How to Replace the Battery in a 5th Generation iPod

5th Generation iPod Video

Apple's 5th Generation iPod is one of its most popular products. It gives you the ability to hold hours of music, videos, movies, photos and data right in the palm of your hand and make it portable. The ability to take all of your favorite forms of entertainment with you, though, tends to wear out the battery life of the 5th Generation iPod. While the batteries are designed for years of life, there will eventually come a day when it needs replacement. By the time the battery needs to be replaced, chances are good your iPod will be off warranty. If you are still under warranty, contact Apple support for instructions on where to take your iPod for battery replacement. If you are no longer under warranty. You can also purchase an iPod replacement battery and replace it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• iPod 5th Generation replacement battery
• Small wedge
• Miniature flat head screwdriver
• Rubber placemat

Instructions

Replacing a 5th Generation IPod Battery

1. Lay out a rubber placemat to put your tools and iPod on.
   Turn the power switch on the iPod to "Off," and then place the hold switch on "Hold."

2. Feel along the side of the iPod for a groove, and slide the small wedge into the groove. Gently wiggle it up and down until the front and back of the battery start to separate.

3. Lay the iPod face down on the rubber placemat, and gently lift up on the bottom end of the iPod. Here you will see that the front and back of the iPod are still held together by a long ribbon that clamps down under a small lever. This is the battery ribbon.

4. Take the miniature flat head screwdriver and gently lift up on the clasp that holds the battery ribbon in place. Once it is released, separate the back of the iPod from the front and lay the back side down. Here you will see the battery, inside the back of the iPod.

5. 

   Remove the old battery and set aside. Gently snap the new battery into place where you removed the old one.

6. Guide the end of the battery ribbon into the connection port where you released the old one. Gently lift up on the lever as you slide the new end down in. Snap the lever into place to hold the battery ribbon.

7. Gently snap the bottom and top halves of the iPod back together. Take the hold switch off "Hold" and turn on your iPod. You should see the Apple logo appear.
   Charge the battery for at least 3 hours before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Most iPod replacement batteries will come with specialized plastic tools to use during the process, such as a pry tool. With this tool, you may not have need of the flathead screwdriver or small wedge.

• Don't leave the iPod connecting to a charge for more than 12 hours, as it can actually damage the battery and decrease the battery life.

Resources

• Video: how to repair your 5th generation iPod.