Screen
iPod broken screen
Cracked screen, broken glass, or ink-like spots after a knock? Pick what happens and your model to see which part needs replacing and what it costs.
What exactly happens?
- Broken screenAlso searched as screen broken · screen cracked · cracked screen · screen cracked repair · fix cracked screen · cracked screen repair
- Broken glass
- Black spot on screenAlso searched as black spot · black spot on screen · black spot of death · black dot on screen
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Two different parts can break. Ink-like spots, dark patches or lines in the picture mean the screen (LCD) behind the front is broken: a new screen. The picture can also come up scrambled when the screen (LCD) is busted: a new screen fixes it. If the picture is fine under a cracked clear window, only the front needs replacing: the faceplate (front panel on the 3rd and 4th Gen, glass lens on the Mini).
iPod Classic (A1238) broken screeniPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) broken screeniPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) broken screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
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Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe. On the 6th and 7th Gen the battery sits behind the screen: swelling can leave dark pressure marks or spots on the screen or make it lift or bow, and the case can bulge, usually at the top. In some cases the front and back panel separate at the seam, and light from the backlight can sometimes be seen shining through it. An open seam on its own is often bent metal tabs or railing inside the inner back panel. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
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Also possible
Cracked or scratched faceplate
The clear window over the screen is part of the faceplate. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new faceplate makes the front like new.
Replacement Faceplate
Black · Silver · Custom color
Replacement Faceplate
Dark gray · Silver · Custom color
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Wrong screen for the modelStarted after a repair or part swap · iPod Classic 6th Gen only
- Screen cable looseStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Video (A1136) broken screeniPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) broken screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
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Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe. On the iPod Video the battery sits behind the screen: swelling can leave dark pressure marks or spots on the screen, make it lift or bow or even crack it, and the case can bulge, usually at the top. In some cases the front and back panel separate at the seam, and light from the backlight can sometimes be seen shining through it. An open seam on its own is often bent metal tabs or railing inside the inner back panel. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
-
Also possible
Cracked or scratched faceplate
The clear window over the screen is part of the faceplate. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new faceplate makes the front like new.
Replacement Faceplate
Black · White · Custom color
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Screen cable looseStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) broken screeniPod 4th Gen (A1059) broken screeniPod Photo (A1099) broken screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
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Next most likely
Cracked or scratched front panel
iPod 4th Gen only
The clear window over the screen is part of the front panel. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new front panel makes the front like new.
Replacement Front Panel (White)
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Also possible
Cracked or scratched faceplate
iPod Photo only
The clear window over the screen is part of the faceplate. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new faceplate makes the front like new.
Replacement Faceplate (White)
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Screen cable looseStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Mini (A1051) broken screeniPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) broken screeniPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) broken screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
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Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe, and the case almost never bulges, so a flat case doesn't rule it out. On the Mini it can press on the screen and leave pressure spots, which usually fade after a new battery. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
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Also possible
Cracked or scratched glass lens
The Mini has a separate glass lens over the screen. If it is cracked or scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new glass lens fixes it.
Replacement Glass Display Lens
Replacement Glass Display Lens
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Screen cable looseStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) broken screeniPod 3rd Gen (A1040) broken screen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
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Next most likely
Cracked or scratched front panel
The clear window over the screen is part of the front panel, which on the 3rd Gen also holds the touch wheel. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new front panel makes the front like new.
Replacement Front Panel with Touch Wheel (White)
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Screen cable looseStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
Broken glass
The clear front window or glass is cracked, but the picture under it is fine: only the front needs replacing.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Cracked or scratched faceplate
The clear window over the screen is part of the faceplate. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new faceplate makes the front like new.
Replacement Faceplate
Black · Silver · Custom color
Replacement Faceplate
Dark gray · Silver · Custom color
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Cracked or scratched faceplate
The clear window over the screen is part of the faceplate. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new faceplate makes the front like new.
Replacement Faceplate
Black · White · Custom color
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Cracked or scratched front panel
iPod 4th Gen only
The clear window over the screen is part of the front panel. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new front panel makes the front like new.
Replacement Front Panel (White)
-
Next most likely
Cracked or scratched faceplate
iPod Photo only
The clear window over the screen is part of the faceplate. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new faceplate makes the front like new.
Replacement Faceplate (White)
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Cracked or scratched glass lens
The Mini has a separate glass lens over the screen. If it is cracked or scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new glass lens fixes it.
Replacement Glass Display Lens
Replacement Glass Display Lens
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Cracked or scratched front panel
The clear window over the screen is part of the front panel, which on the 3rd Gen also holds the touch wheel. Light scuffs on the plastic window can often be polished out. If it is cracked or deeply scratched but the picture under it is fine, a new front panel makes the front like new.
Replacement Front Panel with Touch Wheel (White)
Black spot on screen
Also searched as black spot · black spot on screen · black spot of death · black dot on screen
A black spot or dot in the picture is in the screen (LCD) itself: a dead pixel, or an ink-like spot from a knock or pressure on the front, which can grow over time. A new screen fixes it. On the iPod Classic (6th and 7th Gen), the iPod Video and the Mini the battery sits right behind the screen. If it swells, it can press dark spots into the picture; on the Mini they usually fade once the battery is replaced. A swollen battery is no longer safe: stop charging it and replace it.
Free checks first
- Look at the case: on the iPod Classic (6th and 7th Gen) and the iPod Video a swollen battery often bulges it at the top, where the seam between the front and back opens into a gap. The screen can lift or bow too.
- If it is swollen, unusually hot or smells, unplug it, don't charge it and don't keep using it.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe. On the 6th and 7th Gen the battery sits behind the screen: swelling can leave dark pressure marks or spots on the screen or make it lift or bow, and the case can bulge, usually at the top. In some cases the front and back panel separate at the seam, and light from the backlight can sometimes be seen shining through it. An open seam on its own is often bent metal tabs or railing inside the inner back panel. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe. On the iPod Video the battery sits behind the screen: swelling can leave dark pressure marks or spots on the screen, make it lift or bow or even crack it, and the case can bulge, usually at the top. In some cases the front and back panel separate at the seam, and light from the backlight can sometimes be seen shining through it. An open seam on its own is often bent metal tabs or railing inside the inner back panel. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe, and the case almost never bulges, so a flat case doesn't rule it out. On the Mini it can press on the screen and leave pressure spots, which usually fade after a new battery. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
Started after a repair or part swap
The screen cracked, shows spots or only partly works after the iPod was opened.
Free checks first
- Opened it before? Check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Wrong screen for the model
iPod Classic 6th Gen only
A 7th Gen screen in a 6th Gen shows a white screen: the 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen, and the two look almost identical. (The 7th Gen can use a 6th Gen screen.) Both are model A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by the capacity and depth on the back.
Free check first If yours is a 6th Gen, check that the new screen is a 6th Gen screen before you fit it: a 7th Gen screen shows only white in a 6th Gen.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
-
Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Also possible
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
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Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
Also possible
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
Not sure — free diagnostic
Mail us your iPod and we test it and send you a free repair quote. If you don't like the price, we ship it back at our expense.
Free