How to Use the VoltClip to Debond iPhone Battery Adhesive

Written By: Arthur Shi
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How to Use the VoltClip to Debond iPhone Battery Adhesive

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

7

Time Required

2 - 10 minutes

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to use iFixit's VoltClip to loosen adhesives that use the "electrical debonding-on-demand" technology. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus batteries use this type of adhesive.

Electrical debonding-on-demand works by passing low electrical current through the adhesive. A 9–30 volt DC source is connected across the adhesive, and the resulting electrochemical reaction loosens the adhesive bond in minutes.

The VoltClip requires a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) power source. This can either be the FixHub Portable Power Station, a USB-C PD power brick, or some laptops/smartphones. Not all USB-C PD power sources support 12 V (the FixHub Portable Power Station does). If the source doesn't support 12 V, the VoltClip will operate at the next lowest voltage—usually 9 V. This voltage is still sufficient to debond the adhesive—it just takes longer.

This guide was written using an iPhone 16. For complete iPhone battery replacement instructions, click here and find your specific device's repair manual.

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    • Plug the VoltClip's barrel connector into the USB-C elbow.

    • Don't connect the VoltClip to a power source just yet. The loose alligator clips may accidentally touch each other and cause an electrical short.

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    • Use a clean fingernail or an opening pick to peel up the silver tab at the bottom edge of the battery.

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    • Attach the red alligator clip to the silver tab on the battery.

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    • Attach the black alligator clip to the grounding screw.

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    • Make sure the red alligator clip isn't touching any stray metallic surfaces.

    • Connect a powered USB-C cable to the USB-C elbow and wait 90 seconds for the adhesive to loosen.

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    • Disconnect the USB-C cable from the elbow, then disconnect the alligator clips.

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    • Your adhesive should be fully loosened at this point. If your battery doesn't budge during the step, reconnect the VoltClip for an additional minute and try again.

    • Grip the silver tab and lift the battery out of the frame.

    • Alternatively, you can use a suction handle to pull the battery out. If the battery doesn't come out easily, don't force it—reconnect the VoltClip for one minute.

Conclusion

For more iPhone guides, click here.

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 03/01/18

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