Startup & storage
iPod clicking sound or noise
Clicking sound, beeping, grinding or whirring? Pick what happens and your model to see the likely causes and fixes.
What exactly happens?
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Also searched as making clicking noise · clicking sound · hard drive clicking · hard drive clicking noise · click of death · clicking · clicking noise hard drive · making a clicking sound · hard drive clicking sound · makes clicking sound · makes a clicking sound
Repeated clicking from inside is the click of death: it comes from the hard drive, not the click wheel. If it can't start up and makes a click noise, the hard drive or its cable is the likely fault.
Free checks first
- If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off before anything else (copy the whole iPod_Control folder to keep more than the songs); if it clicks or drops off the computer while copying, stop and get it diagnosed.
- Repeated clicking (click, click, whir, or grinding) is the click of death: it comes from the hard drive, not the click wheel.
- Plug it into power, then try again.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger or a 6-pin FireWire port on a computer that is on and awake: its USB cable syncs but never charges it.
- Hold the iPod up to your ear: unusual clicking patterns are a strong sign that the hard drive is failing.
- Check the hard drive's health in Diagnostic Mode: on a healthy drive the reallocated sectors (reallocs) and pending sectors read zero or close to it. A high number, or numbers that rise each time you check, mean the drive is failing; pending sectors are the sharper warning.
iPod Classic (A1238) clicking noiseiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) clicking noiseiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) clicking noise
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the red X usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
80GB · 120GB · 160GB
128GB Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen hard drive replacement (11 steps)
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the red X. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 6th and 7th Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
Thin · Thick
Hard Drive ZIF Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Also possible
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
Thin · Thick
Replacement Battery (160GB)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen battery replacement (13 steps)
iPod Video (A1136) making clicking noiseiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) making clicking noise
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen hard drive replacement (14 steps)
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the iPod Video: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
-
Also possible
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen battery replacement (10 steps)
iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) clicking noiseiPod 4th Gen (A1059) clicking noiseiPod Photo (A1099) clicking noise
Most likely: Loose or damaged hard drive cableNext: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo, an iPod that seems too weak to spin up its hard drive often has a hard drive cable problem. A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. A cable fault sounds like click, whir; a failing drive sounds more like click, click, whir.
Free check first Clean the hard drive cable's contacts with 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and re-seat it first; if that fails, it's likely a bad hard drive (our Hard Drive Repair Service is probably the best first option).
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Photo
-
Next most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive. On the 4th Gen and Photo we can often fix the hard drive without replacing it, and in most cases all songs are saved.
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod 4th Gen
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod Photo
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod 4th Gen
20GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Photo
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Photo
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo hard drive replacement (12 steps)
iPod Mini (A1051) clicking soundiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) clicking soundiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) clicking sound
Most likely: Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)Next: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)
When the Mini's tiny hard drive (the microdrive) fails, it shows the sad iPod face or a folder icon, or makes clicking noises. Replace it with a used original microdrive, or upgrade to flash: a failed drive is the ideal time for it. Flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Microdrive
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
4GB · 6GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen hard drive (Microdrive) replacement (13 steps)
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the Mini: if the microdrive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Also possible
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replacement Battery
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen battery replacement (12 steps)
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) clicking or beepingiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) clicking or beeping
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen hard drive replacement (14 steps)
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 3rd Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
-
Also possible
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen battery replacement (14 steps)
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
2 causes, listed by what happens to your iPod
- Faulty logic boardBeeping noise
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap
Making whirring noise
Also searched as makes whirring sound
Whirring or grinding from inside usually goes with the click of death: a failing hard drive.
Free checks first
- If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off before anything else (copy the whole iPod_Control folder to keep more than the songs); if it clicks or drops off the computer while copying, stop and get it diagnosed.
- Hold the iPod up to your ear: unusual clicking patterns are a strong sign that the hard drive is failing.
- Check the hard drive's health in Diagnostic Mode: on a healthy drive the reallocated sectors (reallocs) and pending sectors read zero or close to it. A high number, or numbers that rise each time you check, mean the drive is failing; pending sectors are the sharper warning.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the red X usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
80GB · 120GB · 160GB
128GB Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen hard drive replacement (11 steps)
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen hard drive replacement (14 steps)
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive. On the 4th Gen and Photo we can often fix the hard drive without replacing it, and in most cases all songs are saved.
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod 4th Gen
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod Photo
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod 4th Gen
20GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Photo
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Photo
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo hard drive replacement (12 steps)
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Most likely: Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)
-
Most likely
Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)
When the Mini's tiny hard drive (the microdrive) fails, it shows the sad iPod face or a folder icon, or makes clicking noises. Replace it with a used original microdrive, or upgrade to flash: a failed drive is the ideal time for it. Flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Microdrive
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
4GB · 6GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen hard drive (Microdrive) replacement (13 steps)
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen hard drive replacement (14 steps)
Beeping noise
Also searched as beeping
A beeping noise from the iPod.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Most likely: Faulty logic board
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board, unless it is Diagnostic Mode starting up (it beeps as it starts) or an alarm (Apple's alarm can be set to Beep, which sounds through the internal speaker). The beeping from a faulty logic board can often be heard as the iPod boots up to the main menu.
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
2007 · Late 2008
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Most likely: Faulty logic board
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board, unless it is Diagnostic Mode starting up (it beeps as it starts) or an alarm (Apple's alarm can be set to Beep, which sounds through the internal speaker). The beeping from a faulty logic board can often be heard as the iPod boots up to the main menu.
Replacement Logic Board
30GB 5G · 30GB 5.5G Enhanced · 60GB 5G · 80GB 5.5G Enhanced
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Most likely: Faulty logic board
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board, unless it is Diagnostic Mode starting up (it beeps as it starts) or an alarm (Apple's alarm can be set to Beep, which sounds through the internal speaker). The beeping from a faulty logic board can often be heard as the iPod boots up to the main menu.
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Photo
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Most likely: Faulty logic board
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board, unless it is Diagnostic Mode starting up (it beeps as it starts) or an alarm (Apple's alarm can be set to Beep, which sounds through the internal speaker). The beeping from a faulty logic board can often be heard as the iPod boots up to the main menu.
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Most likely: Faulty logic board
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board, unless it is Diagnostic Mode starting up (it beeps as it starts) or an alarm (Apple's alarm can be set to Beep, which sounds through the internal speaker). The beeping from a faulty logic board can often be heard as the iPod boots up to the main menu.
Replacement Logic Board
Makes weird noise
Also searched as making weird noises · making squeaking noises · high pitched noise
A strange sound from inside the iPod.
Free checks first
- If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off before anything else (copy the whole iPod_Control folder to keep more than the songs); if it clicks or drops off the computer while copying, stop and get it diagnosed.
- Hold the iPod up to your ear: unusual clicking patterns are a strong sign that the hard drive is failing.
- Check the hard drive's health in Diagnostic Mode: on a healthy drive the reallocated sectors (reallocs) and pending sectors read zero or close to it. A high number, or numbers that rise each time you check, mean the drive is failing; pending sectors are the sharper warning.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the red X usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
80GB · 120GB · 160GB
128GB Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen hard drive replacement (11 steps)
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen hard drive replacement (14 steps)
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Most likely: Loose or damaged hard drive cableNext: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo, an iPod that seems too weak to spin up its hard drive often has a hard drive cable problem. A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. A cable fault sounds like click, whir; a failing drive sounds more like click, click, whir.
Free check first Clean the hard drive cable's contacts with 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and re-seat it first; if that fails, it's likely a bad hard drive (our Hard Drive Repair Service is probably the best first option).
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Photo
-
Next most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive. On the 4th Gen and Photo we can often fix the hard drive without replacing it, and in most cases all songs are saved.
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod 4th Gen
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod Photo
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod 4th Gen
20GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Photo
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Photo
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo hard drive replacement (12 steps)
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Most likely: Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)
-
Most likely
Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)
When the Mini's tiny hard drive (the microdrive) fails, it shows the sad iPod face or a folder icon, or makes clicking noises. Replace it with a used original microdrive, or upgrade to flash: a failed drive is the ideal time for it. Flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Microdrive
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
4GB · 6GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen hard drive (Microdrive) replacement (13 steps)
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Most likely: Failing hard drive
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. A failed drive is the ideal time for a flash upgrade: flash storage has no heads, platters or motor, so the clicking, stalling and seizing that end an old hard drive can't happen. If your old drive still reads, add our music transfer ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen hard drive replacement (14 steps)
Started after a repair or part swap
It started clicking after the iPod was opened.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Most likely: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the red X. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 6th and 7th Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Classic 6th Gen
Thin · Thick
Hard Drive ZIF Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Most likely: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the iPod Video: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Most likely: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo, an iPod that seems too weak to spin up its hard drive often has a hard drive cable problem. A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. A cable fault sounds like click, whir; a failing drive sounds more like click, click, whir.
Free check first Clean the hard drive cable's contacts with 99% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) and re-seat it first; if that fails, it's likely a bad hard drive (our Hard Drive Repair Service is probably the best first option).
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Most likely: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the Mini: if the microdrive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Most likely: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Next most likely
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 3rd Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Not sure — free diagnostic
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Questions
Why is my iPod Classic making a clicking sound?
Repeated clicking (click, click, whir, or grinding) is the click of death: it comes from the hard drive, not the click wheel. Replace the drive or switch to flash storage. A loose or damaged hard drive cable can cause it too, so push the cable back in first.
Is the click I hear when I scroll normal?
Yes, on the click wheel iPods: Apple's guides say you can hear a clicking sound as you scroll, to show the Click Wheel is working, and that you can turn it off with the Clicker setting in Settings. Clicking from inside the iPod while you aren't touching the wheel, often with a whir, is different: that points to the hard drive.
Which iPod do you have?
The page shows the causes for the iPod you pick.
Not sure which one? Identify your iPod