Wheel, buttons & Hold
iPod hold switch not working
Hold switch stuck or broken, or the iPod stays locked with the switch off? Pick what happens and your model to see the free checks first, then the likely causes and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- Hold switch not workingAlso searched as hold switch · hold button · hold button not working · hold switch repair
- Stuck on holdAlso searched as lock icon on iPod · lock symbol on iPod
- Hold switch stuckAlso searched as hold button stuck
- Hold switch powers off
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
The Hold switch locks every button: slide it firmly to the unlocked position (Apple). The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly, so a broken or stuck switch is fixed with a new headphone jack assembly. On the 4th Gen and Photo a faulty headphone jack cable can also keep it locked: check the cable first there.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Using an iPod Remote? Its own Hold switch must be off too: Apple says the iPod's and the remote's Hold switches work separately.
- A lock icon at the top of the screen means the Hold switch is on: slide it to the unlocked position.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic (A1238) Hold switch not workingiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) Hold switch not workingiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) Hold switch not working
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Replacement Headphone Jack
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Failing hard driveHold switch powers off
- Loose or damaged hard drive cableHold switch powers off
- Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Video (A1136) Hold switch not workingiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) Hold switch not working
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Failing hard driveHold switch powers off
- Loose or damaged hard drive cableHold switch powers off
- Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) Hold switch not workingiPod 4th Gen (A1059) Hold switch not workingiPod Photo (A1099) Hold switch not working
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable keeping it locked
A faulty headphone jack cable can keep the iPod locked, so the click wheel cannot wake it.
Free check first Look for a lock symbol at the top of the screen: if it shows, this is the likely fault.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
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Next most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Failing hard driveHold switch powers off
- Loose or damaged hard drive cableHold switch powers off
- Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Mini (A1051) Hold switch not workingiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) Hold switch not workingiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) Hold switch not working
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)Hold switch powers off
- Loose or damaged hard drive cableHold switch powers off
- Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) Hold switch not workingiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) Hold switch not working
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Failing hard driveHold switch powers off
- Loose or damaged hard drive cableHold switch powers off
- Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
Stuck on hold
Also searched as lock icon on iPod · lock symbol on iPod
It stays locked, or shows the lock, even with the switch off.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Using an iPod Remote? Its own Hold switch must be off too: Apple says the iPod's and the remote's Hold switches work separately.
- A lock icon at the top of the screen means the Hold switch is on: slide it to the unlocked position.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Replacement Headphone Jack
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable keeping it locked
A faulty headphone jack cable can keep the iPod locked, so the click wheel cannot wake it.
Free check first Look for a lock symbol at the top of the screen: if it shows, this is the likely fault.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
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Next most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Hold switch stuck
Also searched as hold button stuck
The switch won't slide, or slides without clicking into place.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Replacement Headphone Jack
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Broken Hold switch
The Hold switch is part of the headphone jack assembly. If it is broken, stuck, or leaves the iPod locked with the switch off, a new headphone jack assembly fixes it.
Hold switch powers off
Sliding the Hold switch turns the iPod off: most likely the hard drive or its cable.
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 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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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
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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
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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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
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
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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
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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
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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 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
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
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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
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
Started after a repair or part swap
The Hold switch stopped working after the iPod was opened or a part was swapped.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch open
After the iPod has been opened, a headphone jack cable that isn't pushed fully in, or its latch left open, stops the headphone jack, and the Hold switch on it, from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the headphone jack cable fully in and close its latch.
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Next most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch open
After the iPod has been opened, a headphone jack cable that isn't pushed fully in, or its latch left open, stops the headphone jack, and the Hold switch on it, from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the headphone jack cable fully in and close its latch.
-
Next most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch open
After the iPod has been opened, a headphone jack cable that isn't pushed fully in, or its latch left open, stops the headphone jack, and the Hold switch on it, from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the headphone jack cable fully in and close its latch.
-
Next most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch open
After the iPod has been opened, a headphone jack cable that isn't pushed fully in, or its latch left open, stops the headphone jack, and the Hold switch on it, from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the headphone jack cable fully in and close its latch.
-
Next most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Headphone jack cable not fully in, or its latch open
After the iPod has been opened, a headphone jack cable that isn't pushed fully in, or its latch left open, stops the headphone jack, and the Hold switch on it, from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the headphone jack cable fully in and close its latch.
-
Next most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
Not sure — free diagnostic
Mail us your iPod and we test it and send you a free repair quote. If you don't like the price, we ship it back at our expense.
Free