Samsung Galaxy Watch Battery Replacement

Written By: Tobias Isakeit
  • Comments: 97
Samsung Galaxy Watch Battery Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

13

Time Required

40 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a worn-out or dead battery in your Galaxy Watch.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions. For your safety, discharge your battery below 25% before disassembling your smartwatch. This reduces the risk of a dangerous thermal event if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair.

  1. oX1ZMHLHIYw4KRAU

    • Remove the four Tri-point #00 screws (4.2 mm length) on the backside of the watch.

    I can't get them to budge

    Irene -

    Same here, its impossible to get the screws off. They’re almost stripped now too.

    Prabhat -

    Sorry to hear that. Here are some tips on how to get those screws off hopefully: How to Remove a Stripped Screw

    Tobias Isakeit -

    Just started working on watch. Can not get the screws out. I purchased the recommended tools. Screws won't budge. I have not stripped them yet. How do I get them to loosen up?

    joyce c -

    Same here. I did buy your Electronics repair Bundle. The Y000 is too pointy, we need a flatter tool

    Robertob67 -

    Hi Ladies & Gentleman, please try as follows:

    Use a spray can of "WD 40" with a spray pipe/tube but DO NOT spray into the screw holes. Just spray shortly on a piece of paper, a drop of WD40 will remain at the end of the spray pipe. This drop I put into the screw hole position. Do this for each screw hole and leave the stuff approx. 10 minutes alone. Afterwards use the screw driver as normal to turn the screws out.

    *** After the drop is placed into the hole do not wait too long as WD40 is crawling into "even not existing gaps"

    *** just use a small drop of WD40.

    *** I intend for using 4 new screws as the head (Tri-Pont profile) seems worn out. But if I get new screws for sure I will go for a TORX profile because its the best as you don't need to apply axial force on screw driver.

    Very best regards from Harald (a German machine building engineer)

    Harald -

    Harald again to Robertob67:

    It is NOT the Tool Y000 but the Y00

    Best regards

    Harald

    Harald -

  2. lPBjwQQaeOfSOTcg
    lPBjwQQaeOfSOTcg
    nPHfqyJPI3ouvl2h

    • Use an opening tool to get between the back cover and the metal housing of the watch.

    • Carefully pry the plastic back cover open.

    • Don't remove the back cover yet. There is a flex cable running to the core assembly inside.

    You may need to use a small screwdriver or letter opener to pry the case apart. I found with two different spudgers I could not get it to budge.

    Tim Durstenfeld -

    How do I Secure the sealing, and wish material du you use?

    Ejner Bøndergaard -

    I managed to get the back cover to open with an unused pry tool on one side, however, to fully remove it I needed to use 2 iFixit opening picks from my toolkit as the one side wouldn't open with the pry tool.

    Austin Newman -

    I couldn't get the back cover off with any normal tools. However, I discovered I could slip a razor blade a short distance under the back cover. With this in place, something thicker (like a plastic spudger) could easily be pushed between the razor blade and the metal of the watch. Obviously, working with a razor blade like this is quite risky, I had mine in a little holder to protect my fingers!

    David -

  3. UMxKpnXkjwF5GcQS
    UMxKpnXkjwF5GcQS
    2NKWLQdU53qmrDhn

    • Lay down the watch and lift the back cover to access the sensor connector on the motherboard.

  4. YYnqRGUNNCiHtx5A
    YYnqRGUNNCiHtx5A
    f12LRmjkvJO1nq4D

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the sensor flex cable from the motherboard.

    My 2019 Gear Sport has no flex cable it used a post where the flex cable is. This plugs into the mother board.

    Much better for disassembly.

    William Barron -

  5. xiguJEsYbbLXMC1y
    xiguJEsYbbLXMC1y
    JJ4DvvUUBsjgbQFg
    GXeRPa2QyJplrLfW

    • Remove the back cover.

    • When closing the watch make sure the rubber gasket is undamaged or replace it with a new one.

    Has anyone seen a listing for the gasket?

    DaChew -

    anyone where can find the rubber gasket?

    Melvyn Chang -

    is the gasket the Adhesive? If not, what adhesive suggested and how do you apply it?

    batato kr -

    No, the gasket is not the adhesive. As adhesive you can use this under the battery.

    Tobias Isakeit -

    woher bekomme ich eine neue gummidichtung?

    Anja Müller-Dreßler -

    Hat jemand eine Quelle für die Dichtung der Rückabdeckung (rote Dichtung, 3. Bild Schritt 5). Hat jemand versucht die erfolgreich selber herzustellen?

    Helge Korz -

    Falls jemand die Gummidichtung im Netz findet, gerne hier posten. Wir konnten bisher noch keine finden. Selbst rounded.com hat es nicht, und die haben recht viel für (Samsung) Smartwatches.

    Tobias Isakeit -

    Same question : has anybody found a solution for the rubber gasket ? I am not confident at all in the waterproofing of the watch now ...

    Bruno F -

    If the waterproof seal is removed and you only encounter water while washing your hands, would there be any issue?

    Owen -

    Anyone know where to get a replacement gasket? I wear my watch showering and swimming, I don't want to loose the waterproofing

    Mick Brady -

    When I opened the back cover, the gasket was already muddy.

    I purchased a liquid gasket because it is difficult to obtain a dedicated gasket.

    It is for general-purpose waterproof packing used for cars and motorcycles, and is contained in a 5g tube.

    Since it is necessary to apply it to a fine place, I attached a very thin nozzle for super glue to the tip of the tube and applied it.

    I can't guarantee the waterproof performance, but I tried what I could.

    ジャッジアダックス -

  6. DsLIjXTpV6SEOLfq
    DsLIjXTpV6SEOLfq
    dJjbQPTfgs1tIWMe

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the display flex cable from the motherboard.

    My display flex cable is cut … is it possible to replace only cable without changing display… if yes please leave a link to buy it

    Akshat Dev -

  7. fcqqMSnq6jErw2dl
    fcqqMSnq6jErw2dl
    sQYyUALKDHUIONNR

    • Lift the core unit out of the housing.

    • The core's plastic frame sits tight inside the housing.

    • Carefully thread the display flex cable through the gap of the core's plastic frame.

    Es sind an den Ecken des Kernstücks ein paar "Plastikdreiecke" mit dem man es mit einem Spudger leichter raushebeln kann!

    Marco Marinkovic -

    Thanks @Marco Marinkovic. There are a couple holes or points, on which to leverage in order to free and lift the core unit. The core unit won't move otherwise as it is anchored there

    Robertob67 -

  8. eH156QnMpc3Rj5Nm
    eH156QnMpc3Rj5Nm
    2tMbYcmIAjk1fAqX

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the hall sensor flex cable.

  9. WQR2M61RsVDR4uJy
    WQR2M61RsVDR4uJy
    CQFHFreOTaGVMrah
    6LNfZEXhZyGsmaSt

    • Use a pair of tweezers to gently peel both button cables from the plastic frame.

    • The button cables have metal plates behind them. These plates should remain on the cables.

    Plus efficace et moins risquer de les enlever avec la spatule.

    damien tudose -

  10. fpPT5V1FjJDLAERE

    • Remove the single Phillips #00 screw (3.4 mm length).

  11. GkeT53uBPpCDCoxi
    GkeT53uBPpCDCoxi
    nwJL1vItmEwNSeJr
    LjUXCYMYVXAaSB5H

    • Insert a spudger into the small gap underneath the motherboard where the cutout in the plastic frame is.

    • Lift the motherboard by twisting the spudger.

    • Slide the motherboard out from under the plastic tab.

    There is a plastic clip holding down the motherboard in the corner opposite to where you’re prying. After lifting slightly, the motherboard should be slid out from underneath that clip to avoid damaging it.

    Mark Ingram -

    Thanks for the hint. Added an additional image and bullet to point that out.

    Tobias Isakeit -

    Also another tab opposite that needs just a LITTLE pressure to unclip to allow you to slide out from other side

    Mike -

  12. fJh3pESPYPd6pgRk

    • Remove the motherboard.

    Where can I get a motherboard?

    lorne serpa -

  13. sPb6PT5h4FsMLHnn
    sPb6PT5h4FsMLHnn
    PfollvtpSVEaEkAp
    U4ZJeXG5g5bwuCAO

    • Push the battery out of its recess through the cutout in the plastic frame.

    • The battery cable may slightly stick to the plastic frame—pull carefully.

    • Remove the battery.

    For removing the button cables I used a very fine precision flat screwdriver to prise them out rather than tweezers

    dangel888 -

    Wo war denn das Kabel vom Akku vorher befestigt? Musste man das vorher lösen? Fehlt dieser Schritt in der ansonsten sehr detaillierten und guten Beschreibung? LG Heidi

    loohzee -

    Das Kabel vom Akku ist nicht wirklich an etwas befestigt. Es hat auf der einen Seite lediglich die beiden Kontakte (goldene Rechtecke) welche über zwei Federn, die am Motherboard sitzen, den Kontakt herstellen und auf der anderen Seite ein wenig Klebstoff, mit dem es in seiner kleinen Vertiefung befestigt ist.

    Tobias Isakeit -

    FANTASTIC!! Thank you for your help!

    Matt Benson -

    Does using a heat gun help when removing the back cover ?

    Richard Wood -

    Not necessarily, the back cover sits quite tight sometimes and is "sealed" with a rubber gasket (and grease, and gunk, and dirt) not with adhesive that could loosen when using heat. A watchmakers knife might do the trick (or a wide and thin flathead screwdriver), but be careful not to scratch the housing.

    Tobias Isakeit -

    Gracias por este post!! Reemplacé la bateria sin problema siguiendo estos pasos, y al conectar, la batería tenía un 60% y empezó a cargar unos minutos con aparente normalidad, y después parece como que no conectasen bateria y reloj, ya que aparece carga al 0% y no carga, a qué se puede deber? Mil gracias de antemano por vuestra ayuda. Salud!

    Marieta -

    I have ordered the 46mm battery, the magnetic project mat, and essential electronics toolkit to replace the battery in my Samsung Galaxy Watch. My question though is about the instructions in the conclusion section of the ifixit replacement instructions. In the conclusion, it says to "secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape". How critical is that? Also does the battery or the kit come with any adhesive strips?

    Sean Schooley -

    Una real joda. Lo más seguro es que algo salga mal y el reloj se malogre.

    marqsade07 -

    Ist die Uhr danach noch wasserdicht ?

    LG Basti

    Bastian Tinne -

    Hi Bastian,

    durch das Öffnen de Uhr werden die wasserdichten Dichtungen beschädigt. Wenn diese nicht ersetzt werden, ist die Uhr nicht mehr wasserdicht. Wie wasserdicht die Uhr nach der Reparatur tatsächlich ist, hängt aber davon ab, wie passgenau neue Dichtungen eingesetzt und die Uhr verschlossen wird. Das IP68 Rating wird sie in jedem Fall verlieren.

    Dominik Schnabelrauch -

    Great instructions, super easy to follow and great detail in the pictures. Step 11, removing the motherboard from the core, was a little difficult, but it took more pressure than I thought it might. Ultimately, this is an easy fix that takes less than 30 mins total with the right tools.

    m00ky -

Conclusion

If possible, turn on your device and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing.

Secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. In order to position it correctly, apply the new adhesive into the device at the places where the old adhesive was located, not directly onto the battery.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For optimal performance, calibrate your newly installed battery: Charge it to 100% and keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Then use your device until it shuts off due to low battery. Finally, charge it uninterrupted to 100%.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Author

Tobias Isakeit

Member since: 31/03/14

122448 Reputation

54 comments

thank you,it really help alot

Otunla oluwashina -

Where can I buy the battery?

Buzz Burrows -

Where can you buy the battery 42mm version?

Thomas -

We hope to have them in our store soon. Check on our Samsung smartwatch parts over at [[ invalid parts link ]]

Tobias Isakeit -

How much does this cost for a battery and labor

Audrey Snit -

labour is pretty straight forward, can do it youself. i payed around £15 for a battery and tools

Gueseppe Volpati -

The battery charged after replacing and the screen showed it was charging but it will not turn on. Says 100%

Misty scheuerman -

You might want to try and restart the watch. Sometimes just leaving it on the dock (no power plugged in) will bring it back to life.

Tobias Isakeit -

merci , fantastique c est facile à suivre et il ne manque rien

merci à l l'auteur et aux traducteurs

Cordialement

Jean Pierre

Jean Pierre Fenech -

Tobias Isakeit

just finished the install on the new Battery after taking the old one out over a week ago. Needed to wait for the new battery to be back in stock. With this guide, it was a cinch.

Hope to see more on other devices.

Roger Owen -

Why type of battery does it take?

Sue Bahle -

Good guide. Only issues: I had to use a metal tool (like a letter opener) to very carefully pry the case open as no plastic spudger was working, and then when i got to pulling the motherboard/battery assembly out it just would not come out for some reason (I did coax it out eventually). Otherwise very straightforward process. Hoping my Galaxy watch works reliably again! (Charging up now, but already verified it still works!)

Tim Durstenfeld -

Great step by step, lots of care put into it as it was SUPER easy to follow.

The only think I could think of to add value to this is to add best practices and lessons learned to each step. I purchased the tools from IFixit but I had a hard time trying to get between the metal frame.

Sean Swift -

I so appreciate these instructions and the toolkit. I just replaced the battery and everything is in working order again. Thank you! As someone already mentioned, the only part I had trouble with was Step 2. The opening tool was not slim enough to insert between the back cover and the metal housing. I had to use a razor blade/box cutter blade and was careful not to hurt myself, but that did the trick. Also, the hall sensor flex cable (see Step 8) entirely came off of the plastic frame during step 13. I must have bumped it when removing the battery. From the pictures, I was able see how it should be reattached, so that turned out ok as well. Thanks again for making this possible! Go IFIXIT.com! These instructions are helping give new life to our valuables and keep them out of landfills!

Andrea Killory -

I have a samsung galaxy active 40mm watch, will the 42mm replacement battery work with it? I have been unable to find a 40mm replacement battery anywhere on the internet.

Drew Gates -

Excellent!! This is exactly what I needed. The most difficult thing was finding a y00 bit but that came in an ifixit toolkit I found at a

jamesbyassrascoe -

Good morning, is the waterproof lost when the battery is changed? Thank you

IgPe -

Wow, perhaps the most clear, precise, concise, well illustrated & carefully designed set of step-by-step instructions that I've ever seen. Thank you, I couldn't have even begun to do this without you. Great photos too.

Mark Barry -

Excellent instructions.

Philip May -

What Adhesive is suggested? How and where do you apply the Adhesive? And is the Watch still Waterproof after installing the new battery?

batato kr -

I would double down on this question. Can you please answer it?

Ecaflipe -

As adhesive you could use double sided tape. It’s meant for under the battery (if it does not come with adhesive pre-installed). That will keep it in place (although it already sits neat between the motherboard and the core frame—you might get away without adhesive).

Regarding the water proof topic: It’s about that rubber gasket on the back cover (see step 5 last pic). If it’s not damaged you should be fine. Unfortunately we couldn’t find a listing for that gasket, yet.

Tobias Isakeit -

Thank you for the excellent instructions! I was able to finish in ~40 minutes, despite having difficulty opening the bottom case for a while (the seal was good and sealed :).

Mark Ingram -

I have a question. What adhesive are you talking about? And where can I buy some? I want to make sure I'm fully prepared before doing this.

Marlyssa Chhay -

As adhesive you could use double sided tape. It’s meant for under the battery (if it does not come with adhesive pre-installed). That will keep it in place (although it already sits neat between the motherboard and the core frame—you might get away without adhesive).

Tobias Isakeit -

Thank you very much for your guidance in this problem it was very helpful and easy to complete

Ernie Coppin -

hello will the watch be waterproof even after i replace the battery?

Qemal Dariu -

Since the back cover is screwed-on it should be as water resistant as before providing an intact gasket (see step 5).

Tobias Isakeit -

Is it possible to replace the battery with one that will be higher performing or is the amh not able to be upgraded

M. Mc -

If you find a battery with the same specs but a higher mAh it should work (the voltage is the critical part for the watch to be able to charge it properly).Although I have no experience on how the watch calculates charging time and battery status. If you find more information on this (or try it out yourself), please share here for others to read :)

Lots of success

Tobias Isakeit -

Can I send my watch to you for battery replacement??

Larry

KBL -

Hi KBL, we are convinced you can accomplish the repair yourself. That is what we want to accomplish with this platform—empower people to fix their devices. If you need tools you and get them in our store (and some spare parts as well). We don’t offer a repair service. But their might be (authorized) repair shop near your place if you feel better giving it away for repair.

Tobias Isakeit -

Followed your guide and was shocked at how easy it was but after I finished the watch is now over heating. Has this happened with anyone else?

Gaven Vance -

I have not attempted the battery replacement procedure on my Samsung Watch yet but I have used IFixit instruction modules for several other items all achieving success. I am confident therefor that my watch battery replacement will go equally successfull as long as I still have a steady hand. Thank you for this service it is important.

glynn -

Where can you buy a new gasket?

go2guy -

The only instruction which I needed was that the battery replacement had a film on the underside which prevented the tab from going over the pin in the plastic base. Once that was removed then it all went back together well.

Charles VanAlstine -

In case anyone else has issues removing the core module, on the unit I changed, there were a couple of small metallic clips holding the core module in place - I had to use the pointy edge of a spudger to depress them to get the module to release. They are very small, so it's super easy to miss. It might be worth adding that to the guide :-)

Richard Rigby -

does a battery of the watch 5 (40mm) fit in the watch 4 (40MM)?

is there a possibility to install a battery with more than 247mah in watch 4?

NMGN -

one of the TY00 head is damaged, and I can't unscrewed it. any tip?

Jacques Thieck -

Only the regular "life hacks" ;) for removing stripped screws.

How to Remove a Stripped Screw

Tobias Isakeit -

What if the back won't come of?

Nick Wedmore -

Very professional work.

Thanks

Luis Elias -

cuanto tiempo dura una bateria antes de dejar de funcionar, o cuantas cargas

Josefina Rasca -

tuto très très clair et bien rédigé. Merci pour les photos ; ça dédramatise l'opération !

ric Bouet -

Eine hervorragende Anleitung !!! ;-))))

DerSchlaue -

guide was easy to follow but I need a new rubber gasket and I can't find a replacement anywhere.

Avery Benzing -

Super Ausführliche Anleitung, die Uhr Repariert sich von Selbst ,daher Top Bilder Galerie die Ausreichend ist um denn Akku zu Wechseln

Pilsner Thomas -

einfach ist aber auch anders

bin mal gespannt wenn s soweit ist.....

Günter Lohrke -

After succesfully replacing the battery, my watch requested the last OS update. I let it update, then all the sensors stopped working (gyroscope, HR, barometer). Unfortunately, I don't know if they were working BEFORE the software update. I read that many users had issues with the sensors after one of the last updates, so the point is that I dont' know if it's ad hardware issue - maybe I did not reassemble the watch properly? or a software one. Did someone have a similar problem?

Margherita Bettin -

Merci pour ce tuto très clair, j'ai changé ma batterie pour un problème de "rebooting" mais ce n'est pas la solution pour ce problème, j'ai essayé au cas où !

Eric Etienne -

Bonjour Eric Etienne, avec grand plaisir :) Si vous avez besoin d'aide pour diagnostiquer ce problème de rebooting, n'hésitez pas à vous tourner vers le Forum : https://fr.ifixit.com/R%C3%A9ponses/Devi...

Claire Miesch -

Excellent detailed and precise quide, which led to a successful repair. Thank you!!

Niko Haso -

Does this work for galaxy watch 6 classic?

Jesse Yuu Laukvik -

Thanks for this and thanks for the forum ifix it :)

Vianney Levesque -