/
My Workbench

Get quick access to guides, parts and answers for your devices

DE
Deutsch
ES
Español
IT
Italiano
PT
Português
TR
Türkçe
JP
日本語
EN
English
FR
Français
NL
Nederlands
RU
Pусский
ZH
中文
KO
한국어
Join
Log In
Join the world's largest repair community
PartsGuidesAnswers
Edit
Moto Z Battery Replacement

Moto Z Battery Replacement

Arthur Shi

Arthur Shi and 7 other contributors

Last updated on September 6, 2023

50 minutes - 2 hours
Difficult

Introduction

Go to step 1

This guide shows how to open the Motorola Moto Z in order to replace an old or dead battery.

Before you begin, download the Rescue and Smart Assistant app to backup your device and diagnose whether your problem is software or hardware related.

The display assembly is extremely fragile and has no reinforcement. There is a significant chance that you may break the screen. Work slowly and methodically when handling the display assembly.

Before you begin, discharge your battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

What you need

Fix Kit

This kit contains all the parts and tools needed to complete this guide.

Parts

Tools

Show more…

  1. Moto Z Battery Replacement, Display Assembly: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the phone for at least 90 seconds.

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

    • As you're waiting for the adhesive to soften, move on and read the following step to get an idea of where to pry.

    Edit

  2. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • In the following steps you will be cutting through the adhesive around the edge of the display assembly.

    • To avoid damage, do not cut in the following areas:

    • The OLED panel

    • The home button

    • The flash unit

    Edit

  3. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup as close to the heated edge as possible.

    • Lift on the suction cup and insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

    • Do not insert the pick more than 1/16" (1.5 mm). Over-inserting the pick may damage the OLED panel.

    Edit

  4. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully slide the tip of the opening pick down and up the side of the phone, making sure not to cut deeper than 1/16" (1.5 mm).

    • As you run the pick along the side, you will feel the tip of the pick press against the edge of the OLED panel. That is as far as the pick should go without damaging the panel.

    • Once you have separated the adhesive, leave an opening pick in the side to keep the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  5. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Repeat the heating, lifting, and cutting steps for the remaining long edge of the phone.

    Edit

  6. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    Edit

  7. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening pick into the flash side corner of the phone and carefully slice around the flash unit.

    • Do not insert the pick more than 1/16" (1.5 mm) into the edge.

    • Once you are done cutting, leave the pick in the corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  8. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick into the remaining top corner of the phone.

    • Carefully slice through the adhesive across the top of the phone.

    • Do not insert the pick beyond 1/2" (12.5 mm).

    Edit

  10. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the phone for at least 90 seconds.

    Edit

  11. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick into a bottom corner and slice towards the home button, stopping before you reach it.

    • Once you're done with the corner, leave a pick in place to prevent the adhesive from sealing.

    • Repeat the process for the other bottom corner.

    Edit

  12. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Carefully twist the first opening pick slightly to help release the edge adhesive.

    • Repeat the same process for each remaining pick, moving them as necessary and twisting slightly to release the adhesive.

    Edit

  13. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the earpiece end of the display up to provide access to the display cables.

    • Do not open the display beyond 90 degrees, and always support the display panel.

    Edit

  14. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry the display cable shield up.

    • Remove the display cable shield.

    Edit

  15. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Use the point of the spudger to lift and disconnect the display cable connector from its socket.

    Edit

  16. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the display assembly.

    • Compare your new replacement part to the original part. You may need to transfer remaining components (such as the flash lens) or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

    • Before you reinstall the display assembly, thoroughly remove any remaining adhesive and glass from the frame.

    • After removing all traces of glue and glass from the frame, clean the adhesion areas with 90% (or higher) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or coffee filter.

    • Be sure to turn on your phone and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing the phone.

    • Use the Motorola Moto Z display adhesive to reseal your phone. Follow this guide for instructions on how to apply adhesive to the replacement screen.

    Edit

  17. Moto Z Battery Replacement, Battery: step 16, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement, Battery: step 16, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement, Battery: step 16, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Add To Cart

    • Use tweezers to peel the black tape securing the battery to the frame.

    • If your replacement battery did not come with this piece of tape, transfer it from the old battery to the replacement battery.

    Edit

  18. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Lay a heated iOpener on the back of the phone as shown for as least 90 seconds.

    Edit

  19. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Using a pair of tweezers or your fingers, grab the black battery pull tab and slowly pull it upwards until the corner is loose.

    • Do not fully remove the battery as it is still connected by a flex cable.

    Edit

  20. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • Follow this step only if your battery tab has broken. Otherwise, skip to the next step.

    • Insert a spudger into the bottom edge of the battery and slowly pry the corner up.

    Edit

  21. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully swing the battery towards the right edge.

    • Lay the battery flat against the work surface while taking care not to strain the battery cable.

    Edit

  22. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up the battery connector bracket.

    • The bracket is held in place by some adhesive and tabs.

    • Remove the battery connector bracket.

    • When you reinstall the bracket, make sure to align the tabs on the bracket with the indents on the left edge of the frame.

    Edit

  23. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Using the point of a spudger, pry up the battery connector from its socket.

    Edit

  24. Moto Z Battery Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Add To Cart

    • Remove the battery.

    • Do not reuse the battery after it has been removed, as doing so is a potential safety hazard. Replace it with a new battery.

    • To install a new battery:

    • Remove any remaining adhesive from the phone, and clean the glued areas with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

    • Apply pre-cut adhesive strips or double-sided tape to the exposed, silver part of the battery compartment, not on the black foam layer.

    • Press the battery firmly into place for 5-10 seconds.

    Edit
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 these instructions in reverse order.

After completing this guide, calibrate your newly-installed battery.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Motorola Moto Z Answers community for troubleshooting help.

32 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 7 other contributors

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

283,081 Reputation

587 Guides authored

Badges: 47

+44 more badges

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

118 Members

19,537 Guides authored

28 Comments

Kindly link me to the suitable adhesive tape for sticking back the screen…

Thank you

Anwesh Maile - Reply

Hi Anwesh,

You can use Tesa tape for that purpose.

Arthur Shi -

I have a Moto Z Droid from Verizon. You have instruction for the Moto Z and Moto Z Droid Force. Battery replacement on the Droid Force is much easier. How do I know which one I have?

Budbradley - Reply

Hi Budbradley,

According to Phonearena, it looks like one easy way to tell is the rear camera:

The Z has a 13MP camera, while the Z Force Droid has a 21MP rear camera.

The built-in internal storage are also different:

The Z has 32GB while the Z Force Droid has 64GB.

Hopefully you can check your specs with those and figure out which version you have.

Arthur Shi -

The hardest step in this guide is when you remove adhesive glue behind the LCD panel.

Second is clean residue glue [For this i use lint-free cloth soak with alcohol and rub on glue]

One more note - Moto original battery is su..k. Mine is degrade in 6 moths.

Rawin Juangrat - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 2

Past 7 Days: 37

Past 30 Days: 129

All Time: 44,809