Tablet · Apple · iPad Air 13
Apple iPad Air 13 Battery Replacement
Battery Replacement guide for the Apple iPad Air 13
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening picks
- Suction cup handle
- Plastic spudger
- Tweezers
- Heat gun or iOpener
- Plastic pry cards
Parts / materials
- Replacement battery for iPad Air 13
- Pre-cut battery adhesive strips
- Pre-cut display adhesive strips
- Isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher)
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Discharge the battery below 25% to minimize risk of thermal runaway during removal.
- Wear eye protection to guard against unexpected glass shatters or chemical splashes.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using adhesive solvents or isopropyl alcohol.
- Avoid puncturing or bending the lithium-ion battery cells during prying.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off Device
1 minEnsure the iPad is completely powered down and the battery level is discharged below 25%.
- 2
Heat Front Display Edges
3 minApply a warm iOpener or heat gun around the outer edges of the screen for two minutes to soften adhesive.
- 3
Attach Suction Handle
2 minPlace a suction cup near the top edge of the screen and pull upward firmly to create a small gap.
- 4
Insert Opening Pick
2 minSlide an opening pick into the gap created beneath the front screen glass.
- 5
Slice Perimeter Adhesive
5 minCarefully slide the opening pick along the edges of the screen to sever the display adhesive.
- 6
Open Display Panel
2 minGently swing open the display panel from the right edge toward the left edge like a book cover.
- 7
Unbolt Display Shield Screws
3 minUse a precision Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the display connector shield.
- 8
Lift Out Display Shield
1 minUse tweezers to carefully lift the metal display shield off the logic board.
- 9
Disconnect Display Cables
2 minUse a plastic spudger to gently pop the display ribbon cable connectors straight up from their sockets.
- 10
Remove Display Assembly
1 minLift the display assembly free from the iPad frame and set it aside in a safe location.
- 11
Unscrew Battery Connector Bracket
2 minRemove the screws securing the battery connector lock and shield plate.
- 12
Detach Battery Connector Shield
1 minLift the battery shield plate out of the casing using fine-tip tweezers.
- 13
Disconnect Battery Board
2 minUse a plastic opening tool to disconnect the battery contact tab from the logic board to kill power.
- 14
Apply Adhesive Solvent
2 minSquirt a few drops of high-concentration isopropyl alcohol along the top and bottom edges of the battery cells.
- 15
Wait for Solvent Action
3 minAllow the adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol to sit for three minutes to soften the factory glue underneath.
- 16
Insert Plastic Pry Card
2 minSlide a wide plastic card or spudger flat underneath the corner of the first battery cell.
- 17
Pry Up Left Battery Cell
4 minGently lever the plastic card upward to slice through softened adhesive beneath the left battery cell.
- 18
Pry Up Right Battery Cell
4 minMove the pry card under the right battery cell and carefully separate it from the chassis.
- 19
Remove Spent Battery
1 minLift the old battery assembly straight out from the iPad rear housing.
- 20
Clean Battery Cavity
3 minWipe down remaining adhesive residue in the aluminum tray using a lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol.
- 21
Apply Battery Adhesive Strips
3 minLay down fresh adhesive strips onto the underside of the new replacement battery.
- 22
Set Replacement Battery
2 minAlign the new battery in the rear housing and press down firmly to secure the adhesive.
- 23
Reconnect Logic Board Cable
3 minReattach the battery connector to the logic board and reinstall the connector shield screws.
- 24
Connect Display Assembly
4 minReconnect the display ribbon cables to the logic board and screw down the metal shield plate.
- 25
Install Screen Adhesive Strips
5 minApply custom-cut pre-formed adhesive strips along the perimeter frame of the iPad housing.
- 26
Seal Display Screen
3 minAlign the display over the frame and press firmly around all edges to seal the screen shut.
After your Apple iPad Air 13 battery replacement
Power the iPad Air 13 back on and test the battery replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple iPad Air 13 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple iPad Air 13 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
