Had my iphone 5 since launch, so probably just over 2yrs.

Been a decent phone but last few months the battery has been getting on my nerves.

To the point over the weekend where from 100% charge to phone powering off was only taking 1hr

Plus the phone was getting really hot during use, as in so hot you couldn't comfortably hold it.

Just managed to take it apart and change the battery in under 5 mins, it's now still at 100% charge after 45 mins of use and is stone cold to the touch

Wish I'd had the bottle to do it months ago, anyone with same symptoms as me you can get the battery with the tools to do the job for under £5 delivered on eBay

I was thinking of this, but waiting for the iphone 6 to come out next month, and just carrying a charger around with me everywhere!!!

Mate, that's exactly the same boat I've been in for last few weeks/months

Honestly though for the daft £3 odd it cost I should have done it ages ago.

I'll still end up with a 6 when they get launched, as I'm currently out of contract, but at least I can sell this now with the confidence that it works

Sounds more straightforward than an iPod touch where the battery is soldered to the circuit board.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

It really was mate, I'd heard so many horror stories about tiny bits etc. but to change the battery you only remove the two pentelobe screws from the bottom, and two tiny Phillips ones inside.

I just watched this video to see how it was done

Good job... Just as well you'd changed it. If the phone was getting that hot the battery might have been inching towards a meltdown.

 

Mate had an issue with his iPhone4.  Battery "blew out" and cracked the back of the case.

I have an Xperia Z with similar symptoms... I don't fancy replacing the battery though as it's glued or bonded on due to it being water proof!

 

Phil

Great post!

 

I bet this helps out alot of users!

I had battery issues with my 5 after just over a year, it was getting to say, 1/4 battery, then I'd try to take photos or something and it would just die instead of running down through the 20% and 10% warnings etc. Turned out it was a hardware issue with the battery (apple sent me a diagnostic thing and did it over the phone) and they just swapped it for me. It's been fine since. 

 

If you do sell it, I hope you're going to tell the buyer it's not a stock battery... I'd want to know! 

Why? It's not under warranty, as long as it works I dont see the issue. If I were buying used I'd be open to the possibility that the case/screen/bett might have been changed. 

 

OT, thanks for the post, my mrs had just yesterday been complaining her phone dies within a hour or so, might give it a bash. 

Have a look at this. Apple may offer a free replacement if your serial number fits the range.

 

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/390403/apple-admits-fault-in-iphone-5-battery

Why? It's not under warranty, as long as it works I dont see the issue. If I were buying used I'd be open to the possibility that the case/screen/bett might have been changed.

OT, thanks for the post, my mrs had just yesterday been complaining her phone dies within a hour or so, might give it a bash.

Because it's not necessarily up to standard if it's a random 3rd party battery. Bit like the random 3rd party chargers (for all variety of electric goods) which then spontaneously combust because they are a massive pile a of ****. That's why.

Loads of parts standard in electronics combust, it's not a phenomenon restricted to third party products. Parts die and get replaced in phones, cameras, laptops, tv remotes etc etc, more often than not with 3rd party items, it doesnt mean the world will implode. 

Not the world, just the phone. I just feel it's only fair to the prospective buyer to be honest about it as there is a good chance it will be an inferior part. Especially if it came from eBay or such like, who knows who made it? Of course there is a chance that any electrical item can go wrong, but buying cheapo parts is more risky, as illustrated by the chargers. Cheap and nasty so they can sell them for attractive prices and still make a profit.

I personally haven't replaced any batteries in anything, only AA type batteries, which is a bit different. So I'd be a bit miffed off to be misled when buying a used phone. Other people may be perfectly happy with it, still only fair to tell them though. Just my opinion of course.

I've changed loads of batteries and other electronic parts in all sorts from laptops, to phones, drills, TV's, radios, watches, remote controls etc. Mostly with non-oe parts and have never had a problem. To suggest that just because they are non-oe or off eBay they are crap is a bit rich...

Loz, when I come to sell it I will be 100% honest with the battery situation.

I understand what you are saying, and I don't ever try to mislead anyone.

Chances are ill end up selling it to one of my mates/mate of a mate, so they would probably already know any way.

Have a look at this. Apple may offer a free replacement if your serial number fits the range.

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/390403/apple-admits-fault-in-iphone-5-battery

Wish I had seen that earlier, just checked serial number, and it is on the list.

But it says the phone must be in perfect condition with no visible damage.

As I have a small crack on the rear of it near the camera lense, they would charge to replace that first I would think. Or possibly refuse to do the replacement.

But even so, the nearest apple shop would cost me more in fuel and time than it did to buy the battery and do it myself

Edited 31 August, 201411 yr by JohnSTV6

I was in the apple store on Friday getting SWMBO's 5 booked in to repair the sleep/wake button and there was two people in front of me getting batteries on their 5's replaced free. They do it within 30 minuted too.

I've changed loads of batteries and other electronic parts in all sorts from laptops, to phones, drills, TV's, radios, watches, remote controls etc. Mostly with non-oe parts and have never had a problem. To suggest that just because they are non-oe or off eBay they are crap is a bit rich...

It's not 'a bit rich' it's a fair point. To do it on your own products by your own choice is fine. OP understands what I mean.

I had a dodgy battery in my first 5, Apple replaced the phone for me. If I had a fault with a battery then I personally would go back to the manufacturer to find out if I could get a new one. I'm sure there are other people who feel the same. Whereas other people would go on the internet and take a risk. All I was saying was it's only fair to let the new buyer know about it.

Or just let Apple fix it for you

All I was saying was it's only fair to let the new buyer know about it.

I think you actually said, amongst other things...

there is a good chance it will be an inferior part. Especially if it came from eBay or such like, who knows who made it?

It was that part that I was pulling you up on as in many caes OE part can be inferior quality as they are manufactured down to meet an end product price.

However you,re right the OP and others do know what you mean.

Haven't they just announced a recall on iPhone 5 batteries?

Haven't they just announced a recall on iPhone 5 batteries?

Yeah, talk about bad timing.

But like I said above, it would cost me more in fuel and time off work to drive to the nearest apple store to have it replaced by them than what it cost me to do myself anyway.

But it might be worth others checking out the link posted above, but Apple also say that the phone must be damage free for them to replace the battery free of charge. As mine has a small crack in the rear cover from dropping it, they would have probably either refused to do the replacement or charged me to fix the cover as well.

It was that part that I was pulling you up on as in many caes OE part can be inferior quality as they are manufactured down to meet an end product price.

However you,re right the OP and others do know what you mean.

I get you, I was just explaining why I would want to know.

If my 5 blows up with an apple battery, there would be hell to pay! If it blew up with a random 3rd party, what can I do?

If your iPhone's out of warranty and you're replacing the battery yourself (pretty straightforward on the recent models as discussed, especially the 4/4S), then a genuine Apple battery isn't going to cost much more than a 3rd party one. Just make sure you're buying it from somewhere with a decent reputation and warranty, While with some parts (plastic bezels, rear glass etc) it doesn't make much difference if any if it's a genuine part or not, batteries and chargers are something I'd recommend sticking with originals.

 

With the 5 replacement program of course you can check your serial and see if it's covered (you can get AppleCare to do it by post if you're not nearby an Apple Store) - especially if it's in-store, I'd say the guys behind the bar aren't going to be too bothered about wear and tear, just as long as there's no serious damage or liquid contact. The AppleCare route's maybe less likely to be as flexible.

 

Or of course you can get an independent repairer to do it - just be careful and make sure you're happy with the warranty and ideally can get a personal recommendation or genuine online reviews. Most places are probably fine but I've come across a few cowboys recently.