Replacing an Inflated Battery on an iPhone 12 Pro – Step-by-Step Guide!

Replacing an Inflated Battery on an iPhone 12 Pro – Step-by-Step Guide!

OVERVIEW:

In this Tech Dep repair guide, we tackle a common issue with the iPhone 12 Pro—battery inflation due to aging. When a battery begins to swell, it can lift the screen, signaling the need for a replacement. This teardown demonstrates how to safely remove the display without damaging the sensitive XDR screen and carefully disconnect and replace the swollen battery. Special emphasis is placed on avoiding screen damage and ensuring the reassembly process is clean and precise. Whether you’re doing the repair yourself or just learning, this guide walks you through every step.

See the official Apple specs for this model

REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1 HOUR to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate screen connectors and precision in disassembly and reassembly.

STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you’ll need a pentalobe screwdriver, tri-wing screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, plastic spudger, pry tool, and isopropyl alcohol for adhesive removal. Using the right tools ensures a safe and efficient repair process.

Remove the Pentalobe Screws

Use a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two screws at the bottom of the iPhone 12 Pro near the charging port.
These screws secure the display to the frame and must be removed before attempting to open the device.
Always store screws carefully as they are small and essential for reassembly.

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Pry Open the Screen

Using a plastic pry tool, begin gently poking around the edges at an angle, not straight underneath, to lift the screen without damaging the OLED panel.
Work from all angles to loosen the adhesive. Apply isopropyl alcohol if necessary to ease the process.
Carefully lift the screen from the side like a book, ensuring no internal components are stretched or damaged.

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Inspect the Inflated Battery

Once open, inspect the battery. In this case, it is visibly swollen, likely due to aging or damage from the cracked back panel.
Inflated batteries can damage the screen and must be handled with care to prevent puncture or short circuits.
Do not attempt to charge or use the phone in this state.

Remove Battery Bracket

Use a tri-wing screwdriver to remove the bracket covering the battery connector.
Carefully unscrew and store all fasteners. Some screws may require wiggling to fully dislodge them.
Once the bracket is removed, you can access the battery connector.

Disconnect Battery and Display Cables

Using a plastic spudger, lift the battery connector first to cut power from the device.
Then disconnect the LCD connector and the proximity sensor cable, which is soldered to the earpiece speaker.
Ensure all connectors are gently detached without pulling or twisting.

Remove the Inflated Battery

Use a flat pry tool to lift the battery out of the housing. Due to the swelling, the adhesive underneath is already weakened.
If the battery doesn’t come off easily, add some isopropyl alcohol under it and wait a few seconds before prying again.
Remove the battery carefully to avoid bending or puncturing it further.

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Install the New Battery

Place the new battery in the same position as the old one, aligning it with the original adhesive location.
Firmly press it into place, making sure it sits flat without flexing or bulging.
Ensure the connector lines up before reattaching the bracket.

Reconnect the LCD and Battery Connectors

Begin by reconnecting the LCD display connector and proximity sensor cable.
Then reconnect the battery connector to restore power to the device.
Use the tri-wing screwdriver to reinstall the metal brackets covering both connectors.

Close the Display

Gently fold the display back into place, ensuring there are no cables obstructing the frame.
Press down evenly along the edges to reseal the screen against the adhesive.
Use light pressure to check that the display is flush with the frame on all sides.

Reinstall Pentalobe Screws

Reinsert the two Pentalobe screws at the bottom of the phone using the correct screwdriver.
Tighten them securely, but do not overtighten to avoid stripping the screw heads.
Once secured, visually inspect the phone for any gaps or misalignment.

Power On the Device

Press and hold the power button to turn on the iPhone 12 Pro.
Confirm that the screen displays properly and that the device boots up without issue.
If the phone powers on and operates normally, the repair was successful.

CONCLUSION:

Replacing an iPhone 12 Pro battery requires steady hands and a cautious approach due to the delicate display and small internal screws. This teardown highlighted the signs of battery inflation and showed how to properly disconnect key components before safely removing and replacing the battery. Following the steps in reverse ensures a smooth reassembly process. Taking your time and using the right tools are essential to avoid damaging the device. If performed carefully, this repair can restore your phone to full functionality.