy when performed by an expert with specialized tools):

From reviewing the step-by-step instructions and watching the video, you should be able to determine whether or not you feel comfortable replacing the battery yourself or if you would instead prefer to hire a professional. Hiring a professional not only eliminates potential problems, but saves time as well.

Be sure to purchase your repair service or parts from a trusted company with extensive experience repairing iPhone devices.

Site sponsor OWC sells an inexpensive, yet high-quality battery for the iPhone 5 for "do it yourself" installation. Global shipping is available, too.

Also see:

• How do I replace the battery in the original iPhone (2G)?
• How do I replace the battery in the iPhone 3G and 3GS?
• How do I replace the battery in the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S?