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?
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. A drop can also crack the screen, loosen its cable, or knock a connector loose inside. On the 4th Gen and Photo, check the hard drive cable first, then the drive: our Hard Drive Repair Service is probably the best first option. On the other models, a drive failure is the ideal time for a flash upgrade.
Free checks first
- Hold the iPod up to your ear: unusual clicking patterns are a strong sign that the hard drive is failing.
- If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first (before any drive test or restore).
- 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) droppediPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) droppediPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) dropped
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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 ($129) 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
Replacement Hard Drive 160GB (Late 2009)
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
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)
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Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
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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. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
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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.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Logic boardDropped and won't turn on
- Screen has failedScreen black after dropping
- Screen not properly connected to the logic boardScreen black after dropping
- Logic boardScreen black after dropping
iPod Video (A1136) droppediPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) dropped
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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 ($129) 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)
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Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
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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.
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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.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Logic boardDropped and won't turn on
- Screen has failedScreen black after dropping
- Screen not properly connected to the logic boardScreen black after dropping
- Logic boardScreen black after dropping
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) droppediPod 4th Gen (A1059) droppediPod Photo (A1099) dropped
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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
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
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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
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 Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
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)
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Also possible
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo screen replacement (16 steps)
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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.
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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.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Logic boardDropped and won't turn on
- Screen has failedScreen black after dropping
- Screen not properly connected to the logic boardScreen black after dropping
- Logic boardScreen black after dropping
iPod Mini (A1051) droppediPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) droppediPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) dropped
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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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
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)
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Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
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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.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Logic boardDropped and won't turn on
- Screen has failedScreen black after dropping
- Screen not properly connected to the logic boardScreen black after dropping
- Logic boardScreen black after dropping
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) droppediPod 3rd Gen (A1040) dropped
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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 ($129) 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)
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Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
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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.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Logic boardDropped and won't turn on
- Screen has failedScreen black after dropping
- Screen not properly connected to the logic boardScreen black after dropping
- Logic boardScreen black after dropping
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 or a 6-pin FireWire port on a computer that is on and awake: its USB cable syncs but never charges it.
- 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
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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 Tilt it gently and listen for something rattling inside, and feel whether it gets hot to the touch.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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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. On the iPod Video the rattle can be a small coil (an inductor) near the charging port, knocked off in the drop; it is part of the board's power supply, so without it the iPod may not turn on or charge. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Free check first Tilt it gently and 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
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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 Tilt it gently and 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
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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 Tilt it gently and 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 Tilt it gently and 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 most likely means the screen (LCD) is damaged; lines that move, especially when you press on the iPod, most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. Press gently near the screen only if the case doesn't bulge and, on the 5th, 6th and 7th Gen and the Mini, the screen shows no pressure marks. Both are signs of a swollen battery. The picture can also come up scrambled after a drop when the screen (LCD) is busted: a new screen fixes it.
Free checks first
- Opened it before? Check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
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Next most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
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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
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo screen replacement (16 steps)
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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
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Most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
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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, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
-
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
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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
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
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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. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, our fix is a new logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.
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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
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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.
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
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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 check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.
-
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
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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
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo screen replacement (16 steps)
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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 check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.
-
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
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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)
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
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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 check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.
-
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)
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
-
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 check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.
-
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: the backlight still works, so the picture isn't reaching the screen. Its cable may have been knocked loose; otherwise the screen.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, we fix it by replacing the logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. A 6th Gen needs a 6th Gen screen: a 7th Gen screen looks almost identical but shows only white in it. A 6th Gen screen works in both. Both say A1238 on the back, so tell them apart by capacity and depth.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
Step-by-step guide iPod Classic 6th/7th Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
-
Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable. On the iPod Photo, check your board first: the Late 2004 board (820-1642-A, printed on the board) needs the Late 2004 screen, while the Mid-2005 board (820-1764-A) runs either. Count the bars on the LCD panel itself: two bars = the Late 2004 screen, one bar = the Mid-2005 screen.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo screen replacement (16 steps)
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
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Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen screen replacement (14 steps)
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Screen cable loose
A screen cable that has worked loose, or was not pushed fully in after a repair, can make the screen white, flicker or show lines.
Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted and its latch is closed.
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Next most likely
Damaged screen (LCD)
A white picture, black lines, dead pixels or ink-like spots while the iPod still works most likely mean the screen (LCD) itself is damaged, often after a drop or pressure on the front; an ink-like spot can spread over time. A new screen fixes it. Lines that move or change when you press on the iPod most likely mean a faulty or loose screen cable. A white screen with the backlight on, no picture and no visible damage to the LCD can be a loose LCD cable.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen screen replacement (16 steps)
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.
- Don't plug it in to charge, even to see if it still works, until it is completely dry: Apple warns that charging when moisture is present can cause electric shock.
- Ideally open it right away and dry it properly inside: water left inside corrodes the logic board, so we recommend the free diagnostic.
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
Which iPod do you have?
The page shows the causes for the iPod you pick.
Not sure which one? Identify your iPod