A Journey to Revive My Trusty iPhone 6
I’ll never forget the day I discovered my iPhone 6’s battery had seen better days. The once-reliable device was suddenly shutting down unexpectedly, and the performance had noticeably degraded. It was time to take action – but I wasn’t about to shell out hundreds for a brand new phone. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and replace the battery myself.
Little did I know, this would be the start of an adventure that would breathe new life into my old phone and save me a ton of money in the process. If you’re facing a similar situation with a cracked screen or aging battery, let me walk you through my experience and show you how you can fix it without breaking the bank.
The Rise and Fall of the iPhone 6 Battery
I stumbled upon my trusty iPhone 6 on eBay a few years back, snagging it for a mere £75 – a fraction of the cost of a brand new model. At the time, it seemed like a steal. But as the months passed, I started to notice the battery just wasn’t holding a charge like it used to.
According to CNET, this is a common issue with older iPhones. “Batteries age over time and considering that the iPhone 6 was released almost 10 years ago, it’s no surprise that the one I bought wasn’t running in prime condition.”
One day, the phone unexpectedly restarted while I was using it, flashing a warning that the battery was unable to deliver the necessary power. Performance management had been applied to prevent further shutdowns, but that meant the device was running at a throttled pace. Not ideal.
I knew I had to do something, but the thought of spending £49 on an official battery replacement from Apple seemed a bit steep, especially since I had only paid £75 for the phone in the first place. That’s when I decided to explore some DIY options.
DIY iPhone Battery Replacement: A Risky Gamble?
After some research, I discovered that I could purchase a DIY battery replacement kit from iFixit for just £35, including shipping to my home in Scotland. This seemed like a much more budget-friendly solution compared to Apple’s offering.
The kit came with all the necessary tools and a third-party replacement battery, as Apple doesn’t sell their parts separately for phones older than the iPhone 12. I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the prospect of opening up my phone and fiddling with the delicate internal components, but the instructions from iFixit seemed straightforward enough.
As CNET mentioned, “Batteries age over time and considering that the iPhone 6 was released almost 10 years ago, it’s no surprise that the one I bought wasn’t running in prime condition.” I was determined to give it a go and see if I could breathe new life into my old device.
Cracking the Case: A Delicate Operation
The actual process of replacing the battery wasn’t without its challenges. One of the trickiest parts was heating up the back of the phone with a hair dryer to loosen the adhesive holding the old battery in place. I had to be really careful not to overheat the device, as that could potentially ignite the battery.
Another moment of concern was when I accidentally ripped into what looked like the black wrapping around the battery. I held my breath, worried that I might have punctured it, but thankfully there was no smoke or hissing – a sign that the battery itself was still intact.
As CNET described, “Prying the old battery out was tricky and I wasn’t always sure I was doing it safely.” I had to rely heavily on the detailed instructions from iFixit to guide me through each step, but there were a few points that made me quite nervous.
A Glimmer of Success (and a Cracked Screen Protector)
Despite the tense moments, I managed to successfully remove the old battery and clean off all the adhesive. Putting the new one in was a bit more straightforward, although I did run into one unexpected hiccup – when I removed the screen, I cracked the screen protector that was already in place.
Thankfully, the display itself remained unharmed, but it was a good reminder that even the most careful DIY projects can have unexpected consequences. Luckily, in this case, it was just a screen protector and not the actual screen.
Bringing the iPhone 6 Back to Life
With the new battery installed, my iPhone 6 was running like new again. The performance was no longer throttled, and I could use the device without worrying about it randomly shutting down. For me, the risk was relatively low since I had purchased the phone so inexpensively in the first place.
As CNET pointed out, “If like me you bought a cheap used iPhone and just want to get it back up to speed, then it could be a great way to breathe new life into old tech without spending a fortune.”
Of course, this approach may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re using a more recent and valuable device, like an iPhone 14 or 15, it might be best to take it directly to Apple for any needed repairs. The savings you’d get from doing it yourself aren’t significant enough to justify the potential risk of damaging a more expensive phone.
But for those of us with older, less costly devices, this DIY battery replacement can be a fantastic way to extend the life of our trusty tech without breaking the bank. It’s a testament to the power of a little elbow grease and a willingness to try something new.
Reviving Your Tech with Confidence
If you find yourself in a similar situation with a cracked screen or aging battery, don’t be afraid to explore DIY options. While it may seem daunting at first, the savings and sense of accomplishment can be well worth the effort.
Just remember to carefully weigh the risks and your own comfort level – if you’re working with a newer, more valuable device, it’s probably best to stick with the professionals. But for those of us with older, less expensive tech, a little DIY magic can go a long way in keeping our gadgets running strong.
So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to itfix.org.uk and see how we can help you revive your tech without breaking the bank. Your trusty devices are counting on you!
