How to Change the Battery in iPod iTouch

One of the issues with the much-vaunted Apple iPod Touch (commonly referred to as the iTouch) is the problem of battery replacement. The iTouch is a great little gadget that sports the new “black” look of the iPhone with many of its functions short of making a call and uses a touch screen in place of the previous iPod models' stationary wheel-button.

In consequence, however, the iTouch is a bit more fragile than the earlier models and more expensive to repair professionally if it malfunctions. When your iTouch battery ceases to function properly, replacing it can be a bit expensive. If you are the adventurous sort and don't mind voiding the warranty (in case your iTouch has already outlasted the warranty you have nothing to worry about) you may want to consider replacing the battery yourself. It will save you some money, not a lot, but some. It can look a bit scary but if you exercise reasonable caution, you should not encounter any major difficulties.

For a do-it-yourself iTouch battery replacement, you will need a compatible replacement battery, a nail file or any plastic tool with a thin, flat edge. Some distributors of replacement batteries include a tool for doing this so if you have one, use that instead, but it's not really a big deal. To separate the two halves of the iTouch, slide the file or plastic tool along the border between the back and front of the iTouch, working your way gently all around until you can remove the metal cover. You will see a large white square in the center of the inside of the iTouch. This is the battery pack. You need to use the plastic tool or file to gently separate the battery from the rest of the iTouch's innards. It is kept in place by some type of glue, so you need to work on it carefully to avoid damaging any parts.

Once it is free, lift the battery gently from its place and detach the connector on the lower right side of the pack. Take your time doing this and exert as little force as possible. Once the battery pack is released, replace it with the new battery, making sure you connect it the exact same way as the original battery. Position the new battery in the center of the interior and snap back the metal cover. You should be done and ready to go, provided the replacement battery is in good working condition. Follow the directions for charging the new battery and enjoy!

One way you can enjoy your iTouch longer whether with the new battery or with the original battery is to purchase an external battery extender such as the IMaxPower IMP500 5000 mAh @ 5V 3G 3Gs iPhone iTouch external battery when you're at home or the office. It provides four times more battery life of the standard 1250 mAh battery so you will need this guide again after a longer period. The package already includes the IMP500, iPhone/iTouch adapter, high charging speed AC charger, retractable USB cable, user manual and comes in black/blue, white/blue and white/red colors. Package cost: $58.95 plus shipping.