How to Change the Battery on an Android Phone (Beginner Tutorial)
This tutorial gives you a general overview of how to replace a battery on a modern Android phone, especially models with an internal, glued battery. Exact steps depend on the brand and model, so always use a model-specific guide together with this lesson.
Important: Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if damaged or shorted. Work slowly, avoid sharp tools around the battery and follow the Safety & ESD guidelines.
1. Before you start
Check the situation
- Confirm the phone powers on or at least reacts to a charger.
- Check for signs of heavy damage or bending that may complicate the repair.
- Look for swollen battery symptoms (back cover slightly open, visible bulge).
Data and customer expectations
- Ask the owner to make a backup before the repair, if possible.
- Explain that repair always carries a risk of data loss or device failure.
- Clarify what you will do if you discover other issues during disassembly.
2. Tools and parts you will need
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips, Torx, sometimes proprietary bits)
- Plastic opening picks and a plastic spudger
- Suction cup (for certain designs)
- ESD-safe tweezers
- ESD mat and wrist strap (recommended)
- Plastic cards or thin plastic tools for cutting adhesive
- Controlled heat source (heating mat or gentle hot air)
Parts & consumables
- Correct replacement battery for the exact phone model
- New adhesive strips or double-sided adhesive for the battery
- Back cover adhesive (for glued backs)
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for softening and cleaning old adhesive
- Lint-free wipes and ESD-safe brushes
3. Opening the Android phone
The way you open the phone depends on whether it has a removable back cover, a glued glass back, or a screen that must be lifted first. Here we focus on the most common modern design: a glued back cover.
- Power off the phone completely.
- Remove SIM tray so it does not block the frame or get damaged.
- Apply gentle heat to the back cover using a heating mat or controlled hot air. You want the adhesive warm and flexible, not so hot that it damages the glass or plastic.
- Use a suction cup near an edge to create a small gap between the back cover and the frame.
- Insert a plastic pick in the gap and slide it along the edge to cut the adhesive. Use multiple picks if needed and avoid inserting tools too deep (to protect cables).
- Work slowly around the entire perimeter until the back cover can be lifted off. Watch out for fingerprint sensor cables on some models โ they may be attached to the cover.
Tip: If the device has a rear fingerprint sensor, open the back carefully and check for a flex cable before lifting too high.
4. Disconnecting the battery safely
Remove shields and covers
- Identify the plastic or metal shield over the battery connector.
- Remove the screws holding the shield and place them on your screw mat.
- Lift the shield and store it safely.
Disconnect the battery
- Use a plastic spudger to gently lift the battery connector from the board.
- Never pry in a way that slips and hits other components.
- After disconnecting, press the power button briefly to help discharge residual power.
Never continue working on the device with the battery still connected โ especially when you disconnect other flex cables or remove modules.
5. Removing the old battery
Most modern Android phones have the battery glued to the midframe. Some use stretch-release adhesive strips, others use strong regular adhesive.
Stretch-release adhesive strips
- Look for small adhesive tabs at the bottom or sides of the battery.
- Grab a tab with tweezers or fingers and pull it slowly at a low angle (almost parallel to the battery).
- Keep pulling until the strip comes out completely. Repeat for each strip.
- If a strip breaks, use isopropyl alcohol and a plastic card to carefully loosen the remaining adhesive.
Strong glued batteries without strips
- Apply small amounts of IPA around the edges of the battery to help weaken the adhesive.
- Use a plastic card or tool to gently slide under the battery, working in small steps.
- Never use metal tools directly under the battery โ risk of puncture and fire.
- Do not bend the battery excessively; if it deforms, stop and change your approach.
If the battery starts to swell, smell strange or smoke: stop immediately, move the device to a safe, non-flammable area if possible and follow the battery safety rules described in the Safety & ESD guidelines.
6. Installing the new battery
- Clean the frame: remove old adhesive and dirt using IPA and lint-free wipes.
- Apply new adhesive: use manufacturer-style adhesive strips or high-quality double-sided tape in the original locations. Avoid covering holes for heat dissipation.
- Place the new battery: align it carefully with the frame so the connector lines up with the board. Once it touches the adhesive, do not slide it around.
- Press the battery gently into place without bending it. Use moderate, even pressure.
- Reconnect the battery connector to the board using a plastic tool or finger pressure at the connector, not on the cable.
- Reinstall the shield over the connector and tighten the screws.
7. Closing the phone and testing
Closing the device
- Before closing, check that no cables are pinched and no tools are left inside.
- Apply new adhesive around the frame if the back cover was glued.
- Reconnect the fingerprint sensor flex (if located on the back cover).
- Press the back cover into place evenly; use rubber clamps or elastic bands if needed to help the adhesive set.
Basic testing checklist
- The phone powers on and boots normally.
- Battery percentage behaves normally during use and charging.
- The phone recognises the charger and reaches expected charging speeds (if supported).
- Wi-Fi, mobile signal, camera and speaker still work as before.
Encourage the user to observe battery behaviour for a few days. New batteries sometimes need a couple of charge cycles before the percentage becomes stable.
8. Common beginner mistakes & next steps
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to disconnect the battery before unplugging or plugging other cables.
- Using metal tools under the battery, causing punctures or shorts.
- Pulling stretch adhesive strips too fast or at a steep angle, making them break.
- Reassembling the phone with dust or debris under the back cover or camera lens.
Next steps in your learning path
- Repeat the battery replacement process on a few different Android models.
- Time each repair and write down what slows you down.
- Combine this tutorial with a screen replacement tutorial to practice opening devices in different ways.
- When you feel confident, move to slightly more complex jobs such as modular charging port or speaker replacements.