iPod and iTunes Hacks

Replace Your iPod Mini’s Battery

Has your iPod mini run out of gas? You can replace the battery yourself.

If it seems ridiculous to you to send your iPod mini back to Apple (or a qualified third-party shop) just to have a new battery installed, you might want to have a go at doing it yourself. The procedure is similar to that for changing a G1 or G2 iPod’s battery [Hack #15] . It might sound daunting, but with the right tools and the instructions in this hack, you’ll be able to accomplish the task in no time at all.

Tip

Before you get started, be sure to check out the disclaimer in “Replace Your Generation 1 or 2 iPod’s Battery” [Hack #15] .

Here’s what you’ll need if you decide to undertake this battery-changing mission:

• A thin, flathead screwdriver; I strongly recommend the Wiha brand (http://www.wihatools.com)

• A #000 Phillips screwdriver (Wiha strongly recommended)

• A hair dryer

• Needle-nose pliers (the smaller, the better)

• A new battery

Removing the Plastic End Caps

Turn off your iPod mini and place the hold button on (so orange is showing).

The white plastic end caps on the iPod mini are held in place with an adhesive substance that will give up some of its stick when heated, so use your hair dryer to gently warm up the end caps to make the job much easier. By gently, I mean you shouldn’t turn the dryer onto High and blast away; start on a low power setting and move the dryer back and ...