Startup & storage
iPod red X
A red X, a red circle with an X, or www.apple.com/support on the screen? Pick what you see and your model to see what it means and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- Red XAlso searched as red x fix · red x on my iPod · red x error · fix red x on · red x on · fix red x
- Red circle with xAlso searched as x red circle · has red x with circle around it · red x circle · red x with a circle
- Red x on screenAlso searched as red x screen · showing red x on screen
- Red crossAlso searched as red cross on · red cross on screen
- Red x Apple support/Also searched as www.Apple.com/support/
- Showing red xAlso searched as shows red x
- Big red xAlso searched as big red x on
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
The red X shows on the iPod classic (6th and 7th Gen), and it almost always means the hard drive. Apple's steps first: put it in Disk Mode and restore it.
Free checks first
- If the computer does not see it, use Disk Mode: put the Hold switch in the unlocked position, hold Menu and Center until the Apple logo appears, let go, then hold Center and Play/Pause until the Disk Mode screen appears.
- Restore it: use Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on an older Mac or a PC. Connect the iPod straight to the computer, find it, then choose Restore iPod. A restore erases all songs on the iPod.
iPod Classic (A1238) red XiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) red XiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) red X
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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
iPod Video (A1136) red XiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) red X
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 or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) red XiPod 4th Gen (A1059) red XiPod Photo (A1099) red X
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 (A1051) red XiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) red XiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) red X
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 Gen (A1040) red XiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) red X
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
Red circle with x
Also searched as x red circle · has red x with circle around it · red x circle · red x with a circle
A red circle with an X inside.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
Red x on screen
Also searched as red x screen · showing red x on screen
A red X fills the screen.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
Red cross
Also searched as red cross on · red cross on screen
A red cross on the screen.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
Red x Apple support/
Also searched as www.Apple.com/support/
A red X with www.apple.com/support under it.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
Showing red x
Also searched as shows red x
It keeps showing the red X.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
Big red x
Also searched as big red x on
A big red X on the screen.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
Started after a repair or part swap
The red X appeared after the iPod was opened.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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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
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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
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