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iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement

What you need

  1. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the pentalobe screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Caution: 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 P2 screws at the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    • 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.

  2. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Heat the lower edge of the iPhone: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about a minute in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

  3. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • The next two steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle towards the hinge to disengage opening mode.

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

    • Push down on the cups to apply suction to the desired area.

    • If you find that the surface of your device is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use packing tape to create a grippier surface.

  4. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Push the blue handle away from the hinge to engage opening mode.

    • Turn the handle clockwise until you see the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned to each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • Insert an opening pick under the screen when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle clockwise half a turn.

    • Don't crank more than a half a turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next two steps.

  5. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Apply a suction cup: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Apply a suction cup: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • If you're using a single suction handle, apply it to the bottom edge of the phone, while avoiding the very edge of the glass.

    • 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 display.

  6. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Lift the display slightly: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Lift the display slightly: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Lift the display slightly: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • 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 display up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

  7. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Separate the display adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Separate the display adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Separate the display adhesive: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick around the lower left corner and up the left edge of the iPhone, slicing through the adhesive holding the display in place.

    • Only insert the pick a few millimeters (about the width of the display bezel.) Otherwise, you may damage the display cables along this side of the iPhone.

  8. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert your pick at the bottom edge of the iPhone, and slide it up the right side to continue separating the adhesive.

    • Don't insert the opening pick too far into the iPhone, or you may damage internal components.

  9. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • The top edge of the display is secured with both glue and clips.

    • Insert your pick into the right edge of the phone. Slide it around the top-right corner and across the top edge.

    • 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.

  10. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Open the iPhone: step 10, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Open the iPhone: step 10, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Open the iPhone: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • 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.

    • Remove four 1.1 mm-long Y000 screws securing the battery and display connector cover.

    • 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.

  11. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the battery and display connector cover: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the battery and display connector cover.

  12. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 13, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

  13. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 14, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the display cable connector.

    • 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.

  14. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Unscrew the front sensor connector cover: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Y000 driver to remove the four 1.1 mm-long screws securing the front sensor connector cover.

  15. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the front sensor connector cover: step 16, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the front sensor connector cover: step 16, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the front sensor connector cover: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Swing the cover up from the left until the small clip on the right unhooks.

    • Remove the cover.

    • During reassembly, insert the clip on the right edge into its slot first, then hinge the rest of the cover into place.

  16. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Disconnect the front sensors: step 17, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Disconnect the front sensors: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front sensor assembly cable connector.

  17. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 18, image 1 of 1
  18. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Unscrew the loudspeaker: step 19, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips driver to remove the four 1.4 mm screws securing the loudspeaker.

  19. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 20, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 20, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Slowly lift the loudspeaker out of its recess while gently peeling it off of its adhesive strip. Reapply this strip to the new loudspeaker.

    • Remove the loudspeaker.

  20. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine plastic cover: step 21, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips driver to remove the 1.4 mm screw securing the Taptic Engine plastic cover.

  21. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the plastic cover

  22. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry the Taptic Engine connector straight up and out of its socket.

    • Remove the three screws securing the Taptic Engine:

    • Two 2.8 mm standoff screws

    • Standoff screws are best removed using a standoff screwdriver or bit.

    • In a pinch, a small flathead screwdriver will do the job—but use extra caution to ensure it doesn't slip and damage surrounding components.

    • One 1.6 mm Phillips screw

  23. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine: step 25, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine: step 25, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the Taptic Engine: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the Taptic Engine.

    • If you are replacing the Taptic Engine, remove the adhesive strip and transfer it to the new Taptic Engine before beginning reassembly.

  24. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Locate the adhesive strips: step 26, image 1 of 1
    • The battery is secured to the rear case with four pieces of stretch-release adhesive—two on the bottom edge of the battery, and two on the top edge.

    • Each piece of adhesive has a black pull-tab at the end, which is lightly adhered to the edge of the battery.

    • In the following steps, you'll pull each tab to slowly stretch out the adhesive underneath the battery. These "command-strip" style adhesives lose their stick when stretched, so you can remove the battery with ease.

    • If the strips break, don't panic! They don't always work as intended. Keep reading for tips on removing broken strips.

  25. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the stretch-release adhesive: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the stretch-release adhesive: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Peel down the first battery adhesive pull-tab to un-stick it from the bottom edge of the battery.

    • Space is tight around some parts of the battery. It may help to slide an opening pick between the battery and its adhesive to help separate the adhesive.

    • Caution: Don't jab the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.

  26. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Peel down the second battery adhesive pull-tab to un-stick it from the bottom edge of the battery.

  27. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Grab the first 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.

  28. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Grab the second pull-tab with your fingers and pull it away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

    • Follow the same procedure as with the previous strip: don't press down on the battery, keep the strip flat and unwrinkled, and pull at a low angle.

    • 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 the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, continue with the next step.

  29. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • Peel up the two remaining battery adhesive pull-tabs to un-stick them from the top edge of the battery.

    • There's not a lot of space to grab these adhesive strips—using an opening pick to separate them from the battery before grabbing them with tweezers may help.

  30. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • Using the same procedure as before, pull the remaining two tabs, one at a time, to stretch and remove the remaining adhesive strip holding the battery in place. Try not to snag the adhesive on anything.

    • Be careful not to fling the battery from the iPhone as the final adhesive strip comes out.

    • If you removed all the adhesive strips successfully, skip the next step.

    • Otherwise, continue with the next step below.

  31. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, How to remove a stuck battery: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, How to remove a stuck battery: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • If you're still having trouble removing the battery, 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 an opening pick or 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.

  32. iPhone 12 Pro Max Battery Replacement, Remove the battery: step 34, image 1 of 1
    • 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.

    • If your new battery didn't come with adhesive preinstalled, refer to this guide for help replacing the adhesive strips.

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

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

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 Pro Max Answers community for help.

21 other people completed this guide.

Adam O'Camb

Member since: 04/11/15

177,741 Reputation

418 Guides authored

One Comment

Will you ship to England from your us store I am after the battery

Glenn hinds - Reply

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