How do I replace the hard drive in my full-size iPod model or iPod mini?

If your iPod is no longer under the one year warranty period, Apple's repair prices are prohibitively expensive, practically the cost of a new iPod.

However, if you have effectively determined that the hard drive in your "full-size" iPod is dying or dead -- whether it is in the original iPod, iPod 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, 4th Gen, 5th Gen/video, or classic -- or the original or 2nd Gen iPod mini, self-replacement is difficult, but entirely possible.

Identification Help

If you are not sure which full-size iPod -- all of which are white or black and have a "wheel" for navigation as well as a hard drive -- these models can be externally identified by a unique (or unique enough for battery replacement purposes), but difficult to read, model number toward the bottom of the back of the device. EveryiPod.com's complete list of model numbers for the iPod line displays the model numbers for each full-size device, as well as the iPod mini models, which share the A1051 model number.

EveryiPod.com's Ultimate iLookup feature also can identify these iPod models by EMC number, order number, and the last three characters of their serial numbers as well. Like the model number, the serial number is engraved toward the bottom on the back of the device and also is available when plugged into a computer on the "Summary" tab in a modern version of iTunes (among other methods).

Hard Drive Replacement Video Instructions

As the hard drive in the full-size iPod and iPod mini models is not attached with adhesive and the connector is not soldered, replacing the hard drive is generally easier than replacing the battery in many models. Professional installation still is recommended.

Nevertheless, for tech savvy individuals, there are a variety of videos available that cover hard drive replacement for applicable iPod models as well as other internal fixes. "Take apart" videos from PowerBookMedic, iFixiPodsFast and site sponsor Other World Computing that address hard drive replacement in "full-size" iPod and iPod mini models follow for your convenience.

Original iPod (Scroll Wheel - M8541) & 2nd Gen iPod (Touch Wheel - A1019)

iPod 3rd Gen (Four Buttons - A1040)

iPod 4th Gen (ClickWheel - A1059, Color Display/photo - A1099)

iPod 5th Gen (with Video - A1136)

iPod classic (A1238)

iPod mini (A1051)

From watching the video for your particular iPod model, you should be able to determine whether or not you feel comfortable replacing the hard drive yourself or if you would instead prefer to hire a professional.

Site sponsor Mission Repair provides a professional iPod hard drive upgrade service by mail and sells do-it-yourself hard drive upgrade kits as well. Other World Computing and Blue Raven sell iPod compatible hard drives, too.