iPhone X Battery Replacement

Introduction
iPhone batteries degrade with use—over time, they lose their ability to hold a full charge. Apple's batteries are rated to hold 80% of their capacity for up to 500 charge cycles, which lasts roughly 18-24 months for most users. When your battery's chemistry is degraded, it may also cause your iPhone to run more slowly. Use this guide to replace your battery and restore your iPhone to full performance.

This guide instructs you to completely detach the display and remove the lower speaker and Taptic Engine for better access to the battery's adhesive strips.

For optimal performance after completing the guide, calibrate your newly installed battery: Drain it below 10%, then charge it uninterrupted to 100%.

Tools
Buy these tools

P2 Pentalobe Screwdriver iPhone
iOpener
iFixit Opening Picks set of 6
Suction Handle
iSclack
Spudger
Tweezers
Tri-point Y000 Screwdriver Bit
Phillips #000 Screwdriver
Parts
Buy these parts


iPhone X Replacement Battery

$69.99

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iPhone X Display Assembly Adhesive

$6.99

Buy
Step 1 Pentalobe Screws
Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.
Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

Remove the two 6.9 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.

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Step 2 Opening Procedure
Heating the lower edge of the iPhone will help soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.
Heating the lower edge of the iPhone will help soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about a minute in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

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Step 3
If the plastic depth gauge is attached at the center of the iSclack, remove it now—it's not needed for larger phones like the iPhone X.


The next two steps demonstrate the iSclack, a handy tool that we recommend for anyone doing frequent repairs. If you aren't using the iSclack, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

If the plastic depth gauge is attached at the center of the iSclack, remove it now—it's not needed for larger phones like the iPhone X.

Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.

Press both suction cups firmly into place.

If your display or back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cups to adhere. The iSclack also includes two pieces of tape for this purpose.

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Step 4
Don't try to completely separate the screen; a small opening along the bottom edge is all you need.



Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to slightly separate the screen from the rear case of the phone.

Don't try to completely separate the screen; a small opening along the bottom edge is all you need.

Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Skip the next two steps and continue to step 7.

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Step 5
If using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the curved portion of the glass.


If using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the curved portion of the glass.

If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

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Step 6
Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.



Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

Insert an opening pick into the gap.

The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you're having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

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Step 7
Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.



Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

Don't insert the opening pick too far into the iPhone, or you may cause damage to internal components.

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Step 8
Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.



Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.

Don't insert the pick very far, or you may damage the display cables along this side of the iPhone. Insert it only a few millimeters, or about the width of the display bezel.

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Step 9
Slide the opening pick underneath the display along the top edge of the iPhone to loosen the last of the adhesive.



Slide the opening pick underneath the display along the top edge of the iPhone to loosen the last of the adhesive.

Don't insert the pick past the display bezel here either. There is potential to damage the front panel sensor array if you do.

The top edge of the screen may be difficult to separate. If necessary, slice the adhesive repeatedly and gently wiggle the display until it starts to come free.

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Step 10
Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.
Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

If you used an iSclack and it's still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.

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Step 11
Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.



Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.

Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone's logic board.

Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn't click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren't bent.

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Step 12 Display Assembly
Remove five Y000 screws securing the logic board connector bracket, of the following lengths:

TOOLS USED ON THIS STEP:
Magnetic Project Mat $19.99
Remove five Y000 screws securing the logic board connector bracket, of the following lengths:

Three 1.1 mm screws

One 3.1 mm screw

One 3.7 mm screw

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

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Step 13
Remove the bracket.
Remove the bracket.

The bracket may be lightly adhered in place. Lift gently but firmly to separate it.

During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.

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Step 14
Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.


Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.

Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.

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Step 15
Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector.


Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector.

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Step 16
Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the OLED panel cable connector.


Use the point of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the OLED panel cable connector.

To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

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Step 17
Use the point of a spudger to pry the digitizer cable connector up from its socket.


Use the point of a spudger to pry the digitizer cable connector up from its socket.

This connector's recessed location makes it tricky to reconnect. Take your time and align it carefully, then gently press it into place with your fingertip—first one side, then the other. You should feel it click into place.

If any part of your screen doesn't respond to touch after your repair, disconnect the battery and then re-seat this connector, making sure it clicks fully into place and that there's no dust or other obstruction in the socket.

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Step 18
The front panel sensor assembly flex cable is lightly adhered in place.



The front panel sensor assembly flex cable is lightly adhered in place.

Carefully lift the cable until the adhesive separates.

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Step 19
Remove the display assembly.
Remove the display assembly.

During reassembly, pause here if you wish to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the display.

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Step 20 Lower Speaker
Be careful not to touch the three rows of grounding pads near the bottom of the iPhone.


Be careful not to touch the three rows of grounding pads near the bottom of the iPhone.

Remove the seven screws securing the bracket below the Taptic Engine and speaker:

Two Y000 1.9 mm screws

One Y000 1.2 mm screw

One Y000 1.6 mm screw

One Phillips 2.4 mm screw

One Phillips 1.7 mm screw

One Phillips 1.5 mm screw

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Step 21
Lift the bracket from the edge nearest the battery. Don't try to remove it fully, as it's still connected via a small flex cable.


Lift the bracket from the edge nearest the battery. Don't try to remove it fully, as it's still connected via a small flex cable.

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Step 22
While holding the bracket out of the way, use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flex cable underneath.


While holding the bracket out of the way, use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flex cable underneath.

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Step 23
Remove the bracket.
Remove the bracket.

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Step 24
Remove the 2.1 mm Y000 screw securing the speaker connector cover.


Remove the 2.1 mm Y000 screw securing the speaker connector cover.

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Step 25
Remove the speaker connector cover.
Remove the speaker connector cover.

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Step 26
Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the speaker connector.


Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the speaker connector.

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Step 27
When prying up the speaker, take care not to damage the flex cable you just disconnected. If necessary, hold it to one side so the speaker has room to come out.


When prying up the speaker, take care not to damage the flex cable you just disconnected. If necessary, hold it to one side so the speaker has room to come out.

Insert a spudger under the top edge of the speaker near the edge of the iPhone's case.

Gently pry up and lift the top edge of the speaker.

When reinstalling the speaker, check the position of the flex cable and make sure it doesn't get trapped underneath the speaker.

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Step 28
Hold the speaker by its side edges and rock it side-to-side, separating the adhesive securing it to the bottom edge of the iPhone.



Hold the speaker by its side edges and rock it side-to-side, separating the adhesive securing it to the bottom edge of the iPhone.

Pull the speaker away from the bottom edge of the iPhone until the adhesive gasket separates.

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Step 29
Remove the speaker.


Remove the speaker.

The speaker's adhesive gasket is not reusable. Peel away any remaining adhesive residue with tweezers.

To help protect against water and dust intrusion, replace the adhesive gasket during reassembly. Prep the area by cleaning it with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or coffee filter so that the gasket adheres properly. Install a new gasket onto the speaker, and then install the speaker.

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Step 30 Taptic Engine
Remove the 2.3 mm Phillips screw securing the Taptic Engine.


Remove the 2.3 mm Phillips screw securing the Taptic Engine.

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Step 31
Use a spudger to disconnect the Taptic Engine flex cable by prying it straight up from its socket.


Use a spudger to disconnect the Taptic Engine flex cable by prying it straight up from its socket.

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Step 32
Remove the Taptic Engine.
Remove the Taptic Engine.

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Step 33 Battery
The iPhone X's battery is secured to the rear case by four pieces of stretch-release adhesive—one the top cell, and three on the bottom.
The iPhone X's battery is secured to the rear case by four pieces of stretch-release adhesive—one the top cell, and three on the bottom.

Each piece of adhesive has a black pull-tab at the end, which is lightly adhered to the side edge of the battery.

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Step 34
Separate the first battery adhesive tab from the bottom edge of the battery.



Separate the first battery adhesive tab from the bottom edge of the battery.

Each tab has a small loop in the center; insert a tool through the loop if you're having trouble grabbing hold of the tab.

Don't jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

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Step 35
Repeat the above step to separate the remaining two adhesive tabs from the bottom edge of the battery.



Repeat the above step to separate the remaining two adhesive tabs from the bottom edge of the battery.

Take care not to damage the speaker cable connector just below the center adhesive tab.

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Step 36
In the following steps, you'll pull each tab to slowly stretch out the adhesive underneath the battery. This special stretch-release adhesive loses its tack when stretched and then comes out in your hand, allowing you to lift out the battery with ease.



In the following steps, you'll pull each tab to slowly stretch out the adhesive underneath the battery. This special stretch-release adhesive loses its tack when stretched and then comes out in your hand, allowing you to lift out the battery with ease.

If the strips break, don't panic! They don't always work as intended. Keep reading for some additional steps for removing broken strips.

To increase your odds of success:

Don't press down on the battery. Hold the iPhone firmly by check here its sides.

Keep the strips flat and unwrinkled as you pull.

Pull very slowly, giving the strip time to stretch and separate. It takes around 15-30 seconds of stretching to remove each strip.

Pull at a low angle so the strip doesn't snag along the bottom edge of the battery.

If a strip does break off underneath the battery and cannot be retrieved, move on to the other strips and then continue with the additional steps below.

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Step 37
Grab one of the outer battery adhesive tabs and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.



Grab one of the outer battery adhesive tabs and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

Pull steadily, maintaining constant tension on the strip until it slips out from between the battery and the rear case.

The strip will stretch to many times its original length. Continue pulling and re-grab the strip near the battery if necessary.

If the battery adhesive tabs break during the removal process, use your fingers or blunt tweezers to retrieve the remaining length of adhesive, and continue pulling.

If any of the adhesive strips break underneath the battery and cannot be retrieved, try to remove the remaining strips, and then proceed as instructed below.

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Step 38
Repeat the previous step to remove the strip on the opposite side, leaving the center strip for last.



Repeat the previous step to remove the strip on the opposite side, leaving the center strip for last.

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Step 39
Remove the center strip, being careful not to snag it on the speaker flex cable.



Remove the center strip, being careful not to snag it on the speaker flex cable.

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Step 40
The final pull tab lies very close to the Face ID hardware. If damaged, Face ID can only be repaired by Apple, so work with care.


The final pull tab lies very close to the Face ID hardware. If damaged, Face ID can only be repaired by Apple, so work with care.

Peel and separate the pull tab on the final adhesive strip, on the top edge of the upper battery cell.

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Step 41
Pull and remove the final adhesive strip.



Pull and remove the final adhesive strip.

The strip may fling the battery when it separates from the iPhone, so hold your hand over the battery to secure it—but don't press down on the battery itself, or the added pressure may cause the adhesive strip to break off underneath the battery.

If you removed all four adhesive strips successfully, skip the next step.

Otherwise, if any of the adhesive strips broke off underneath the battery and could not be retrieved, continue with the next step below.

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Step 42
If any of the adhesive strips broke off and the battery remains stuck to the rear case, prepare an iOpener or use a hair dryer to heat the rear case directly behind the battery.


If any of the adhesive strips broke off and the battery remains stuck to the rear case, prepare an iOpener or use a hair dryer to heat the rear case directly behind the battery.

Heat the iPhone until the rear case is slightly too hot to comfortably touch. Don't overheat the iPhone, or you may accidentally ignite the battery.

Flip the iPhone back over and thread a strong piece of string (such as dental floss or a length of thin guitar string) underneath the battery.

Wrap the ends of the string around a cloth (or wear gloves) to protect your fingers.

Pull the string from side to side in a sawing motion all along the length of the battery to separate the adhesive. This can take some time since the adhesive is slow to deform, but with patience it will come free. Do not deform or damage the battery.

If you choose to use pry tools to lift the battery out of the iPhone, use extreme caution or you may damage the ribbon cables or the wireless charging coil directly underneath the battery.

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Step 43
Grasp the battery from the bottom edge and remove it from the iPhone.
Grasp the battery from the bottom edge and remove it from the iPhone.

Reinstall the Taptic Engine and speaker before installing a new battery. This helps keep the battery aligned correctly during installation.

When installing the battery, refer to this guide for help replacing your battery's adhesive strips. You'll need to adapt the technique for the iPhone X, which uses four adhesive strips instead of two or three. (We'll have an updated guide specific to the iPhone X shortly.)

Perform a force restart after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

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