Replace an iPod Battery

If the iPod battery runs down, you can replace it yourself

iPods sure look svelte and stylish without a battery door, but the omitted hatch makes the whole thing worthless if your battery gives up the ghost. All batteries degrade through time and use; expect your iPod's to last between one and three years. DIY replacing battery for your iPod Nano, Video or Mini helps extend the life of your iPod or iPhone and gives you extra hours of play. Don't get caught with a dead iPod make sure your iPod has a new life with a new battery.

Once the iPod's battery can't keep a charge, you can pay Apple or a repair shop to replace it. But you can do it yourself for about half as much money, and in many instances you'll get a better-performing battery than the company originally provided.

The lithium-ion battery is housed beneath the hard drive. Keeping in mind that replacing your own battery isn't a foolproof process, here are the basic steps:

  • Double-check that your iPod is turned off and lock the Hold switch.
  • Grab a wedge to pry apart the casing. Anything from a guitar pick to flathead screwdriver will do. PC Magazine recommends plastic over metal to reduce the chances of damaging the device
  • Most iPod casings are held together by a series of metal clips. Open the casing by prying your tool between the seam and pressing in on the clips to make them release. If you casing is held together by a ribbon cable, take care not to damage it.
  • Detach the hard drive from the circuit board and set it aside.
  • Pry your wedge under the battery to loosen it and unhook the battery cable from the circuit board.
  • Hook the cable from your replacement battery into the circuit board and insert the new battery in the compartment.
  • Reattach the hard drive and snap the casing back together.

Initially, the iPod should turn on, signaling a successful replacement. After that, you'll need to charge it.

You can prolong the time until your iPod battery kicks the bucket. Understanding the lithium-ion battery's likes and dislikes can coax extra life out of it.