I replaced my iPhone (2G) battery today, and it was much easier than I expected.
(Click on the image for more pics.)
Don't get me wrong: it is far from easy. However, with some patience, the proper tools, and a good technical grasp of the process and the skills involved, it's not as hard as it might first seem.
The difficult parts of the process were:
- getting the case off/on without damaging it;
- desoldering the old battery; and,
- soldering on the new battery.
If you want to do this, here's what I'd suggest:
Purchase a battery and case opening tools off of eBay. I bought this battery and tool pack from yallstore for $7, who ships from Brooklyn.
You'll need some additional tools, including a #00 philips head screwdriver and a dental pick. I don't recommend the metal spudger that iFixit uses; the two iPhone case opening tools that come with the battery and a dental pick are perfect.
You'll also, of course, need a soldering rig with solder iron, solder, desolder braid (or a vacuum pump), etc. and the smarts to use it well without making a mess.
Thoroughly study the iFixit tutorial and the Bleeding Edge TV video tutorial:
- iFixit -- Installing iPhone 1st Generation Battery
- Bleeding Edge TV 190: How to Replace Your iPhone Battery
I used the Bleeding Edge's method for getting the case off but decided to be a bit more careful, like iFixit, with removing the old solder and soldering on new joints.
Enjoy!
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