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iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement

What you need

  1. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement, Rear Panel: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Accessing the internals of the 4th generation Shuffle is extremely difficult, as the rear panel is both glued to the front case and secured by metal retaining clips. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to remove the rear panel without inflicting cosmetic and/or structural damage.

    • Before proceeding, be sure your Shuffle is switched off.

  2. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Use a combination of iPod opening tools and metal spudgers to pry the rear panel away from the Shuffle by the seam nearest the ON/OFF switch.

  3. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the rear panel from the Shuffle.

  4. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • If present, remove the thin black moisture seal covering the Shuffle's internals.

    • Remove the single 2.1 mm Phillips screw securing the logic board to the front case.

  5. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Use the edge of an iPod opening tool to flip up the retaining flap on the control button cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to gently pull the control button ribbon cable out of its socket.

  6. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Use an iPod opening tool to gently pry the battery off the adhesive securing it to the front case.

    • Lift the battery out of the front case, being sure not to strain its delicate leads.

  7. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the tip of a metal probe into the hole molded into the logic board retainer nearest the logic board.

    • Pry the retainer first away from the front of the front case, then pull it away from the side of the front case.

    • Remove the logic board retainer from the Shuffle.

  8. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Use the edge of an iPod opening tool to push the headphone jack down toward the center of the Shuffle.

  9. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Continue pushing the logic board down away from the top edge of the Shuffle.

    • Pull the logic board out of the front case by the side nearest the ON/OFF button and gently maneuver the headphone jack out of its recess in the front case.

    • Remove the logic board assembly from the Shuffle.

  10. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement, Battery: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Use a tip of a sharp metal probe to scrape off the glue covering the battery terminals near the control button ZIF socket.

    • Be careful not to short the two contacts as you remove the glue.

  11. iPod Shuffle 4th Generation Battery Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Use a fine-tipped soldering iron to heat up the battery connections boxed in red one at a time while you pull the corresponding lead away from the other side of the logic board.

    • If you have never soldered before, we have a guide that makes it easy.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

50 other people completed this guide.

19 Comments

I have a question. Why can't the leads to the old battery be cut without pulling the board, then just solder new battery leads to the old. Seems it might even be possible to add snap in connectors at this point to facilitate future changes.

FOF - Reply

i have the same q.

imhockey -

Sure that’s a good plan also. Just make sure not to short the wires in any way and detach the negative wire first on disconnect & negative last on connecting again.

For a connector you’ll really need a very small connection then cause the space is very limited inside.

Ha ns -

I'm gonna try to remove the back cover with minimal prying to reduce cosmetic defects. The plan is to somehow remove the spring loaded clip by pushing out the lever pin, then drilling holes along the edge of the over wherre the 3 little hooks are (In this image, where the right thumb is touching. https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/ig...).

It would be great if someone could provide a closer look at where exactly the hooks are so I can position my 1.5mm drill bit better. Also, if you can to figure out how to remove the spring loaded clip mechanism without going through the 4 screws, that'd be awesome! I suspect the pin is held in place by just adhesive, but don't want to risk pushing too hard and causing defects. :(

Sam Waiban - Reply

Check my comment in the article on that specific step. You don’t have to drill out anything. You can use the clip on the shuffle itself to slightly force the back plate to bend giving enough room for the clips to snap off.

Ha ns -

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