The mobile phone is the most frequently used tech device in everyday life. The good news for the user is that looking after it is far less demanding in terms of time and effort than caring for a pet. Here are the tips to follow to ensure a long life for your device.
How to assess the health of the battery
The battery is one of the most essential components of the device. For this reason, the user has tools to monitor its condition and optimise its performance. There is no need to download third‑party apps. The built‑in operating system does an excellent job of allowing you to tailor power use to your real needs.
For example, if you mainly use your phone for calls, you can enable the most effective power‑saving mode, which significantly increases the time between charges. In the long run, this practice helps preserve the battery by reducing the number of full charge and discharge cycles.
Before using the various power‑saving modes, it is wise to read the documentation to understand their effects on your specific phone. In some cases, these modes disable app notifications, which could mean missing important information. A careful review of the options is therefore recommended.
Precautions to take for the battery
By adopting good habits, you may not need to replace the battery before you change your phone.
To increase this likelihood, it is recommended to:
- Never leave the battery completely flat for a long period. How quickly you recharge it is a key factor.
- Try not to charge beyond 85% (some phones have a function to stop automatically at 80%).
- Avoid leaving the mains adaptor plugged into the wall indefinitely. This increases the risk of the adaptor failing, which can affect the battery during charging.
- Protect the phone from extreme temperature changes.
Replacing the battery at home: the steps
The question of whether you can change your smartphone battery yourself can, in most cases, be answered with yes.
- Entry‑level devices are often the easiest to repair, as the back cover comes off with little effort.
- Some mid‑range or high‑end models are also simple to take apart, as long as the back cover is easy to access.
For smartphones designed not to be opened, the success of the operation depends on having the right tools and on the user’s skills.
If you decide to replace a battery in a phone that requires tools, the first thing to do is to look up a video tutorial that shows the process step by step. This will allow you to assess whether you have the tools and the know‑how.
Some models make the job harder by using glue to hold components in place. In these situations, it is more sensible to leave the task to professional repairers.
The procedure for replacing a battery follows a logical sequence, adapted to each brand:
Preparation and tools
To carry out the replacement, you will need:
- Precision screwdrivers.
- A heat source (hot‑air gun, hairdryer, iOpener tool).
- Suction cup.
- Thin opening tool (plastic card, guitar pick).
- Tweezers.
- Adhesive remover.
- Replacement adhesive strips.
- The new battery.
Before you start, switch the phone off completely and remove the SIM tray. It is recommended to begin when the battery is charged to around 25%.
Removing the back
For most devices (except iPhones):
- Heat the back of the device to soften the adhesive.
- Use the suction cup to start lifting the back cover.
- Use the thin tool to work your way around and release the clips.
- Once the back is removed, disconnect the black clip (NFC port, if present) with the screwdriver.
Warning: A video for your exact model is essential. Risk: The screen may crack while removing the back cover.
For iPhones:
- Remove the screws near the charging port and warm up the screen.
- Use the suction cup to gently lift the screen.
- Slide the tool around to unclip the screen.
- Remove the screen cable bracket and carefully disconnect it.
- Remove the other fixings to reach the battery.
Warning: A video for your exact model is essential. Risk: The screen may be damaged when being prised off.
Replacement procedure
For most devices:
- Carefully unplug the battery connector.
- Apply a few drops of adhesive remover.
- Remove the old battery.
- Fit the new battery.
- Reconnect the plug.
For iPhones:
- Carefully unplug the battery connector.
- Pull out the adhesive strips located under the battery using the tweezers.
- Remove the old battery.
- The new battery is supplied with the necessary adhesive strips.
- Install the new battery and reconnect the plug.
Reassembly
For most devices:
- Refit the NFC antenna and its screw.
- Check that the phone powers on.
- Close the back cover.
For iPhones:
- Put all components back in place.
- Connect the screen and attach its safety clip.
- Check that the phone boots up.
- If it does not turn on, plug in the charger and try again.
- Clip the screen back in and refit the screws.
Buying a reliable replacement battery
The first purchase criterion is to ensure perfect compatibility with your device. Searching by the product number on the old battery is more reliable than searching by smartphone model. Then you will need to choose between an original battery and a replacement battery. It is advisable to look into the options and make an informed choice based on your needs and budget.
