Replacing the Battery for an iPod Mini

by Edward Drummond

Overview

The iPod Mini was one of Apple's more popular music players, and although it was discontinued in 2005 many people still use this model. While Apple will replace the battery on this device, you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost by buying your own battery from a third-party online dealer.
Opening Your iPod Mini

The iPod Mini opens at both the top, above the display, and at the bottom. These pieces are held in place by glue, and need to be pried open by either a small flathead screwdriver or a hard, thin piece of plastic. Be careful so as not to scratch your iPod as you work it open. You'll see two small screws in the top, beneath the cover. Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to take them out. Additionally, there is a metal clip beneath the bottom cover. Gently remove this clip by placing the screwdriver beneath it and popping it out. Be careful not to bend or snap it.

Slide Out the Inside

Once the metal clip has been removed, look for the ribbon connector at the bottom of the device. Carefully disconnect it. Then, push the inner body of the iPod--this is the motherboard--out through the top of the iPod.
Replace the Battery

Lift the battery out of the iPod motherboard and disconnect the small plug. Plug in the new battery, and slide it into the space where the old battery was.
Reassemble Your iPod Mini

Slide the motherboard back into the iPod Mini case. Reattach the cable at the bottom, and work the metal clip back into place. Replace the two small screws in the top, and reattach the top and bottom covers by pushing them into place and applying a small amount of pressure.