- Despite the discontinuation of the iPod product line in 2022, experts can service most of these devices and can source component replacements for when they start to go wrong.
- If you send your device in for repair or do it yourself, make sure to back up all your data beforehand to protect everything you have saved.
- In Virginia, you can always bring your device to one of Fruit Fixed’s seven brick-and-mortar locations for a low-price guarantee and a lifetime warranty on its iPod repair service.
There are several options for anyone looking to repair their iPod in 2025 and beyond. However, be aware that the more expert training an individual has in Apple device repair, the more likely they are to perform the repair without causing further damage to your property.
Whether the issue is with the battery, display, storage, or other parts of the device, Fruit Fixed can provide clear costs and timelines for a professional iPod fix. Our process comes with a promise of care, privacy, and expertise, ensuring you can entrust your irreplaceable device to us.
Can iPods Still Be Repaired?
In short, yes. However, while various locations across the country still repair iPods, the quality and scope of such repairs vary depending on where you go and the availability of parts.
Broken iPod solutions for older models are less widespread, and if the issue is with the iPod’s circuit board, then it becomes much more involved.
Technically, Apple support services continue for a minimum of five years from their last sale and up to seven years, subject to the availability of parts, after which they are officially obsolete. However, as Apple announced the original iPod in 2001, it has been a long time since Apple has produced parts for these early iterations.
In these cases, repairs may include micro-soldering and other efforts that demand specialist equipment.
Can You Get Old iPods Fixed?
It depends entirely on the specific part of the device you need repaired. If all you need is a new battery or display, many of these are available in various forms and are more readily available. However, as mentioned above, logic board failures depend on the availability of specific components, which is not always possible.
You can expect to face longer timelines for rarer parts. However, at the time of writing, we are still within the five years following the sale of the last iPods, meaning that parts for them are still available. The further you go back in the iPod timeline, however, the more a repair shop may need to source the specific components from a specialist or even a collector.
Repair Options by Symptom
Between 2001 and 2022, when the line discontinued, iPods were relatively advanced devices. To this day, they can sometimes require unique diagnostic and repair methods.
However, there are a few key areas you should check to see if they are the source of any issues. The following iPod troubleshooting tips should address many of the problems you may encounter.
Before you start diagnosing, make sure each charger, cable, and other accessory you may need is working.
You should then run some of the safest checks, such as forcing a device restart and ensuring a full charge cycle before continuing. Sometimes, all the device needs is a soft wipe and a full charge.
As you run through these steps, make sure to document what you find so you can bring the device into our shop with as much information as possible if you are unable to resolve the problem.
Battery and Power Faults
If you notice the battery drains far too quickly or randomly shuts down even when it still seems to have plenty of power, that warrants investigation.
However, if you notice the case has swollen, power it down and unplug it. Do not use it, as a swollen iPod battery can often overheat or even injure its user if it starts to fail further.
Bring it in to Fruit Fixed at your earliest convenience, as it is a safety issue that we can handle. Call us ahead of time to let us know you are doing so, and we will either inform you of other options if there are better ways to handle it, or we can prepare our shop to handle a swollen battery.
If the device is not swelling, check the charging port for loose debris. However, if it is free from intrusions, it may be an issue with the internal components, such as the wiring or the battery. You should bring it to Fruit Fixed, who can inform you of your options.
Display Panel Issues
In many older systems, the display is coated with a glass layer, and you may be able to replace each separately. If that is the case, you may be able to perform a repair yourself should you be able to source it.
However, ensure that you do so carefully and follow any official instructions you can find, taking care to discharge any electrostatic before you begin to avoid damaging components.
Make sure to use high-quality adhesives intended for use with the device. Do not use superglue. Then, carefully align the glass or display using the alignment tool (“jig“), preserving its fit and ensuring it remains dust-resistant.
If you are not sure what you are doing at any point, you may be best served by bringing it into our repair shop. We have the expertise and equipment necessary to ensure we perform any maintenance carefully and safely. We also offer a lifetime parts and labor warranty, giving you peace of mind when the device returns to you.
iPod Repair FAQ
Can iPods Still Be Repaired at Fruit Fixed
Often, yes. However, it depends on the specifics. Here in our store, we can repair devices that require microsoldering to replace older parts. As such, if you have an older-model iPod, you can safely bring it to us, and we can give you an honest assessment of what we believe is wrong and an estimate of the cost to get it back into good working order.
Other issues you may need to consider include:
- Time to source unique or rare parts
- Dedicated labor costs
- Solid state drive (SSD) vs. hard disk drive (HDD) replacement
- Extraction of data from an old device
Any one of these could cause complications, so please bear with us while we do our best with legacy devices. If something turns out not to be possible, we will be up-front with you and give you the best options we are aware of.
When there, discuss our lifetime warranty for repairs with us. Please be aware that there may be specific nuances to our policy regarding older, out-of-circulation parts that may not be easy to replace and may have degraded since manufacture.
How to Bring a Dead iPod Back to Life?
If you are having trouble with an older device, check the manual for your specific iPod to learn how to force-restart it. Different iPod models and firmware versions used other methods, so make sure you are pressing the right buttons.
Then check the charging port for blockages and use compressed air or a vacuum to remove any debris that may be preventing charging.
Find a cable and power adapter that you have previously tested for functionality, and plug the iPod in for at least thirty minutes while you supervise the device.
If, after that time, it remains unresponsive, it is time to bring it to our repair shop. With the iPod Classic and iPod Nano, you may be able to access the device’s data much like a standard hard disk drive. If so, back it up via a direct cable link and then secure it for transport to our closest location.
We have a range of diagnostic tools in our shops that can handle such old items. Talk to our staff about your specific device. If it is an older model, we will do everything we can to ensure the person with the most skill and experience in legacy technology handles your issue.
What Are Old iPods Worth Today?
The value of any iPod depends on the model, condition, specific hardware, and whether it has its original box and accessories. Working devices with a lot of storage often sell for more than non-functional units.
Ensure Your iPod Is in Good Hands
If you are having issues with your device, whether old or new, back it up when possible and then bring it in for iPod repair. Discuss the problem with our team and learn the nuances of what you can expect as we diagnose it. After that, we will give you an up-front estimate of repair costs, which you can choose to proceed with to get your device back into good condition.
If you’re ready, walk into one of our stores to discuss our low price guarantee. Each of our Virginia locations has professional technicians who can get the job done, ensuring that they document the whole process for your records. Check out our repair services and get started today.
