Can You Replace Your Smartwatch Battery?

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Battery degradation is an unfortunate reality anyone with a chargeable device has faced at some point throughout its use. Though, like the dreaded "red ring of death," the design flaw that haunted the Xbox 360, a poor battery often signals a device should be tossed out and replaced for average consumers. However, smartwatch owners should pause and give their decision some extra thought before they drop their accessory into an electronics recycling receptacle or random catchall drawer to never be seen again. A little guidance and instruction could lead you to a much cheaper, less wasteful, and perhaps more entertaining option: replacing your smartwatch's battery.

It's very possible to easily replace batteries in some smartwatch models like the Asus VivoWatch BP and Garmin Fenix Pro 6. These, and other comparable brands, may require you to take off the watch's back, disconnect ribbon cables, and remove the motherboard to expose the faulty battery. You'd then switch out power sources and reassemble the unit. It is advised, however, that you have experience working on small electronic devices before taking them apart; otherwise, you may need to visit a professional for the battery replacement. For some smartwatches, it's also important to know how to perform more delicate procedures like soldering.

Websites like iFixit offer smartwatch battery replacements for brands including Apple, Garmin, and Google Fitbit for prices ranging from $13.99 to $84.99, depending on the company and model. Certain batteries may also be bundled with replacement kits, which can include a knife, precision bit screwdriver, and angled tweezers. Thus, you'd be even more equipped to switch out batteries with ease.

So long as you have the knowledge and tools to safely perform the act, swapping out your smartwatch battery could be a cheaper alternative to fully replacing your device. However, some may be harder to access and replace than others. Products like the Apple Watch — whose quick-draining batteries are a common problem — are especially tricky because the display is bound to the watch with a tight adhesive, rather than held together with screws. Certain FitBits present a similar obstacle. These devices need to be heated and lifted from the rest of the unit to access the battery. If you aren't careful, it is very possible you could damage the display or internal parts if you slip or take the wrong step.

There is also the matter of finding the proper adhesive that can securely hold the display in place post-battery replacement but also be easily removed if the power source ever needs to be switched out again. Products like T-7000 adhesive can be purchased on Amazon for $6.49 per half fluid ounce, and you can use a plastic clamp to put adequate pressure on the display while the T-7000 cures. Thus, while it's still possible to replace batteries in adhesive-centric smartwatches, users should beware the process is more delicate and could end up being more costly.