Computer & music
iPod skipping songs
Skipping songs, stopping halfway through, or jumping to the next track on its own? Pick what happens and your model to see the likely causes and the fixes.
What exactly happens?
- Skipping songsAlso searched as keeps skipping songs · skipping tracks · skips songs · skip songs · music skipping
- Stops playingAlso searched as stops playing music · stops playing music randomly
- Skipping songs halfway through
- Skips songs on its ownAlso searched as randomly skipping songs
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
An iPod that skips songs most often has a failing hard drive that can't read the music in time; a worn battery that can't spin the drive does it too. If only the same few songs skip, those song files are damaged: delete them from the iPod and sync them again.
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 (A1238) skipping songsiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) skipping songsiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) skipping songs
-
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
-
Next most likely
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
-
Also possible
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod Video (A1136) skipping songsiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) skipping songs
-
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
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
-
Also possible
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) skipping songsiPod 4th Gen (A1059) skipping songsiPod Photo (A1099) skipping songs
-
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
-
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
-
Also possible
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod Mini (A1051) skipping songsiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) skipping songsiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) skipping songs
-
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
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
-
Also possible
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) skipping songsiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) skipping songs
-
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
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
-
Also possible
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
Stops playing
Also searched as stops playing music · stops playing music randomly
It stops in the middle of a song. Apple's checks first: the Hold switch, the headphone plug pushed all the way in, and Play/Pause. If it stops at random and shows the Apple logo or restarts, the hard drive or the battery is the likely fault.
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.
- Press Play/Pause: it may only be paused.
- 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
-
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
-
Next most likely
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th 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 (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
Next most likely
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
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
-
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
-
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
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd 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.
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
Battery too weak to spin up the hard drive
A worn battery cannot give the hard drive enough power to spin up, so the drive clicks and retries.
Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Skipping songs halfway through
Songs stop halfway and it jumps to the next one.
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
-
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
-
Next most likely
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th 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 (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
Next most likely
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
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
-
Next most likely
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd 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.
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
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
Skips songs on its own
Also searched as randomly skipping songs
Check the hard drive in Diagnostic Mode first: a high number of reallocs or pending sectors means it is failing. If it looks good, check the song files on your computer for damage; if they are fine too, restore the iPod.
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.
- Check the song files on your computer for damage or corruption.
- 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 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
-
Next most likely
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th 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 (Flash Adapter + SD Card Included)
Replaces the hard drive with flash memory: silent, no moving parts
-
Next most likely
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
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
-
Next most likely
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd 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.
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
Damaged song files
Damaged song files skip, stop or won't play. Check the songs on your computer for damage: if only the same few songs are affected, delete them from the iPod and sync them again. If that doesn't help, restore the iPod and sync your music back (a restore erases the songs on the iPod).
Started after a repair or part swap
It started skipping after the iPod was opened or a part was swapped.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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