Repurposing an old iPhone 3GS

Three years ago, I got an iPhone 3GS 32 GB. I was using it until this last may (I got the new HTC One), and I must say, aside from Apple’s inconvenience (depending on iTunes and being unable to acces your filesystem), the phone worked fine. I was using it as a backup phone for my spanish SIM card, just to receive SMS and see who called.

The thing is, yesterday I tried to charge it and check the calls. Did it for a while and noticed the LCD distorted the light as if someone was pressing on it from the center (but I didn’t touch the screen). I left it overnight, and when I checked it in the morning, the phone seemed to be bursting from inside and the battery was good as dead:

Dismissing the idea of an alien face-hugger, all that I can think about is that the Li-ion battery is swelling up.

First thought was shredding it, but since it’s the 32 Gb model and worked fine (except for the battery thing and the not-very-responsive home button), I am thinking of actually trying to fix it myself, since a repair shop asked me for 1000 NT$ some time ago just for replacing the home button.

I’ve checked online, and battery replacements are really cheap (around 5 US$), same for the buttons. My problem is that most of the online stores that sell this stuff are in the US and can’t send the stuff to Taiwan.

I also found this battery replacement in eBay: ebay.com/itm/111196588617?ss … 1423.l2649

Considering that the original battery for the 3GS is only 1200 mAh, putting in a 2430 mAh battery would make it a perfect backup/emergency phone, as well as a GPS, but I don’t know if shipping a battery from Australia will incur in customs trouble.

Does anyone know if I can buy replacements in Guanghua market for fixing the phone myself?

Try this? Not sure if its 2430mAh though, can’t see from the pic.

goods.ruten.com.tw/item/show?21309273882151#auc

If you are buying the part online sometimes the seller will provide a .pdf link with instructions on how to disassemble the device. If not go to http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/iPhone+3GS+Teardown/817 they have detailed instructions with pictures. Remove the battery in this case and take it with you when you buy the part in person or send the picture to seller to confirm it will work make sure you keep the msg from them in case it doesn’t fit, it’ll make swapping the part easier. I hope this helps you. :lick:

I already knew the ifixit website. The problem is not doing the repair myself, because I began studying electronics when I was still in High School, assembling a computer or fixing this phone is like playing with Legos for me. My main problem is getting the new parts without getting ripped.

I’ve been in Spain for the holidays and came back last saturday, I’ll see about getting the spare parts these days.

Li Ion batteries are not permitted to be airmailed internationally (some have swollen and burnt en route, someone can hide a bomb in the case, etc).

can you run it without battery as a music player, etc., while plugged in to the power?

Since the battery is so cheap you can probably risk it getting intercepted on route.
It’s funny having restrictions on batteries and people allowed to carry electronic gadgets on planes.

[quote=“headhonchoII”]Since the battery is so cheap you can probably risk it getting intercepted on route.
It’s funny having restrictions on batteries and people allowed to carry electronic gadgets on planes.[/quote]

Well, you’re allowed to carry them on the plane, but not in the cargo hold. I assume that you’d have some warning at least before it burst… And you could… flush it down the airplane toilet?

OP, if eBay is the only place you can find them, consider buying anyway. A lot of eBay stuff ships out of Singapore and HK and even China, so it may not be too hard to get it sent straight here.