Wheel, buttons & Hold
iPod buttons not working
Menu, Play/Pause, Next or Previous not working, or a button stuck? Pick what happens and your model to see the free checks first, then the likely causes and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- Buttons not workingAlso searched as button not working · menu button not working · play button not working · play pause button not working · click wheel buttons not working · skip button not working
- Center button not workingAlso searched as center button stuck · middle button not working · centre button not working · middle button stuck · select button stuck · center button not clicking
- Hold button not workingAlso searched as lock button not working · lock button stuck · hold button stuck
- Power button not workingAlso searched as power button stuck · power button stuck down · on off button not working · on off button stuck
- Button stuckAlso searched as button stuck down
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Apple's checks first: the Hold switch off (with an iPod Remote, its Hold switch too), then reset it. On the 4th Gen, Photo, Video, Classic and Mini, Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel: when one or more stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix; if a new click wheel doesn't fix it, the logic board. On the 3rd Gen the four buttons above the touch wheel: the touch wheel cable, then the front panel, then the logic board.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Using an iPod Remote? Its own Hold switch must be off too: Apple says the iPod's and the remote's Hold switches work separately.
- A lock icon at the top of the screen means the Hold switch is on: slide it to the unlocked position.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic (A1238) buttons not workingiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) buttons not workingiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) buttons not working
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Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix. The Classic 6th/7th Gen click wheel doesn't swap with the 5th Gen's.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel
Black · White · Custom color
Replacement Click Wheel
Black · White · Custom color
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Next most likely
Logic board
When a new click wheel doesn't fix the controls, the logic board is the likely fault.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video (A1136) buttons not workingiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) buttons not working
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Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix. The 5th Gen click wheel looks like the Classic's but doesn't swap with the 6th/7th Gen.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel
Black · White · Custom color
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Next most likely
Logic board
When a new click wheel doesn't fix the controls, the logic board is the likely fault.
Replacement Logic Board
30GB 5G · 30GB 5.5G Enhanced · 60GB 5G · 80GB 5.5G Enhanced
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) buttons not workingiPod 4th Gen (A1059) buttons not workingiPod Photo (A1099) buttons not working
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Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel Assembly
Replacement Click Wheel
-
Next most likely
Logic board
When a new click wheel doesn't fix the controls, the logic board is the likely fault.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
iPod Mini (A1051) buttons not workingiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) buttons not workingiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) buttons not working
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Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix. The Mini 1st and 2nd Gen click wheels look the same but don't swap: order the one for your model.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel (632-0246-A)
Replacement Click Wheel
Blue · Green · Pink · Silver
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Next most likely
Logic board
When a new click wheel doesn't fix the controls, the logic board is the likely fault.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) buttons not workingiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) buttons not working
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Most likely
Touch wheel cable
On the 3rd Gen the touch wheel and the four buttons above it connect to the logic board through the touch wheel cable. A damaged or loose cable stops the wheel, the buttons, or both.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the touch wheel cable is fully in.
Touch Wheel Ribbon Cable
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Next most likely
Front panel (touch wheel and buttons)
On the 3rd Gen the touch wheel and the four buttons are part of the front panel. If a good cable does not help, a new front panel is the fix.
Replacement Front Panel with Touch Wheel (White)
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Also possible
Logic board
If a new touch wheel cable and front panel don't fix it, the logic board is the likely fault.
Replacement Logic Board
Center button not working
Also searched as center button stuck · middle button not working · centre button not working · middle button stuck · select button stuck · center button not clicking
The center (Select) button doesn't respond, sticks or won't click.
See iPod center button not working
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Check whether the wheel scrolls and the other buttons work. If only the center fails, it is the switch underneath, not the cap.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
Hold button not working
Also searched as lock button not working · lock button stuck · hold button stuck
The Hold switch (some call it the lock button) doesn't lock or unlock the iPod.
See iPod Hold switch not working
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Using an iPod Remote? Its own Hold switch must be off too: Apple says the iPod's and the remote's Hold switches work separately.
- A lock icon at the top of the screen means the Hold switch is on: slide it to the unlocked position.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Replacement Headphone Jack
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable keeping it locked
A faulty headphone jack cable can keep the iPod locked, so the click wheel cannot wake it.
Free check first Look for a lock symbol at the top of the screen: if it shows, this is the likely fault.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
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Next most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Power button not working
Also searched as power button stuck · power button stuck down · on off button not working · on off button stuck
These iPods have no power button: press any button to turn one on (iPod Mini 1st Gen: the Center button), and press and hold Play/Pause to turn it off. If it won't turn on that way, see won't turn on.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- These iPods have no power button: press any button to turn one on (iPod Mini 1st Gen: the Center button), and press and hold Play/Pause to turn it off.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
Button stuck
Also searched as button stuck down
A button stays pressed down or feels jammed. On the 4th Gen and Photo, look for a swollen battery first: it sits right behind the click wheel. Otherwise the click wheel.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix. The Classic 6th/7th Gen click wheel doesn't swap with the 5th Gen's.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel
Black · White · Custom color
Replacement Click Wheel
Black · White · Custom color
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix. The 5th Gen click wheel looks like the Classic's but doesn't swap with the 6th/7th Gen.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel
Black · White · Custom color
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe: it can bulge the case or push the click wheel up. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Look at the case: if it bulges or no longer sits flat, stop using it until the battery is replaced.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
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Next most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel Assembly
Replacement Click Wheel
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Click wheel
Menu, Play/Pause, Next and Previous are part of the click wheel. When the wheel or one or more of these buttons stop working, a new click wheel is the usual fix. The Mini 1st and 2nd Gen click wheels look the same but don't swap: order the one for your model.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the click wheel cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Replacement Click Wheel (632-0246-A)
Replacement Click Wheel
Blue · Green · Pink · Silver
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
Started after a repair or part swap
The buttons stopped working after the iPod was opened or a part was swapped.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Click wheel cable not seated after the repair
After the iPod has been opened, the click wheel cable is easy to leave half-seated, and then the center button or the whole wheel stops working.
Free check first Open it again, push the click wheel cable fully into its connector and make sure the latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
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
Click wheel cable not seated after the repair
After the iPod has been opened, the click wheel cable is easy to leave half-seated, and then the center button or the whole wheel stops working.
Free check first Open it again, push the click wheel cable fully into its connector and make sure the latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
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
Click wheel cable not seated after the repair
After the iPod has been opened, the click wheel cable is easy to leave half-seated, and then the center button or the whole wheel stops working.
Free check first Open it again, push the click wheel cable fully into its connector and make sure the latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
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
Click wheel cable damaged in the repair
On the Mini this problem often starts after a repair: the click wheel cable is easily damaged when the iPod is taken apart. A damaged cable means a new click wheel.
Free check first Look at the click wheel cable for tears or creases.
Replacement Click Wheel (632-0246-A)
Replacement Click Wheel
Blue · Green · Pink · Silver
-
Next most likely
Click wheel cable not seated after the repair
After the iPod has been opened, the click wheel cable is easy to leave half-seated, and then the center button or the whole wheel stops working.
Free check first Open it again, push the click wheel cable fully into its connector and make sure the latch is closed.
-
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
Click wheel cable not seated after the repair
After the iPod has been opened, the click wheel cable is easy to leave half-seated, and then the center button or the whole wheel stops working.
Free check first Open it again, push the click wheel cable fully into its connector and make sure the latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
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