Iphone 12 Mini Battery Replacement Repair Guide

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Featured Guide

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

                          1 - 2 hours

Sections

Pentalobe Screws
1 step
Opening Procedure
10 steps
Display Assembly
8 steps
Bottom Speaker
2 steps
Battery
5 steps

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Introduction

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

Note: After the repair, your iPhone may display a warning about the “genuineness” of the battery, even when using original Apple parts. If your iPhone functions normally, you can safely ignore the warning.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

What you need

Step 1

              Remove the pentalobe screws

Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.
Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.
Remove the two 6.7 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

Remove the two 6.7 mm-long pentalobe screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

1024

Step 2

              Heat the bottom edge of the phone

Opening the iPhone’s display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.
Heating the bottom edge of the iPhone helps soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.
Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about two minutes in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.
If you have trouble during the opening procedure the adhesive most likely cooled down. Apply more heat to further soften the adhesive. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.

Opening the iPhone’s display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.

Heating the bottom edge of the iPhone helps soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about two minutes in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

If you have trouble during the opening procedure the adhesive most likely cooled down. Apply more heat to further soften the adhesive. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.

Step 3

              Apply suction cup(s)

The next two steps demonstrate the iSclack, a handy tool that we recommend for anyone doing frequent repairs. If you aren’t using the iSclack, skip down two steps for an alternate method.
Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.
Press both suction cups firmly into place.
If your display or back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may help the suction cups adhere. The iSclack also includes two pieces of tape for this purpose.

The next two steps demonstrate the iSclack, a handy tool that we recommend for anyone doing frequent repairs. If you aren’t using the iSclack, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone—one on the front, and one on the back.

Press both suction cups firmly into place.

If your display or back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may help the suction cups adhere. The iSclack also includes two pieces of tape for this purpose.

Step 4

Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to slightly separate the screen from the rear case of the phone.
Don’t try to completely separate the screen; a small opening along the bottom edge is all you need.
Insert an opening pick into the gap under the display on the lower edge of the iPhone.
Skip the next two steps.

Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to slightly separate the screen from the rear case of the phone.

Don’t try to completely separate the screen; a small opening along the bottom edge is all you need.

Insert an opening pick into the gap under the display on the lower edge of the iPhone.

Skip the next two steps.

Step 5

              Apply a suction handle

If you’re using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, as close to the edge as possible.
If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

If you’re using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, as close to the edge as possible.

If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

Step 6

              Lift the display slightly

Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.
The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you’re having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

Insert an opening pick into the gap.

The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you’re having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

Step 7

              Separate the screen adhesive

Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and along the right edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.
Don’t insert the opening pick too far underneath the front panel, or you may cause damage to internal components.

Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and along the right edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

Don’t insert the opening pick too far underneath the front panel, or you may cause damage to internal components.

Step 8

Re-insert your pick at the bottom left corner of the iPhone.
Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and along the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.
Don’t insert the pick very far, or you may damage the display cables along this side of the iPhone. Insert it only a few millimeters, or about the width of the display bezel.

Re-insert your pick at the bottom left corner of the iPhone.

Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and along the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

Don’t insert the pick very far, or you may damage the display cables along this side of the iPhone. Insert it only a few millimeters, or about the width of the display bezel.

Step 9

The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.
Again, don’t insert the pick more than a few millimeters—about the width of the display bezel—or you may damage the front panel sensor array.
Insert your pick underneath the top-right corner of the display panel.
Slide the pick around the top right corner. Because of the clips you might encounter some resistance.
Gently pulling the front panel assembly towards the bottom edge of the phone simplifies this step a little.
Slide the pick along the top edge and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.

Again, don’t insert the pick more than a few millimeters—about the width of the display bezel—or you may damage the front panel sensor array.

Insert your pick underneath the top-right corner of the display panel.

Slide the pick around the top right corner. Because of the clips you might encounter some resistance.

Gently pulling the front panel assembly towards the bottom edge of the phone simplifies this step a little.

Slide the pick along the top edge and cut any remaining adhesive securing the display.

Step 10

              Remove the suction cup(s)

Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.
If you used an iSclack and it’s still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.

Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

If you used an iSclack and it’s still affixed to the iPhone, remove it now.

Step 11

              Open the iPhone

Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the right side, like the front cover of a book.
Don’t try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone’s logic board.
Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you’re working on the phone.
During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn’t click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren’t bent.

Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the right side, like the front cover of a book.

Don’t try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone’s logic board.

Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you’re working on the phone.

During reassembly, lay the display in position, align the clips along the top edge, and carefully press the top edge into place before snapping the rest of the display down. If it doesn’t click easily into place, check the condition of the clips around the perimeter of the display and make sure they aren’t bent.

Step 12

              Unscrew the battery and display connector cover

Remove the 1.25 mm-long Y000 screw securing the battery & display connector cover bracket.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.
During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.

Remove the 1.25 mm-long Y000 screw securing the battery & display connector cover bracket.

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPhone and test all functions before you seal the display in place. Be sure to power your iPhone back down completely before you continue working.

Step 13

              Remove the battery and display connector cover

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the battery & display connector bracket.
There are two little hinges on the right edge of the connector bracket. Make sure to align them with their counterparts during reassembly.

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the battery & display connector bracket.

There are two little hinges on the right edge of the connector bracket. Make sure to align them with their counterparts during reassembly.

Step 14

              Disconnect the battery

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.
Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.
Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

Try not to damage the black silicone seal surrounding this and other board connections. These seals provide extra protection against water and dust intrusion.

Bend the connector slightly away from the logic board to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.

Step 15

              Disconnect the OLED display cable

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the OLED panel cable connector up from its socket on the logic board.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to pry the OLED panel cable connector up from its socket on the logic board.

To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

Step 16

              Unscrew the front sensor assembly cover

Remove the five 1 mm-long Y000 screws securing the front sensor assembly cover bracket.

Remove the five 1 mm-long Y000 screws securing the front sensor assembly cover bracket.

Step 17

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the front sensor assembly bracket.

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the front sensor assembly bracket.

Step 18

              Disconnect the front sensors

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector.

Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector.

Step 19

              Remove the display assembly

Remove the display assembly.
During reassembly, pause here if you wish to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the display.

Remove the display assembly.

During reassembly, pause here if you wish to replace the waterproof adhesive around the edges of the display.

Step 20

              Unscrew the speaker

Remove the four 1.5 mm-long Phillips #000 screws securing the speaker.

Remove the four 1.5 mm-long Phillips #000 screws securing the speaker.

Step 21

              Remove the speaker

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the speaker.

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the speaker.

Step 22

              Remove the adhesive strips

Peel down the first battery adhesive pull-tab to un-stick it from the bottom edge of the battery.
Don’t jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

Peel down the first battery adhesive pull-tab to un-stick it from the bottom edge of the battery.

Don’t jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

Step 23

Grab the pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.
Pull hard enough to maintain tension on the strip, but don’t force it. Give it plenty of time to stretch and un-stick from under the battery.
Don’t press down on the battery. Hold the iPhone firmly by its sides.
Keep the strip flat and unwrinkled. Try to pull evenly on the whole strip, rather than pulling mainly in the middle or on one side.
Pull at a low angle so the strip doesn’t snag on the edge of the battery.
If the adhesive strip breaks off, try to retrieve it using your fingers or blunt tweezers, and continue pulling—but do not pry under the battery.
If any of the adhesive strips break off underneath the battery and can’t be retrieved, try to remove the other strips, and then proceed as instructed below.

Grab the pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

Pull hard enough to maintain tension on the strip, but don’t force it. Give it plenty of time to stretch and un-stick from under the battery.

Don’t press down on the battery. Hold the iPhone firmly by its sides.

Keep the strip flat and unwrinkled. Try to pull evenly on the whole strip, rather than pulling mainly in the middle or on one side.

Pull at a low angle so the strip doesn’t snag on the edge of the battery.

If the adhesive strip breaks off, try to retrieve it using your fingers or blunt tweezers, and continue pulling—but do not pry under the battery.

If any of the adhesive strips break off underneath the battery and can’t be retrieved, try to remove the other strips, and then proceed as instructed below.

Step 24

Grab the wide pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

Grab the wide pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

Step 25

Grab the pull tab with your fingers and slowly pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.
Repeat the previous procedure on the two remaining pull tabs.
If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can’t be retrieved, apply a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery in the area of the broken adhesive strip(s).
Wait about one minute for the alcohol solution to weaken the adhesive.
Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the battery.
Don’t try to forcefully lever the battery out. If needed, apply a few more drops of alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.

Repeat the previous procedure on the two remaining pull tabs.

If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can’t be retrieved, apply a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery in the area of the broken adhesive strip(s).

Wait about one minute for the alcohol solution to weaken the adhesive.

Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the battery.

Don’t try to forcefully lever the battery out. If needed, apply a few more drops of alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.

Step 26

              Remove the battery.

Remove the battery.
If there’s any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.
Perform a force restart after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

Remove the battery.

If there’s any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.

Perform a force restart after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

If possible, turn on your device and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing.

Secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. In order to position it correctly, apply the new adhesive into the device at the places where the old adhesive was located, not directly onto the battery. Press the new battery firmly into place.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order. Apply new adhesive where necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

For optimal performance, after completing this guide, calibrate your newly installed battery.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our iPhone 12 mini Answers community for help.

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                                                                                      15 other people completed this guide.

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                    Dominik Schnabelrauch

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Roman - Mar 1, 2022

If you replace the battery (even with a first party one) you will need to go to Apple, unfortunately, as is for the new iPhone 13 models.

Wesley Halliwell - May 15, 2022

I don’t think it’s stated clearly enough that the display adhesive is VERY strong and you might think you’ve gotton a big enough gap when sticking in a pick will actually separate the layers of the screen and break it (defintely not speaking from experience). Make sure the phone is totally, thoroughly heated and be very, very careful.

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