Startup & storage
iPod clicking noise
Clicking sound, beeping, grinding or whirring? Pick what happens and your model to see the likely causes and fixes.
What exactly happens?
- Clicking noiseAlso searched as making clicking noise · clicking sound · clicking · making a clicking sound · makes clicking sound · makes a clicking sound
- Hard drive clicking noiseAlso searched as hard drive clicking · clicking noise hard drive · hard drive clicking sound
- Making whirring noiseAlso searched as makes whirring sound
- Beeping noiseAlso searched as beeping
- Makes weird noiseAlso searched as making weird noises
- Click of death
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
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
- Repeated clicking (click, whir) 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: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
iPod Classic (A1238) clicking noiseiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) clicking noiseiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) clicking noise
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive ZIF 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
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video (A1136) making clicking noiseiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) making clicking noise
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
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 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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
-
Next most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) 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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
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)
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 a flash card.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
Hard Drive 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
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) clicking or beepingiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) clicking or beeping
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Kit (ATA1 Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
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)
Hard drive clicking noise
Also searched as hard drive clicking · clicking noise hard drive · hard drive clicking sound
The click comes from inside, near the hard drive, and keeps repeating: the hard drive makes lots of clicking noises. Sometimes there is nothing on the display and it makes a clicking noise.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive ZIF 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
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
-
Next most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) 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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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 a flash card.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
Hard Drive 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
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Kit (ATA1 Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
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)
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.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) 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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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 a flash card.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Kit (ATA1 Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
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
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board.
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
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Faulty logic board
A beeping noise is most likely a faulty logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Makes weird noise
Also searched as making weird noises
A strange sound from inside the iPod.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) 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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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 a flash card.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Kit (ATA1 Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Click of death
The click of death (click, whir) is a hard drive that keeps trying and failing to read.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) 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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Kit (IDE Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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 a flash card.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Flash Mod Kit (CF-to-SDXC Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Replacement Hard Drive
10GB · 15GB · 20GB · 30GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Kit (ATA1 Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
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
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive ZIF Ribbon Cable
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
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.
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
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
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.
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
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
Questions
Why is my iPod Classic making a clicking sound?
Repeated clicking (click, whir) 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.