Power & battery
iPod won't hold a charge
Battery drains fast, dies quickly, or won't hold a charge? A swollen battery belongs here too. Pick what happens and your model to see the likely causes and what each fix costs.
What exactly happens?
- Won't hold a chargeAlso searched as won't hold charge · swollen battery · battery expanding · battery swelling · battery won't hold charge · won't keep charge
- Battery drains fastAlso searched as battery drain · battery draining fast · battery draining so fast · battery drain so fast
- Battery dies fastAlso searched as battery life dies fast · battery dies quickly · why battery dies fast · dies quickly
- Battery drains when not in useAlso searched as battery drain when not in use
- Battery not lasting longAlso searched as battery not lasting
- Loses charge quickly
- Battery drains in minutes
- Started after a repair or part swapAlso searched as new battery dies quickly
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
A battery that won't hold a charge is almost always worn out. A swollen battery is worn out too, and no longer safe: stop charging it and replace it.
iPod Classic (A1238) won't hold a chargeiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) won't hold a chargeiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) won't hold a charge
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe: it can bulge the case or push the click wheel up. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Look at the case: if it bulges or no longer sits flat, stop using it until the battery is replaced.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video (A1136) won't hold a chargeiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) won't hold a charge
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe: it can bulge the case or push the click wheel up. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Look at the case: if it bulges or no longer sits flat, stop using it until the battery is replaced.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) won't hold a chargeiPod 4th Gen (A1059) won't hold a chargeiPod Photo (A1099) won't hold a charge
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe: it can bulge the case or push the click wheel up. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Look at the case: if it bulges or no longer sits flat, stop using it until the battery is replaced.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
iPod Mini (A1051) won't hold a chargeiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) won't hold a chargeiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) won't hold a charge
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe: it can bulge the case or push the click wheel up. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Look at the case: if it bulges or no longer sits flat, stop using it until the battery is replaced.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) won't hold a chargeiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) won't hold a charge
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
-
Next most likely
Swollen battery
A battery that swells is worn out and no longer safe: it can bulge the case or push the click wheel up. Stop charging it and replace the battery.
Free check first Look at the case: if it bulges or no longer sits flat, stop using it until the battery is replaced.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Battery drains fast
Also searched as battery drain · battery draining fast · battery draining so fast · battery drain so fast
The battery empties much faster than it used to.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Battery dies fast
Also searched as battery life dies fast · battery dies quickly · why battery dies fast · dies quickly
It dies soon after a full charge.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Battery drains when not in use
Also searched as battery drain when not in use
The battery is empty again after a few days of not using it.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. 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
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. 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-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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Battery not lasting long
Also searched as battery not lasting
A full charge does not last long any more.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Loses charge quickly
It loses its charge quickly.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Battery drains in minutes
A full battery is empty within minutes.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. 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
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. 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-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 worn out.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
Most likely
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 worn out.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
-
Next most likely
Logic board draining the battery
If even a new battery empties while the iPod sits unused, a fault on the logic board is draining it. We fix it by replacing the logic board.
Replacement Logic Board
Started after a repair or part swap
Also searched as new battery dies quickly
A new battery dies quickly, or the charge got worse after a repair.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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
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
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
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
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