Apple’s smartwatches, like other battery-powered electronic devices, sometimes experience battery problems and have to be replaced. The difficulty lies in the fact that initially the design is not collapsible, and great care is required so as not to spoil the device. Below we will tell you how to do it correctly.
Common causes of battery problems on Apple Watch
Since people wear watches on their wrist, they often wear them during training and jogging, annoying incidents occur:
- falling – the moment of fastening the strap is especially dangerous, when the wrist is pressed against the body of the body, and the other hand copes with the fastenings;
- water ingress – even waterproof models are sensitive to liquids, and if they more or less cope with clean water, then biological fluids, for example, profuse sweat, are fatal for them;
- low or high temperatures – Apple Watch cannot be worn on the hand in frost or abnormal heat, they are not adapted to this;
- a factory defect is less common, but it still happens when the battery swells for no reason.
But even with normal use of the watch (charging once a day, normal air temperature), the battery decreases productivity after a year and eventually wears out.
Symptoms of a battery malfunction
The fatal problems of the Apple Watch requiring drastic measures are evidenced by:
- sudden strong enough heating;
- peeling of the screen;
- the battery charge literally “melts” before our eyes;
- spontaneous shutdown or reboot when the charge level is sufficient for operation.
All this speaks of troubles with the battery, which entail its replacement. The swelling of the battery is especially dangerous: it is because of it that the screen is pushed forward and peeled off. If you try to somehow put it back in place and fasten it, the watch may explode. This threatens the owner with burns and injuries from flying elements.
How the Apple Watch battery is replaced
In general, the battery should be replaced at service centers where Apple Watch is repaired. If you still have a guarantee, then it is better to go there right away. With a factory marriage, you should be offered free service or replaced with a new device. In all other cases, you have to manage on your own.
To replace the battery on your Apple Watch, you will need:
- adhesive tape sealant;
- building hair dryer (or regular, for hair, but powerful);
- Sesamo for iPhone – a special thin but durable blade that can be used to separate tightly fitted parts of the device (if it is not there, a knife or a pick will do);
- special glue for repairing electronics;
- plastic “opener” for removing the battery.
Then carefully follow the instructions:
- Wait until the battery is lowered to a minimum to exclude a fire.
- Heat the sides of the watch with a hair dryer in the places where the screen is glued to the case to weaken the bonding properties of the glue.
- Pry off the edge of the display with a knife. Just do not make any sudden movements, otherwise you will ruin the glass. Take care of your fingers! The screen is convex and streamlined, you could get hurt. If you have a carpentry vise, place the watch in it and adjust it to hold it well for a better fit.
- Now, instead of a sharp blade, it’s time to use a pick. Insert it into the gap and guide it carefully around the edge without going deep into the inside.
- Do not remove the display completely – wires are soldered to it. Just open a little like a lid.
- Pry the battery open with the opener. It is also connected with a cable – pick it up with the same tool and disconnect.
- Connect the new battery to the cable (make sure it is at least 10% discharged!)
- Insert it into the tray.
- Now glue the edges with sealant and glue, put the screen back in place.
The work is subtle enough, but if you have a little knack and have already repaired the electronics, you should be fine.
Have you ever faced the need to change the battery in your smartwatch? Prefer to do it yourself or go to the workshop? Tell us in the comments about your experience, it will be useful to other readers.