iPod Nano 4th Gen (A1285) Repair Guide

This is an official Powerbookmedic.com take-apart guide to the 4th Generation iPod Nano.

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sam

7 years ago
 my ipod nano 4th gen is fully charged but still its not getting on and when i put it back for charging it gets on but when i remove it from charging it stops working .... now what should i do?

sam

7 years ago
 my ipod nano 4th gen is fully charged but still its not getting on and when i put it back for charging it gets on but when i remove it from charging it stops working .... now what should i do?

Thomas Durham

8 years ago
 My ipod nano 4th gen is acting up, when i have my headphones plugged in, after 3 or so minutes, it "Disconnects" but when i look at the Ipod screen, it shows that the song is still playing, what is wrong with my Ipod? will i have to replace it, before you ask, the headphones are plugged in all the way

Kaye

9 years ago
 ipod fell out of my pocket while working out and a 20 lb dumbbell fell on it, left a dent on the back, and it immediately shut off. Any way that I can salvage the music that was on there? It came from different libraries so it'd be hard to just get a new ipod and get all the same music back.

Powerbook Medic

9 years ago
 @Jimmy Murdock - if it is not being detected by the computer, you most likely have a hardware issue in addition to the software one. Your dock connector or logic board may be bad. You may want to get it professionally diagnosed at this point. It might not be feasible to repair.

Jimmy Murdock

9 years ago
 Forgot ipod password A1285 4 gen and wont connect to computer wont recognoize by i tunes. tried to reset like 40 times, fully charged it. restarted computer, reinstalled itunes.... nothing seems to work any ideas guys.

mack

9 years ago
 My iPod turns on but the click wheel randomly stopped working. I have tried resetting, re synching, etc. no luck. Is it toast? Thanks

mack

9 years ago
 My iPod turns on but the click wheel randomly stopped working. I have tried resetting, re synching, etc. no luck. Is it toast? Thanks

Powerbook Medic

9 years ago
 @danielle - I would try to sync it up to iTunes, put it in recovery mode, and see if you can restore it to factory defaults. If the restore fails, it is most likely a faulty logic board.

danielle

9 years ago
 My iPod is stuck on the apple symbol and I can't get it to actually turn on. It charges and dies lol but it will not go further then the apple screen. What should I do?

Powerbook Medic

10 years ago
 @Alex - you would really have to open up the device and see what got damaged. Depending on several factors, it could be something minor or require a complete replacement.

Alex

10 years ago
 HI! My ipod got drowned in water, I would like to know what parts are afected by water to replace them, thanks

Powerbook Medic

10 years ago
 @Mrinmay - that is usually indicative of a bad battery.

Mrinmay

10 years ago
 my ipod nano 8 gb model a1285 is working only when i connect to a plug source. otherwise it doesn't on at all. wat is the problem

prakash

10 years ago
 Ear port not working properly

prakash

10 years ago
 Ear port not working properly

Powerbook Medic

10 years ago
 @jannath - a model number or serial number is written on the back case. If not, you can get that from the settings on the iPod. We have a Parts By Serial page at the top of our site that'll tell you what type of device you have.

jannath

10 years ago
 How do I see what I pod I got?

jannath

10 years ago
 How do I see what I pod I got?

Shirwa

11 years ago
 My iPod 4th Generation 4GB Model 1285, isn't at all turning-on even after charging for Hrs. While in the past it was working properly, Could anyone advice, what I have to do to make it work again as it use to be. Since I am attached to:I bought it to listen and my "Quran", and even learning foreign languages such as Svenska!

nishanth

11 years ago
 my ipod nano 8 gb model a1285 is working only when i connect to a plug source. otherwise it doesn't on at all. wat is the problem

Sllim

11 years ago
 Ipod Nano 4th generation screen is stuck on okay to disconnect. My nephew tripped over the wire when in the computer Now my computer doesn't recognize the device. I can't live w/o my music. Please help.

Christina

11 years ago
 Dropped it and now the screen is white. I can still listen to music but its very difficult since I cant see what I am picking...any suggestions?

Gayle

11 years ago
 The LCD screen only works when the the ipod is locked, any suggestions?

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
 @mark - it sounds like a battery issue.

mark likens

11 years ago
 I pod works when plugged in but not alone what's wrong????

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
 @Dyanne - it could be as simple as the clickwheel has come unplugged, most possible case the casing with clickwheel would have to be replaced, worst case the logic board is damaged around that clickwheel connector.

Dyanne

11 years ago
 Hadn't used ipod in several months.Charged it fully, headed to airport, turned it on, menu appeared but no response to selection wheel. Tried all suggestions from website w/ no luck. Took to Apple Store & told it was hopeless. Purchased a used one, but now curious to see if I can fix this one. Suggestions please?

mach

11 years ago
 I have a problem with my iPod A1285. On the lower part of the screen there's a white thick line that's blocking the screen,and when the backlight is off theres a marked line on the screen. What shall I do about it?Should I seek for a specialist?

jona

11 years ago
 my ipod is A1285 8gb, when i charge. my ipod being hot... and can't on. sori my englis so bad... help please

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
 @Khiladi - it may be an issue between the battery and logic board. if it works fine when plugged up, you may want to try doing a factory reset just to rule out any software issues.

Khiladi

11 years ago
 My ipod 4 gen, keeps resetting/ restarting itself when I unplug the headphone/charging cable. any ideas what the problem maybe...is it fixable.Thanks in advance

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
 @Azar - the service parts with pricing is listed just to the right of this section. The LCD replacement is listed there.

Azar

11 years ago
 Wat d price of apple ipod disply?

Powerbook Medic

11 years ago
 @Abhishek - the headphone jack is part of the logic board, so you'd have to replace that.

ABHISHEK BHATI

11 years ago
 MY IPOD NANO 4TH GENERATION 3.5 JACK NOT WORKING...WHAT TO DO PLEASE HELP????

ABHISHEK BHATI

11 years ago
 MY IPOD NANO 4TH GENERATION 3.5 JACK NO WORKING

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Chuck - that is usually an issue with the LCD or logic board.

Chuck

12 years ago
 my backlight won't work. it there anything i can do to fix it? i think my ipod got some water damage if that helps...

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Mr. Smith - logic boards are only available used so we only get them through our sell your gadget program where we buy used devices. this unfortunately means inventory is not very steady.

Mr. Smith

12 years ago
 I took apart my nano and found that the logic board has crusty white stuff on it. I'm going to replace it but the store says that there are no logic boards available at the moment, are you going to stock up on them? Or are they not made anymore? Thank you!

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @kong - you can try to restore it in iTunes, but if that doesn't work, there may be an issue with your logic board.

kong

12 years ago
 My ipod freezes at startup and won't reboot. I can go to diskmode though. What to do?

John C

12 years ago
 Hrm... it doesn't look very hopeful the screen doesn't budge when I try and slide it up, even while gently prying on the top. I appreciate you getting back to me though :)

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @John - don't believe you can do that on this model. The LCD comes out the top, but the logic board comes out the bottom, so I don't believe pushing from the bottom will help any.

John C

12 years ago
 There's no parts up top that are sturdy enough to pry, do you think there is any chance I may be able to push from the bottom?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @John - not pry, but sliding it up a little to get it moving.

John C

12 years ago
 You mean try to pry the LCD out from the front?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @John - you may be able to get the LCD window out and somehow push up on the LCD to get it sliding but not too hard to crack the LCD unless you are replacing it as well. Don't push it too far or you'll damage a cable.

John C

12 years ago
 My nanos screen has been inverted AND flipped after an accident with what looks like water damage to me. I've been following your video and came to an issue when prying the top up to where you can disconnect the hold switch; the part you pry up broke apart from the rest of the ipod so now i'm without anything for leverage to get the rest up. Any suggestions? Thanks :D

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @John - not real sure honestly. I'd say there is probably some minimal damage to the logic board near the hold switch causing issues.

John

12 years ago
 Hello, my nano won't stay off when I'm not using it. Any movement will activate the shake to shuffle, and turn it back on. The hold button wont keep it from turning on either. I thought i had killed after getting it wet, but i let it dry and it started working again with this being the only problem. Any thoughts?

Jason

12 years ago
 Ok... Thank you!

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Jason - if it is showing no sign of life at all, it will probably need a new logic board.

Jason

12 years ago
 My ipod won't turn on anymore, I charged it this morning and when I came back home from work, I wasn't able to power it on. I have tried using a known good adapter and usb cable, also, I have tried plugging it into my laptop, but nothing is recognized. What should I do now?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Mr. Smith - typically water will damage the logic board before the LCD.

Mr. Smith

12 years ago
 My ipod nano 4th gen got dropped in water. I tried to dry it out by putting it in rice, but it didn't work. Would I need to replace the display screen to fix it?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @artloving86 - the headphone jack is soldered onto the logic board. you'd have to replace it.

artloving86

12 years ago
 goodday! the headphone jack on my A1285 has a faulty contact (only one side of the headphones works). I was glad to discover this step-by-step guide, but on 5:50 of the video there is a flash forward skipping the step, where you remove the headphone jack. Is that part too tricky for an amateur? Also I cant seem to find the right part to buy, neither on ebay, nor the parts section next to the video. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Moonir - that is most likely the battery. If you can solder, you can replace just the battery, otherwise you'll need to replace the logic board which includes the battery already soldered.

Moonir

12 years ago
 My iPod nano 4th gen no camera , when I put it in charge it is working but when I take it out off charge it doesn't, u o wats wrongs with it.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @jason - the clickwheel is part of the casing. You can see all of the different colored casings we provide in the part list to the right.

jason

12 years ago
 do you guys have an ipod 4th gen clicker?

Reikka

12 years ago
 My 4th Gen IPOD nano is frozen, I accidentially pulled it out of the usb port without disconnecting it and now it won't let me do anything with it? Should I try to 'reset' it using the reset located within the headphone jack? Any other suggestions?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @ira - i would double check your connections for the battery. given the clickwheel issue as well, if all the connections are good it is probably a logic board issue.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Graeme - your clickwheel may be unplugged, but if its brand new, you may want to see if you have a warranty from whoever you bought it.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @KC - there isn't much to these iPods, so an issue like that is typically the logic board.

ira

12 years ago
 I have replaced battery on my i-pod 4th gen. Now it looks like it's not charging at all (old battery didn't hold any charge anymore). And click wheel isn't working either.I see the battery sign on the display, but it's near empty and I've been charging it for some time

Graeme

12 years ago
 Hi my nano is brand new and it turns on but will not resond to the using the buttons

KC

12 years ago
 I have charged my ipod, used it and turned it off. But when i went to go use it again it didn't turn on. I tried charging it and hooking it up to my computer and it still didn't turn on. Its an ipod nano 4th gen. Please help!

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Machelle - you can find out details at support.apple.com/kb/HT1460

Machelle Daly

12 years ago
 I just purchased an apple iPod 4th generation and I am trying to figure out how to delete apps I don't want. Can you please help me?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Superl - it depends if it has shorted out or permanently corroded the logic board. You really won't know until you clean it out.. let it dry.. and try to turn it on.

Superl

12 years ago
 Hey, the very bottom of my iPod got a good dosing of lotion. if I clean it all out will it work?

ana

12 years ago
 It could still be the logic board even if it plays music and charges?

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @ana - I would make sure the LCD cable is in all the way. If the connection is good and still nothing, it is typically the LCD itself, but with water damage it can possibly be the logic board itself.

ana

12 years ago
 Hi. So my nano works and charges, but the screen is all white, so I can only faintly see anything. I've done research on it, but just want to confirm the problem. It got drenched in salt water.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Katherine - the hold switch itself is built into the logic board, so if that is broken, you'd have to replace the logic board which is a little pricey. You can see the prices in the part list to the right.

Katherine

12 years ago
 in estimate how much will it cost to for a hold slide repair my 4th generation ipod nano won't stay locked it keeps turning on whenever I brush or touch the wheel.I do not want to replace the ipod since it was a gift, but I don't trust myself to fix it myself for fear that I'd break something.

Neilio

12 years ago
 Unfortunately all the adhesive has dried and I'll need to apply some new stuff.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @finis - if it was during a repair, check your connections again. otherwise it can be the LCD or logic board.

finis

12 years ago
 screen wont come on i dont know whats wrong

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Neillio - there should be enough adhesive left over without needing anything new.

Neilio

12 years ago
 I've used your video to open my nano, great video by the way. But now that I have it fixed and need to put it back together I was wondering if you knew what kind of adhesive I should use? Thanks.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Milan - I'm not sure exactly what you mean, but overheating is typically an issue with the logic board.

Milan Ghimire

12 years ago
 My ipod nano 4th generation is heated while charging and do not open. How can i Fix it?

inquiry

12 years ago
 thanks for the help and answering me after a week!

Inquiry

12 years ago
 do i buy the battery extension or a whole new one? How would i put that in to the ipod?

Iquiry

12 years ago
 It was a battery problem. Thank You.

Powerbook Medic

12 years ago
 @Inquiry - does it completely work with it plugged in? If so, it is probably a battery issue. If not, it'll be the logic board. Prices are listed to the right.

Inquiry

12 years ago
 My ipod won't turn on but i can see the main menu when plugged in. Whats wrong with it? How much will it cost to fix?

MACHUSSEIN

13 years ago
 MY ipod nano 4th generation can not display anything.what does that mean?

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @jas - yes, we can. Just click the Send-in Mac Service link above.

jas

13 years ago
 hey i have the Ipod nano4generation A1825 my battery needs to be changed and my screen underneath has cracked could you fix this?

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @charles - if you send it to us for repair, we'll diagnose it and tell you how much it'd cost to repair.

charles

13 years ago
 but if i turn over my ipod to the icenter will they repair it?

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @charles - that is typically a damaged headphone module, unfortunately with these it is built onto the logic board.

charles

13 years ago
 hi my ipod nano 4th gen have an issue about the 3.5mm.jack hole when you plug the headphone only one side play and i had that problem weeks ago., is it possible to fix it?

Jason

13 years ago
 I have a 4th generation iPod A1285, it does not work ... it just makes 2 beeps after 1 sec pause another 2 beeps, how can I repair it? what does mean that failure?

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @vALI - that sounds like a battery issue. unfortunately with these it requires soldering to replace just the battery or you can replace the logic board with the battery attached.

vALI

13 years ago
 Hi i have on Ipod nano4generation A1825,lam left all day to recharge when I came home at night is no longer lit.Wat should i do

jie

13 years ago
 Thank you

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @jie - this question was just answered. You'll need to sync it up and do a restore in iTunes.

jie

13 years ago
 I forget my pasword. Paswort vergessen

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @johan - you'll need to sync it up to your computer and restore it to get around the password.

johan

13 years ago
 I have a 4th generation iPod A1285 and Forgot my password screen

afrath

13 years ago
 my i pod my display had gone...

Lochis

13 years ago
 @David---necesitas bajar itunes e instalar en tu computadora primero. En la programa itunes es donde vas a poner tu musica para pasarlo en tu ipod.

jack

13 years ago
 tnks mr proff

david

13 years ago
 ola hace arto tengo un ipod 4gr y no le e podido actualizar la musica q debo hacer ante esto o q programa m recomiendan gracias si me pueden ayudar con este problema

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @nick - the physical switch for the hold is on the logic board so if it broke off, it would require replacing the board.

Tony

13 years ago
 Many thanks a really great video

nick

13 years ago
 i have my ipod 4th generation which fell down and now the switch does not function so I cant lock it what is wrong....do i have to replace the logic board?

brandon

13 years ago
 hey i have a question concerning the ipod nano 4th gens hold button/headphone jack ribbon cable replacement part.. i cant find one for the 4th gen on your website but i did find one for the 5th gen nano. would the 5th gens part work with the 4th gen? looks about the same but the picture icon/thumbnails could just be generic just for sales purposes..

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @Marlene - I would reset it first. If a reset doesn't help. I'd let the battery drain down and then start charging it again so it'll reboot.

Marlene

13 years ago
 Hi I have a question, i have an ipod 4th generation 16Gb and it was connected to my laptop charging then when it was finished i dismounted it manually then disconnected it but the screen regretfully is just black and has the little picture as if it was still charging what should I do?

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @sierra - letting it sit for a long time usually is a battery issue, but it should still let you do a restore, so there may be a more severe problem such as the logic board.

sierra

13 years ago
 i havent used my ipod nano 4th gen in quite a while, like two years. how would i get it to work again.the itunes trys to prepared for recovery but it wont work.

Sneha

13 years ago
 This is a good Website for Cheap I-Pods.

lala

13 years ago
 my ipod screen lock and a key and asked me in my manual does not say how do I can unlock the?

timothy barigala

13 years ago
 good exelent video thanks for showing

MrFixIt

13 years ago
 great step by step video, but a couple of important notes... there is adhesive on most parts so it takes a bit more effort to unstick them than shown in the video. Scrape of all the glue with the flat of a blade makes everything a little bit easier. Big question is how to fix it; what's broken? and how to put it back together?! (very carefully ha! ha!)

Lebrun Pascal

13 years ago
 All items are allready unglued. more easy for dismantle no ? But, OK, the video is interesant

michelle

13 years ago
 hi my daughter has a nano 4th generation it work if she shakes it but the dial will not work is there anyway i can repair it

Powerbook Medic

13 years ago
 @Guy - it can be tricky. We do have a repair service if you get to a point where it is too difficult.

Guy

13 years ago
 Interesting video, looks like re-assembly could be tricky..my headphones/earplug is not making good contact inside, tried couple different sets, still keep losing part of the tracks. Will probably give this a try and hope I can get a part to fix it.

JOMAXY

14 years ago
 THIS IS BRILL ..MUST SAY NEVER BUY A FAULTY ONE FROM EBAY OR ANY THING THAT IS FAULTY,AND NOT WORKING.IF YOU BID AND WIN YOU PAY.GET YOUR GOODS.THEN COMPALIN.THE IPD 8GB IS CONTAMENATED.SO ONLY FIX YOUR HOWEN.IT LOOKS THIS SITE CAN SELL YOU YOUR PARTS..GOODDAY ALLFROM I JOMAXY IN THE UK.16.2.2011.

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
 @laflaf3d - you may want to start over and make sure the logic board and battery are installed properly, and are all the way towards the back of the ipod or you won't have room for the LCD.

laflaf3d

14 years ago
 And after? How to re assemble the Ipod? screen unable to fit again in the ipod cause flat cable seems to block that!

Marc LOUPEZ

14 years ago
 Hello

ahmed

14 years ago
 thanks

John / Australia

14 years ago
 Thanks/very handy, helped me a lot

Powerbook Medic

14 years ago
 @Kurly - some people may want to replace a broken LCD.

Kurly

14 years ago
 why would you want to take apart your ipod Nano A1285 anyway now how are you going to put it back togeather

ian

14 years ago
 hi i followed this video to the T brilliant BUT i snapped the click wheel ribbon and had to buy a new 1 but i took the old 1 off the metal plate and the wheel and cant remember how they went together could you show a pic or reply telling me how they go cheers Ian
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