How to Replace the Battery on the Apple AirPods Max 1 Lightning and USB-C (DIY Repair Tutorial)

Do your Apple AirPods Max 1 Lightning and USB-C (model numbers: A2096 and A3184) refuse to power on, require frequent charging, or shut down before the battery reaches 1%? If playback time has noticeably decreased or the device shows a full charge but drains quickly, these are clear signs the battery may need replacement.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to disassemble the Apple AirPods Max 1 Lightning and USB-C Wireless headphones, replace the battery with a new OEM spare part, and reassemble them yourself without technical skill or experience. You will find all the tools required for this repair and original replacement parts below.

Want to get your headphones repaired by a professional? Send us your Apple AirPods Max 1 and our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition. Follow the link, select the issues you’re experiencing, and click See Estimated Total to view the repair cost instantly.

Repair Videos

Here are the video guides for the Apple AirPods Max 1 (A2096 and A3184). The battery replacement process is the same for all 1st-generation models, regardless of whether the device uses a Lightning or USB-C port.

• Apple AirPods 1 (A2096): Launched in 2020, this variant comes with a Lightning port.

• Apple Airpods 1 (A3184): Launched in 2024, this variant has a USB-C charging port.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 20-30 minutes to complete.

This repair requires carefully handling delicate internal components, including small screws of various sizes, ribbon cables, connectors, a speaker driver, and connector ports. You don’t need technical skills or prior experience to replace the worn-out battery. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and attention to detail, you can complete the repair yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore the form and functionality of your Apple AirPods 1 headphones with original replacement parts. Select the OEM spares from the drop-down menu below and bring your device back to peak working condition.

• Apple AirPods Max Battery Replacement Spare Repair + Tool Repair Kit - Parts

Get an OEM replacement battery for your Apple AirPods Max 1 today. Click the link to visit our store, then scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to purchase the original replacement part and the tools you’ll need for this repair at a discount.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Apple AirPods Max 1 battery replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully, without damaging delicate internal components, including cables, circuit boards, and connector ports. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY Apple AirPods Max 1 battery replacement at home.

• Joe’s 50-in-1 Screwdriver Set
• Nylon Spudger
• Precision Tweezers
• Flexible Pry Tool
• 1.5mm Flat Head Screwdriver
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat

Not ready to invest in tools yet? Find your device in our repair catalog, select the issues it’s experiencing, and send it to us. Our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Battery on the Apple AirPods Max 1 Lightning and USB-C Wireless Headphones at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the battery on the Apple AirPods Max 1 Lightning and USB-C headphones at home. Follow the instructions and refer to the corresponding images to restore your device’s battery life.

Step 1: Remove the Speaker Housing Screws

1.1. Pop the right earpad off.

1.2. Using the screwdriver with the P5 bit, remove the screws from the speaker housing by turning them about a quarter of the way (clockwise for screws 1 and 3, counterclockwise for screws 2 and 4). Do not try to remove the screws completely. Loosen them till you feel resistance.

Step 2: Pry Off the Speaker Housing

2.1. Carefully insert the flexible pry tool in the gap between the speaker housing and the rest of the earcup.

2.2. Gently pry up the housing until it comes off.

2.3. Remove the housing and store it carefully for later use.

Step 3: Remove the Speaker

3.1. Switch to the T3 bit and remove the screws holding the speaker in place. Be cautious of the magnetized speaker. Make sure that the screws don’t fall into the speaker. Note that the top screws are different sizes compared to the bottom screws.

3.2. Extract the speaker and store it safely.

Step 4: Remove the Shield Cover

4.1. Use the T3 bit to remove the first screw holding the shield.

4.2. Switch to the T2 bit for the second screw.

4.3. Carefully pop the shield out and set it aside.

Step 5: Remove Additional Screws

5.1. Remove the screws holding down the battery and power board using the T3 bit.

5.2. For the last two screws, switch back to the P5 bit.

Step 6: Disconnect the Battery

6.1. Use your flathead screwdriver to pop the battery ribbon off the power board.

6.2. Pull the battery out carefully and set it aside.

Step 7: Install the New Battery

Note: If your battery does not have the shell/housing around it, check out this tutorial to learn how to swap the battery cover.

7.1. Take the new battery and place it back into its position.

7.2. Use the P5 bit to install the two screws you previously removed from the inside.

Step 8: Reassemble the Components

8.1. Switch back to the T3 bit and reinstall the three screws for the speaker. Ensure the long screw goes at the bottom and the shorter screws at the top.

8.2. Reconnect the battery ribbon to the power board by lining it up and pressing down.

Step 9: Replace the Shield Cover

9.1. Pop the shield cover back into place.

9.2. Install the long screw on the top and the short screw on the bottom.

Step 10: Reinstall the Speaker

10.1. Place the speaker back in, ensuring the pins make contact with the connection points.

10.2. Reinstall the speaker screws.

Step 11: Assemble the Apple AirPods Max 1

11.1. Place the speaker housing back on and tighten all four screws with a quarter turn using the P5 bit.

11.2. Finally, reattach the ear cup to complete the assembly.

Congratulations! Your Apple AirPods Max 1 (Lightning and USB-C) is Ready to Use

You have successfully replaced the battery on the Apple AirPods Max 1 Wireless Bluetooth headphones. Check the charging stability, audio quality, buttons, and Bluetooth pairing to confirm the device is working properly.

If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, visit our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home DIY headphones repair guides for other popular brands, including Apple, Beats, Bose, and Sony.

Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll reply shortly.