Startup & storage
Sad iPod face icon
The sad iPod face on the screen? Pick what you see and your model to see what it means and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Also searched as sad face · sad iPod icon · sad iPod screen · sad face fix · with sad face · showing sad face · sad iPod icon meaning · sad face error · sad iPod error · sad iPod icon fix
The sad iPod face always means hardware: the hard drive or its cable, most often the hard drive. On the 4th Gen and Photo, check the hard drive cable first (re-seating it may bring your library back), 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. The 6th and 7th Gen don't show the sad face: their drive-failure screen is the red X.
Free checks first
- Don't restore a sad-face iPod hoping it's software: the sad face always means hardware, a restore erases the library, and on a 4th Gen re-seating the drive cable may bring the library back.
- Click wheel iPods (4th Gen, Photo, Video, Classic and Mini): if the computer does not see it, use Disk Mode: put the Hold switch firmly 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.
- iPod 3rd Gen (four buttons above the wheel): if the computer does not see it, use Disk Mode: put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position, hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears, let go, then hold Previous and Next until the Disk Mode screen appears.
- 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: 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 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Free diagnostic: we tell you what it needs before any work
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 (A1136) sad faceiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) sad face
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
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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 ($149) 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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the iPod Video: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) sad faceiPod 4th Gen (A1059) sad faceiPod Photo (A1099) sad face
Most likely: Loose or damaged hard drive cableNext: Failing hard drive
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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
For the iPod Photo
-
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
For the iPod 4th Gen
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod Photo
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod 4th Gen
20GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Photo
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Photo
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)
iPod Mini (A1051) sad faceiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) sad faceiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) sad face
Most likely: Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)Next: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
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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 ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Microdrive
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
4GB · 6GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
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
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the Mini: if the microdrive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) sad faceiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) sad face
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
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 ($149) 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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 3rd Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
4 causes, listed by what happens to your iPod
- Worn-out batterySad face very low battery · not on the iPod Classic
- Charging circuit on the logic boardSad face very low battery · not on the iPod Classic
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap · not on the iPod Classic
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap · not on the iPod Classic
Sad face very low battery
The sad face always points to the hard drive or its cable. The very low battery message points to the battery or the logic board.
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: 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 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Free diagnostic: we tell you what it needs before any work
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
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 2 more causes
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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 ($149) 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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the iPod Video: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
-
Also possible
Worn-out battery
An old battery wears out: it no longer takes or holds a full charge, empties fast, or dies as soon as you unplug it. A new battery is the usual fix.
Free check first Charge it fully, then unplug it: if it empties much faster than it used to, or dies as soon as it is unplugged, the battery is most likely worn out.
Step-by-step guide iPod Video 5th Gen battery replacement (10 steps)
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Also possible
Charging circuit on the logic board
If a new battery and a working charger and cable don't help, the charging circuit on 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: Loose or damaged hard drive cableNext: Failing hard drive · 2 more causes
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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
For the iPod Photo
-
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
For the iPod 4th Gen
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod Photo
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod 4th Gen
20GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Photo
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Photo
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)
-
Also possible
Worn-out battery
An old battery wears out: it no longer takes or holds a full charge, empties fast, or dies as soon as you unplug it. A new battery is the usual fix.
Free check first Charge it fully, then unplug it: if it empties much faster than it used to, or dies as soon as it is unplugged, the battery is most likely worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replacement Battery
For the iPod Photo
Step-by-step guide iPod 4th Gen and iPod Photo battery replacement (13 steps)
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Also possible
Charging circuit on the logic board
If a new battery and a working charger and cable don't help, the charging circuit on the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Photo
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Most likely: Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)Next: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 2 more causes
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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 ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Microdrive
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
4GB · 6GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the Mini: if the microdrive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Also possible
Worn-out battery
An old battery wears out: it no longer takes or holds a full charge, empties fast, or dies as soon as you unplug it. A new battery is the usual fix.
Free check first Charge it fully, then unplug it: if it empties much faster than it used to, or dies as soon as it is unplugged, the battery is most likely worn out.
Replacement Battery
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replacement Battery
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
Step-by-step guide iPod Mini 1st/2nd Gen battery replacement (12 steps)
-
Also possible
Charging circuit on the logic board
If a new battery and a working charger and cable don't help, the charging circuit on the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replacement Logic Board
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 2 more causes
-
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 ($149) 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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 3rd Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
-
Also possible
Worn-out battery
An old battery wears out: it no longer takes or holds a full charge, empties fast, or dies as soon as you unplug it. A new battery is the usual fix.
Free check first Charge it fully 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. Then unplug it: if it empties much faster than it used to, or dies as soon as it is unplugged, the battery is most likely worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Step-by-step guide iPod 3rd Gen battery replacement (14 steps)
-
Also possible
Charging circuit on the logic board
If a new battery and a working charger and cable don't help, the charging circuit on the logic board is the likely fault. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Sad icon with exclamation point
A sad iPod or an iPod picture with an exclamation point.
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: 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 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Free diagnostic: we tell you what it needs before any work
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
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
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 ($149) 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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the iPod Video: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
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
Most likely: Loose or damaged hard drive cableNext: Failing hard drive
-
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
For the iPod Photo
-
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
For the iPod 4th Gen
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Hard Drive Repair Service
For the iPod Photo
Mail it in: we repair your drive, and in most cases your songs are saved
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod 4th Gen
20GB · 40GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod 4th Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Hard Drive
For the iPod Photo
20GB · 30GB · 40GB · 60GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Photo
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)
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Most likely: Failed microdrive (the Mini's hard drive)Next: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
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 ($149) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.
Replacement Microdrive (4GB)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
Replacement Microdrive
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
4GB · 6GB
Flash Mod Service (installed by iMods)
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the Mini: if the microdrive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Most likely: Failing hard driveNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable
-
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 ($149) 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)
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 3rd Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
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 sad face appeared after the iPod was opened.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Free diagnostic: we tell you what it needs before any work
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
Most likely: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
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Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the iPod Video: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
-
Also possible
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: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
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. 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
For the iPod Photo
-
Also possible
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: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the Mini: if the microdrive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
For the iPod Mini 1st Gen
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
For the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Also possible
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: Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openNext: Loose or damaged hard drive cable · 1 more cause
-
Most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
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. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 3rd Gen: if the hard drive isn't to blame, the logic board is just as likely as the cable.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
-
Also possible
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
Which iPod do you have?
The page shows the causes for the iPod you pick.
Not sure which one? Identify your iPod