iPod overheating

Most likely

Logic board fault

An iPod that gets too hot most often has a fault on the logic board. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. We fix it by replacing the logic board.

Free check first Unplug it, then tilt it gently and listen for a rattle inside.

Next most likely

Failing battery

A failing battery can also make it hot while it charges or plays. Unplug it and let it cool down; if it gets hot again, replace the battery.

Also possible

Swollen battery

A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe. On the 6th and 7th Gen the battery sits behind the screen: swelling can leave dark pressure marks or spots on the screen or make it lift or bow, and the case can bulge, usually at the top. In some cases the front and back panel separate at the seam, and light from the backlight can sometimes be seen shining through it. An open seam on its own is often bent metal tabs or railing inside the inner back panel. Stop charging it and replace the battery.

Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.

Most likely

Logic board fault

An iPod that gets too hot most often has a fault on the logic board. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. On the iPod Video that loose part can be a small coil (an inductor) near the charging port: 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 Unplug it, then tilt it gently and listen for a rattle inside.

Next most likely

Failing battery

A failing battery can also make it hot while it charges or plays. Unplug it and let it cool down; if it gets hot again, replace the battery.

Also possible

Swollen battery

A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe. On the iPod Video the battery sits behind the screen: swelling can leave dark pressure marks or spots on the screen, make it lift or bow or even crack it, and the case can bulge, usually at the top. In some cases the front and back panel separate at the seam, and light from the backlight can sometimes be seen shining through it. An open seam on its own is often bent metal tabs or railing inside the inner back panel. Stop charging it and replace the battery.

Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.

Most likely

Logic board fault

An iPod that gets too hot most often has a fault on the logic board. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. We fix it by replacing the logic board.

Free check first Unplug it, then tilt it gently and listen for a rattle inside.

Next most likely

Failing battery

A failing battery can also make it hot while it charges or plays. Unplug it and let it cool down; if it gets hot again, replace the battery.

Also possible

Swollen battery

A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe, and the case almost never bulges, so a flat case doesn't rule it out. On the 4th Gen and Photo it pushes up under the click wheel, so the center button stops working, and the wheel can scroll by itself or stop responding. Stop charging it and replace the battery.

Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.

Most likely

Logic board fault

An iPod that gets too hot most often has a fault on the logic board. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. We fix it by replacing the logic board.

Free check first Unplug it, then tilt it gently and listen for a rattle inside.

Next most likely

Failing battery

A failing battery can also make it hot while it charges or plays. Unplug it and let it cool down; if it gets hot again, replace the battery.

Also possible

Swollen battery

A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe, and the case almost never bulges, so a flat case doesn't rule it out. On the Mini it can press on the screen and leave pressure spots, which usually fade after a new battery. Stop charging it and replace the battery.

Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.

Most likely

Logic board fault

An iPod that gets too hot most often has a fault on the logic board. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. We fix it by replacing the logic board.

Free check first Unplug it, then tilt it gently and listen for a rattle inside.

Next most likely

Failing battery

A failing battery can also make it hot while it charges or plays. Unplug it and let it cool down; if it gets hot again, replace the battery.

Also possible

Swollen battery

A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe, and the case almost never bulges, so a flat case doesn't rule it out. Stop charging it and replace the battery.

Free check first Unplug it first. If it is extremely hot or smells, don't try to remove the battery. Open the iPod and look at the battery: if it is swollen, stop charging it and replace it. Never press on, bend or pierce a swollen battery; tape the old battery's terminals or bag it and take it to a battery drop-off, never the trash or a recycling bin.