Imagup General Magazine 2024
Smartphones have taken over the world by now. You cannot function in modern-day society if you don’t own a smartphone. This isn’t exactly a bad thing; these devices are incredibly functional after all. The only problem with smartphones is that they aren’t long-lasting devices. An average smartphone has a lifespan of 2 to 3 years (if you don’t replace it prematurely). If you plan on extending your smartphone’s usable life, you will have to have it repaired at some point. One of the most common forms of smartphone repairs is battery replacement.
Smartphones are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are compact and lightweight, but they degrade quickly. Smartphone batteries typically begin losing their efficiency after a year of use. This is why most smartphones begin losing battery performance after a year. Fortunately, battery replacements are quite easy and affordable. You can swap your phone’s battery for a new one at a very low cost. In fact, battery replacements are so simple that you can carry them out at home on your own. If you do plan on DIYing your battery replacement, make sure that you are prepared. Sites like CertifiedRepairs can provide you with all the information that you need on battery replacements.
Can You Go on Without a Battery Replacement?
The answer to this question largely depends on the state of your battery. If your phone’s battery has died then obviously you cannot. You will have to get a new battery if you plan on using the device.
If your phone’s battery is in working condition but is degrading, then what should you do? You can technically continue using your device. You might be thinking that you’d end up saving money by avoiding a battery replacement. But you will also have to make a major compromise in your user experience. An old battery will give you bad battery time, meaning that you will always be running around looking for a charger.
In extreme cases, batteries can begin expanding. When this happens, your lithium-ion battery can turn into a safety hazard. Expanding batteries are susceptible to exploding and should be replaced as soon as possible.
We would say that you should replace your phone’s battery once it starts losing performance. Battery replacements don’t cost much and they can certainly extend the overall lifespan of your smartphone. If you manage to find a good repair lab, you will not have to worry about the hassle of having your phone repaired either.
Challenges of Replacing a Smartphone Battery
Trying to replace a battery by yourself might sound fun. Sure, it’s a simple process, but that does not mean it’s an easy one. We would recommend that only experienced people should attempt this repair. This is because lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous. If you aren’t careful while removing them, you could end up puncturing the battery. Doing so will expose the lithium in the battery to oxygen in the air. And as a result, your battery will catch fire and explode. To make sure this doesn’t happen, you need to be careful.
Another problem with battery replacements is that newer phones are a lot harder to open. Ever since phone companies have begun using glass back panels, things have become really tough. Modern phones are glass sandwiches that are held together with adhesive. The slightest mistake during the opening process can end up damaging your phone. You need a lot of patience and the right tools in order to get to your phone’s battery.
The Basics of Battery Replacement
We are going to assume that your phone has a glass back panel. Even if it has a regular back panel, there is still a very good chance that your phone’s back panel is set in place with adhesive. In order to get to your battery, you need to remove the back panel first. And in order to do that, you must have access to certain tools:
- A suction cup
- A heat gun or hairdryer
- A thin plastic pry tool
These three tools are essential if you want to remove a back panel that is set in place with adhesive. Your goal is to cut through the adhesive so the back panel separates from the rest of the phone. In order to cut the adhesive, you need to heat it up so it softens.
You can start off by turning off your phone. Then place the suction cup on the back panel in order to get some leverage on it. Now, take your heat gun/hairdryer and begin heating the edges of your back panel. You need to heat it to the point where it feels hot to touch. Make sure that you don’t end up overheating your phone and damaging it. When you have achieved the correct level of heat, the adhesive will soften up. Now, use the suction cup to gently but firmly pull your phone’s back panel. And while doing so, use your pry tool and slide it under your back panel’s edge. You can also use a cutter for this step.
From here, you need to be patient and gentle as you cut away the adhesive. During this process, you will need to reheat your back panel several times. And if you do everything correctly, the back panel will eventually come off.
After the back panel has been removed, taking out your old battery is really simple. You need to find its connector (its location will vary from phone to phone) and disconnect the battery. After you have done that, gently pry the old battery out of your phone. Remember to not use anything sharp when handling your battery. Once it’s out, put in your new battery (secure it in place with an adhesive) and connect it to the phone. Test whether the battery is functioning or not and then you can reassemble your phone. To secure your back panel in place, just use double-sided tape. High-quality double-sided tape is ideal for setting your back panel back in place.
