Have you ever felt that your smartphone is ageing faster than grandma’s rocking chairs? It's at 80% one moment, then it dies the next. Does this sound familiar to you? You're on the right page if your battery is draining faster than you could say Low Power Mode.
Battery issues are frustrating to deal with, particularly when the device itself is working perfectly. It's not always necessary to buy a new phone. Sometimes, it is enough to know how to repair or replace a battery. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cell phone battery repair, from spotting the signs to doing the fix yourself.
What causes phone batteries to go bad?
Unfortunately, your phone battery's life is not immortal. Each full charge is one cycle. It starts to show signs of wear after a few hundred charges.
These are the usual suspects.
- Overcharging
- Extreme temperatures
- heavy apps draining the power continuously
- Age Batteries don't always last.
Web-based Battery Check
How can you tell if your battery is dying? Watch out for the following red flags.
- Your phone suddenly shuts off
- The battery percentage is jumping around as if it were haunted
- The charger takes forever (or does not charge at all).
- When you use your phone lightly, it heats up.
- Safety concern: Swelling and bulging
Replace or Repair It?
Good question. A repair or calibration may be enough to fix a minor battery problem. If it is completely dead or has swollen up to the point of being unusable, you should replace it.
Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional?
What's going on?
- DIY: Less expensive and more satisfying but also riskier if not done carefully.
- Repair by professionals is safer but more expensive.
How confident are you with a screwdriver?
The Tools you'll need for Battery Replacement
Gather your tools if you are going to DIY. What you will need is:
- Replace the battery with a compatible one
- Screwdrivers, usually Phillips or Pentalobe
- Opening picks or plastic pry tools
- Suction cup
- Heat gun or hair dryer (for adhesives)
- ESD Strap (to avoid static damage).
How to replace a phone battery
1. It may seem obvious but don't forget to do this.
2. The screws will be located near the charger port depending on the model of your phone.
3. The Suction Cup Tool and Pry Tool: Gently lift the screen, and use the pry tool to wiggle it around. This will loosen any adhesive.
4. Unclip carefully the connector. The battery connector on some phones is covered with a metal shield.
5. The glue may need to be softened with heat. Do not force the phone.
6. Place the New Battery Place the new battery gently in the socket, reconnect the connector and then screw it all back together.
7. It should work like new!
Repairing Faulty Batteries Without Replacing Them
It's possible that the problem is not with the battery, but rather the calibration or software. You can try these solutions:
- To calibrate the battery, drain it completely and then charge 100% continuously.
- Update the software on your mobile phone
- Clear background apps
- Location services and reduced screen brightness
- Use battery-saving modes
Checking Battery Health
You can monitor the battery life on both Android and iOS.
- iPhone: Select Settings > Battery and Charging.
- Android: Use codes such as ##4636# *, or apps from third parties like AccuBattery.
It's important to take action if your health score is less than 80%.
Batteries Swelling? Then stop everything!
Do not charge your phone or try to use it if the battery is bulging. Batteries that are bloated can explode or leak. Replace it as soon as possible. Place the battery in a container that is fireproof.
Are third-party batteries safe?
All replacement batteries are not created equal. Third-party cheap batteries may not comply with safety standards. Check reviews and only buy batteries from trusted sellers.
Battery life extension tips
Do you want your battery to last for longer? These habits will help you get the most out of your battery.
- Do not let the percentage drop below 20%.
- Charges overnight are not necessary
- Chargers must be original or certified.
- Avoid heating your mobile phone
- Upgrade your software frequently
Avoid these common mistakes when replacing your
What not to do
- Rushing: patience = less cracked screens
- When you forget to replace screws or connectors
- Skip safety precautions
- Using metal tools aggressively
If your new battery doesn't work?
If your phone is still not charging or working after replacement:
- Check all connectors
- How to perform a reset?
- Installing an old battery and checking if it is defective
It could be that the motherboard or charging port is damaged.
Is it Time for a New Smartphone?
Even after a battery replacement, if your device is older than 4 years and has multiple problems (slow performance or screen issues, hardware flaws), you may not have the best possible experience. It may make more sense to invest in a brand-new phone in such situations.
Conclusion - Don't let a bad battery ruin a good phone
It's not the end of your phone just because its battery is dying. Knowing how to deal with the problem, whether you decide to repair yourself or have it fixed by a professional, will save money and help reduce e-waste. You can extend the life of your cell phone by learning battery repair.
And if you do need a professional touch, always go for the best mobile phone repair services in your area—your phone deserves the VIP treatment!
FAQs
1. Can I use my phone while it’s charging?
While charging your phone, you can use it, just don't do anything heavy (like playing games) as this could cause it to overheat.
2. How long does a phone battery last on average?
The average life of a lithium-ion battery is between two and three years or about 300 to 500 charge cycles.
3. Is it safe to replace a phone battery myself?
If you take the right safety measures and follow all instructions, it is safe for you to change your phone's battery yourself. If you are unsure about the process, it's best to leave it up to professionals.
4. Why does my battery drain even when I’m not using the phone?
Battery drains even when you're not using your phone. Background apps, screen brightness and poor signals can all cause this.
5. What should I do with an old or damaged battery?
Do not throw away an old battery or one that is damaged. You can take it to an e-waste recycler or a battery disposal company.