Most devices use one of three battery types, and each comes out differently
The steps to replace a battery depend on what kind of battery your device holds. Smartphones and tablets usually have built-in lithium batteries that require opening the case. Laptops often have the same, though some newer models glue them in place. Wireless devices like remotes, headphones, and game controllers typically use replaceable AA, AAA, or coin-cell batteries that slide or pop out without tools. Knowing which type you have tells you whether you need a screwdriver, a heat gun, or just your fingers.
Before you start, power off the device completely and unplug it from any charger. If the battery is swollen, cracked, or leaking, stop — do not attempt to remove it yourself. Take the device to a repair shop instead, because a damaged battery can catch fire or release harmful chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Replaceable batteries in remotes and controllers simply slide or pop out of a compartment on the back or side.
- Built-in batteries in phones and tablets require removing the back cover with a screwdriver and disconnecting a cable inside.
- Laptop batteries may be accessible through a panel on the bottom, or they may be permanently glued and require professional removal.
- Always power off and unplug the device before you start, and never attempt to remove a swollen or leaking battery.
- Replacement batteries for phones and tablets are cheaper when bought from the manufacturer than from third-party sellers.
Replacing a removable battery in a remote, controller, or wireless device
Look for a battery compartment on the back or side of the device. Most remotes and game controllers have a sliding door or a hinged cover held by a small screw or a plastic clip. Slide the door sideways or flip the cover open — no tools needed for most models.
Inside, you will see one or more batteries held in a plastic tray. The batteries sit with their positive and negative ends facing specific directions, usually marked with a + and − symbol printed on the tray. Note which way they face before you remove them. Slide the old batteries out, insert new ones in the same direction, and close the compartment. If the compartment has a screw, tighten it by hand — do not force it.
If a battery is stuck, do not pry it with a metal tool, because you can damage the contacts inside. Instead, gently tap the device on a soft surface or use a plastic spoon handle to nudge it loose.
Replacing a built-in battery in a smartphone or tablet
Built-in batteries require opening the device, which means removing the back cover or screen. The method depends on the brand and model. iPhones and most Android phones have the screen glued on, so you will need a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive, then a plastic pry tool to lift the screen away from the frame. Tablets sometimes have a removable back panel instead, held by screws around the edge.
Once the device is open, you will see the battery connected to the motherboard by a small cable or connector. Before you touch anything, take a photo of the cable connection so you remember how it goes back in. Gently pull the connector straight out — do not twist or bend it. If the battery is glued down, use a heat gun to warm the adhesive, then carefully pry the battery up from one corner using a plastic tool. Work slowly; rushing this step can puncture the battery or damage the frame.
Slide the new battery into place, reconnect the cable by pushing it straight in until it clicks, and close the device back up. If you removed the screen, you will need new adhesive strips to seal it again — these are sold separately or included with replacement battery kits.
Replacing a battery in a laptop
Older laptops have a removable battery pack on the bottom or side of the case, held by one or two latches. Flip the laptop over, locate the battery, and slide the latches outward or press them down. The battery will pop out or slide free. Insert the new battery in the same direction and push it in until the latches click into place.
Newer laptops, especially thin models from Apple and other premium brands, have batteries permanently glued inside the case. Removing these requires opening the bottom panel with a screwdriver, disconnecting the battery cable from the motherboard, and prying the battery out — a process that takes 30 minutes to an hour and risks damaging internal components. For these models, a repair shop is the safer choice.
To check whether your laptop has a removable battery, look at the bottom case. If you see a latch or a panel that looks like it comes off, the battery is removable. If the bottom is smooth and featureless, the battery is built in.
What to buy and where to find replacement batteries
For removable batteries, check the compartment or the device manual for the size and type — AA, AAA, 9V, CR2032, and others are common. Buy from a grocery store, pharmacy, or electronics retailer. Alkaline batteries are cheapest and work for most devices. Rechargeable NiMH batteries cost more upfront but save money over time if you use the device frequently.
For phones and tablets, buy from the manufacturer's website or an authorized retailer. Apple sells iPhone batteries through apple.com and Apple Stores. Samsung sells Galaxy batteries through samsung.com. Third-party batteries are cheaper but may not hold a charge as long or may not fit as snugly. Manufacturer batteries come with a warranty; third-party ones usually do not.
For laptops, search the manufacturer's website with your model number. Dell, Lenovo, HP, and others sell replacement batteries directly. Avoid very cheap batteries from unknown sellers — they may not be genuine and can overheat or fail quickly.
Tools and materials you might need
For removable batteries, you need nothing. For built-in batteries, gather a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool (a guitar pick or old credit card works), a small Phillips or flathead screwdriver, and a flashlight or phone light to see inside the device. A work surface with a clean cloth prevents screws from rolling away and protects the device from scratches.
If you are opening a phone or tablet, a repair kit with multiple tools costs $10 to $20 and includes pry tools, screwdrivers, and tweezers. These are worth buying if you plan to do this more than once. For a one-time job, you can borrow or improvise most tools.
Common mistakes that damage devices or batteries
Do not use metal tools to pry open a phone or tablet — they can slip and scratch the screen or puncture the battery. Plastic tools are safer. Do not pull on cables; always push connectors straight out and in. Do not force a battery out if it is stuck; heat it first or ask for help.
Do not touch the gold or silver contacts on a removable battery with your bare fingers, because skin oils can corrode them. Hold batteries by the sides instead. Do not mix old and new batteries in the same device — use all new or all old. Do not leave a device open longer than necessary; dust and debris can settle on the motherboard.
Do not throw old batteries in the trash. Most retailers that sell batteries also collect old ones for recycling. Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot all have battery recycling programs at the customer service desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to replace a battery?
Removable batteries take two minutes. Built-in phone or tablet batteries take 30 to 60 minutes if you have the right tools and have done it before; 90 minutes to two hours if this is your first time. Laptop batteries take 15 minutes if removable, or 45 minutes to an hour if you have to open the case.
Can I replace the battery myself or should I go to a repair shop?
Removable batteries are safe to replace yourself. Built-in batteries in phones are doable if you are careful and have a heat gun, but one slip can crack the screen or damage the motherboard. If you are unsure, a repair shop charges $50 to $150 and comes with a warranty. Laptop batteries are worth taking to a shop if the battery is glued in.
What should I do with the old battery?
Take it to a retailer that sells batteries — Best Buy, Lowe's, Home Depot, and most electronics stores have free recycling programs. Do not throw batteries in the trash or leave them in a drawer. Lithium batteries can catch fire in landfills or garbage trucks.
Will a third-party battery work as well as the original?
Third-party batteries are usually cheaper but may not hold a charge as long or fit as snugly. Manufacturer batteries come with a warranty and are designed to match the device exactly. If you use the device heavily, a manufacturer battery is worth the extra cost.
What if the battery is swollen or leaking?
Stop and do not attempt to remove it. A swollen or leaking battery can catch fire or release toxic chemicals. Take the device to a repair shop or the manufacturer immediately. Do not charge the device or use it until the battery is replaced.