It's frustrating when our devices stop working.The thought of having to make it through your day without music may make you sad, but iPods are easy to repair.From hard drive problems to cracked screens, nearly any issue can be repaired with patience and the right equipment.You can try one of the methods below to get your iPod running again.
Step 1: The hold switch needs to be checked.
Your iPod won't accept input if the Hold switch is turned on.Before moving on to more complex solutions, make sure the Hold switch is on and off a few times.
Step 2: The battery should be looked at.
Your iPod's battery life will decline as it gets older.It's possible that your iPod won't work because it has drained its battery.Plug it in for about an hour and try again.
Step 3: The iPod can be reset.
A reset is the most common fix for frozen iPods.This will restart the operating system on the iPod.Resetting your iPod won't cause a loss of data.If you want to reset an iPod Touch, press and hold the Power and Home buttons for 10 seconds.To reset a classic iPod, press and hold the Menu and Select buttons for 8 seconds.
Step 4: You need to restore your iPod.
If your iPod still doesn't fix the issue, you can restore it to factory conditions and then reload your settings through a backup.Most of the problems with your iPod will be fixed with this.You need to connect your iPod to your computer.Make sure you have the latest version of the software.Recovery Mode is needed if your iPod doesn't show up in iTunes when you plug it in.You should backup your iPod.Before restoring the iPod, make sure to back up your data and settings.If you want to back up your iPod to your computer, click the "back up now" button in the Summary page.The Restore process begins when you click the "Restore iPod" button.It can take several minutes to restore.Your old backup needs to be reloaded.You can either restore your old backup or use it as if it was new.If you want to restore the backup, you should choose the location and the date.This guide will show you more about restoring your iPod.
Step 5: You shouldn't turn the iPod on.
Don't try to turn on your iPod if it fell into the pool or sink.Shorting out all of the components could cause irreversible damage.If you want to power it on again, you'll need to remove the humidity.Try to use the phone instead of just wiping it dry.When the phone is wet, it can cause serious damage to the inside.
Step 6: There is an iPod in rice.
The best way to remove the humidity is to put the iPod in a bag of gel packets, but most people don't have these.Make sure your iPod is completely covered by putting it in a bag or bowl of rice.Over time, the rice will draw the water out of the device.It doesn't make sense that this would cause your iPod to get a lot of dust inside, but it does.Allow the bag or container to sit while you seal it.
Step 7: You have to wait 24 hours before you remove the iPod.
It will take some time for the iPod to be sucked out.When you try to turn it back on, give the rice plenty of time to absorb all of the water as you want it to be bone dry.It's not a good idea to dry the iPod with a hair dryer.The heat from the blower can cause more harm than good.
Step 8: The hard drive could be the problem.
If your iPod displays a folder icon for the error, then it's difficult to access the hard drive.This can be caused by an ill-fitting hard drive.The drive needs to be secured fairly straight forward.flash memory is used instead of a traditional hard drive in all versions of the iPod.There are no moving parts that can fail.The flash memory unit built into the iPod Touch hard drive makes it impossible to replace it.
Step 9: The hold switch can be turned on.
Make sure the iPod is locked and turned off before you open it.This will make sure that you don't accidentally turn it on.
Step 10: The back of the iPod should be removed.
You can use a thin flathead screwdriver if you want to pry the back off.You run the risk of scratching the case if you use a screwdriver.A sturdy plastic guitar pick is recommended by some guides.There is a small crack between the metal and plastic parts of the case.Remove the back of the iPod with the opening tool.Use your tool to press the tabs inside the shell.There is a small ribbon cable attached to the logic board, so don't force the two halves apart when the case is open.
Step 11: Make sure the hard drive cables are secured.
The hard drive in your iPod is large and rectangular.Make sure the cables connecting the hard drive to the rest of the circuitry are not loose.Remove the hard drive from the housing to see the cable underneath.Black tape is used to connect it to the logic board.Press the board firmly after removing the tape.Remove the tape and replace the hard drive.There are a lot of hard drive problems because of this loose cable.
Step 12: A business card is folded in half.
The square will be thick enough to apply pressure on the hard drive.If you don't have a business card, you can cut a square out of a bar coaster.
Step 13: Place the card on the hard drive.
Taking care not to disrupt any of the cables, center the folded business card on the hard drive.
Step 14: The iPod needs to be replaced.
Push the backing onto the iPod with the card in place.Ensure that all of the tabs click back into place when you push it in.
Step 15: Restore your mp3 player.
It is likely that you will need to restore the backing on the iPod after you replace it.Detailed instructions can be found in the first section of the article.If you hear a clicking sound or receive hard disk errors, then your hard drive needs to be replaced.Detailed instructions can be found in the next section.
Step 16: Ensure there are no other options.
Make sure that you can't fix the issue using one of the other methods in this article first, because this is a more difficult repair to attempt yourself.You can replace your hard drive if you've tried everything.The hard drive most likely needs to be replaced if the iPod makes a clicking sound and the "sad iPod" image appears on the screen.Replacement hard drives can be ordered online, or you can take a drive from another iPod that is the same model.flash memory is used instead of a traditional hard drive in all versions of the iPod.There are no moving parts that can fail.The flash memory unit built into the iPod Touch hard drive makes it impossible to replace it.
Step 17: The Hold switch should be turned on.
Make sure the iPod is locked and turned off before you open it.This will make sure that you don't accidentally turn it on.
Step 18: Put your iPod in the open.
If you follow the steps in the previous method, you will be able to expose the hard drive.
Step 19: The hard drive should be lifted.
The hard drive is on the iPod.Don't try to pull it out completely.Remove the rubber bumpers and shock absorber.
Step 20: The drive should be pulled out a little.
You can see a cable at the bottom of the drive.Use your fingers or a screwdriver to remove the cable from the drive.
Step 21: Remove the drive.
You should be able to remove the drive from the housing once the cable is detached.Remove the foam cover and put your replacement drive on it.The rubber shock absorbers should be put on it as well.
Step 22: The new drive must be installed.
The old drive should be put in the same direction as the new drive.Attach the cable to the iPod's hard drive so that it can send and receive data.All of the tabs should click when you close the iPod.
Step 23: The iPod needs to be repaired.
The only thing left is to restore the iPod after the new hard drive is installed.Detailed instructions on restoring the device can be found in the first method.
Step 24: A new screen is required.
The iPod screen needs to be replaced.You can order replacement screens online for $30.If you don't order the display for the 4th Generation iPod or Photo, it will not work.
Step 25: The hold switch needs to be switched on.
Make sure the iPod is locked and turned off before you open it.This will make sure that you don't accidentally turn it on.
Step 26: The iPod is open.
If you want to get into the seam of the iPod to disengage the tabs, you need a set of iPod opening tools.If you don't have an iPod opening tool, you can use a thin flat-head screwdriver.Start by putting your tool in the seam at the top of the iPod.Run the tool to the corner.The tool should be left to keep the gap open.The second tool should be moved down the seam on both sides.There are two tabs near the dock.
Step 27: Take out the two halves.
The iPod should be opened like a book once you've separated the halves.There is a cable connecting the iPod's logic board to the small board on the other half.The headphones need to be removed to continue.Remove it from the iPod side by pulling it up.
Step 28: The hard drive has to be disconnected.
Pull the cable out of the hard drive with one hand.It is possible to wiggle the cable to get it loose.Put the hard drive away.The logic board's connection to the hard drive cable is covered by tape.Pull the cable out of the black one with your finger.The cable should be put aside.
Step 29: The battery should be disconnected.
The bottom corner of the logic board has a small white accessory.Make sure you only grab the connector and not the cables by pulling it out.
Step 30: The display should be disconnected and the wheel turned.
There is a black tab on the opposite side of the battery connection.On the other side, you will see a larger one with a black tab.You can remove the ribbon cables from these if you flip them up.
Step 31: The screws were removed.
There are six screws around the logic board.To separate the logic board from the front panel, you will need to remove each of these.The logic board should be removed by gripping the edges of the large end.
Step 32: The display should be taken down.
You can see the display panel after you remove the logic board.Pull it out of the way.You might have to wiggle it a bit if it has some glue on it.Follow the steps in reverse to close up the iPod if you replace it with a new screen.
Step 33: A replacement screen is needed.
The iPod screen needs to be replaced.Replacement screens can be ordered online.If you don't order the display for the 5th Generation iPod with Video, it will not work.
Step 34: The hold switch can be turned on.
Make sure the iPod is locked and turned off before you open it.This will make sure that you don't accidentally turn it on.
Step 35: You should open your iPod.
Use a flathead screwdriver or an iPod opening tool to open the iPod.There are tabs around the edge of the iPod.When you disengage all of the tabs, don't completely separate the two halves.If you pull it apart, the ribbons connecting the two halves could get damaged.
Step 36: The battery cable can be disconnected.
There is a ribbon cable in one of the corners.You can slide the ribbon cable out with the help of the tweezers.If you accidentally separate the logic board from the iPod, it will render it useless.
Step 37: The headphones jack needs to be disconnected.
One cable should be used to connect the two halves of your iPod.This cable is used to connect the logic board to the headphone jack.Lift the hard drive up and see the brown part.If you want to release the cable, use your fingernail or opening tool.The iPod halves will be completely separated if you pull the cable out with your fingers.
Step 38: The hard drive can be removed.
Attach the ribbon cable to the iPod's circuitry if you want to remove the hard drive.You may need to use your opening tool to open the cable.The hard drive is being released.
Step 39: Take the front panel out.
There are small screws on the side of the iPod.Put the screws where you won't lose them by removing them with aPhillips screwdriver.The metal framework can be worked free if the screws are removed.The framework is usually lightlyglued to keep it in place.The logic board is in the framework.Remove it from the front panel.
Step 40: The display has to be removed.
You can see another ribbon cable on the logic board.The display has a cable attached to it.The ribbon is held in place by the tab.Pull the display out if you can wiggle it free from the framework.The ribbon cable will be with it.
Step 41: You need to install your new screen.
You can install your new screen now that the display has been separated.Attach the new screen's cable to the logic board by closing the tab.If you follow the previous steps, you will be able to close up your iPod.Once your iPod is put back together, you will need to perform a restore.The first method in this article will show you how to restore your iPod.
Step 42: A new screen is required.
You will need to order a replacement for your iPod.Replacement screens can be ordered online.The display for the iPod Touch Gen 3 will not work if you don't order it.
Step 43: You can open the iPod.
In order to separate the case of your iPod touch, you will need an iPod opening tool or a thin flat-head screwdriver.iPod opening tools are more likely to leave scratches than a screwdriver.There is a seam between the glass and plastic near the volume buttons.Remove the glass from the case by rotating the tool.Do this around the edge of the iPod.The tool shouldn't be run down the seam.Remove it and put it in another location.Remove the clips from the inside of the case that holds the glass panel in place.Lift the panel away from the rest of the iPod.There is a cable at the top of the panel.
Step 44: Attach the panel to the iPod.
It is located at the top of the iPod.You will need to open the logic board with your opening tool.
Step 45: The display must be Pryed up.
There is a metal panel beneath the white backlight assembly.The tool is in the middle of the display.Take care not to bend the screen as you pry it up.The top of the display should be left near the iPod.You have to hold this up while you work underneath it.
Step 46: The trays have screws in them.
There is a metal tray underneath the display.You will need to remove all seven of them.The display needs to be put back down so that another screw can be removed from the top edge of the iPod.
Step 47: The display needs to be removed.
Lift the display up once more, and then lift the metal tray up after all the screws have been removed.They should be moved towards the top of the iPod.The top edge of the display has copper tape on it.Attach it to the tray.The display cable is covered by tape.You can see it when you lift the metal tray.The display cable needs to be removed from the sockets.Underneath the metal tray is where this is located.The cable is attached to the rear panel.
Step 48: The display should be removed.
You can remove the display from the iPod with the disconnected cable.Lift the metal tray to make sure the display cable doesn't get caught when you lift the unit out.
Step 49: You have to install the new display.
Run the new display cable back to where you disconnected it.Go back and forth to secure everything and reassemble the iPod.
Step 50: A replacement screen is required.
You will need to order a replacement for your iPod.Replacement screens can be ordered online.The display for the iPod Touch Gen 5 will not work if you don't order it.
Step 51: The front panel needs to be removed.
The front panel of your iPod needs to be removed.The iPod has a cup on it.The Home button should be covered by the bottom edge of the cup.The seal can be created by pressing the cup firmly.Hold the iPod on a table or workbench with one hand.Lift the cup with your other hand.You will need to break the glue in order to lift it out.The front panel needs to be removed about an inch.
Step 52: The frame needs to be loosened.
The plastic frame that sits between the metal backing and the front panel can be removed once one end of the panel is lifted.There are many clips on the iPod.The clips will eventually release the frame when you insert your opening tool.When the frame is released, flip the front panel to expose the insides.Don't separate the halves at the top as they are still connected with cables.On your work space, lay both halves end to end.
Step 53: The screws securing the metal plate need to be removed.
A metal plate protects the inside of the iPod.The metal panel needs to be taken off with the help of 11 screws.Lift the iPod out of the plate once the screws have been removed.
Step 54: The battery must be removed.
The battery needs to be removed in order to get at the cables.The logic board is secured to the iPod case with three screws.The iPod opener tool can be inserted into the battery.Use the notch to pry the battery up.The battery is secured with a lot of glue, so you will need to proceed slowly.If the battery is stuck to the side of the case, flip it over.As the cable is soldered to the logic board, proceed slowly.
Step 55: Remove the camera.
The opening tool can be used to remove the front camera from the iPod.It will fall out of the house.
Step 56: There are screws that hold the speaker, headphones, and Lightning connection together.
The bottom of the iPod has these on it.The copper tape needs to be removed to reveal one of the screws.There are five screws that hold the speaker and headphones.Remove the screws and Pry the speaker out of the case.Hold the large flat cable and pull it out.
Step 57: Remove the display.
The back of the logic board will be visible if you flip everything over.You can see a cable connecting the logic board to the digitizer on the edge of the board.The cable should be removed using your opening tool.The logic board has a display cable on it.Remove the display cable from the logic board.
Step 58: You need to install the new display.
Once the iPod is separated, remove the old display assembly.Follow these steps to secure the components and close the iPod after installing the new display assembly.