iPhone 3G/3Gs Disassembly Procedure  

Disclaimer: Opening the case will void the manufacture warranty.  TopTechies is not responsible for damage or problems that may result from following the disassembly and replacement procedures. 

Preperation:Start with a clean, open table that has good light.  Take the two opening tools out of the battery blister package and set them aside.  Make note if you've had issues with static electricity in the environemnt.  If yes, you may want to use a static wrist band or ground yourself prior to starting disassembly.   

Required Tools: #00 phillips screw driver, case opening tool, tweezers, & small paper clip

Step #1 - Power Off iPhone
Hold down the power button for 5 seconds and shut down.

Step #2 - Remove 2 Base Screws
The screws are located near the speaker and microphone ports on the iPhone.  After removing the screws set them aside in a safe area.


Step #3 - Remove SIM Card
The SIM card is located at top of the iPhone.  Use a paper clip or stick pin to unlock it.  Look for a small hole to insert the paper clip in order to eject the card and holder.  Set the card and holder aside in a safe area.


Step #4 - Remove Glass Touchpad
    a.  The glass touchpad can now be lifted starting on the side that contained the screws.  Use the case opening tool to wedge the glass out.  The silver rim should stay with plastic backside as the glass is lifted.  Also, if it's too tight a suction cup can be used to pull the glass up.  Note: This is a tight fit and it can take some time to seperate the glass.  Lift the glass about 3/4 of the way until you can access the ribbon connectors along the back side.
 

    b.  Disconnect connectors #1 and #2 by lifting gently with your fingers or leverage with the plastic case tool.  The third and last connection is hidden under the ribbon of connector #2 (See next step).


    c.  Disconnect connector #3 by moving the small, black or white tab up at a 45 degree angle then the ribbon should pull free.  This is the most difficult connector to reconnect as the device is reassembled.  The glass touchpad should now be free and you can set it aside in a safe area.


Step #5 - Remove Main System Board (Motherboard)
    a.  Unplug the system board top connectors.  These are connectors #4, #5, and #6.  Lift gently with your fingers to release the connectors or use your case opening tool.  All of these connectors snap off and on.  If you have an iPhone 3Gs there is a connector near the "Do Not Remove" label that needs to be disconnected.
 

    b.  Remove the 8 screws holding down the system board.  The 7th screw is located under a sticker that says "Do Not Remove".  You'll need to remove this sticker to get to the screw.  Important: The 7th screw is also longer than the other 6 screws and should be kept seperate for reassembly.  There is also a screw holding down the camera assembly that needs to be removed. 


    c.  Slowly lift the up the side of the system board that contains connectors #5 & #6.  As you slowly lift, you will see the final connector located on bottom of the system board.  This final connector is the camera connection.  Note:  We recommend removing the camera along with system board by unscrewing the locking arm holding down the camera CCD (not all iPhones contain this locking mechanism).  Disconnect the camera and remove the system board.  After this step is complete you will be left with the battery being exposed and ready for removal.

Step #6 - Remove Battery
The battery is fixed to the bottom using double-sided tape.  It can take some work to release the battery.  Pull on the plastic battery tab and leverage the battery up using the case opening tool.  Leverage a tool on each corner of the battery pulling up on each corner.  Once the battery is removed you can move onto the battery installation procedure.

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Battery Installation Procedure  

Step #1 - Install New Battery
Prepare the sticky tape on the new battery by removing the protector layer.  Insert the new battery into the battery bay and press down for a few seconds.  The plastic connector should be seated over the round guide pin, this ensures the battery and connector are seated properly.


Step #2 - Reassemble System Board & Connections
Reassemble all boards, connections, and finally the touch screen.  Don't forget the camera connection on the bottom of the system board.  There are a total of 7 cable connections that need to be made.  Ribbon connector #3 is one of the more difficult to connect and could require a tweezer to insert the ribbon.  Don't forget to press the locking mechanism down once the ribbon is inserted for connection #3. 

Step #3 - Charge Battery
The new battery should be charged overnight and be allowed to completely discharge before recharging again.  This process will condition the battery so it's ready for a long life of usage.