iPod won't turn on

Most likely

Screen has failed

If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.

Next most likely

Screen not properly connected to the logic board

A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark. On the 6th and 7th Gen, if the latch of the screen connector on the logic board is broken, our fix is a new logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party latch), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.

Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.

Most likely

Screen has failed

If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.

Next most likely

Screen not properly connected to the logic board

A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.

Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.

Most likely

Screen has failed

If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.

Next most likely

Screen not properly connected to the logic board

A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.

Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.

Most likely

Screen has failed

If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.

Next most likely

Screen not properly connected to the logic board

A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.

Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.

Most likely

Screen has failed

If the iPod still plays music or shows up on a computer but the screen stays dark, the screen has failed or is not properly connected to the logic board.

Next most likely

Screen not properly connected to the logic board

A screen cable that is not fully plugged into the logic board leaves the screen dark.

Free check first Open the iPod and check that the screen cable is fully inserted into the logic board and its latch is closed; if not, re-seat it.

Most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Next most likely

Damaged charging port

A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party charging port), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.

Free check first Look at the pins in the dock connector for signs of corrosion from liquid, bent pins or other damage, and try another cable and charger.

Most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. On the iPod Video the loose part can be a small coil (an inductor) near the charging port, knocked off in a drop or a botched repair; it is part of the board's power supply, so without it the iPod may not turn on or charge.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Next most likely

Damaged charging port

A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party charging port), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.

Free check first Look at the pins in the dock connector for signs of corrosion from liquid, bent pins or other damage, and try another cable and charger.

Most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board. Then look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.

Next most likely

Damaged charging port

A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party charging port), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.

Free check first Look at the pins in the dock connector for signs of corrosion from liquid, bent pins or other damage, and try another cable and charger.

Most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Next most likely

Damaged charging port

A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. On the Mini, tiny parts next to the dock connector can also catch and snap off as the board slides in or out of the case during a repair. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party charging port), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.

Free check first Look at the pins in the dock connector for signs of corrosion from liquid, bent pins or other damage, and try another cable and charger.

Most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Next most likely

Damaged charging port

A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board. Rather than solder on an inferior aftermarket part (a third-party charging port), we fit an original Apple logic board to ensure the highest quality repair.

Free check first Look at the pins in the dock connector for signs of corrosion from liquid, bent pins or other damage, and try another cable and charger.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem.

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem.

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. On the iPod Video the loose part can be a small coil (an inductor) near the charging port, knocked off in a drop or a botched repair; it is part of the board's power supply, so without it the iPod may not turn on or charge.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem. On the 4th Gen and iPod Photo, charge it from a wall charger (Apple's iPod Power Adapter, such as the A1070).

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board. Then look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem. On the Mini 1st Gen, charge it from a wall charger (Apple's iPod Power Adapter, such as the A1070).

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem. On the 3rd Gen, use a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Failing hard drive

Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the red X 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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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 red X. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 6th and 7th 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.

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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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.

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).

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.

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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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.

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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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.

Most likely

Failing hard drive

Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, click, whir, or grinding) or the red X 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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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 red X. Unless the problem started after a repair, the cable itself is rarely the fault on the 6th and 7th 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.

Also possible

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.

Also possible

Damaged iPod software

The iPod's software is damaged, so it can't start properly or keeps freezing. Restoring it puts fresh software on it; a restore erases the songs on the iPod.

Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first, then restore it with iTunes (or Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later). If the restore fails, or the problem comes back, the hard drive is the likely fault.

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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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

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.

Also possible

Damaged iPod software

The iPod's software is damaged, so it can't start properly or keeps freezing. Restoring it puts fresh software on it; a restore erases the songs on the iPod.

Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first, then restore it with iTunes (or Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later). If the restore fails, or the problem comes back, the hard drive is the likely fault.

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).

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.

Also possible

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. On the 4th Gen and Photo this is rarely the answer: far more often it is the hard drive cable. On the 4th Gen and Photo this is rarely the cause: the hard drive cable is far more often the fault.

Free check first Connect it to a charger: that often tells whether the problem is the battery or something more serious. If it still clicks and restarts on the charger, the battery is very unlikely to be the problem. If it still clicks and restarts on the charger, the battery is very unlikely to be the problem.

Also possible

Damaged iPod software

The iPod's software is damaged, so it can't start properly or keeps freezing. Restoring it puts fresh software on it; a restore erases the songs on the iPod.

Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first, then restore it with iTunes (or Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later). On the 4th Gen and iPod Photo the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: connect it to a wall charger to finish. Generic or incompatible wall chargers don't always give the iPod the right voltage: Apple's A1070 wall charger works with every model and is the ideal choice. If the restore fails, or the problem comes back, the hard drive cable, then the hard drive, is the likely fault (our Hard Drive Repair Service is probably the best first option).

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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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.

Also possible

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.

Also possible

Damaged iPod software

The iPod's software is damaged, so it can't start properly or keeps freezing. Restoring it puts fresh software on it; a restore erases the songs on the iPod.

Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first, then restore it with iTunes (or Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later). On the Mini 1st Gen the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: connect it to a wall charger to finish. Generic or incompatible wall chargers don't always give the iPod the right voltage: Apple's A1070 wall charger works with every model and is the ideal choice. If the restore fails, or the problem comes back, the hard drive (Mini: microdrive) is the likely fault.

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 ($129) and we copy everything on it onto the new flash storage.

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.

Also possible

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.

Also possible

Damaged iPod software

The iPod's software is damaged, so it can't start properly or keeps freezing. Restoring it puts fresh software on it; a restore erases the songs on the iPod.

Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first, then restore it with iTunes (or Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later). On the 3rd Gen the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: connect it to its FireWire wall charger to finish. Generic or incompatible wall chargers don't always give the iPod the right voltage: Apple's A1070 wall charger works with every model and is the ideal choice. If the restore fails, or the problem comes back, the hard drive is the likely fault.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem.

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem.

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. On the iPod Video the loose part can be a small coil (an inductor) near the charging port, knocked off in a drop or a botched repair; it is part of the board's power supply, so without it the iPod may not turn on or charge.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem. On the 4th Gen and iPod Photo, charge it from a wall charger (Apple's iPod Power Adapter, such as the A1070).

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board. Then look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem. On the Mini 1st Gen, charge it from a wall charger (Apple's iPod Power Adapter, such as the A1070).

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Worn-out or empty battery

A worn-out or empty battery can stop the iPod from starting. If it only turns on while plugged in, the battery (or the logic board) is the likely fix.

Free check first Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, the battery could be the problem. On the 3rd Gen, use a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.

Next most likely

Logic board

A dead iPod with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. If nothing happens even on the charger, the logic board is the likely fault, not the battery. In some cases a dead logic board also makes the iPod hot to the touch or gives off an unusual smell: if it is hot or smells, unplug it. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside.

Free check first Tilt it gently and listen: a rattle inside can be a part that has come loose from the board.

Most likely

Logic board fault

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

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

Next most likely

Failing battery

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

Most likely

Logic board fault

An iPod that gets too hot most often has a fault on the logic board. Often a chip or another small part has also come loose from the board and rattles inside. On the iPod Video that loose part can be a small coil (an inductor) near the charging port: it is part of the board's power supply, so without it the iPod may not turn on or charge. We fix it by replacing the logic board.

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

Next most likely

Failing battery

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

Most likely

Logic board fault

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

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

Next most likely

Failing battery

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

Most likely

Logic board fault

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

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

Next most likely

Failing battery

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

Most likely

Logic board fault

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

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

Next most likely

Failing battery

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