Nothing is more frustrating than when the devices we use most often stop working. The thought of having to go all day without music can be terrifying, but fortunately it's easy enough to fix an iPod, if it's not really serious. From hard drive problems to broken screens, almost any flaw can be fixed with a little patience and the right tools. Try one of the methods outlined in this article to get your iPod back to full working order.
Steps
Method 1 of 8: Figure out what the problem is if the iPod won't turn on
Step 1. Check the power button
If the power key is locked, the iPod will not accept commands. Check the switch and try to trip it a couple of times before moving on to more complex solutions.
Step 2. Check the battery
As we get older, the iPod battery will have less and less autonomy. There is a possibility that your iPod will no longer work because it has completely run out of battery without you noticing. Try connecting the iPod to the power adapter for an hour, then try again.
Step 3. Reset the iPod
If yours is frozen and unresponsive, the fastest way to try to fix it is to reset it. This will restart the iPod and restart the operating system from scratch. Resetting the iPod does not result in data loss.
- To reset an iPod Touch, press and hold the Home button and the Power button for about 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- To reset a classic iPod, hold down the menu and select buttons for about 8 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
Step 4. Restore your iPod
If resetting didn't fix the problem, you can restore your iPod to factory conditions, then reload the settings via a backup. This will correct most of the device software problems.
- Connect the iPod to the computer, then open iTunes. Make sure you have the latest version installed.
- If your iPod doesn't show up in iTunes when you connect it to your computer, you'll need to put it into Recovery Mode first.
- Make a backup of the iPod. Before restoring it, be sure to make a backup of your data and settings. Click the "Back Up Now" button to save the backup to your computer or iCloud.
- Click on the "Restore iPod" button to begin the restore process. This process can take several minutes.
- Reload the old backup. Once the restore is complete, you can decide whether to use the iPod from scratch or restore an old backup. If you choose to restore the backup, select the storage location (iTunes or iCloud) and the date of the backup file.
- Follow step 6 of [guide] for more details on how to restore your iPod.
Method 2 of 8: Repair a Wet iPod
Step 1. Do not turn on the iPod
If it has fallen into the pool or into a sink full of water, do not try to turn it on. It could cause irreversible damage by shorting internal components. You will need to remove the moisture before trying to turn it back on.
Don't just try to dry it with a cloth and then use it. Water can cause serious damage to the inside of the device when it is wet
Step 2. Dip the iPod into the rice
While the ideal would be to use silica gel packets, not everyone has them on hand. Instead, put the iPod in a bag filled with rice and make sure it's completely covered. The rice will gradually absorb the moisture inside.
- This could create some dust inside the device, but it's certainly better than permanent water damage.
- Seal the bag or container and let it sit.
Step 3. Wait 24 hours before removing the iPod
It will take some time for the rice to absorb all the moisture from the device. Before you can turn it back on you need to make sure it is completely dry; then wait for the rice to absorb all the water.
Do not use the hairdryer to dry the iPod. The heat could do more harm than good
Method 3 of 8: Repair an iPod Hard Drive (iPod Classic 1st through 5th generation)
Step 1. Determine if the problem is indeed the hard drive
If the iPod displays a folder icon in error, then it is having difficulty accessing the hard drive. Often this is caused by bad hard drive positioning. Fortunately, fixing it is a simple process.
All versions of the iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano use flash memory instead of a traditional hard drive. This means there are no moving parts that can fail or connections that can come loose. There is no practical way to fix or replace an iPod Touch hard drive, because the flash drive is included in the circuitry
Step 2. Activate the lock button
Make sure the iPod is turned off and locked before opening it. That way you won't be able to turn it on while working on it.
Step 3. Remove the rear panel of the iPod
You should use a specific tool, but you can also use a regular screwdriver. In this case, however, you risk scratching the case.
- Some guides recommend using a sturdy plastic guitar pick.
- Insert the tool into the small gap between the metal part and the plastic part of the case.
- Gently remove the back panel of your iPod.
- Press the tabs inside the case for ease of operation.
- Once the case is open, don't force the two halves apart, as there is a small cable connecting the front to the circuit board.
Step 4. Make sure the hard drive cables are in place
The large rectangular metal object in your iPod is the hard drive. Check the wires that connect the hard drive to the rest of the circuitry to make sure that none have come off or come loose.
Gently lift the hard drive out of its bay to reveal the connecting cable. It is usually connected with a black ribbon. Remove the tape and press the connector onto the circuit. Replace the tape and put the hard drive back in place. A loose or loose cable at this point is the source of a large number of hard drive problems
Step 5. Fold a business card in half
This will create a square thick enough to apply pressure to the hard drive. If you don't have a business card handy, cut out a thick piece of construction paper.
Step 6. Put the business card on the hard drive
Center the folded square on the hard drive, being careful not to detach the wires.
Step 7. Replace the back panel
With the business card in place, push the case onto the iPod. Insert it carefully and make sure all the tabs are put back in place.
Step 8. Restore your iPod
You will need to make sure there are no other problems. Refer to the first section of this article for details.
If you still see a hard drive error or hear strange noises, it will probably need to be replaced. Refer to the next section for more detailed information
Method 4 of 8: Replacing an iPod Hard Drive (iPod Classic 1st through 5th generation)
Step 1. Make sure you have no other options left
This is one of the more complicated repairs, so make sure you can't fix the problem with one of the other methods explained in this article. If you've tried everything before, you can try replacing the hard drive as a last resort.
- If your iPod makes strange noises and displays the sad iPod screen, you will probably need to replace the hard drive.
- You can order a replacement hard drive online or get one from another iPod of the same model.
- All versions of the iPod Touch, iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano use flash memory instead of a traditional hard drive. This means there are no moving parts that can fail or connections that can come loose. There is no practical way to fix or replace an iPod Touch hard drive, because the flash drive is included in the circuitry.
Step 2. Activate the lock button
Make sure the iPod is turned off and locked before opening it. That way you won't be able to turn it on while working on it.
Step 3. Open the iPod
Follow the steps from the previous method to remove the back panel and expose the hard drive.
Step 4. Lift the hard drive
Do not try to remove it completely. Remove the rubber pads and set them aside.
Step 5. Pull the hard drive out slightly
You should see a wire connecting it to the rest of the circuitry. Gently remove the cable, using your fingers or a screwdriver.
Step 6. Remove the drive
Once the cable is unplugged, you should be able to remove the hard drive from the bay. Once the hard drive is removed, pull out the cover and place it on the replacement hard drive. Also replace the rubber protectors.
Step 7. Install the new hard drive
Insert the new drive in the same direction as the old one. Gently insert the cable so that the hard drive can send and receive data from the iPod motherboard. Close the iPod and make sure it is securely tightened.
Step 8. Reset the iPod
Once the new hard drive is installed, all that remains is the restore operation. Please refer to the first part of the article for detailed instructions.
Method 5 of 8: Replace a Broken Screen on a 4th Generation iPod
Step 1. Get a replacement screen
You will need to order a replacement screen for your iPod. Replacement screens can be ordered online for around € 26. Make sure you order a 4th generation iPod screen, otherwise it won't work.
Step 2. Activate the lock button
Make sure the iPod is turned off and locked before opening it. That way you won't be able to turn it on while working on it.
Step 3. Open the iPod
The use of an iPod specific toolset is recommended. You can use a screwdriver if you don't have a specific tool available.
- Start by inserting the tool into the top opening of the iPod, near the headphone jack. Then move to the corner, creating a gap. Leave the tool inserted to keep the opening.
- Move the second tool to release the tabs that hold the case together.
Step 4. Disconnect the two halves
Once the two halves are separated, gently open the iPod like a book. You will see a cable that connects the logic circuit of the iPod to a small circuit in the other half. This is the earphone connector, which must be removed to continue. Disconnect it from the iPod by gently removing the connector upwards.
Step 5. Disconnect the hard drive
Hold it with one hand and pull the cable from the bottom. You may need to shake the cable slightly to loosen it. Remove the hard drive and set it aside.
Remove the tape covering the hard drive connection cable to the logic circuitry. Pry up the black connector with your fingernails and remove the cable. Set it aside
Step 6. Disconnect the battery
In the lower corner of the logic circuit you will see a small white connector. Gently remove it, making sure you are holding only the connector and not the cables.
Step 7. Disconnect the display
On the opposite side of the battery connector you will see a small connector with a black tab. On the side you will see a larger one. Lift them both up so you can remove the cables from the connectors.
Step 8. Remove the Torx screws
There are six Torx screws at the edges of the logic circuit. You will need to remove them all to extract the logic circuit from the front panel. Gently remove the logic circuit.
Step 9. Pull out the display
Once the logic circuit is removed, you will be able to view the display panel. Be careful at this point as there may be some adhesive. Now insert the new screen, then follow these instructions in reverse to close the iPod.
Method 6 of 8: Replace the Cracked Screen of a Fifth Generation iPod
Step 1. Get a replacement screen
You will need to order a replacement screen for your iPod. Replacement screens can be ordered online for around € 17. Make sure you order a 5th generation iPod screen, otherwise it won't work.
Step 2. Activate the lock button
Make sure the iPod is turned off and locked before opening it. That way you won't be able to turn it on while working on it.
Step 3. Open the iPod
Use an iPod-specific tool or screwdriver to remove the back panel. You will need to unlock the tabs.
Do not completely separate the two halves. There are wires connecting the two parts and you could damage them
Step 4. Disconnect the battery cable
You will see a clamp on a cable in one of the corners. Use a pair of tweezers to lift the clamp to remove the cable.
Work gently on the clamp or you could cause irreparable damage
Step 5. Unplug the earphone jack
At this point you should have a cable connecting the two halves of the iPod. This cable connects the headphone jack to the logic circuit. Lift the hard drive to reveal the brown connector. Use your fingernails or a tool to lift the clamp on the connector and release the cable. Remove the cable with your fingers and the two halves of the iPod will now be completely separated.
Step 6. Remove the hard drive
Lift it up and remove the wire connecting it to the circuitry. You may need to use an opening tool to release the hinge on the connector.
Step 7. Remove the front panel
On each side of the iPod you will see several small screws. Remove them with a screwdriver and set them aside so as not to lose them.
- Once the screws are removed, free the metal frame. It might put up a little bit of resistance, because the frame is usually glued.
- The chassis contains the logic circuit, the display and the click wheel. Lift it off the front panel.
Step 8. Remove the display
On the logic circuit you will see another wire. This cable is connected to the display. Lift the tab that holds it in place. Now release the display from the frame gently. The cable will follow it.
Step 9. Install the new screen
Now that the display is removed, you can install the screen. Insert the new shield cable into the logic circuit and close the tab. Reverse the above steps and close the iPod.
You will likely need to reset it after reassembling it. Please refer to the first part of the article for detailed instructions
Method 7 of 8: Repairing a Cracked Third Generation iPod Touch Screen
Step 1. Get a replacement screen
You will need to order a replacement screen for your iPod Touch. Replacement screens can be ordered online for around 21 euros. Make sure you order a third generation iPod Touch screen, otherwise it won't work.
Step 2. Open the iPod
You will need a specific tool or flathead screwdriver to separate the iPod Touch case. Keep in mind that using the screwdriver you run more risk of leaving a few scratches.
- Insert the tool into the seam between glass and plastic near the volume buttons. Rotate the tool to push the glass away from the case. Continue along the edge of the device.
- Do not slide the tool. Insert it, enlarge the opening and remove it to insert it elsewhere.
- Detach the tabs that hold the display in place.
- Lift the panel away from the rest of the iPod. It will remain attached by a cable at the top.
Step 3. Disconnect the cable connecting the panel to the iPod
It is located at the top of the device and is very fragile. You will need to gently remove the connector with the opening tool.
Step 4. Lift the display
Insert the opening tool between the white frame and the metal panel. Insert the tool in the lower part of the display, in the center. Lift it up gently, trying not to bend the screen. Rotate the display up, leaving the top close to the iPod.
Keep the display raised as you work on the bottom
Step 5. Remove the screws
Below the display you will see a metal tray with seven Philips screws. You must remove all seven to continue.
Place the display down and remove another Philips screw at the top of the iPod
Step 6. Disconnect the display
Once all the screws have been removed, lift it up once more along with the newly freed metal frame. Rotate both towards the top of the iPod.
- Remove the copper wire from the top of the display. Leave it attached to the metal tray.
- Remove the tape covering the display cable. It comes on display when you lift the metal tray.
- Remove the display cable from its connector. It is located near the bottom of the iPod, below the metal tray. Free the cable from the adhesive that holds it attached to the back panel.
Step 7. Remove the display
With the cable disconnected, you can lift the display to remove it from the iPod. Lift the metal tray so that the display cable is not caught.
Step 8. Install the new display
Insert the new display cable where the old one was connected. At this point follow the previous steps in reverse to reassemble the iPod.
Method 8 of 8: Replacing the Cracked Screen of a Fifth and Sixth Generation iPod Touch
Step 1. Get a replacement screen
You will need to order a replacement one for your iPod Touch. Replacement screens can be ordered online for around € 87. Make sure you order a 5th generation iPod Touch screen, otherwise it won't work.
Step 2. Remove the front panel
You will need a strong suction cup to remove the front panel of your iPod. Put the suction cup on the front of the iPod, towards the bottom. The bottom edge of the suction cup should cover the top of the Home button. Firmly press the suction cup.
- Now hold the iPod steady on a table with one hand. With the other hand, lift the suction cup. Pull firmly, as you will need to peel off some of the glue.
- Raise the top just an inch or two.
Step 3. Release the frame
Once one end of the panel has been raised, you can start working on removing the small plastic frame located between the front and back panels. There are several tabs on each side of the iPod. Insert the opening tool to loosen the tabs, which in turn will release the frame.
Once the frame is removed, lift the front panel to fully expose the interior. Be careful not to separate the two halves, as they are still connected with cables. Arrange them on the table
Step 4. Remove the screws from the metal plate
The inside of the iPod is protected by a large metal plate. You will need to unscrew 11 screws to remove the metal panel. Once the screws are removed, lift the plate off the iPod.
Step 5. Remove the battery
To get to the cables, you'll need to remove the battery. First unscrew the three screws at the top, which secure the logic circuit to the iPod case.
- Insert the iPod opening tool into the openings around the battery. Gently remove the battery by opening these openings.
- The battery has a lot of glue, so you'll have to go slow.
- Once the glue is removed, lift the battery. Proceed slowly: the cables are soldered to the logic circuit.
Step 6. Remove the camera
Use the opening tool to remove the front camera from its slot on the top of the iPod.
Step 7. Remove the Lightning connector, jack and speaker screws
These are located on the bottom of the iPod. You will need to remove part of the copper wire to reveal one of the screws. There are five screws in total: three around the Lightning connector and two for the jack and speaker.
- Once the screws are removed, remove the speaker.
- Pull out the Lightning connector by grasping the flat cable and gently pulling.
Step 8. Disconnect the display
Flip the logic circuit. On one side you will see the wire that connects the logic circuit to the digitizer. Use the same tool you opened the iPod with to remove the cable.
- Disconnect the display cable (which is NOT the digitizer cable) from its housing.
- Flip the Lightning connector over and remove the display cable.
Step 9. Install the new display
Remove the old one from the iPod and replace it with the new one. Now follow these steps in reverse to reassemble the components and close the iPod.
