How to Replace a Dead iPad Battery. Apple Inc.’s iPhone and iPad both have sealed-in batteries that owners can‘t replace themselves. As it does with the iPhone, Apple says it will give people whose iPads have a “diminished ability to hold an electrical charge” an entire new unit. The service will cost $99 plus $6.95 in shipping charges. Replace a Dead iPad Battery
One of the criticisms of the iPad is that it lacks a removable battery, which can be a headache if the iPad’s battery dies. But while Apple won’t help you replace the battery, it will replace the entire iPad (for a fee).
The Associated Press explains,
Apple Inc.’s iPhone and iPad both have sealed-in batteries that owners can’t replace themselves. As it does with the iPhone, Apple says it will give people whose iPads have a “diminished ability to hold an electrical charge” an entire new unit. The service will cost $99 plus $6.95 in shipping charges.
While you will be getting a new (or refurbished) iPad, you won’t be getting your data (songs, contacts, photos, etc) on the new machine. Apple explains:
Will the data on my iPad be preserved?No. You will receive a replacement iPad that will not contain any of your personal data. Before you submit your iPad for service, it is important to sync your iPad with iTunes to back up your contacts, calendars, email account settings, bookmarks, apps, etc. Apple is not responsible for the loss of information when servicing your iPad.
As Engadget notes, Apple’s approach to battery problems on the iPad is different from its stance on iPhones, which Apple agrees to service, rather than replace.
The iPad’s battery is its most important feature. After all, if an iPad doesn’t have power, its other features won’t work. The iPad battery generally has a life of a few years, but it will eventually start to hold less power and need to be recharged more often.
It’s not easy to replace an iPad battery because Apple designs its products with solid cases that can only be opened with effort and skill. But that doesn’t mean you need to buy a new iPad when your iPad battery starts to die. Here are four options for replacing an iPad battery that won’t hold a charge.
Battery Replacement for iPads With Expired Warranty
If your iPad is out of warranty, Apple will repair the battery for $99 (plus $6.95 shipping, and tax). To initiate a repair, start a service request on Apple’s site or go to an Apple Store.
Even if you have to pay for the battery replacement, $99 is a good price to get an iPad working again. That said, you should consider the cost of repair versus the cost of getting a new iPad. If the iPad with the failed battery is old, it may be better to put that money toward the cost of buying a new iPad.
iPad Battery Replacement at Authorized Repair Shops
There are shops that repair iPad screens and batteries. These repair shops may even be found in kiosks in many malls and may charge less than Apple. If you plan to use one of these repair shops, look for one that is authorized by Apple to provide repairs. That means they’re trained and experienced. An inexperienced repair person may cause more problems than they solve. Apple may not fix these problems if they were performed by an unauthorized provider.
DIY iPad Battery Replacement
It’s possible to replace an iPad battery yourself with the right tools and skills. Only try this do-it-yourself option if you’re tech-savvy and willing to risk destroying your iPad. It will cost between $50 and $90 to buy the tools and parts needed to replace the iPad battery. But remember: Repairing your own iPad voids its warranty (if it’s still under warranty). If you ruin your iPad, Apple will not fix the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many years does an iPad battery last? There’s no definitive answer because so many factors are involved in both your battery life and your iPad’s battery lifespan. While an iPad battery often lasts years, there are tips to try to keep your iPad battery working as long as possible, such as turning off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4G cellular data when not in use.
- What iPad models are eligible for battery replacement? All iPad models are eligible, but your iPad’s battery must be able to hold less than 80 percent of its original capacity to qualify for the $99 out-of-warranty battery service.
Read the full text of Apple’s iPad battery replacement policy here.
