⟐ Edited by author May 23, 2026 at 10:29 MST

Cheers for the help!

The Hold switch works and the lock icon turns on/off.

Holding Menu and Select to hard reset works, but doesn't fix the problem. Holding Menu and Pause/Play to enter Disk Mode doesn't work.

I let my iPod die and tested each button individually to see if it powered on, and it did for the menu, back, and select buttons, but not for play/pause or next.

Because most of the buttons register, I think it's a software issue, and have been trying to do a clean install of the OS, or switch to Rockbox, but I've plugged it into both a Windows computer and a Chromebook with two different cables, and tested all USB ports, and it won't register in iTunes or file explorer. It also doesn't show up in Device Manager or Disk Manager, so I can't update any drivers.

I'm comfortable opening my device, and I modded a full size iPod a few years ago to expand the storage, so recommendations for physical fixes would also be appreciated.

It was an iPod I got off of Facebook marketplace a while back and the buttons didn't work when I received it, but at the time I was able to transfer music to it through iTunes.

Any ideas on what to try?

here's a nano 4 for comparison.

I'm at a total loss right now. Is this a software issue or a hardware one? Does anyone have the same problem or have any idea what's going on?

There's basically an imaginary horizontal line in the screen where it assumes I'm not touching it, which locks me out of certain menu items, and forbids me from scrolling with too big finger motions. Is there any chance I can solve this without replacing the digitizer?

My "sleep/wake" button is also stuck, but that's the smaller issue

I initially thought the problem was with the video file itself, but when I connected my iPod nano 7 to my computer via iTunes and played the video stored on the iPod's internal memory, everything played back perfectly without any noise.

Additionally, when I play music and quickly drag the progress bar, I notice a very brief noise, which is so short that it's almost unnoticeable unless you listen carefully.

The video format details are as follows: H.264, 720 x 576, 30 fps, Baseline. The audio format details are: AAC-LC, 128kbps, 48kHz.

I've checked my headphones and they are working fine. I've also tried restarting my iPod, using different format conversion software, and even importing the video using another computer, but the problem still persists. =(

Currently, my iPod hasn't suffered any severe impacts or water damage, and the battery hasn't been replaced since I bought it.

I suspect the issue might be due to battery aging, as when charging, it doesn't show the charging process animation but directly displays the fully charged state animation (although this could be by design). I can't think of any other reason for this problem. I'm hoping someone can help me resolve this issue. :)

⟐ Answered October 25, 2024 at 1:06 MST

Now, I was asked to change the battery because the unit was dead, but I have no idea for how long. I never saw it work before changing the battery.

They are wanting to keep the content on it, so as a last resort, they ordered another battery and I replaced once again. Same thing… just dead.

I have a USB current meter and I put that in line with the charging cable. The current reads 0.00A output which tells me it’s not even attempting to charge or power the unit.

What I would like to know is whether this iPod should power up with only USB connectivity (and even no battery), or if the unit needs a working battery to operate at all. If it should be detected by a PC with no battery, then I suspect the logic board is dead.

⟐ Commented October 16, 2024 at 3:02 MST

Unfortunately it is no charging when plugged, and it seems a common issue for whose who has replaced battery.

Is ther any way to fake the temperature sensor through a shortcut?

maybe installing a resistor?

ideas?

The dimensions of required battery are not very standard or easy to find.