How to Replace an iPad Battery Without Spending a Bundle

How long can an iPad run before its battery flat-out dies? The latest lithium-ion batteries used in iPads have a lifespan of up to 1000 complete charge cycles. But what does this mean for usage?

Also, what does it mean for when it comes time to replace an iPad battery? How do you know it's time? How much will iPad battery replacement cost?

In this guide, we'll tackle these questions to help you replace your iPad's battery without spending a bundle.

iPad Usage

What do 1000 charge cycles mean, anyway? The lithium-ion batteries Apple installs in iPads are crafted to maintain at minimum 80% of their factory-built capacity for the duration of those 1000 cycles.

But what is a charge cycle? How long does it take to run through one?

A charge cycle is completed when you've used the equivalent of 100% of your device's battery. So if you run down your iPad to 20% and then charge it overnight, you did not use a full charge cycle.

Rather, the device will combine usage amounts over a period of time until they equal 100%. Let's look at this example:

Monday: You use 60% of your battery's charge and then recharge your iPad to 100% while you sleep.

Tuesday: You only use 15% of your battery's charge, again recharging it to 100%.

Wednesday: You use 40% of your battery's charge.

At this point, you've used a total of 115% of your battery (60% + 15% + 40%). You've completed a charge cycle sometime during Wednesday in this example. You're 15% on your way through the next charge cycle.

Like in this example, if you get 2.5 days out of a complete charge cycle and this represents normal use, you can calculate how many days your battery might last. Just multiply 2.5 and 1000 to get 2,500. Then, divide by 365 to get 6.85 years.

If you only use a full charge cycle every two and a half days, your iPad batteries could last as long as 6.85 years.

Other Factors

Of course, there are other factors that can affect how long your iPad's battery lasts:

• Your iPad's generation

• Temperatures at which you store your iPad

• The charger you use

Older iPads might get fewer complete charge cycles. If your iPad has been kicking around for awhile, you might only get 300-500 complete charge cycles.

If you run your iPad in a case that heats it up or you store it outside its recommended temperature range, your battery may lose capacity faster. The charger you use can also impact your battery life since some chargers don't block power transfer after the battery is fully charged. This can lead to overheating.

Replace An iPad Battery

When it comes time to actually get a new battery in your iPad, you might think you have a few options available to you, but really there is only one worth using. They differ on convenience, cost, and difficulty. We'll cover each in more depth below.

• Ask Apple to replace your iPad

• Do it yourself

• Take your iPad to an iFixOmaha Repair Center

Let's look at each of these and why you should bring your iPad to a repair shop.

Ask Apple To Replace Your Battery

If you have Apple Care, you can get an iPad replacement for $99, plus $6.95 shipping and handling. Apple doesn't actually replace your battery though--they send you a new iPad as close to your iPad's generation as possible. So, if you have an old mini, don't expect a new pro to show up in the mail for just over one hundred bucks.

Your iPad also has to be in great shape aside from the battery. In other words, they want to refurbish and sell it. If they can't, then they won't give you this deal--even if you have Apple Care or it's under warranty.

Cons of this method include:

• You're without an iPad for three to 14 days

• It can be the most expensive way to replace your battery

• If you don't backup your data, you'll lose it

The cons aren't worth it, especially since Apple doesn't offer battery replacement. They bill it as such, but they won't replace the part.

Do It Yourself

We live in a DIY age, but there are some projects that are not meant to be taken on yourself. Would you rewire your whole house? If you're not an electrician, you'd call one, right?

Don't try to DIY this repair. This is for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that the battery is not removable from the iPad. It's not like the cell phones of yesteryear that just slid open and you could pop the old battery out and slide in a new one.

Usually, the battery is affixed to the iPad, sometimes glued in. You can do irreparable damage to your iPad if you don't know what you're doing. You also need the right tools.

Damage to your iPad isn't the only threat. Attempting a iPad battery removal is a dangerous thing to do that could result in you getting burned. Even if you manage to avoid injury, you'll void your iPad's warranty.

Take Your iPad To An iFixOmaha Repair Center

This is the best choice. Not only is it affordable and convenient, but you don't have to replace the whole iPad just to get a working battery. They'll also do it regardless of the condition of your iPad.

iFixOmaha knows the ropes and their fully-trained repair technicians will be able to replace your battery without harming your iPad, and without injury. You can get your iPad back, ready to work, ready to take a charge, without having to wait weeks for it to be returned to you.

Wrapping Up

Whether you're looking at iPad 4 battery replacement or iPad Air battery replacement cost, or you have another generation iPad that's not holding a charge any longer, we advise steering clear of the DIY technique.

Chances are, if you already know how to replace an iPad battery, you wouldn't be reading this anyway. Don't try to become an overnight expert in this.

To get a new battery for your iPad without having to break the device or break the bank, contact us.