Tablet · Microsoft · Surface RT
Microsoft Surface RT Battery Replacement
Battery Replacement guide for the Microsoft Surface RT
Before you begin
Tools
- T5 Torx screwdriver
- T3 Torx screwdriver
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Plastic opening picks
- Suction cup
- Spudger
- Plastic prying tools
Parts / materials
- Replacement Surface RT battery
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Battery adhesive removal strips
- Screen double-sided adhesive tape
Safety
- Disconnect power and ensure the device is shut down completely prior to opening.
- Do not puncture, crush, or bend the lithium-ion battery during removal.
- Wear safety glasses when heating and working with fragile screen glass.
- Operate in a well-ventilated space when applying high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Down the Surface
1 minTurn off the Surface RT completely and disconnect any attached chargers or accessories.
- 2
Extend the Kickstand
1 minFlip open the rear kickstand to full extension to access the hidden frame screws.
- 3
Pry Off Plastic Camera Bezel
3 minUse a thin plastic pick to gently snap off the long plastic cover surrounding the rear camera.
- 4
Unscrew Top Frame Screws
3 minRemove the T5 Torx screws hidden underneath the plastic camera bezel strip.
- 5
Remove Kickstand Screws
4 minUnscrew the T3 Torx screws holding the kickstand hinges to the main chassis and set the kickstand aside.
- 6
Heat Display Perimeter
5 minApply heat evenly to the edges of the front glass with a heat gun for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the adhesive.
- 7
Attach Suction Cup
2 minPlace a suction cup near the top edge of the screen glass and pull upward gently to create a gap.
- 8
Insert Opening Pick
2 minInsert a plastic guitar pick into the gap between the display glass and the magnesium housing.
- 9
Slice Screen Adhesive
6 minSlide the pick carefully around all four edges of the device to cut through the factory screen tape.
- 10
Tilt Open Display Assembly
2 minGently hinge the glass open from the top edge, taking care not to stress the underlying ribbon cables.
- 11
Disconnect Display Ribbon Cable
2 minUse a spudger to flip up the locking tab on the display connector and slide out the screen flex cable.
- 12
Remove Display Panel
1 minLift the entire display assembly off the frame and set it aside in a safe spot.
- 13
Unscrew Internal Shield Plates
4 minRemove the small T5 Torx screws securing the metal brackets over the battery connection area.
- 14
Disconnect Battery Cable
2 minPry the battery connector plug straight up off the motherboard header using a plastic spudger.
- 15
Apply Isopropyl Alcohol
3 minApply a few drops of high-grade isopropyl alcohol along the top and bottom edges of the battery cell.
- 16
Pry Out Old Battery
7 minWork a flexible plastic card beneath the battery cell and pry upward to release it from the strong frame adhesive.
- 17
Clean Battery Bay
4 minScrape away old tape residue from the housing floor using isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free wipe.
- 18
Apply New Battery Adhesive
3 minStick fresh double-sided adhesive strips into the clean battery recess.
- 19
Press New Battery into Place
2 minAlign the replacement battery into the frame tray and press firmly across its surface to adhere it.
- 20
Plug In Battery Connector
2 minAlign the battery harness with the motherboard socket and press down until it clicks securely into place.
- 21
Reconnect Display Cable
2 minSlide the display ribbon cable back into its connector and press down the flip-latch to lock it.
- 22
Reseal Display Screen
6 minApply new perimeter screen adhesive tape, press the glass flat into the chassis, and reinstall the rear frame screws.
After your Microsoft Surface RT battery replacement
Power the Surface RT 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 Microsoft Surface RT job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Microsoft Surface RT repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
