Accidents & repairs
iPod dropped
Dropped it and now it won't turn on, clicks, or the screen shows lines? Pick what happens and your model to see the likely damage and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- Dropped
- Dropped and won't turn onAlso searched as dropped my iPod and it won't turn on · dropped won't turn on · won't turn on after dropping
- Dropped screen has linesAlso searched as i dropped my iPod and the screen has lines
- Screen black after dropping
- Dropped white screen
- Dropped in waterAlso searched as dropped my iPod in water · i dropped my iPod in the toilet
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
A drop most often damages the hard drive: listen for clicking and check the drive in Diagnostic Mode (on the 4th Gen and Photo, our Hard Drive Repair Service is the best first option). A drop can also crack the screen, loosen its cable, or knock a connector loose inside.
Free checks first
- 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: a high number of reallocated sectors (reallocs) or pending sectors means the drive is failing.
iPod Classic (A1238) droppediPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) droppediPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) dropped
-
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.
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
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
Also possible
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.
-
Also possible
A connector knocked loose
A hard knock can unseat a connector inside, such as the battery or the hard drive cable, and part of the iPod stops working. Opening it and pushing the connector back in fixes it.
Free check first Open it and push every connector fully back in, with its latch closed.
iPod Video (A1136) droppediPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) dropped
-
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.
Flash Mod Kit (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
-
Also possible
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.
-
Also possible
A connector knocked loose
A hard knock can unseat a connector inside, such as the battery or the hard drive cable, and part of the iPod stops working. Opening it and pushing the connector back in fixes it.
Free check first Open it and push every connector fully back in, with its latch closed.
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) droppediPod 4th Gen (A1059) droppediPod Photo (A1099) dropped
-
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.
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
-
Also possible
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Also possible
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.
-
Also possible
A connector knocked loose
A hard knock can unseat a connector inside, such as the battery or the hard drive cable, and part of the iPod stops working. Opening it and pushing the connector back in fixes it.
Free check first Open it and push every connector fully back in, with its latch closed.
iPod Mini (A1051) droppediPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) droppediPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) dropped
-
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.
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
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
Also possible
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.
-
Also possible
A connector knocked loose
A hard knock can unseat a connector inside, such as the battery or the hard drive cable, and part of the iPod stops working. Opening it and pushing the connector back in fixes it.
Free check first Open it and push every connector fully back in, with its latch closed.
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) droppediPod 3rd Gen (A1040) dropped
-
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.
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
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
Also possible
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.
-
Also possible
A connector knocked loose
A hard knock can unseat a connector inside, such as the battery or the hard drive cable, and part of the iPod stops working. Opening it and pushing the connector back in fixes it.
Free check first Open it and push every connector fully back in, with its latch closed.
Dropped and won't turn on
Also searched as dropped my iPod and it won't turn on · dropped won't turn on · won't turn on after dropping
Dead after a drop is most likely the logic board, especially if something rattles inside or it gets hot to the touch.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Plug it into power, then try again.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
- 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 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Logic board
Dead after a drop is most likely the logic board, especially if something rattles inside or the iPod gets hot to the touch. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Free check first Listen for something rattling inside, and feel whether it gets hot to the touch.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Logic board
Dead after a drop is most likely the logic board, especially if something rattles inside or the iPod gets hot to the touch. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Free check first Listen for something rattling inside, and feel whether it gets hot to the touch.
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
Logic board
Dead after a drop is most likely the logic board, especially if something rattles inside or the iPod gets hot to the touch. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Free check first Listen for something rattling inside, and feel whether it gets hot to the touch.
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
Logic board
Dead after a drop is most likely the logic board, especially if something rattles inside or the iPod gets hot to the touch. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Free check first Listen for something rattling inside, and feel whether it gets hot to the touch.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Logic board
Dead after a drop is most likely the logic board, especially if something rattles inside or the iPod gets hot to the touch. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Free check first Listen for something rattling inside, and feel whether it gets hot to the touch.
Replacement Logic Board
Dropped screen has lines
Also searched as i dropped my iPod and the screen has lines
Lines after a drop: a steady horizontal black line or lines means the screen (LCD) is damaged; lines that move, especially when you press on the iPod, mean a faulty or loose screen cable.
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
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
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.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
-
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.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
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.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
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.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front. A new screen fixes it.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
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.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
Screen black after dropping
The screen went black after a drop.
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
-
Most likely
Screen has failed
If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
Next most likely
Screen not properly connected to the logic board
A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.
Free check first Open the iPod and re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Screen has failed
If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.
-
Next most likely
Screen not properly connected to the logic board
A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.
Free check first Open the iPod and re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the 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
Screen has failed
If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Next most likely
Screen not properly connected to the logic board
A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.
Free check first Open the iPod and re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the 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
Screen has failed
If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
Next most likely
Screen not properly connected to the logic board
A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.
Free check first Open the iPod and re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Screen has failed
If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
Next most likely
Screen not properly connected to the logic board
A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.
Free check first Open the iPod and re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new screen shows the same fault, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Dropped white screen
The screen turned white after a drop.
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
Dropped in water
Also searched as dropped my iPod in water · i dropped my iPod in the toilet
It fell into water.
Free checks first
- Unplug every cable, turn it off and slide the Hold switch to HOLD. Let it dry completely before you turn it on again.
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
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