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iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove or replace the battery in your iPad Air 4.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

This guide is written with an A2324 (cellular + mmWave) model iPad Air. If you're fixing a Wi-Fi model, you can still use this guide—there will be some visual discrepancies, and you'll need to skip the steps related to the cellular antennas.

What you need

  1. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Prepare your iPad for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Allow your iPad's battery to fully drain before starting this repair. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged during the repair.

    • Unplug any cables and fully shut down your iPad.

    Edit

  2. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but extreme heat can damage the screen and/or internal battery, so proceed with care.

    Edit

  3. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Screen removal information: step 3, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Screen removal information: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • While your iPad looks uniform from the outside, there are delicate components under portions of the screen. To avoid damage, follow instructions exactly as written and note the following areas as you open your iPad:

    • Camera module and ambient light sensors

    • Display cables

    • Screen magnets

    • Display edges

    Edit

  4. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Clampy - Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy

    • The next three 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 three steps for an alternate method.

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

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Place an object under your iPad so it rests level between the suction cups.

    • Position the suction cups near the middle of the left edge—one on the top, and one on the bottom.

    • Hold the bottom of the Anti-Clamp steady and firmly press down on the top cup to apply suction.

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

    Edit

  5. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

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

    Edit

  6. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2

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

    • If your screen isn't getting hot enough, you can use a hair dryer to heat along the left edge of the iPad.

    • For complete instructions on how to use a hair dryer, check out this guide.

    • 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 step.

    Edit

  7. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • If your screen 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 screen.

    • Apply a suction handle to the top left edge of the screen.

    • Pull up on the suction handle with firm, constant pressure to create a gap just small enough to insert an opening pick.

    • Only create a gap small enough to insert an opening pick. Overbending the screen will damage it.

    • Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

    • Don't insert the opening pick more than 3 mm or you'll damage the display edges.

    • Leave the pick in to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  8. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Don't insert the pick more than 3 mm or you'll damage the display edges.

    • Insert a new opening pick in the gap you just created.

    • Slide the opening pick along the left edge to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick in the bottom left corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  9. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the screen for two minutes.

    Edit

  10. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 10, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 10, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Don't insert the pick more than 3 mm or you'll damage the display cables.

    • Insert a new opening pick in the bottom left corner.

    • Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick in the bottom right corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  11. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.

    Edit

  12. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • The right edge of the iPad contains the screen magnets, display cables, and a digitizer cable. These components are easily damaged if an opening pick is inserted too far.

    • Insert a new opening pick in the bottom right corner and slide along the right edge to separate the adhesive. Make sure to note the following marked areas:

    • Don't insert an opening pick more than 2 mm or you'll damage the screen magnets.

    • The screen magnets are located directly above the SIM card slot (Wi-Fi + Cellular models only) and volume buttons.

    • Don't insert an opening pick more than 3 mm or you'll damage the display and digitizer cables.

    • Don't insert an opening pick more than 5 mm or you'll damage the display edges.

    • Leave the pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  13. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the top edge of the screen for two minutes.

    Edit

  14. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 14, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 14, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • The top edge of the iPad contains the front camera module and two ambient light sensors. These components are easily damaged if an opening pick is inserted too far.

    • The two ambient light sensors can be hard to see and can be located using a flashlight or by placing the iPad under a bright light.

    • Insert a new opening pick in the top right corner and slide along the top edge to separate the adhesive. Make sure to note the following:

    • Don't insert an opening pick more than 5 mm or you'll damage the display edges.

    • Don't insert an opening pick more than 3 mm or you'll damage the ambient light sensors.

    • Don't insert an opening pick more than 2 mm or you'll damage the front camera module.

    • Leave the pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  16. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Don't try to remove the screen yet, as it's still attached to the frame by delicate ribbon cables.

    • Grip the left edge of the screen and fold it open like a book.

    • During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your iPad and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your iPad back down before you continue working.

    Edit

  17. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 16, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 1.8 mm screw securing the battery connector to the logic board.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    Edit

  18. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Battery connector information: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Battery connector information: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Battery connector information: step 17, image 3 of 3

    • These photos show what the battery connector looks like underneath the logic board. Use these photos as a reference while you safely disconnect the battery.

    • Notice that the battery connector has cantilever springs on the logic board that press against the battery contact pads. Since both the logic board and battery are glued down, you'll need to slide something thin and flexible between the contact points to disconnect the battery.

    Edit

  19. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Create a battery blocker: step 18, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Create a battery blocker: step 18, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Create a battery blocker: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Cut two 6 mm wide strips from a playing card or cardstock to use as a battery blocker.

    • The strips should be about 4 cm long so you can easily grip them.

    Edit

  20. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Insert the card strips: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Insert the card strips: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Insert the card strips: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the card strips on each side of the battery connector until they stop.

    Edit

  21. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Unfasten the display and digitizer cable brackets: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Unfasten the display and digitizer cable brackets: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three screws securing the display and digitizer cable brackets to the logic board:

    • Two 1.1 mm screws

    • One 1.5 mm screw

    Edit

  22. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 21, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 21, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 21, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • The display cable bracket is held in place by a small latch at the bottom.

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to pivot the latch out from the top and remove the bracket.

    Edit

  23. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the digitizer cable bracket: step 22, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the digitizer cable bracket: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the digitizer cable bracket.

    Edit

  24. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 23, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 23, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the two display cables by lifting straight up on the press connectors.

    • 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 and cause permanent damage.

    Edit

  25. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the digitizer cable: step 24, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the digitizer cable: step 24, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous step for the digitizer cable.

    Edit

  26. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the screen: step 25, image 1 of 1

    • Grip the left edge of the screen and lift it away.

    • During reassembly, before installing a screen, remove any remaining adhesive from the frame, and clean the glued areas with high-strength (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. This helps prep the iPad for fresh adhesive and ensures that it will bond properly.

    • If you plan to reinstall your existing screen, remove any remaining adhesive from the back and clean the adhered areas with isopropyl alcohol.

    • Follow this guide to install pre-cut adhesive strips on your iPad before sealing it up.

    Edit

  27. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the bottom speaker: step 26, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the bottom speaker: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the bottom speaker cable by prying straight up on the rear of the connector.

    Edit

  28. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the SIM card reader: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the SIM card reader: step 27, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers to remove the tape covering the SIM card reader ZIF connector.

    Edit

  29. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers or a spudger to lift up the latch on the SIM card reader ZIF connector.

    • Use tweezers to pull the SIM card reader cable from its socket.

    Edit

  30. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Disconnect the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable: step 29, image 3 of 3

    • Repeat the previous two steps to disconnect the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable.

    Edit

  31. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Peel back the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable: step 30, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Peel back the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Use tweezers or your fingers to peel the bottom right cellular antenna interconnect cable to the edge of the frame.

    • If the cable is difficult to remove, use a few drops of high-strength (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to soften the adhesive.

    Edit

  32. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Battery adhesive information: step 31, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Battery adhesive information: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • The battery is secured to the frame with eight adhesive strips:

    • Three under each battery cell

    • Two under the battery boards

    Edit

  33. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol to the left edge of the battery: step 32, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol to the left edge of the battery: step 32, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol to the left edge of the battery: step 32, image 3 of 3

    • Prop the left side of the iPad up so the isopropyl alcohol can flow under the battery.

    • Apply a few drops of high-strength (>90%) isopropyl alcohol along the left edge of the battery.

    • Be careful if you're using a syringe with a needle or other sharp instrument to dispense isopropyl alcohol—a punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a fire.

    • Let the alcohol soak for one minute to soften the adhesive under the battery.

    Edit

  34. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the lower battery cell adhesive: step 33, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the lower battery cell adhesive: step 33, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the lower battery cell adhesive: step 33, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Plastic Cards
    $2.99
    Buy

    • Lay the iPad down flat on your work surface.

    • Insert a plastic card under the left side of the lower battery cell to separate the adhesive securing it to the frame.

    • Don't force the card or bend the battery—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a fire.

    • If it's difficult to insert or slide the card, apply more isopropyl alcohol, wait one minute, and try again.

    • Leave the plastic card in place to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  35. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement: step 34, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath the plastic card for additional leverage.

    • Pry against the card to separate the remaining adhesive.

    • If it's difficult to insert or slide the card, apply more isopropyl alcohol, wait one minute, and try again.

    Edit

  36. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the upper battery cell adhesive: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the upper battery cell adhesive: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Repeat the previous two steps for the upper battery cell.

    Edit

  37. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Heat the logic board: step 36, image 1 of 1

    • Lay your iPad screen side down on a clean surface.

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the back of the iPad about 4 cm from the right edge.

    • Let the iOpener soften the adhesive for two minutes.

    Edit

  38. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Lift the logic board: step 37, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Lift the logic board: step 37, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Lift the logic board: step 37, image 3 of 3

    • Lay the iPad screen side up.

    • Slide the flat end of a spudger under the cellular wireless connector until the logic board lifts and the battery blocker card strips are loose.

    • Don't force the spudger in or pry up. If it's difficult to insert or slide the spudger, apply more heat. Alternatively, a few drops of high-strength (>90%) isopropyl alcohol may be used to soften the adhesive.

    • Leave the spudger in to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  39. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Apply isopropyl to the battery boards: step 38, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Apply isopropyl to the battery boards: step 38, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Apply isopropyl to the battery boards: step 38, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the left edge of the battery cells.

    • Apply a few drops of high-strength (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to the battery boards which sit along the right edge of the battery cells.

    Edit

  40. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the battery board adhesive: step 39, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the battery board adhesive: step 39, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Separate the battery board adhesive: step 39, image 3 of 3

    • Slide an opening pick under the battery board to separate the adhesive securing it to the frame.

    Edit

  41. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Lift the battery connector out: step 40, image 1 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Lift the battery connector out: step 40, image 2 of 3 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Lift the battery connector out: step 40, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the battery blocker card strips.

    • Lift the battery up and away from the frame so its connector clears the standoff post.

    • Don't let the battery connector touch the contacts on the logic board.

    Edit

  42. iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the battery: step 41, image 1 of 2 iPad Air 4 Battery Replacement, Remove the battery: step 41, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $12.99
    Buy

    • Lift both halves of the battery out of the iPad at the same time.

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

    • Remove the old battery adhesive from the frame using tweezers and high-strength (>90%) isopropyl alcohol with a lint-free cloth where needed.

    • If your battery doesn't come with preinstalled adhesive, use Tesa tape to reattach the battery to the rear case.

    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.

For optimal performance, calibrate your newly installed battery after completing this guide.

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 iPad Air 4 answers community for help.

6 other people completed this guide.

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Chayton Ritter

Member since: 08/21/20

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One Comment

This article seems to imply that the battery is paired to the IPad, and that the battery health tool won't work. I have an early IPad Air 4 updated to the latest iOS version. The only issue I'm having is that the battery is showing it's age, and is acting up some. If I replace the battery successfully, will there be any impact on the functionality of the iPad? Will it act as though it has a legitimate battery, or will it constantly nag me that I'm not using the original Apple part?

Michael Rensing - Reply

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