Introduction
Use this guide to replace a worn-out battery in your Apple Watch Series 3.
This guide shows the procedure on the standard, GPS-only version of the watch, but the cellular/LTE version is similar. Any important differences are noted in the text.
Note: If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.
Tools
Parts
- Apple Watch (42 mm Series 3) Adhesive Strip
- Apple Watch (38 mm Series 3) Adhesive Strip
- Apple Watch (38 mm Series 3 GPS) Replacement Battery
- Apple Watch (38 mm Series 3 Cellular) Replacement Battery
- Apple Watch (42 mm Series 3 GPS) Replacement Battery
- Apple Watch (42 mm Series 3 Cellular) Replacement Battery
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Before starting repairs, take your watch off the charger and power it down.
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Prepare an iOpener (or grab a hair dryer or heat gun) and heat the face of the watch until it's slightly too hot to touch.
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Leave the iOpener on the watch for at least a minute to fully heat the screen and soften the adhesive holding it to the case.
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Place the edge of a curved blade into the thin gap between the display and the outer case. Start at the short side of the display, closest to the digital crown.
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Press firmly straight down into the gap.
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Once inserted, tilt the blade to pry the display open slightly.
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Use a Y000 driver to remove the tri-point screw securing the metal cover plate.
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Use a pair of tweezers to remove the cover plate.
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First open the plate all the way to unhinge the two flaps.
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Then close it halfway to remove it completely by lifting it out.
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Use scissors to cut one of your opening picks to about the width of the battery. Try not to leave any sharp corners.
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Insert the modified pick between the edge of the battery and the case, on the side opposite the digital crown.
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Use constant, steady pressure to slowly pry the battery up, separating it from the adhesive securing it to the system board.
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Remove the battery.
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If needed, try re-using the existing adhesive to secure the battery. Alternatively, try a small piece of double-sided tape such as Tesa 61395, or a dab of liquid adhesive such as E6000.
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Once your new battery is set in place, continue from Step 10 of the Force Touch Gasket guide to re-seal your watch and complete your repair.
Once your new battery is set in place, continue from Step 10 of the Force Touch Gasket guide to re-seal your watch and complete your repair.
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