How The iPhone 9V Battery Release Works

For years, getting an iPhone battery out meant pulling stretchy adhesive strips and hoping none of them snapped. Some newer iPhones do it differently. The battery is held in by an adhesive that lets go when a small electrical current runs through it. Apple's own repair manuals use a plain 9-volt battery for this.

Here's how it works, which iPhones use it, and why it matters for your repair.

Which iPhones Use It

According to Apple's public Self Service Repair manuals, the battery procedures for these models use the electrically released adhesive:

• iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e
• iPhone 16 Plus
• iPhone 17
• iPhone Air

The iPhone 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max manuals still use the familiar pull-tab adhesive strips. So do older models such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone SE (2022).

How Apple's 9-Volt Method Works

Apple's manual for the iPhone 16 and 16e lays out the steps:

1. Using ESD-safe tweezers, gently peel the silver adhesive tab away from the battery to about a 45-degree angle.
2. Connect the red (positive) lead of a 9-volt battery to that silver tab.
3. Connect the black (negative) lead to the grounding screw the manual specifies.
4. Hold the connection for 1 minute 30 seconds. The adhesive releases, and the battery can be lifted out.

Apple also notes two things. Removal can take longer as the phone ages. And a DC power supply of up to 30 volts releases the adhesive faster.

Why It Matters

• Apple takes battery handling seriously. The iPhone 16 and 16e battery manual warns that improper battery replacement or handling "could result in fire, injury, data loss, or damage to the device." It also says a battery should be replaced only by technicians with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. (Apple, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e Battery)
• Less tool work near the cell. On pull-tab models, Apple warns: "Don't scrape or puncture the battery with the tweezers." (Apple, iPhone 15 Battery) With the electrical release, the tab is peeled to about 45 degrees and the current does the rest. (Apple, 120642)
• A careful reinstall. Apple has the tech remove all leftover adhesive with ethanol or IPA wipes. Because the adhesive is transparent, the manual says to wipe the enclosure 5 to 10 times. The new battery is then seated with a battery press. (Apple, 120642)

What Can Still Go Wrong

• The adhesive doesn't fully release. If you feel resistance, Apple says to repeat the release steps. If the battery still can't be removed, the manual says to stop the repair. (Apple, 120642)
• Wrong contact point. The black lead has to go to the grounding screw Apple lists. On the iPhone 16 and 16e, that's the lower right grounding screw on the bottom speaker. (Apple, 120642)
• Safety gear. Apple's tool list for this repair includes safety glasses with side shields, sand and a sand container. (Apple, 120642)
• A loose battery after reassembly. Apple says to gently shake the iPhone. If the battery feels loose, it comes back out and gets replaced with another new battery. (Apple, 120642)
• Finishing the repair. Apple recommends running Repair Assistant after replacing the battery. It becomes available on the device once all reassembly steps are complete. (Apple, 120642)

Should You Try It Yourself?

Apple's Self Service Repair program is public, and the manuals are worth reading if you're curious. A battery job still means opening a sealed phone, handling a lithium-ion cell and resealing the device. If you'd rather not, we're happy to help.

Battery Replacement Near North Park And Normal Heights

Franchitti's Fix is a home-based iPhone repair workshop at 4515 Texas St, San Diego. Book An Appointment to pick a time.

1-year warranty against defects on undamaged parts and labor (60 days on Budget parts). Budget parts carry a 60-day warranty.

Learn more about Steven Franchitti, who runs the workshop.

Sources

• Apple, iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e Battery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120642
• Apple, iPhone 16 Plus Battery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120671
• Apple, iPhone 17 Battery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/123044
• Apple, iPhone Air Battery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/123062
• Apple, iPhone 16 Pro Battery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120811
• Apple, iPhone 15 Battery: https://support.apple.com/en-us/104907

Franchitti's Fix LLC is an independent repair shop, not affiliated with Apple.