John Burns

I really need to find out how to make a few of my old phones into connected, single app, display devices - plugged full time into A/C power.

They won't need cell network - just Wi-Fi.

But I think they seem to need a battery installed - to work, at all.

#DiggingDeeper

I don't want the battery in it... it is old, and would be a hazard. Buying a new battery is financially dumb, when the A/C power is available.

🤔

Nov 15 at 9:48pmWeb
Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15
Seems like a real waste of functioning equipment.
Show threadwikiyuNov 15
@JohnJBurnsIII I dont know any Android phone that works without battery in it.
Even on charger they are not starting without battery on
Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

That's matching what I'm finding. All Android here (but a couple of old Windows phones, too).

There should be a way? #Hmmm

Show threadwikiyuNov 15

@JohnJBurnsIII
I would stay with battery in, and check it regular (once a month or two?) for battery growing in size.

I had only two Windows Lumia phones and I am sure that in one of these I have the same issue -> no battery = no power up.
On the second one i was not opening it (car crash ended this phone before i had a chance to play with it)

BTW I am talking about reaaaaly wide spectrum of Androids, Old Sony Ericsson X10 Mini Pro with removable battery - wont start on AC only without battery, same as my newest Motorola Edge 50 Fusion.

I dont get it WHY but it is like that 😠

Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

RE: Why

My #WAG - to sell more phones or batteries.

#Cynical

Show threadwikiyuNov 15

@JohnJBurnsIII Ok in these 15 years ago in Sony Ericsson mobile... it was an option, but now?

You cannot easy unplug battery, it is so hard that it is usable only for really hardcore folks or on service... why tho block it?

Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

I wonder if someone has made a battery adapter to feed D/C power, which replaces the battery.

I've seen this done for some AA or AAA battery devices.

New path to explore.

Show threadwikiyuNov 15

@JohnJBurnsIII I doubt. It should be really popular mobile so connector would be popular.
Each of my last 10 phones didnt have same battery connector even when they have same voltage and tech inside.

So it is hard because it is very small, sophisticated, connector to be made and connected to external power source on ~4.5-5V

F... i now realise that i have opened all of my phones and its not too common in our society ;-)

Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

Sorry about the array of phones and cases spread out in front of you.

😎

Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

Checking YouTube... found many videos showing a hack using external voltage regulator.

Not sure it is the answer across the board... but it does show that others have the same idea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMq3HYI9H_o

How to run a phone without battery - Step by Step guide

YouTube
Show threadwikiyuNov 15
@JohnJBurnsIII still: you need to connect it somehow to board. Which is tricky
Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

The couple of videos have shown how to use the battery connector to do that.

Sometimes a resister or diode is needed to trick the phone into thinking the battery is getting charged.

--
Obviously - this is not a quick replacement concept - but it doesn't look that hard, if you know how to solder and have a bit of understanding on voltage regulators.

* I don't have the skills to come up with the fix, myself... but I do have skills enough to follow what others have done.

Show threadJohn BurnsNov 15

@wikiyu

Here is one example... but certainly not the solution for every phone...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cOEc7ZG6rg

How to power Phone Forever Without Battery

YouTube