Modern smartphones Samsung Galaxy have almost completely switched to a design with a non-separable body. This means that the user cannot simply remove the back cover and replace the battery in a few seconds, as was possible in the Galaxy S5 or Note 4era. Today, the procedure for removing a Samsung Android battery requires certain skill, specialized tools and strict adherence to safety precautions.
The need to remove the battery most often arises when it is swollen, the capacity is critically worn, or moisture gets inside the device. Owners of flagship series S and Note, as well as budget lines A and Mface the same problem: access to the insides is blocked by glass or plastic, mounted on powerful industrial glue. Incorrect actions can result in damage to the display, broken cables, or, worst of all, a fire in the lithium-ion cell.
Before attempting physical intervention, it is important to understand the risks. Inside the case is fragile electronics, and the battery itself is a source of chemical energy. Any careless movement of a metal object can cause a short circuit. Therefore, this material should be taken as strict technical guidance and not as a recommendation for entertainment. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the procedure to the service center specialists.
Preparation of the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the operation depends 50% on proper preparation. You will need not only a screwdriver, but also a whole set of tools that will ensure safe dismantling. The working surface must be clean, level and non-conductive. An antistatic mat or a regular wooden table covered with thick fabric is ideal.
In order to remove the battery, you will need the following tools:
- 🔥 A heat gun or a hair dryer to heat the adhesive layer under the back cover.
- 🔧 Set screwdrivers with bits type Phillips (cross) and Torx (asterisks), since Samsung often uses specific screws.
- 🎴 Plastic mediators or special spatulas for opening the case without damaging the plastic.
- 🧲 Magnetic mat or a container for sorting screws of different sizes so as not to confuse them during assembly.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves to protect components from static electricity and grease traces.
Pay special attention to the heat source. An ordinary household hair dryer may not cope with the task, since it does not have enough temperature to soften high-quality glue B-7000 or analogues used at the factory. However, it is strictly forbidden to use open fire or too high temperatures - this can melt the internal components or damage the display matrix on the back side.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to pry the cover with a knife or metal screwdriver until the glue is completely warmed up. Cold glue holds very tightly, and the application of force will lead to a crack in the rear window, the replacement of which costs much more than the battery itself.
☑️ Ready to open
The process of safely opening the smartphone case
The first stage is heating the perimeter of the device. Turn on the heat gun and set the temperature to between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius. Heat the ends of the smartphone evenly for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the flow of hot air so as not to overheat one specific point. Periodically test the temperature of the glass with your finger - it should be hot, but not scalding.
After warming up, insert a plastic spatula or pick into the joint between the frame and the back cover. It's best to start from the bottom end or the side of the charging connector, where there is usually the least amount of electronics. Carefully move the tool along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. If you feel strong resistance, stop and reheat the area.
When the lid begins to come off, do not remove it completely immediately. In modern models Samsung a fingerprint scanner or antenna modules connected by thin cables to the motherboard can be attached to the rear panel. A sudden movement can break these contacts. Inspect the inside of the cover and, if there are connections, carefully disconnect the connectors by lifting the locking latches.
Features of Samsung adhesives
Samsung factory adhesive has high adhesion and elasticity. When reassembling, it is recommended to use special glue B-7000 or E-8000, which retains its properties when heated and allows you to open the device again if necessary. Superglue (cyanoacrylate) cannot be used - it becomes brittle and can damage the case the next time it is disassembled.
After removing the cover, you will have access to the insides of the device. Before touching any components, make sure you discharge static electricity by touching a grounded metal object. Now you will see a view of the battery, covered with an additional protective plate or sticker.
Disconnecting the power and removing the protective elements
The most important rule before any physical impact on the battery is to turn off the power to the device. Locate the main cable on the motherboard that goes from the battery to the power connector. This connector is usually located in the top or central part of the board and is covered with a metal strip.
To access the connector, you must unscrew all the screws holding the protective plate. Their number can vary from 4 to 10 pieces depending on the model. Use a magnetic screwdriver to avoid dropping tiny screws inside the case, where they will be extremely difficult to remove without complete disassembly.
After removing the plate, carefully disconnect the battery cable. This should be done with a plastic spatula or fingernail, prying the connector straight up. Don't pull the wires! After disconnecting the loop, the device is completely de-energized, and the risk of a short circuit during further manipulations is minimized. This is a critical step that should not be skipped.
| Samsung model | Type of cover screws | Access features | Risk of damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21 / S22 | Torx T3, T5 | Glass on both sides | High (fragile glass) |
| Galaxy A52 / A53 | Phillips #00 | Plastic back cover | Medium (easier to open) |
| Galaxy Note 20 | Torx T3 | Complex case geometry | High (many cables) |
| Galaxy M series | Phillips #00 | Budget build | Low (simple design) |
⚠️ Attention: If you see that the battery is swollen and takes up more space than intended by design, proceed with extreme caution. Pressure on such a cell can lead to its puncture and the release of caustic electrolyte or fire.
Removing the battery: methods and safety precautions
Now that the cable is disconnected and the protective plates have been removed, you can begin to remove the battery itself. In smartphones Samsung the battery is also mounted on double-sided tape or glue. You can't just pull it out with your fingers - it holds very tightly.
There are several proven ways to release the battery:
- 🧵 Thread method: Take strong dental floss or thin fishing line. Place it behind the top or bottom edge of the battery and cut through the adhesive layer using sawing movements. This is the safest method that eliminates deformation of the element.
- 💳 Plastic card method: Use an old plastic card cut in half. Carefully push it under the battery, gradually moving deeper. The method requires patience so as not to bend the battery.
- 🌡️ Reheating: If the glue is too strong, you can briefly heat the area under the battery through the back cover (if it has not yet been completely removed) or carefully heat the end of an already open device, trying not to touch the cables.
It is strictly forbidden to use metal tools (knives, scalpels, screwdrivers) to pry off the battery. Puncture of a lithium-ion battery's shell instantly causes a chemical reaction, producing heat and smoke. Even a small scratch can cause a fire after a while.
If the battery is sitting tightly, try dropping a little isopropyl alcohol (99%) into the joint between the battery and the frame. The alcohol will dissolve the adhesive and make removal easier without damaging the electronics as it evaporates quickly.
When the battery begins to come away, do not pull it by one end. Try to lift it evenly so as not to break the fragile cells inside. If you feel that something is in the way, stop and check if you forgot to peel off any retaining stickers or cables running under the battery.
Installing a new element and reassembling
After successfully removing the old battery, you need to prepare a seat for the new one. Carefully remove any remaining old glue and tape from the case frame and from the new battery itself, if it has a protective film. The surface must be clean and free of grease for reliable fixation.
Apply a new layer of double-sided tape or special glue to the frame of the case. Do not apply glue directly to the battery if this is not provided in the instructions for it - it is better to glue it to the case. Carefully install the new battery, aligning the connector with the contact pad on the board.
Connect the power cable until it clicks. Make sure the connector is straight and tight. Only then can the metal protective plates be replaced and the screws tightened. Tighten the screws crosswise to ensure an even fit of the board, but do not overdo it so as not to strip the threads in the plastic stands.
The main mistake during assembly is forgetting to connect the battery cable before installing the cover. Always check that the device is turned on before final gluing the case.
Before applying glue to the back cover, perform a test turn on. Press the power button. If the screen lights up and the phone shows charging or battery level, then everything is connected correctly. If there is no response, recheck the cable connection. Once you are sure it is working, apply glue around the perimeter of the cover, press it and secure the device with rubber bands for 1-2 hours until completely dry.
⚠️ Attention: Battery characteristics may vary even within the same phone model, depending on the region and year of manufacture. Always check the label (for example, EB-BG991ABY) with the original element before purchasing a replacement.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting when replacing
Even following the instructions, beginners may encounter unforeseen situations. One of the most common problems is that the phone does not turn on after assembly. Most often, this means that the battery cable is not pressed to the end or the contacts have oxidized. Try disconnecting and connecting the connector again, after wiping the contacts with alcohol.
Another situation is the appearance of a message about a “non-original battery” or a refusal to charge. Some models Samsung have controllers that check the battery resistance. If you installed a cheap, low-quality analogue, the system may block charging for safety reasons. In this case, only replacement with a certified component will help.
If the display or touchscreen cable was damaged during the opening process, stripes may appear on the screen or the sensor will stop responding. Unfortunately, such damage is often irreversible and requires replacement of the entire display module assembly. Be extremely careful when inserting the blades into the gap between the screen and the frame.
Is it possible to charge the phone immediately after replacing the battery?
Yes, you can. Modern lithium-polymer batteries do not require long-term "surge". It is recommended to immediately charge the phone to 100% to calibrate the power controller, but this is not a strict obligation to start working.
What to do if the battery is very swollen and cannot be removed?
If the battery is swollen so much that it is stuck in the case, do not press on it under any circumstances. Try inserting the thread or plastic card from the edge where there is free space. If this is not possible, it is better to take the phone to a service center, since the risk of puncture and fire is extremely high.
Do you need to completely discharge a new battery before first use?
No, this is a myth left over from old nickel-cadmium batteries. For modern Li-Ion and Li-Pol power supplies, deep discharge is even harmful. Feel free to use your phone immediately after installation.
Why does the phone get hot after replacing the battery?
Slight heating during the first charging cycles is acceptable due to calibration. However, if the phone gets very hot when idle, you may have pressed the cable poorly, damaged the insulation, or installed a defective battery with high internal resistance.
Can you use a hair dryer instead of a hot air gun?
A regular hair dryer may work, but the process will take much longer (10-15 minutes of continuous heating), and there is a risk of overheating the hairdryer itself. A construction hair dryer is more effective, but requires caution with the temperature so as not to melt the plastic.