Installing iPod 1st Generation Hard Drive

Featured Guide

Featured Guide

This guide has been found to be exceptionally cool by the iFixit staff.

  • Author: iRobot
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Upgrade your storage with a new hard drive.

Sections
Tools
Relevant Parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Rear Panel  ¶ 

  • Before opening your iPod, ensure that the hold switch is in the locked position.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Opening the iPod can be challenging; don't get discouraged if it takes you a few tries to get the iPod to open.

  • Insert a plastic iPod opening tool in the seam between the white plastic front and metal back of the iPod. Once you've inserted the tool, run it along the seam to free the five tabs holding the iPod together.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Continue to run the opening tool along the side of the case until all five tabs have been released.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Work around the corner of the iPod and release the two tabs holding the iPod together near the dock connector.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Free the five tabs holding the iPod together on the other side. You may be able to free the tabs by gently wiggling the front panel of the iPod.

  • Lift the rear panel away from the iPod.

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Add Note Edit Step 6 — Hard Drive  ¶ 

  • Lift the battery up from the adhesive holding it to the iPod.

  • Lay the battery next to the iPod (it is still connected to the logic board).

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Carefully disconnect the orange ribbon cable from the hard drive.

  • If the cable doesn't come free easily, it may be helpful to gently wiggle the cable from side to side.

  • Lift the hard drive out of the iPod.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the iPod 1st Generation device page.

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