iPod Shuffle 3rd Generation Battery Replacement

Written By: Matthew Newsom

Difficulty

Very difficult

Steps

Time Required

20 minutes

Introduction

Replace a malfunctioning battery to juice up an old iPod Shuffle.

Widen the small gap between the front and rear case by inserting a metal spudger into the gap near the top of the iPod.
Be careful when using a metal spudger, as you may scratch the outer case.

Insert an iPod opening tool into the newly widened gap, and pry the rear case up and away from the front case.

Insert the iPod Shuffle opening tool into the gap between the front and rear case on the same side, at the bottom corner of the iPod.
Pry the rear case away from the front case.

Disconnect the headphone jack and shuffle switch connector by prying it off the logic board with a spudger.

The battery on the Shuffle is attached via solder pads with small holes that go through the battery ribbon cable and attach to flat pads on the face of the logic board. In the following steps you will heat each solder pad individually while using a spudger to pry it up from the logic board.
DO NOT bridge the connection between the solder pads on the board. Shorts have the potential to ruin the logic board.
Beware of overheating the board and the cable. Only hold the tip of the iron against the pad long enough to let the solder melt. Excess heat buildup has the potential to ruin the logic board or melt the ribbon cable.
Start working from the right side of the battery ribbon cable. Heat the right solder pad while gently prying up from under the ribbon cable to free it from the board.

Repeat the previous step for the remaining solder pad.
Once the two connections have been desoldered, lift the old battery off the logic board.
For tips on soldering a new battery to the logic board, follow the repairing soldered connections guide.