iPhone 13 mini Battery Replacement

Written By: Adriana Zwink

Comments: 30

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

iPhone batteries are rated to hold 80% of their capacity for up to 500 charge cycles, which lasts roughly 18-24 months for most users. After that, your iPhone may need to be charged far more frequently, and iOS may warn you that performance is affected (in other words, your phone will run slower). Use this guide to replace your battery and restore your iPhone 13 mini to like-new performance.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

Note: On iOS 17.6 and earlier, your iPhone may display a warning about the “genuineness” of the battery after the repair, even when using original Apple parts. If your iPhone functions normally, you can safely ignore the warning. On iOS 18 and newer, authenticate your new battery using Apple's Repair Assistant.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your phone. This reduces the risk of a dangerous thermal event if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.
Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
Remove the two 6.8 mm-long pentalobe P2 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.

Step 2

If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your device. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.
Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.
You can also mark the other corners of the pick with different measurements.
Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

Got to step 2 and realized the fix kit doesn't include an opening pick! Looks like a guitar pick, and I have those lying around. Is that expected? Looks like the pick is used in many steps below. There's a little blue crowbar that isn't mentioned in the instructions. Perhaps that replaces the opening pick?

Sloan Looney -

Hi! I can't see which guide you were using when writing this comment. Can you reply here with which guide and fix kit you used?

Clay Eickemeyer -

I see you posted this in Meta. I hope it's resolved soon! In the meantime, a guitar pick may work well enough for your repair.

Clay Eickemeyer -

what fix kit?

Meow Purr -

My fix kit didn't include an opening pick either

WILLIAM HARRIS -

Make sure you check inside the black boxes after emptying them. My pick was stuck inside one of the boxes.

AndyF -

My AliExpress refurbished screen came with a pick that has a coin-like circle that pops out, so no modification was necessary

Gijs Leegwater -

the picture shows 3 cm but the description says 3 mm's. Which one is it?

John Pena -

That is a misunderstanding. It is a ruler with a scale for cm, it shows 0.3 cm, i.e. 3 mm.

VauWeh -

Oh, come ON!

Big Ed -

It will ALWAYS be millimeters on a phone, but this step is ridiculous, skip it!

Leif DeWolf -

It's not an Ifixit KIT if it doesn't include everything. You'll need to order the opening pic separately. Or head to Walmart like myself and look for guitar pics. Hopefully, this will work just as well.

Jaleeljb97@icloud.com -

No pick in mine as well. It’s really not clear that you have to order this separately when ordering an IPhone SE 202/2022 screen repair kit. Is this the case?

Jackson Castiglione -

Frustrated, I ordered a compact package where everything was encapsulated. Useless suction tools could not separate the screen. If it is unable to decouple the screen, then why sucking suction tools you have provided.

Shourob Datta -

For my kit the triangle pick was stuck inside the box with the screen not with the other tools maybe it's also there for you

Henry Scheibehenne -

Y’all are getting far, FAR too detailed with some of this stuff…. Measuring and marking the pick that you won’t actually use to open the device?!? lol that’s kinda funny. Just heat it up, grab a spudger, and the back just pops right off! The iFixit tech need to stick to the KISS method more often, you know KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!!! Like l, for reals, I’ve been doing this stuff for YEARS and using iFixit guides regularly and this is just ridiculous at this point!

Leif DeWolf -

Step 3

If your iPhone has a cracked screen, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping over the glass.
Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's screenuntil the whole face is covered.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.
If you can't get the suction cup to stick in the next few steps, fold a strong piece of tape (such as duct tape) into a handle and lift the screen with that instead.
If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the screen.

Step 4

The next three steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down three steps for an alternate method.
For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.
Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.
Slide the arms over either the left or right edge of your iPhone.
Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.
Squeeze the cups together to apply suction to the desired area.
If you find that the surface of your iPhone is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use tape to create a grippier surface.

Step 5

Pull the blue handle forwards to lock the arms.
Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.
Make sure the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

Step 6

Support your iPhone on something sturdy such as a hardcover book so it rests hands-free and parallel to the ground; this makes it easier to work with in the following steps.
Use a hair dryer to heat along the bottom edge of the iPhone. The screen should feel slightly too hot to touch.
For complete instructions on how to use a hair dryer, check out this guide.
Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.
Insert an opening pick under the screen's plastic bezel when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.
If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle a quarter turn.
Don't crank more than a quarter turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.
Skip the next three steps.

Step 7

Use a hair dryer or a heat gun to heat the bottom edge of the iPhone for 90 seconds or until the screen is slightly too hot to touch.
Never leave your hair dryer in one spot for an extended period of time.

Step 8

If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, as close to the edge as possible.

Step 9

Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the screen and the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap under the screen's plastic bezel.
The watertight adhesive holding the screen 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.

Step 10

Use a hair dryer to heat the right edge of the iPhone (the edge with the power button) for 90 seconds or until the screen is slightly too hot to touch.

Step 11

Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and along the right edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.
Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, and don't force it through unheated sections of adhesive, or it may slip and damage internal components.
Leave the pick in the top right corner before continuing.

This procedure cracked my screen. Do not move too fast with the pick, and make sure to heat it before hand. Not sure what else can be done to prevent a cracked screen here

Kristo Jorgenson -

cracked my screen to. The pleck sliped cause I was to afraid to damage something intern so it sliped out and cracked the display.

Tariguz -

Step 12

Use a hair dryer to heat the top edge of the iPhone for 90 seconds or until the screen is slightly too hot to touch.

Step 13

Slide the opening pick around the top right corner of the iPhone to separate the top adhesive.
Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage the top sensors.
Leave the pick in the top left corner before continuing.

Step 14

Use a hair dryer to heat the left edge of the iPhone for 90 seconds or until the screen is slightly too hot to touch.

Step 15

There are delicate cables along the left edge of your iPhone. Don't insert your pick here, as you may damage the cables.

Step 16

Insert a second opening pick in the bottom left corner of the iPhone.
Twist both picks simultaneously until the left edge clips release.
Apply the twisting force gradually.
If you're having trouble separating the adhesive, reheat the left edge.

Step 17

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

Step 18

Rotate your iPhone so the right edge faces you.
Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the right side, like the front 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.

Step 19

Remove the 1.2 mm-long Y000 screw securing the battery and display connector cover.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.
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.

나사가 1개 밖에 보이지 않는데 왜 나사 2개를 풀라고 하는 거죠?

hello world -

Step 20

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the battery and display connector cover.

Step 21

Use a spudger to pry the battery and OLED panel cable connectors up from their sockets 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.
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.

Step 22

Remove the three screws (securing the front sensor assembly cover):
One PH000 1.4 mm-long screw
One Y000 1.8 mm-long screw
One Y000 1.2 mm-long screw

Please fix your kit! You ship a PH000, but in the video you show a PH00 (and that’s what it is)

Connor Luckett -

Step 23

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the front sensor assembly connector cover.

Step 24

Use a spudger to disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector.

Step 25

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

Step 26

Remove the four 1.5 mm-long Phillips screws securing the speaker.

Step 27

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the speaker.

Step 28

The battery is secured to the rear case with three pieces of stretch-release adhesive—two on the bottom edge of the battery, and one on the top edge.
Peel down the first battery adhesive pull-tab to un-stick it from the bottom edge of the battery.
Don't jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

Step 29

Grab the first pull-tab with a pair of tweezers or your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone 13 mini.
Pull hard enough to maintain tension on the strip, but don't force it. Give it plenty of time to stretch and un-stick from under the battery.
Don't press down on the battery. Hold the iPhone firmly by its sides.
Keep the strip flat and unwrinkled. Try to pull evenly on the whole strip, rather than pulling mainly in the middle or on one side.
Pull at a low angle so the strip doesn't snag on the edge of the battery.
If the adhesive strip breaks off, try to retrieve it using your fingers or blunt tweezers, and continue pulling—but do not pry under the battery.
If any of the adhesive strips break off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, try to remove the other strips, and then proceed as instructed below.

Step 30

Grab the wide pull tab with blunt nose tweezers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

Step 31

Grab the second pull-tab with your fingers and pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.
Follow the same procedure as with the previous strip: don't press down on the battery, keep the strip flat and unwrinkled, and pull at a low angle.
If the adhesive strip breaks off, try to retrieve it using your fingers or blunt tweezers, and continue pulling—but do not pry under the battery.
If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, continue with the next step.

Step 32

Grab the pull tab on the top with tweezers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the top of the iPhone.

Regardless of Battery charge, if compromised in anyway shape or form, you will have sparks and you will toast your battery.

Evan Williams -

Step 33

Using the same procedure as before, pull the remaining tab to stretch and remove the remaining adhesive strip holding the battery in place. Try not to snag the adhesive on anything.
If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, apply a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery in the area of the broken adhesive strip(s).
Wait about one minute for the alcohol solution to weaken the adhesive.
Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the battery.
Don't try to forcefully lever the battery out. If needed, apply a few more drops of alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.

Step 34

Remove the battery.
If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.
Use this guide to install new battery adhesive strips.
Perform a force restart after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

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. Press the new battery firmly into place.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order. Apply new adhesive where necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

After your repair, depending on the replacement part, you may be able to calibrate it using Apple's Repair Assistant, available as of iOS 18. Update your device, navigate to Settings → General →About → Parts & Service History, tap Restart & Finish Repair, and follow the onscreen prompts.

For optimal performance, after completing this guide, calibrate your newly installed battery.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our iPhone 13 mini Answers community for help.

Author

Adriana Zwink

Member since: 18/12/19

54794 Reputation

9 comments

Schade, dass Apple die Reparatur von Iphones nicht mehr kostengünstig zulässt. Das wird die Gebrauchtmarktpreise und somit den Wert der Handys stark verringern...

Mike B. -

Does this repair disable the ability to view the current charge percentage of the battery in the top right of the screen?

James Bender -

No, but it will take a few charge cycles to get an accurate reading. iPhone will re-learn what 100% is, based on how the battery behaves. It is recommended that your run your phone for a couple of COMPLETE charge cycles:

1. Charge it to 100%.

2. Leave on charger for an additional hour.

3. Don’t charge your phone again until it is below 5% (ideally, until empty).

4. Repeat once.

This gets you back to accurate reading, sooner. More importantly, it’ll extend the life of the battery.

Also do this if you haven’t used your phone in a while (a couple of months or more).

Read more about this by looking up: priming a lithium battery.

Last note: do not leave a lithium powered device on its charger all day or 24/7. (Laptops, phones,etc.). It’s bad for the battery and will greatly reduce its life.

This is why, when you charge your iPhone overnight, on a regular basis: iPhone will charge to 80%, then finish the charge in the morning. Batteries degrade/deteriorate faster at 100%.

Emmanuel Bouys - 18/05/24

Das Glas hat sich leider bei mir von dem Display gelöst... Jetzt ist es kaputt.

Es wurde keine große Kraft aufgewendet, man hätte ruhig hier warnen können, bzw. irgendwie auf etwas hinweisen können um dies zu verhindern..

Stefan -

Hallo liebes ifixit Team,

leider habe ich auch am 25.12.2023 mein iPhone 13 mini in den Himmel geschickt. Als der Spalt nach dem Erwärmen und dem Zug am Saugnapf größer wurde, dachte ich jipppiiiii es klappt, allerdings bin ich mit dem Werkzeug leider zwischen Glas und Elektronik gekommen und habe somit das Display gefetzt.

Ein Hinweis, wie dick ungefähr das Display samt Elektronik ist, wäre hier sehr hilfreich gewesen.

Eure Anleitung ist top, allerdings merkt man erst zu spät, dass sich Realität und Foto eurer Anleitung nicht decken. Dann ist es zu spät und das Display ist defekt.

Viele Grüße

Christian

Christian Ide -

Hat super geklappt. Schließe mich den Vorrednern an: Ein Hinweis bzgl. des auf dem Display aufgeklebten Rahmen (der auch am oberen Lautsprecher und den Kameras fest verbaut ist), würde auf diesen sensiblen Bereich und der Möglichkeit etwas zu zerstören geholfen.

phrankme -

My iPhone 13 mini doesn't look like this inside. The earpiece grille is not a part of the screen and the screen connector is on the top edge, not the side. I think this guide caused me to break my phone. I am very upset.

frustrated - 01/09/24

I have an iPhone 13 mini that will not turn on with a new battery, but turns on just fine with the old battery. I've tried 2 different batteries now and the first one wouldn't charge and always showed 1%. The 2nd battery doesn't turn on at all.

Vista7814 -

Ich kann Christian in dieser Kommentarspalte nur zustimmen.

Liebes Team, es gehört wirklich eine rote Warnmeldung an den Schritt, wenn das Display mit dem Plektron gelöst wird. Es passiert leicht (so wie mir leider auch), dass man versehentlich zwischen Displayglas und Displayelektronikeinheit kommt und so das Display zerstört. Dies könnte man verhindern, wenn nochmals mit roter Schrift auf die "Dicke" der abgelösten Displayeinheit hingewiesen wird.

(ENG)Dear team, there really should be a red warning message on the crotch when the display is detached with the pick. It's easy (as unfortunately happened to me) to accidentally get between the display glass and the display electronics unit and destroy the display. This could be prevented if the ‘thickness’ of the detached display unit was indicated again in red lettering.

Arne - 26/11/24