MyiPodBroke: iPod Diagnostics - Repair your iPod yourself!
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Self Diagnosing Your iPod Problems


A note about warranties: If your iPod is newer, check to see if it is covered under Apple's warranty policy. If it still is, inquire about getting a replacement iPod, before sending it in to get a part replaced. Remember when the iPod is opened (necessary for replacing parts), all warranties it may have had are VOID. So if none of the following things work, check to see if you have a warranty still.

If none of the following self diagnostic procedures work for you, or you find out that you need a replacement part, remember I have the capability to replace most parts, so inquire about getting it fixed here.

See something on this page that is wrong or out of date? Have another tip we can post here? Email MyiPodBroke here!

Problems:

Screen doesn't show anything, but there is no screen damage and it looks fine.

  • Plug the iPod into a power source to make sure the battery is not dead.
  • Switch the hold switch on then off again, and try again. Make sure it is switched off when you are trying to start the iPod up.
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Screen looks like something has been broken, or a fluid has leaked out inside.

  • Probably the LCD screen has been broken and it will need to be replaced. Go here for LCD screen repair.
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It works fine and plays music, but my computer won't recognize it.

  • Open up Disk Utility and click "mount".
  • Make sure it is formatted for your type of computer, if not, have a friend try to restore it on the correct type of computer (generally Mac or Windows).
  • Make sure your firewire or USB cable is good.
  • Try to force it into Disk Mode.
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It doesn't work, and my computer doesn't recognize it.

  • You probably need to send it in to have it repaired. Go to the iPod Repair portion of this site to find more out on how to get your iPod repaired.
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    It looks fine, but I can't hear any music when I hook up my headphones.

    • Check to make sure the headphones are pushed all the way into the audio port.
    • Headphones go bad! If they are old, or worn, you are probably just in need of new headphones.
    • Check the audio port. If it is cracked or broken, it probably needs to be replaced.
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    The audio port has cracked and I can't get any headphones to work.

    • The headphone jack has been broken and it will need to be replaced. Go here for headphone jack repair.
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    My music won't play on my iPod!

    • Make sure the hold switch is OFF.
    • Make sure headphones are plugged in all the way.
    • Check to see if the iPod is on Pause (indicated by the >| symbol in the upper left corner of the screen).
    • Try turning up the volume.
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    As soon as I disconnect my iPod from the wall, it shows a battery error and then goes dead.

    • When plugged in to power, the iPod SHOULD turn on and the battery should indicate charging. If not:
      • Make sure your cables are connected securely to your iPod and computer or wall charger.
      • If using a wall charger, make sure the outlet is functioning properly.
    • Try using a firewire cable to charge (some older iPods do NOT charge properly with USB cables).
    • If your iPod still will not charge, or if it holds only a short charge, you probably need your battery replaced. Generally, if you have used your iPod for longer than a year on a regular basis, probably your iPod could use a new battery. MyiPodBroke.com does battery repair, just go here to find out more.
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    Nothing will respond! My buttons don't seem to work!

    • First, check to make sure your hold switch is off. If it is, wiggle it back and forth a few times to make sure.
    • Next try to restart it. Learn how to do that in the iPod Secrets portion of this site.
    • If that still doesn't work, you may need to have the click wheel and/or the front plate of your iPod replaced.
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    When starting, it shows an apple, then a folder with an exclamation mark, and then back to the apple in a loop.

    • This is a bad sign, it means something with the hard drive is not working correctly. First, do an HDD SCAN. Follow the instructions, and use the key of pictures to determine what the problem is.
    • Sometimes if you use iPod Updater and restore your iPod, it will fix the hard drive.
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    It shows a picture of a battery when I try to start it up.

    • The battery is dead. Plug it into a power source.
    • If it still doesn't boot up, check your power cable, wiggle on it. If it still doesn't work, buy a new cable.
    • If you are charging it with your computer, remember it won't charge when the computer is sleeping or shut down.
    • If the battery only lasts a short while after being charged, you probably need to get a replacement battery.
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    I get "An unknown error has occurred (-36)" when I try to sync my iPod with iTunes.

    • This error occurs when your computer can't write information to your iPod. It may be because of one of these reasons:
      • You may have outdated operating system software. Make sure the iPod has the latest updates, which may include improvements for device connections. For example, many USB and FireWire improvements have been included in Windows Service Packs. Check for Windows updates.
      • There may be software interference. Some software can interfere with iTunes, making it unable to write files to your iPod. If you have recently installed any software on your computer that might be interfering with iTunes, try disabling the software.
      • You may have damaged files. If one of the music files or photos is damaged, iTunes may display the -36 error when transferring that file to the iPod. If you identify a file that is causing the -36 error, try deleting that file and re-importing it from a backup file or from the original source.
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    I have a problem not listed here. Am I doomed? Help!

    • MyiPodBroke.com has seen a lot of problems, and we can probably help you! Fill out a free diagnostic form here and we will diagnose your iPod for free.
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