Power & battery
iPod won't turn on
Dead, not turning on, or will not turn on at all? Pick what happens and which iPod you have to see the most likely causes in order, what each fix costs, and the free checks to try first.
What exactly happens?
- Won't turn onAlso searched as not turning on · will not turn on · won't switch on · does not turn on · doesn't turn on · no power
- Dead screenAlso searched as screen not turning on · screen won't turn on · dead iPod screen · dead battery screen
- Won't turn on even when plugged inAlso searched as not turning on when plugged in · not turning on even when plugged in
- Dead battery
- Dead iPod icon
- Won't turn on past Apple logoAlso searched as not turning on Apple logo
- Completely dead
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Troubleshooting an iPod that won't turn on starts with the free checks. Won't turn on can be several things, and details like getting hot, nothing happening even on the charger, or working only while plugged in tell them apart. Dead with no sign of life is most likely the logic board; if it shows life on the charger, it could be the battery.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Plug it into power, then try again.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic (A1238) won't turn oniPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) won't turn oniPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) won't turn on
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video (A1136) won't turn oniPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) won't turn on
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
30GB 5G · 30GB 5.5G Enhanced · 60GB 5G · 80GB 5.5G Enhanced
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) won't turn oniPod 4th Gen (A1059) won't turn oniPod Photo (A1099) won't turn on
-
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.
Free check first Look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
-
Also possible
Headphone jack cable keeping it locked
A faulty headphone jack cable can keep the iPod locked, so the click wheel cannot wake it.
Free check first Look for a lock symbol at the top of the screen: if it shows, this is the likely fault.
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
Headphone Jack Flex Cable
-
Also possible
Click wheel not waking it
If no lock symbol shows and the click wheel still cannot wake the iPod, the click wheel or the logic board is the likely fault.
Free check first Check that no lock symbol shows at the top of the screen.
Replacement Click Wheel Assembly
Replacement Click Wheel
iPod Mini (A1051) won't turn oniPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) won't turn oniPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) won't turn on
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) won't turn oniPod 3rd Gen (A1040) won't turn on
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Dead screen
Also searched as screen not turning on · screen won't turn on · dead iPod screen · dead battery screen
The screen stays dark, but the iPod may still be on: it plays music or shows up on a computer.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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.
Free check first Plug in headphones and press Play, or connect it to a computer: if it plays or shows up, the screen is the fault.
Replacement Screen (LCD Display)
Replacement LCD Screen
-
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 re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
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.
Free check first Plug in headphones and press Play, or connect it to a computer: if it plays or shows up, the screen is the fault.
-
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 re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
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.
Free check first Plug in headphones and press Play, or connect it to a computer: if it plays or shows up, the screen is the fault.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
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 re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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.
Free check first Plug in headphones and press Play, or connect it to a computer: if it plays or shows up, the screen is the fault.
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
Replacement LCD Screen (1.67" Grayscale)
-
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 re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
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.
Free check first Plug in headphones and press Play, or connect it to a computer: if it plays or shows up, the screen is the fault.
Replacement LCD Screen (2" Monochrome)
-
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 re-seat the screen cable on the logic board.
Won't turn on even when plugged in
Also searched as not turning on when plugged in · not turning on even when plugged in
Nothing happens even on the charger. That points to the logic board, not the battery.
Free checks first
- Plug it into power, then try again.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
30GB 5G · 30GB 5.5G Enhanced · 60GB 5G · 80GB 5.5G Enhanced
-
Next most likely
Damaged charging port
A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board.
Free check first Look into the dock connector for bent pins or damage, and try another cable and charger.
Won't help No part is sold for this; the repair is quoted after a free diagnostic.
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
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.
Free check first Look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Next most likely
Damaged charging port
A damaged charging port stops power from getting in. We fix it by replacing the whole logic board.
Free check first Look into the dock connector for bent pins or damage, and try another cable and charger.
Won't help No part is sold for this; the repair is quoted after a free diagnostic.
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
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.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
Dead battery
The battery is flat and the iPod won't start. If it only turns on while plugged in, so it won't turn on unless plugged in, the battery or the logic board is the likely fix.
Free checks first
- Plug it into power, then try again.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
-
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.
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 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.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
-
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.
Free check first Look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.
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 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.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
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.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
Dead iPod icon
The dead iPod icon is the sad iPod face on the screen.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
Most likely
Failing hard drive
Repeated clicking (the click of death: click, whir) or the sad iPod face usually mean the hard drive is failing. Flash storage is the silent alternative to a new drive.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
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
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive ZIF Ribbon Cable
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (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
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.
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
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.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
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
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
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
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Won't turn on past Apple logo
Also searched as not turning on Apple logo
Sometimes "won't turn on" means it starts but never reaches the main menu: it shows the Apple logo, then stops or restarts, often with the sad iPod face.
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
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
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive ZIF Ribbon Cable
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
Flash Mod Kit (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
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.
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
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.
Free check first Charge it fully first: a weak battery can make a healthy drive look dead.
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
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive Cable
Hard Drive Ribbon Cable
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.
Free check first If it still shows up on a computer, copy your music off first.
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
Loose or damaged hard drive cable
A loose or damaged hard drive cable can make the drive click, drop out or show the sad iPod face.
Free check first Push the cable back in first; replace it only if that does not help.
Hard Drive IDE Ribbon Cable
Completely dead
No screen, no sound, nothing on the charger or the computer: it stopped working and won't turn on at all.
Free checks first
- Put the Hold switch firmly in the unlocked position. A locked iPod ignores every button.
- Plug it into power, then try again.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
- Reset it: press and hold Menu and the center (Select) button for 8 seconds, or until the Apple logo appears. If that fails, put the iPod on a table and press the center button without touching the wheel.
- Reset the 3rd Gen: hold Menu and Play/Pause until the Apple logo appears.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
Replacement Battery
Standard · 2000mAh extended
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
30GB 5G · 30GB 5.5G Enhanced · 60GB 5G · 80GB 5.5G Enhanced
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery
Thin · Thick · 2000mAh extended
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
-
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.
Free check first Look for corrosion on the board, especially around the spot where the click wheel cable plugs in.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
Late 2004 to early 2005 · Mid-2005
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Replacement Battery
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
Replacement Logic Board
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery
Replacement Battery
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
-
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.
Replacement Logic Board
-
Next 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.
Replacement Battery (All Capacities)
Started after a repair or part swap
It stopped turning on after a battery, drive or screen swap.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Questions
Why is my iPod Classic not turning on?
Dead with no sign of life is most likely the logic board. Plug it into a charger: if it shows life, it could be the battery; if nothing happens even on the charger, it is the logic board. Pick iPod Classic above to see both, with prices.
How do I fix an iPod Classic that won't turn on?
Put the Hold switch in the unlocked position, plug it into power, then reset it: hold Menu and the center button for 8 seconds. If it still won't start, pick iPod Classic above or send it for a free diagnostic.
What should I do if my iPod won't turn on?
Start with the free checks: Hold unlocked, power, then a reset. If nothing changes, pick what happens and your model above, or mail it in for a free diagnostic.
How do I revive a dead iPod?
Put the Hold switch in the unlocked position, plug it into power, then reset it. If it still won't turn on, pick your model above to see the likely causes, or send it for a free diagnostic.
Can I recover music from a dead iPod?
Send it for a free diagnostic. On the 4th Gen and Photo we can often fix the hard drive without replacing it, and in most cases all songs are saved.