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How To Replace your iPod's Battery

lifehacker.com — Simple steps to replace the battery yourself and save big bucks.

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  • Arch, on 10/12/2007, -11/+33Too late for that.
    http://www.disaffect.com/damage-done.jpg

    ***** Apple's ***** non-existent battery replacement design. $300 went down the drain after a year of usage.
    • Underbyte, on 10/12/2007, -22/+7This isnt news. DIY ipod battery replacement tutorials have been out since forever.

      Buried.
    • MagnumVP, on 10/12/2007, -1/+36Direct Link: http://www.ipodhowtovideo.com/

      Bypassing the middle-man
    • ocsurfreport, on 10/12/2007, -1/+16These videos are very helpful. If you hate your iPod or if is broken, or it is too late for it, etc. is not relevant. I like the fact that someone has taken the time to inform us on how to do something ourselves rather then fork over a sum of money for such a simple job, and I for one encourage such help in any form on the web.
      Thanks.
    • GentlemanDash, on 10/12/2007, -38/+4***** Apple Period...they haven't made a decent product since the Newton. The ***** Zune beats Apple's iPoop and Vista rapes OSX.

      Truthiness > Facts.

      PERIOD.
    • ACrazyGerman, on 10/12/2007, -15/+5@GentlemanDash

      Will you have my babies?
    • DanielNielsen, on 10/12/2007, -14/+4***** GentlemanDash period, he hasnt made a decent comment since EVER. The ***** iPoop slaughters Zune, and OSX rapes Vista.

      Truthiness (Btw how stupid are you to make up such a ***** word?) > Facts.

      PERIOD.
    • mroberts, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4The battery on my 5th generation 30GB video died in just 11 months.

      And it was always in my Apple A/V dock connected to my home theatre!
    • ross., on 10/12/2007, -0/+15@mroberts
      they do come with 12 month warranties you know

      and it was probably being on the charger all day that killed the battery
    • tdowling, on 10/12/2007, -4/+5Are people not aware of Apple's battery replacement program? $59? If an Apple Store has replacement iPods on-hand, it can be a pretty quick process to get you a refurbished one with a fresh battery.
    • magic6435, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6@tdowling

      60 bucks are you insane, just go on ebay get a battery for 19.99 and do it yourself.
    • FrostRaven, on 10/12/2007, -6/+1@GentlemanDash

      Agreed.
    • aspirinetu, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4@tdownling

      you're supposed to be able to change the battery of your own gadget...
    • colincornaby, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3"@tdowling

      60 bucks are you insane, just go on ebay get a battery for 19.99 and do it yourself."

      The iPod exchange program gives you a new iPod. I'd like to see you do that for $19.99.
    • tdowling, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'm not commenting on the price, just the fact that a not-totally-unreasonable service is available. If my battery dies, I'll probably change it myself, but $59 is pretty good for most other people out there especially since you get a new or refurbished iPod along with it. Plus, it's warrantied in case the battery is a bum.
    • Boondoggle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1 by mroberts 17 hours ago

      The battery on my 5th generation 30GB video died in just 11 months.

      And it was always in my Apple A/V dock connected to my home theatre!

      --------

      Awsome!!!!! That means it was still under FULL WARRANTEE and you could just go to an Apple Store and they would hand you a new one!
  • KnytFyre, on 10/12/2007, -0/+11Agree w/ Arch,

    I've had my 5th gen now since October 2005, and I am dreading the inevitable battery death, perhaps this article will keep me from having to drop a ton o cash on a replacement.
    • ldavid, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8I can't believe my iPod battery life. I've got a 3rd generation ipod...bought it arond 4 years ago....battery life still works for about 3-4 hours...I'm not complaining. I'm just still surprised by HDD keeps spinning...
    • sishgupta, on 10/12/2007, -0/+13By the time my iPods battery is so ***** that I don't want to use it anymore I'll probably be wanting to buy the next version anyway.
    • nayr, on 10/12/2007, -2/+15my first-gen, second-gen, mini, and new video are all still running... what do you guys DO to these batteries?
    • GraceMolloy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I have the 3G 40 Gig and it's been doing ok but it's starting to get pretty bad.
    • dscurtis, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5I used http://batteryship.com, great service and low prices. I order the battery for my daughters iPod mini @ $9.99 which included the battery (38% more capacity than original) instructions and special tools needed to perform the replacement. It's been working great for almost a year now.
    • bigtedshred, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2i bought from http://ipodbatterydepot.com for my 3rd gen.. battery life was down to less than a hour. i checked out batteryship and they seem to have the same stuff for less... anyway, zero problems for the non-apple battery so far.
    • Axlrose, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I have a 2nd Gen 10gig I bought on eBay, it still works perfectly.
    • astrosmash, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3> I've had my 5th gen now since October 2005, and I am dreading the inevitable battery death

      I've had my 4th gen now since December 2004 and its battery is fine.
    • vegetables, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I too keep waiting for my 15 gig (3rd gen?) ipod to crap out. It makes funny noises and the battery bar is always all over the place but it just keeps going. Can't wait to crack it open when it does, though.
    • EdwardsNH, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"By the time my iPods battery is so ***** that I don't want to use it anymore I'll probably be wanting to buy the next version anyway."

      True, but if I replace the battery, I can pass my old one on to one of my kids (I'll just throw it in the middle and let the survivor keep it).
  • dan9876, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7Very helpful set of instructions. Here is another one..
    http://www.zolved.com/synapse/view_content/20077

    But is it really that easy to find an exact matching battery off the shelf?
    • Area51mafia, on 10/12/2007, -2/+1The store here: http://store.ifixipodsfast.com/ipod-parts-/-installation/cat_36.html

      Has them pretty cheap, $30.
    • hypercrypt, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1$30 is not cheap, Apple does it for $59, but you actually get a new iPod, so the HDD will also be new and there will not be any scratches on it. Surely that is worth the extra $29. Now, the $9.99 ones are good value.

      Also, store insurance for the iPod is very good, $40 for three years for all damage. I am on iPod number 10 now (Including due to cracked screens and such).
  • jeffgtr, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I replaced my Ipod battery. It wasn't bad at all and the battery life is better than when I purchased it new.
  • DSEZ, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Still have my 2nd gen ipod. Replaced the battery really easily and it works better and has lasted longer than the new ipods. A plastic knife will pop the cover and wont scratch.
  • Arch, on 10/12/2007, -9/+2I've written a piece about my iPod battery experience over here: ---> http://www.hak5.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4863
  • rudy23, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Darn. Just the opposite of what I need.

    My Battery is great. iPod is dead.
    • DSEZ, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5part it out on ebay, when my brothers broke we did this and put the money towards a new one. Screen and harddrive will sell if they are in good condition.
  • Quickdood, on 10/12/2007, -8/+3I am surprised this made it to the front page, changing an Ipod battery is not anything new, I did mine like 6 months ago.
  • satanatnmtedu, on 10/12/2007, -8/+3Yes, this is OLD news.
  • JuyLe, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Do you have something to replace the HDD instead ? My battery is fine !
  • DHracer, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2This was news to me. Thanks! Dugg!
  • Merrick178, on 10/12/2007, -4/+3Wow, I'm retarded. For some reason I always thought the actual iPod was encased in plastic....
  • ehMacdotca, on 10/12/2007, -2/+0iPod mini Battery Replacement:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVin-kUSHd8
  • BlackCow, on 10/12/2007, -8/+6:-0 but its apple! You can't do anything yourself!
  • nonokiaboy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1How about the iPod Shuffle (1st Gen)?
    Is that possible to open up and replace? Can anyone please help me out? Apple told me it would cost about 100 dollars to get a new battery installed by them!
  • Tanman895, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I just cracked my LCD, i bought a new one for 40 bucks from http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_LCD.htm Has anyone replaced an ipod screen before? I dont want to ***** it up. But its to late now the screen is on the way, just want to know if anyone else has had to do this.
    • HMaster92, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2
      I regularly fix screens for people at my school and it is not very dificult just pull out the ribbon cable and when you put the new one in be sure to push it in far enough or it will not turn on (the screen) http://www.ipodmods.com/ has tutorials
  • flair1, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I just replaced the battery on wife's Ipod Mini yesterday. I bought a kit that included instructions, tools, and a battery for $9 shipped on Ebay. Took me about 15 minutes to replace the battery. Now she is happy because her battery was down to about 45 minutes of use before recharging.

  • paulson, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10I'd just like you guys to know that ipodhowtovideo.com has more than just battery tutorials... it has 24 different videos for different model iPods.

    I own http://www.ipodhowtovideo.com as well as http://www.ifixipodsfast.com

    I created the videos and the store.
  • Topher06, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Hammer, Energizer, Duct Tape, period.

    Honestly though, its about time Apple offered the ability to replace or even upgrade the battery easily. Just allow the metal plate on the back to slide off, even if I have to remove one screw. I am sure Apple could create an amazing design that incorporated the ability to access a battery compartment. When you think of it, having a case snap together using plastic tabs is a little cheap compared to something that requires metal screws. The only reason for Apple to keep it this way is that they expect people to either buy a new iPod after 3 - 5 years, or to spend $60+ through AppleCare to replace it.
    • zip22, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1did you ever consider the fact that the reason they keep it that is because "having a case snap together using plastic tabs is a little cheap compared to something that requires metal screws."? for apple, it is probably significantly cheaper to seal the case and not have to deal with broken battery doors or consumers messing up the batteries. it also helps with the clean aesthetic and keeps the units slim.
    • HMaster92, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1and it make the case so much pretier when it has no hinges or scres/covers
  • >mark, on 10/12/2007, -4/+1bwahahahahaha
  • JerTheBear, on 10/12/2007, -6/+4Are you kidding me?

    So I can replace a battery on my ancient Toshiba laptop, Archos MP3 player, truck, lawn tractor, etc., without so much as a user manual -- yet to replace the battery on an iPod requires "invasive surgery"? Please explain to me how this exemplifies superior design on the part of Apple.

    Talk about planned obsolescence.
    • astrosmash, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4It's cheaper to design and manufacture that way, plain and simple. When you manufacture millions of these things each *quarter* shaving a few dollars off production adds up to a lot of money.

      If the battery needs to be replaced only once every three years, you might think that a quick-removal battery isn't a priority for most people, and you'd be right. It isn't.
  • jads, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4For those not wanting to replace the battery themselves, Apple do have a battery replacement program for OOW ipods with battery issues where they replace the ipod - not the battery - the actual ipod, if it is a battery fault.

    details here

    http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/battery/

    A battery kit is cheaper but not really by much, plus you get a 90 day warranty on the replacement ipod too. (If your ipod was engraved they'll even engrave the replacement too).
  • schoate09, on 10/12/2007, -5/+1Nice guide, but between the battery issues, so/so compatibilty, and overeasy scratching, I will be purchasing a Zune soon.
  • BigBadaboom, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2My 20G 4G iPod battery died after about 15 months. I decided to try the replacement batteries from Newertech ($30) rather than the ($60)
    Apple ones. The Newertech battery lasted less than nine months.

    Now my iPod sits permanently plugged in on my side table. :(

    I'm not sure why Apple seems to get a free pass on this. Somehow they came through the 'iPod's dirty secret' scandal a couple of years back relatively untouched. The Apple apologists at ipodbatteryfaq.com try hard to convince you that everything is normal and great, but if any other electronic
    appliance reliably died after a year, it would be a much bigger deal.

    It's certainly put me off ever buying another iPod.
    • encognito, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Exactly. The lack of a battery replacement was one of the main reasons why I never bought an iPod in the first place. It is the same issue I have with the iPhone but worse because nearly every cell phone allows you to easily swap out the batteries. And most don't cost $600 bucks. Apple's planned obsolescence may work for $250 dollar music players but I don't think it is gonna fly for the iPhone.
    • astrosmash, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3@BigBadaboom
      What are you doing to your iPod that causes its battery to wear out so quickly? My 4th gen is 26 months old and its battery is just fine.

      @encognito
      iPod batteries *are* replaceable; that's what this whole article is about. And you can choose a battery from a large marketplace of different suppliers, including Apple.
    • colincornaby, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4"I'm not sure why Apple seems to get a free pass on this. Somehow they came through the 'iPod's dirty secret' scandal a couple of years back relatively untouched. The Apple apologists at ipodbatteryfaq.com try hard to convince you that everything is normal and great, but if any other electronic
      appliance reliably died after a year, it would be a much bigger deal."

      What do you do to your iPod? If Newertech's battery died, how the heck is that a flaw with Apple? If you've killed both Newertech's and Apple's battery, that doesn't sound like a manufacturing issue, that sounds like a user issue.
    • encognito, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Oh boy, here we go, attack of the fanboys. Sure, the batteries on an iPod are replaceable in the same sense that a watch battery is replaceable. It's a sealed battery dumbass! If Apple wanted people to replace their batteries they wouldn't have sealed the damn thing. And their is no technical reason for them to do this except to make money off of people who don't want to open a sealed compartment and risk voiding their warranty. Moreover, are the videos wholly endorsed by Apple or even created by Apple? No, it's some hack job DIY deal which should tell you something about Apple's strategy concerning their batteries. At least it would give you pause to think if you weren't so busy chugging the kool-aid like a frat boy on pledge night.
  • Salmonized, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Great..... awhile back i found one about how to changing the LCD screen while digging through digg...i to went the website( ifixit.com)
    ordered the replacement ($40)..after receiving the replacement...my son and i went back the website..followed the directions...and behold!! it worked!!! my son was giving me the worried looks when he was helping me, but disappeared when we got his ipod in shape again...thanks diggers...keep 'em coming...
  • cruzer2727, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0has anyone tried lowering the screen brightness when your not watching videos....i mean if you turn screen brightness down when you listen to music it will help drastically.
  • dampeal, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I just had to comment, I saw the mention of Kokopelli Music - http://www.kokopellimusic.us I know the owner, they are located about 20 minutes from me... great guy and they offer good prices too
  • ricsad, on 10/12/2007, -1/+0I have a 1st gen ipod nano for over a year. The battery is still usable, probably around 50% of what it used to be though.

    But this isn't a big problem. By the time the battery dies, I can probably just get a newer iPod nano instead of buying a battery to continue using an old iPod.
    • encognito, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"But this isn't a big problem. By the time the battery dies, I can probably just get a newer iPod nano instead of buying a battery to continue using an old iPod."

      And the strategy reveals itself in all its glory. Repeat ad infinitum.
  • shillbert, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Three words: Creative Zen Micro.
    • astrosmash, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1Although they may be a little easier to replace, the Zen Micro's batteries are way more expensive to purchase than iPod batteries.
    • greatblackowl, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Zens also have other issues that make me stay away from them. Faulty firmware made a brick of my Zen Xtra until I could figure out a way to fix it.
  • verstohlen, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3I am completely dumbfounded there are so many people who would purchase such an expensive product with such a glaring and major design flaw in it: an unreplaceable battery. So easy to engineer it to be replaceable, yet Apple doesn't do it. It's obvious to whom Apple is marketing this product, and there are no shortage of them on this planet.
    • colincornaby, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I have an old 3rd generation iPod that is at least a year and a half old, and it's still ticking great. The iPod it replaced was another 3rd generation that was probably 2.5 years old, and the battery life was probably only down to half. My current 5G iPod has prefect battery life, and I've had it at least a year. My sister had a 3G that was going on 4 years, and she just replaced it a few months ago because she was out of space (the battery was still going).

      Seriously, how many times do you guys have to send your iPods through the washer to destroy the batteries like you do?
  • wilson316, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Does anyone know if someone out there can replace Apple Nano (2nd gen) batteries? I think those are the only ones that are soldered to the board itself
  • lenwood, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3I don't understand why people are so against Apple on this point. Or, at least why people aren't equally upset about other products. I have to replace my cell phone battery about once every 9 months. I just had to throw away a Motorola bluetooth headset after 14 months because the battery wouldn't hold a charge any more. My iPod and my PDA are the only two devices that I've owned that have never had the batteries replaced. My iPod still holds a charge for 8+ hours.
  • xkidmidnightx, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4As always the illiterates at digg miss the point:



    THE IPOD BATTERY IS REPLACEABLE. IT COSTS 9 ***** DOLLARS AND IS EASY TO DO.


    Quit saying "Hurrrrr, battery isnt replaceable hurrrr..."

    Retards. Seriously, there have been replacement batteries for 3 or 4 years now.
  • will0861, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Are you people insane? $59 bucks to get a refurbished Ipod? Or a battery replacement? What other company gives you any kind of service after you buy the product, much less after the warranty is up? Most companies would tell you to f$%^ off.

    Quit crying. If you don't like it go buy a Zune.
  • heidivodka, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1Mine's going great and can last for days nearly a week. Stop using the hold button and the battery will last.

    Batteries are replaceable, quit moaning
  • ebola, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3How to replace battery on my samsung MP3 player:

    1. Open battery compartment door
    2. Remove old battery
    3. Put in new battery
    4. Close door

    I guess the geniuses at apple are too smart to think of something dumb like this. I will never buy an ipod as long as they have this stupid sealed battery.
  • noahhoward, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Fair warning that this potentially voids your waranty for those of you who are still under warranty.

    Also, with any tech product, always buy the exended warranty. I have seen macs get $1500 of new parts and the only cost was the original fee for the additional warranty.
  • norapers, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Ok, If you're an Apple-hater or hate the Ipod or hate the design for the Ipod or etc, all of the above, or you know where this is going. Have you ever thought of OTHER MP3 PLAYERS????? You know, Ipods are really just for show, nothing really special about it. Its overpriced, the batteries are in a retarded position, and there are SO many basic things that aren't included, for example, an A/C charger, radio capabilities, and more. I have or rather, HAD a 3rd Gen. Ipod. first 3 months, fine, the best choice I've ever made. 4Th month what the HELL happened? Battery died.

    So, to the point, all of you people out there looking for better batteries or even a better MP3 player? Check this sh*t out:
    http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Catalog(1166)-SanDisk_Sansa_e200_Series_MP3_Players.aspx
    The Sansa Rhapsody
    RADIO!!!
    MAX 256 HOURS OF BATTERY
    EASY TO REPLACE BATTERY
    VOICE RECORDER
    Basically, it has everything an Ipod has AND needs, just without a big screen, a lot of memory, and a touch wheel thingy. All for only $120.00!!! Or $200.00 for 8GB.
  •  

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