Sound & headphones
iPod no sound
No sound at all, playing but silent, or nothing without headphones? Pick what happens and your model to see the free checks first, then the likely causes and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- No soundAlso searched as no audio · sound not working · has no sound · audio not working · no sound fix · no audio output · no sound coming from my iPod
- Playing but no soundAlso searched as plays but no sound · no sound when playing music
- No sound with headphones
- No sound without headphonesAlso searched as sound not working without headphones
- Bose dock no soundAlso searched as bose docking station no sound · no sound from bose docking station
- Connected but no soundAlso searched as hifi no sound · kenwood ddx370 no sound · no sound from speaker
- Sound not working on one side
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Apple's checks first: the Hold switch off, the plug pushed in all the way, the volume up, and Play/Pause pressed (it may only be paused). Then wiggle the plug, try another pair of headphones, and try a speaker dock: sound from the dock but not from the headphones means the headphone jack or its cable; no sound from either means the logic board.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Push the headphone plug in all the way.
- Make sure the volume is turned up.
- iPod Video (Late 2006) and iPod Classic: a lock next to the volume bar means a volume limit is set; change it in Settings > Volume Limit.
- Press Play/Pause: it may only be paused.
- Wiggle the headphone plug while it is in the jack. If that doesn't fix it, try another pair of headphones. If that fails too, the headphone jack or its cable is the likely fault.
- Try it in a speaker dock: sound from the dock but not from the headphones points to the headphone jack; no sound from either points to the logic board.
iPod Classic (A1238) no soundiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) no soundiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) no sound
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Replacement Headphone Jack
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video (A1136) no soundiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) no sound
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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 or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) no soundiPod 4th Gen (A1059) no soundiPod Photo (A1099) no sound
-
Most likely
Headphone jack flex cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo the headphone jack connects to the logic board through a thin flex cable. A cracked or worn cable cuts the sound or makes it crackle, just like a worn jack, and it is the more likely of the two unless the jack itself shows corrosion.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the flex cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
-
Next most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn, damaged or corroded headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. On the 4th Gen and Photo the flex cable is the more likely fault, unless the jack itself shows corrosion. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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 (A1051) no soundiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) no soundiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) no sound
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) no soundiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) no sound
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Playing but no sound
Also searched as plays but no sound · no sound when playing music
The song plays and the time counts up, but you hear nothing.
Free checks first
- Push the headphone plug in all the way.
- Make sure the volume is turned up.
- Wiggle the headphone plug while it is in the jack. If that doesn't fix it, try another pair of headphones. If that fails too, the headphone jack or its cable is the likely fault.
- Try it in a speaker dock: sound from the dock but not from the headphones points to the headphone jack; no sound from either points to the logic board.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Replacement Headphone Jack
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Headphone jack flex cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo the headphone jack connects to the logic board through a thin flex cable. A cracked or worn cable cuts the sound or makes it crackle, just like a worn jack, and it is the more likely of the two unless the jack itself shows corrosion.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the flex cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
-
Next most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn, damaged or corroded headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. On the 4th Gen and Photo the flex cable is the more likely fault, unless the jack itself shows corrosion. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
No sound with headphones
Nothing comes out of the headphones.
Free checks first
- Push the headphone plug in all the way.
- Wiggle the headphone plug while it is in the jack. If that doesn't fix it, try another pair of headphones. If that fails too, the headphone jack or its cable is the likely fault.
- Try it in a speaker dock: sound from the dock but not from the headphones points to the headphone jack; no sound from either points to the logic board.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Replacement Headphone Jack
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Headphone jack flex cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo the headphone jack connects to the logic board through a thin flex cable. A cracked or worn cable cuts the sound or makes it crackle, just like a worn jack, and it is the more likely of the two unless the jack itself shows corrosion.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the flex cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
-
Next most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn, damaged or corroded headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. On the 4th Gen and Photo the flex cable is the more likely fault, unless the jack itself shows corrosion. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Also possible
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, 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
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
-
Next most likely
Logic board
If a new headphone jack doesn't bring the sound back, or there is no sound from the headphones or from a speaker dock, the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
No sound without headphones
Also searched as sound not working without headphones
No sound when no headphones are plugged in.
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
Bose dock no sound
Also searched as bose docking station no sound · no sound from bose docking station
A Bose SoundDock or another speaker dock plays nothing.
See iPod not working in the car or dock
Free checks first
- In a dock, seat the iPod firmly and check that every cable is connected.
- Using the dock's line out? Make sure the speakers or stereo are turned on and working.
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
Connected but no sound
Also searched as hifi no sound · kenwood ddx370 no sound · no sound from speaker
Connected to a car stereo, a speaker or an iPod Hi-Fi, but nothing plays.
See iPod not working in the car or dock
Free checks first
- In a dock, seat the iPod firmly and check that every cable is connected.
- Using the dock's line out? Make sure the speakers or stereo are turned on and working.
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
Sound not working on one side
Sound in one ear only.
Free checks first
- Push the headphone plug in all the way.
- Wiggle the headphone plug while it is in the jack. If that doesn't fix it, try another pair of headphones. If that fails too, the headphone jack or its cable is the likely fault.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Replacement Headphone Jack
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
Headphone jack flex cable
On the 4th Gen and Photo the headphone jack connects to the logic board through a thin flex cable. A cracked or worn cable cuts the sound or makes it crackle, just like a worn jack, and it is the more likely of the two unless the jack itself shows corrosion.
Free check first If the iPod was opened, check that the flex cable is fully in and its latch is closed.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
-
Next most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn, damaged or corroded headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. On the 4th Gen and Photo the flex cable is the more likely fault, unless the jack itself shows corrosion. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
Headphone Jack / Hold Switch Assembly
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
Worn or damaged headphone jack
A worn or damaged headphone jack cuts the sound out, crackles, or plays in one ear only, often when you move the plug. A new headphone jack fixes it.
Free check first Move the plug gently while a song plays: if the sound cuts out or crackles, the jack is worn.
Started after a repair or part swap
No sound after the iPod was opened or a part was swapped.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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 Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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