Battery Replacement Guide for Apple iPod Nano 1st Generation

Quick guide from the manual

This document provides a detailed procedure for replacing the battery in an Apple iPod Nano 1st Generation. Please note that this repair requires soldering skills and the use of specific tools. The process involves opening the device case, removing the logic board, desoldering the old battery, and soldering a new replacement battery.

Tools required

• iFixit Opening Tools
• Phillips #00 Screwdriver
• Safety Pin
• Solder
• Spudger
• Tweezers
• Soldering Iron

Opening the iPod

Before beginning, ensure the hold switch is in the locked position. The rear panel is secured to the front case by eleven clips. To open the device, insert the large iPod opening tool into the seam between the front case and the rear panel, below the dock connector. Run the tool back and forth to create an opening. Use a small opening tool to gently enlarge the gap by pressing or wiggling the tool near each of the two tabs attached to the rear case, pushing the clips toward the center of the iPod until they are freed. Repeat this procedure along the headphone jack side to free the remaining clips.

Removing the logic board and battery

Once the rear panel is free, remove any kapton tape covering the screws. Remove two 3 mm Phillips screws near the dock connector and one 4 mm Phillips screw along the edge of the logic board. Peel up the ground strap connecting the battery to the logic board. Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the battery off the adhesive securing it to the front case. Rotate the battery out of the iPod, but do not remove it entirely as it is still soldered to the logic board. Lift the dock connector end of the logic board to free it, then slide the board out of its holding brackets. Disconnect the display ribbon cable and the click wheel ribbon cable by using a spudger to flip up the black plastic tabs holding them in place.

Soldering the new battery

With the logic board and battery free, peel the orange kapton tape covering the battery leads. Heat the exposed end of the battery leads with a soldering iron while pulling the lead away from the connection to desolder them. To prepare for the new battery, ensure the solder pad holes are clear of solder by using a safety pin to push against the solder while heating the pad from the other side. Place the logic board flat and insert the new battery leads into their respective holes: black lead nearest the hold switch, red lead in the center, and white lead furthest from the hold switch. Solder the connections by momentarily placing the tip of the soldering iron against the joint, melting the solder into the connection, and quickly removing the iron.

Reassembly

Rotate the battery toward the logic board and place it flat in its void, bending the cables as necessary. Follow the disassembly instructions in reverse order to reassemble the device.