How to Replace the iPhone SE 2020 Battery

To ensure you have everything you need for a successful repair, you can find a high-quality replacement iPhone SE 2020 battery and the necessary tool kit right here.

⚠️Safety & Preparation

Discharge Battery: Before you begin, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire or explode if accidentally punctured.
Waterproof Seal: Opening the display will compromise the waterproof seals. Have a replacement adhesive ready, or take care to avoid liquid exposure after reassembly.

Phase 1: Remove the Display

Step 1: Remove Pentalobe Screws

Remove the two 3.5 mm Pentalobe (P2) screws located on either side of the Lightning charging port.

Step 2: Heat the Edge

Use an heat gun or hair dryer to heat the bottom edge of the iPhone for about 90 seconds. This softens the adhesive holding the display in place.

Step 3: Opening the Phone

1. Apply Suction Cup: Place a suction cup on the lower half of the display, just above the Home button.

2. Create a Gap: Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the screen and the frame.

3. Insert Opening Tool: Insert an opening pick into the gap. Slide it along the bottom and left side to slice through the adhesive.

4. Open Like a Book: Swing the display open from the left side (like the front cover of a book).

- Caution: Do not separate the display completely yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the logic board on the right side.

Step 4: Disconnect the Battery (Crucial)

Unscrew the two Phillips screws securing the lower connector bracket.
Remove the bracket.
Use a plastic spudger to pry the battery connector up from its socket. Always disconnect the battery first before disconnecting any other components to avoid short-circuiting the phone.

Step 5: Disconnect Display & Front Sensors

Disconnect the display cable and the Home button cable connectors.
Unscrew the three screws securing the front sensor assembly bracket at the top of the phone.
Disconnect the front-facing camera/sensor cable connector. The display assembly is now free from the phone body.

Phase 2: Remove the Old Battery

Step 6: Remove the Taptic Engine (Vibration Motor)

Unscrew the three screws (1.3 mm Y000, 2.7 mm Phillips, 2.9 mm Phillips) securing the bracket next to the Taptic Engine and remove the bracket.

2. Use an opening pick to separate the antenna flex cable from the top of the speaker.

Step 7: Remove the antenna cable the antenna cable

1. Pry up and disconnect the diversity antenna flex cable.

2. Carefully disconnect the antenna cable.

Step 8: Remove the Taptic Engine

1. Remove the two screws securing the Taptic Engine (one 2.1 mm Phillips, one 2.1 mm standoff screw).

2. Pry up the antenna base and remove it.

3. Disconnect the Taptic Engine connector and lift the engine out.

Phase 3: Removing the Battery

Step 9: Locate Adhesive Strips

The battery is held down by four "stretch-release" adhesive strips: two at the top and two at the bottom.
Use tweezers or your fingernail to peel back the black pull-tabs from the edges of the battery.

Step 10: Pull the Strips

Crucial Tip: Pull the strips slowly and at a very low angle (keep the strip flat against the battery).
The strips will stretch several times their length. Do not yank them, or they will snap.
If a strip breaks, apply a small amount of high-concentration (90%+) isopropyl alcohol under the battery or heat the back of the phone to soften the remaining glue.

Step 11: Remove the Battery

Once all strips are removed, lift the battery out of the case.
Warning: Never use metal tools to pry the battery, as puncturing it can lead to a fire.

Phase 4: Reassembly & Calibration

Clean-up: Remove any remaining old adhesive from the frame.
New Adhesive: Apply new battery adhesive strips to the new battery and place it in the phone.
Test: Before sealing the phone, reconnect the cables and power it on to ensure the screen and charging functions work.
Reseal: Apply a new display adhesive gasket around the edge of the frame if you want to maintain water resistance.
Calibration:
- After assembly, charge the new battery to 100% and keep charging it for at least two more hours.
- Use the phone until it shuts down due to low battery.
- Finally, charge it uninterrupted to 100% to calibrate the battery gauge.