Cosmetic Select/center-button cap only — no electronics. Swap for color or a cracked/worn cap. Will not fix a button that clicks but doesn't register.
Product Overview
Choose this center button listing to restore the visible fit, finish, or mounting hardware on the iPod 5th Generation (Video).
Use the Compatible Variants table below to confirm capacity, color, case, or order-number fitment.
This is a fit-and-finish part, so choose it by physical damage, color, case thickness, and missing hardware rather than by an electrical symptom.
This can also be a customization choice. Control assemblies and center buttons may be offered in custom non-OEM finishes, so buyers may replace working controls for a coordinated custom build as long as the control fitment matches the model.
- This erases all data and reinstalls factory firmware
- Back up all data before formatting or restoring
- For iFlash conversions: reformat SD card to FAT32 with all partitions deleted
What Is Included
Quick Buying Check
Buy this when
- Cracked, worn, missing, or mismatched cap: Choose this cap-only when the visible Select/center-button plastic is cracked, scratched, loose, missing, or the wrong color.
- Color or custom finish swap: Choose this part for a cosmetic front-control refresh when the existing button cap works mechanically and only the visible cap needs changing.
Diagnose first when
- Match the cap color and model generation to the face/front color before ordering.
- If the button physically clicks but does not register, diagnose the internal input check instead of buying a cap.
- The problem is power, storage, sync, dock, audio, or display behavior rather than visible physical damage.
- The symptom started after opening the iPod and may be a disturbed internal cable or connector.
Do not buy for
- Do not use this part for: internal input hardware or board-side switch faults.
- Do not use this part for: Custom-color center button orders - use the custom center-button page.
- Other center-button colors - choose the matching cap for white-front models.
Specifications & Fitment
Part Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A1136 |
| EMC | EMC 2065 |
| Condition | Used — factory original Apple part. Normal cosmetic wear expected. |
Customization Options
Compatible Variants
| Order Number | Capacity | Color | Case | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA146LL/A | 30GB | Black | thin (0.43 in) | Yes— compatible | Color swap — physically fits, different color from original |
| MA446LL/A | 30GB | Black | thin (0.43 in) | Yes— compatible | Color swap — physically fits, different color from original |
| MA452LL/A | 30GB | U2 Special | thin (0.43 in) | Yes— compatible | Color swap — physically fits, different color from original |
| MA664LL/A | 30GB | U2 Special | thin (0.43 in) | Yes— compatible | Color swap — physically fits, different color from original |
| MA002LL/A | 30GB | White | thin (0.43 in) | Yes— color swap | Other center-button colors - choose the matching cap for white-front models |
| MA444LL/A | 30GB | White | thin (0.43 in) | Yes— color swap | Other center-button colors - choose the matching cap for white-front models |
| MA147LL/A | 60GB | Black | thick | Yes— compatible | Color swap — physically fits, different color from original |
| MA003LL/A | 60GB | White | thick | Yes— color swap | Other center-button colors - choose the matching cap for white-front models |
| MA450LL/A | 80GB | Black | thick | Yes— compatible | Color swap — physically fits, different color from original |
| MA448LL/A | 80GB | White | thick | Yes— color swap | Other center-button colors - choose the matching cap for white-front models |
Cosmetic Failure Signs — When to Replace
This center button is a cosmetic part — it does not change how the iPod plays, charges, or syncs. Replace it when the damage is physical:
Not every buyer here is fixing damage: matching the original white finish after another repair, restoring a gift or keepsake iPod to clean condition, and finishing a refreshed shell while the case is already open are just as common.
Do Not Buy This Part Yet If...
| Situation | Start here instead |
|---|---|
| Only the screen is affected and everything else works | Start with the screen, display cable, and backlight checks for your model before buying this part. |
| Cable, computer, sync, or port behavior is the primary problem | Start with the dock connector, cable, USB or FireWire port, and host checks for your model before buying this part. |
| A symptom points to a different part | Use the custom center-button page. |
| You see a folder icon, clicking noise, or restore failure | Confirm restore behavior, storage fit, and setup state before ordering this part. |
| Charging, swelling, runtime, or power is the primary problem | Confirm power, charging, and pack-condition clues before replacing this part. |
| Variant or capacity does not match this listing | Use this part only when the visible fit, finish, or physical damage matches. |
Related Mechanisms (Not Included)
This SKU may sit near or press against rubber dome, rubber pad, tactile membrane, or microswitch, but those mechanisms are separate from this listing. Use them as diagnose-first language, not as included parts.
board-side tactile switch or logic-board switch points to logic-board or professional board-level service; the Replacement Center Button (White) alone will not repair that mechanism.
Install Overview
Before You Start
Power down, use the reset sequence for this generation, and confirm the model and variant before opening the iPod.
Treat case opening as the highest handling risk. Work around the seams gently and stop if the shell, clips, or internal stack resist.
Do not pull the halves apart or side-load board sockets. Check nearby connectors before blaming a replacement part.
Confirm thickness, color, screw points, and nearby hardware alignment before pressing the case fully closed.
Do not force the case closed if the replacement battery or cable routing feels too snug. Recheck battery position, wire routing, and nearby boards before reassembly.
Repair Guide
Repair guide summary: iPod 5th Generation (Video) Center Button Replacement.
Show all 15 installation steps
Before opening the iPod, confirm the device is powered down and the model is correct.
Do not get discouraged if the iPod takes several opening attempts; work slowly until the case releases. Release the first bottom retainer clip with the plastic opening tool. Point the tool edge toward the metal rear case to avoid scratching the plastic front.
Use these retaining clip locations: four along each side, one on top, and two along the bottom. This helps avoid frustration and reduces the chance of scratching the plastic cover.
Each side of the iPod has four retaining clips. Use a plastic opening tool to separate the plastic front from the metal rear case. Slide the plastic opening tool into the iPod's left side with the tool edge pointed toward the metal rear case. A small guitar pick can help with opening. Place it in the seam and slide it around the case to release the clips more smoothly. Gently enlarge the existing crevice by wiggling the plastic opening tool and moving it to the left. Keep working this way until the entire side of the iPod is loose. Then slide a plastic opening tool along the top-right edge. Work very carefully while inserting the tool because the display is fragile.
Gently glide the plastic opening tool on the top of the display, making sure to release the retaining clips. The other sides of the iPod should now release easily. If they do not, work plastic opening tools along the right side the same way you did on the left side. In this step, separate the front of the device from the back about an inch (or a couple of centimeters). The iPod casing is now open, but do not fully separate the two halves yet. Two cables still connect the back panel to the remaining iPod assembly.
With angled tweezers or a plastic opening tool, slide the brown connector latch upward where it secures the orange battery cable. Pull from both sides of the latch. Lift it only about 1-2 mm to release the cable; do not lift farther or remove it, or the white connector may come with it. Do not raise the assembly very far; lifting too high could pull the battery connector out of the logic board. Move the brown connector straight upward. It is fragile and can break if shifted to the side. Hooks at the bottom hold the cable in place. If an arm breaks, reinstalling the battery cable becomes difficult; put the cable in the slot and press the brown holder into place to stop the cable from slipping out. Take the cable out of the connector.
At this stage there should be one orange cable still attaching the front housing to the back. At this stage you are able to take out and replace the blue rubber bumpers, or keep going with separating the case. You can replace the battery without separating the case, but opening it farther can make the work easier. Doing so requires one extra cable removal and adds some damage risk.
Raise the hard drive so the headphone jack cable connector is exposed. If the hard drive bumpers come loose, put them back with the notch seated in its original orientation.
With the plastic opening tool, gently raise the brown tab of the headphone cable connector. The tab can rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the cable. With your fingers, draw out the headphone jack cable.
The front and rear case halves should now be fully separated.
With a small plastic opening tool, release the black hinge clamping the hard drive cable. Rotate the tab upward 90 degrees toward the logic board to free the cable. With your forefinger, hold the cable in place; detach the drive from the cable. Confirm that the hard drive rubber side bumpers are installed on the drive. Use the side bumper installation guide for placement. If needed, transfer the blue foam padding from the hard drive to the replacement drive.
Take out the 3 black Phillips screws securing the front panel to the metal framework. Turn the iPod laterally 180 degrees and take out the three black Phillips screws that secure the front panel to the metal framework on the opposite side.
You may meet some resistance near the center of the device as you will find a mild adhesive used to help hold the two parts together. Carefully work along the iPod edge to separate the front panel from the metal framework. Lift the full framework away from the front panel; it carries the display, logic board, and control assembly. Confirm the center button cap is seated before reinstalling the framework in the front panel.
The front panel should now be released from the remaining iPod assembly.
Gently turn the device over to the other edge. The center button cap can now be removed from the remaining iPod assembly.
After This Repair
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Test every control | Check that the cap sits flush, returns cleanly, and matches the surrounding front-panel fit before closing the case fully. |
| If controls are still odd | Reseat the control cable, confirm the audio/lock is off, and inspect any ground strap or latch touched during service. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right cosmetic part?
Match the model generation first, then confirm capacity 30GB / 60GB / 80GB and color White, clip layout, and nearby hardware before ordering.
Will this fix internal electronics symptoms?
No. Housing and trim parts are for fit, finish, color, alignment, or visible damage. Diagnose power, storage, audio, screen, and control faults separately.
How do I confirm this is the right exterior part?
Match the exact iPod Video 5th Generation model, visible part shape, color or finish goal, and any capacity or case-depth note before ordering Replacement Center Button (White).
Does color change physical fitment?
Color alone does not block fitment when the same model, generation, and part shape match. It will only change the visible finish.
Some buyers search for "bent" or "dented"; confirm the checks above point to this same part before ordering.
Why people land on this part
Also searched as: iPod video 5th gen white center button, center button stuck, A1136 center button, Action button, Central button, centre button, iPod Classic 5th Generation, Center Select Button.
