How to open 6th, 7th generation ipod classic, disassembly, the best method.

Please wear Leather gloves when using these sharp tools. They will save your fingers. (My wife's idea!)
See my ipod repair services on ebay: www.ebay.com/usr/portlander
UPDATE: 1-4-2016:
On a ipod that has never been opened before I have addition advice. Place the first blade in the top center, it is a weak area that allows that blade to slip in easily. Then use a plastic pry tool and insert it into the top near the blade and slide it around to the LH side, then work on the side as shown in the video.
Thank you towercl for the following information:
I followed Johns instructions but added a little bit to it. Rather than estimate where the locking clips are located (where the blades should go) I marked, on removable tape, where they are (a bit over the top but I was in no hurry) :-
Position Of Clips :-
Sides - Measured From Bottom Edge - 17mm, 37mm, 63mm and 84mm
Top - Measured From Top RH Corner - 25mm

[@artman102]

Reminder: There is a tool available to replace most of the exacto blades: www.amazon.com/Fixinus-Spudger-Opening-Stainless-Electronic/dp/B06XHG3G33/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1IV012AEA1XFT&keywords=ipod%2Btool&qid=1672009541&sprefix=ipod%2Btool%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-4&th=1 eBay item number:125482246283

[@ajdunn83]

@artman102 Do you still suggest using exacto knives or are the metal spudgers sufficient?

[@DoctorPsychoticPhD]

9 years later you are still helping people out, my friend...thank you! I had none of the proper tools for this and slippy hands so I don't trust myself with knives, ha... I did use a knife first to loosen up the gaps but then ended up using the smallest flathead screwdriver I had to wiggle it open the rest of the way, and then used a few guitar picks to hold the clips open while I worked on the other sides. Bottom was the toughest part but I got it all open without damage, shockingly... now I can replace my broken hard drive with a nice new SSD! Thank you again friend!!!

[@artman102]

How time flies when your having fun. I'm glad you got your ipod open. I found most success with the large FashionSprout SSD's on ebay. They are cheap and reliable. If you want more memory then Tarkan's iFlash works great. Have fun.

[@artman102]

I have now switched over to iflash adapter only using the quad model. I buy the sd cards on Newegg as they have the best price and guarantee they are authentic. I don't use the Tarkan hard drive ribbon as I found them to be too thin and can cause sad face issues.

[@bobwatkins1271]

Thanks for the video. It's much better than the procedure over at iFixit. I used a #18 flat chisel blade instead of the curved carving blade that you used. The advantage of it is that the bevel is on one side only. When inserting the blade, place the beveled side down (i.e. toward the back of the iPod). This makes it easy to get the blade in without its slipping or marring the edge of the front panel. Also note the once the side has been pried away slightly, it is possible to peek in with a flashlight and see exactly where the clips are; they are between the protrusions in the clip rail. The blade may need to be repositioned so that it is between the protrusions. As you mentioned, the blades are very sharp. I would also like to add that they are also brittle, so eye protection is a good idea.

[@dccorpse72]

Thank you! I bought some plastic tools on eBay and they broke immediately! Using x-acto knives as you suggested and showing where to put them, I had my IPOD open and battery exchanged in about 15 minutes! No breaks, scratches, she's working again! Forever grateful!

[@artman102]

Great to hear a success story!

[@6koko3]

This video is what everybody wants to know, well explained an using regular (not super -special) tools. Thanks and have another thumb up.

[@artman102]

Thank you so much!

[@Eggs.]

I already know this guide is WAY better than iFixit's guide. In iFixit's guide, you have to use a big knife and you will have to bend the back to the proper spot. In this guide, you just use a tiny screwdriver and 3 exacto knifes and you don't have to bend the back to it's proper spot. I am definitely going to use this guide to replace my iPod Classic's battery. Thank you!

[@artman102]

Happy to help!!

[@markj35749]

Good Evening all. I just performed this on a damaged IPOD that had never been opened. One thing I found instead of an exacto knife, is the old fashion Spark Plug gapping tool that looks like small metal blades. I took mine apart, and got the thinnest ones on it and used them all the way around the IPOD and it worked great with no potential nerve severing!!

[@sturmbannfuhrertoht6249]

I believe those are referred to as a feeler gauge.

[@nakitilly]

Best video for opening up an iPod Classic on KZbin hands down! Went and got myself xacto knives from my local hardware store and followed your instructions to the letter cause you had the easiest time opening up the darn thing. iPod open in under 15 minutes. THANK YOU!

[@artman102]

naki.tilly Good Job!! and you're welcome. Glad I could could help.

[@countryjack91]

Your approach makes it easy and prevents damage to case. I used Husky feeler gauges from Home Depot. They come apart with a screw and have a bend at one end that made the job simple. Had mine apart in just a couple minutes. Thanks.

[@mabryson]

I would just like to say a BIG thank you for your video. It was more than just helpful. I'm good with electronics but I had never opened an iPod before & your video was the BEST METHOD! The absolutely useless plastic tools you get with the replacement battery were hopeless. I tried to use them in combination with the knife blades & they didn't do anything. Big thanks once again for taking the time to do this video. Your the best.

[@robthorpemusic]

The Keith Emerson school of iPod repairs!

[@TheJerry220]

I owe you for at least three times that I have had to open my classic. Crazy helpful.

[@jeffsqu3]

this is the most detailed 6th generation front plate and back plate disassembly i have seen. i wish i had seen this earlier as i had already made a scratch on my ipod. two thumbs up. thank you for making the video.

[@flareshiftt]

Thank you. Clear explanation, step by step. It's also nice that you show what you do instead of only explaining it. I was able to open my iPod Classic 160GB thanks to this video. I ordered the opening toolset, but was unable to open it with that, the iPod was closed to tight as you explained. Knives worked great. I would like to add something that worked for me, which was shoving a small screwdriver into the side first to loosen it up a bit. With the exception of that I did exactly this. Thanks

[@michaelnatoli7281]

Thank you for the great video! I just opened my 7th Generation Classic for the first time to replace the headphone jack. I decided to try a 5-piece metal Spudger Tool set and I was very pleased with the results. No damage to the case at all. If you're opening the bottom, make sure you're not inserting too close to the charging port. There's a small plastic bracket screwed into the back that it lines up to and a sharp tool can split the plastic. Again thank you, this video helped me a lot!

[@stuart1205]

By far the best video that I could find on opening an iPod. Others put me off the idea but this gave me the confidence to revive an old classic by replacing the HD with SD cards and replacing the battery. Nothing broken, no injuries and half the price of taking it to a shop. Thanks.

[@ShinigamiSirius]

Thank you so much. This very clear walk through helped my through my first 6th gen disassemble. Before I got to this vid I was ready to throw it at the wall, and I had already chipped off a lot of the paint on the side of the black faceplate, lol. Thanks again!

[@juanitu2431]

THANK YOU. I managed beautifully with my 7th gen. thanks to this video (only i used flat blades): i opened the ipod, replaced the hard drive with an SD card and closed it again in just 30 minutes and with absolutely no damage to the case.

[@artman102]

Wow! congratulations, I recommend the round blades.

[@mariacollura2607]

Followed your opening sequence, was easier to do than I expected. Changing the battery was more difficult, breathed a sigh of relief when it powered up. Thanks.

[@artman102]

Excellent ! I am glad that the instructions were helpful. Enjoy the music.

[@ZesTNWK]

SHUKRAN! that video was beyond helpful, I was about to ship it off to iPod and pay 62.00 to have the battery replaced! "I've already learned how to replace these types of batteries, I lacked the know-how in opening ipods! Again thanks a million!

[@artman102]

Excellent!!

[@trexprice]

Thank you! I only had screw drivers, but knowing about the clips and their location really helped.

[@BreemanAMV]

This tutorial is great! I was not able to make any progress using plastic tools but when I used my xacto knife along with a long thin box cutter/razor blade (keeping one in while I used the other for the next clip) I was able to unlock the clips easily using this video as a guide.

[@adv1670]

Amazing disassembly video, very helpful. Been doing phone repair for 5 years now - have never met this iPod before. Author's explanations helped a lot.

[@Irene-eu4iz]

I couldn’t get into mine, it’s one tight little iPod. Despite my failure, yours is still yours is the best instructional video on this that i watched. To the point, you’re not selling anything, and i can clearly see what you’re doing. Thanks for the video!

[@YoungBlaze]

Dude i ended up almost breaking my lcd screen

[@lollo_0224]

Thanks for this tutorial, buddy! The detailed explanation and the closeup camera really helps. In a month or so I’ll finally have all the new parts for my iPod and I’ll be opening it up. I’ll update this comment to let everyone know if your tips were successful!

[@n2learn]

I appreciate you taking the time to make this video

[@ricksmith3442]

Thanks for the video ! I replaced the battery in my 7th Gen Ipod and it was exactly as described in the instructions. Although opening the case with an exacto knife took a little doing, I found marking the location of the clips with a black marker made it easier. *Thin* exacto blades are the way to go....Med blades are too thick to fit between the back and the case. Double check the battery ribbon connection before putting the back on....give it a little tug so you know it's firmly in place. No marks....no dents....no scratches....works great.

[@artman102]

Congratulations!

[@artman102]

You're welcome, I'm glad you found this method helpful.

[@12spin]

By far the cleanest method I've seen.

[@kharntiitar]

Brilliant video! thanks heaps!!!!!!

[@artman102]

Glad I could help!

[@adetoye50]

@@artman102 Hi John's, I have made a comment earlier, I am just watching this videos now. The opening of the iPod, you made it so easy with the BLADES KNIVES. PLEASE, HOW DO I ORDERED FOR 3 or 4 OF THOSE KNIVES? THE HOLDER WILL MAKE IT SO SAFE FOR AN OLD MAN. THANKS.

[@meepins]

I just finished fixing mine thanks to this video. Cheers.

[@limors]

This actually looks doable, thanks! Going to order a battery and replace my 7 year old one!

[@MrsMontanaPearl]

Just used this method on my own IPod so I could replace the battery and it worked perfectly. Thank you so much for this video!

[@artman102]

You are very welcome!!

[@tomregina7301]

I would wrap both halves of the ipod with electrical tape right under the slots just to protect them from any slips of the knives that might scratch them.

[@mahler444]

Thank you for this video. Other methods were failing me badly, but I have my new battery in and charging. Thanks so much!

[@CiderPang27]

Brilliant! I have a 160gb I need to replace the battery. I just need more blades. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@mattywollaston3996]

Awesome video thanks mate, one of the best on YT for sure, very informative, and no extraneous bs. Thanks for sharing.

[@HEAVYvids]

THANK YOU ! man this is the only method that worked for me. actually used a utility knife but it has to be a fresh sharp blade. my 6th gen was much harder to open than the 7th gen for the record.

[@superpochingo]

If this video is yours i have to tell you that someone uploaded it to its channel without giving you credit. Your video helped me alot and its the only one in youtube that is perfectly correct.I have opened 2 ipod classic, first took me about 30 minutes, when a see the exact shape of the clips it took me 5 minutes to open the second one. Thanks to you my ipod has no sign of being opened.

[@artman102]

Thank you for the heads up on that.

[@samfrazier5599]

Wow!! I used this technique with the "Professional Opening Pry Tool Repair Kit" from Amazon and it came right off. Really, no trouble and done in a few minutes. The only other bit I added was some duck tape on the cover to both protect against scratches and alsoI marked the areas as this video's creator suggested. Now, to try to replace the HD w/ a Tarkan iFlash-Solo SDXC Adapter.

[@artman102]

To answer a previous question. Yes, you can convert an ipod video to a SSD memory. Up to 1TB. I have used mostly Kingspec or Fashionsprout ZIF SSD. Update: 5-18-2019, I have recently upgraded an ipod classic 7.5gen 160gb to a 1 TB, using an Msata memory and a Tarkan adapter. I used a standard battery so I could charge it using a standard USB cable. Larger batteries are tempting, but the ipod charging ic's are very weak and can easily blow a trace if over worked. Note: Msata can cause issues if they are 3D or specifically meant for a laptop. It appears that the cheaper modules work best. I get mine from Newegg.com. Classic ipods are generally limited to about 50,000 titles but using Rockbox firmware, you can get around this limit. Update: I just built a 1TB ipod using the large 3000 Mah battery and it works great. I have charged it and it seems to charge fine with no issues. The advantage of the larger battery is that the ipod can sit for a year and still be nearly full. Plus it plays for over 120 hours of music. www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-ZIF-256gb-ssd-Replace-MK1634GAL-160gb-for-ipod-7th-classic-Disk-Drive-HDD-/121818113587?hash=item1c5cece633:g:DQkAAOSwJcZWeO2m www.ebay.com/itm/KingSpec-1-8-ZIF-SSD-128GB-for-DELL-D420-D430-Inspiron-Mini-12-LATITUDE-XT-/371381191684?hash=item56780b4404:g:NlUAAOSwq7JTzcZe Remember that only the ipod classic 7.5 gen and some 5th gen ipods can utilize drives larger than 128gb. 7.5 classic is 160gb thin version Model MC297LL

[@malpierre9058]

Great method! Great video for a very difficult task. It would have been impossible with all the other methods I checked out. Thanks a million!

[@artman102]

You're welcome. I'm glad it worked.

[@The69win]

Awesome video, I probably would have spent hours trying to figure this out, it helped a lot. thanks!

[@awgthtgtata00]

I used scalples to do mine. Worked like a treat on a current gen ipod classic.

[@Bluesidian]

OMG you jus saved me some work! thanks for the detailed info!

[@carlosnagy]

Hey John, excelent video and tutorial..Thanks a lot..Greetings from Caracas - Venezuela

[@sonosync430]

Thank you for your tutorial video. Your efforts are MUCH APPRECIATED. I have read elsewhere the same as you stated, "the IPOD CLASSIC" is difficult to open and work with, but YOU DID GREAT!! Your video really helps.

[@artman102]

Thanks. I appreciate that.

[@michaeldodd7640]

Great Video helped me open my friends first then mine thank you

[@CclarkKkent]

Thanks great tutorial, saved me from wasting money an those apple tool kit. Glad i always have Xacto knives around

[@artman102]

Thank You, and greetings from Portland, Oregon USA!

[@jaquestraw1]

Excellent tutorial, worked like a charm. Thanks!!

[@pauljmc44]

This method does work. I tried the plastic pry tools and they all broke. Also if the shape blades are a concern I read this is previous comments, file the blade just enough to dull the edge. Thanks John S.

[@artman102]

Your welcome! I'm glad it helped you.

[@slliks67]

Best Video i have a 5th gen classic and the clips are in the same exact spot. unfortunately i just found this video and watched another on replacing the battery which did not mention the clips. i had some widening of the silver back when i put it back together. I used the rubber ends of a pair of needle nose pliers and a hammer to sort of bang it back in shape does not look the same but i have a case oh well i will refer this vid next time i open and try and purchase the shiny back somehow and replace the warped one.

[@bengrint84]

Great tutorial. Now my son can listen to my tunes!

[@hardyrmaritz422]

Thanks for the guide - very useful. Rather than exacto knife, I used the IFIXIT tools - the jimmy works to release the clips very well, while the 4 piece metal spudger/pry tools set does the rest. Used Tarkan's iFlash mSATA SSD adaptor plus new battery and back to new!! No damage or dents at all on either part of the case.

[@gianave]

Very effective instructions! Thank you, John S

[@artman102]

You're welcome!!

[@saadams4937]

Thank you! Beautifully presented, easy to follow.

[@artman102]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[@Panoman14]

Thank you! I got a friend's open injury free and replaced the battery!

[@als4621]

@artman102 This is by far the best method to open the ipod classic without damaging it. Thank you very much for sharing this! It worked like a charm!

[@artman102]

Excellent!!

[@TheCaptainSocks]

excellent video! very well explained, well done.

[@cayrick]

I',m into model RC planes so I have lots of hobby knives available. I have dissected ipods before and it has been nasty separating the two halves of the case. This video makes it simple. Thanks!

[@artman102]

Thank you!

[@Treforful]

Many thanks for this video, really helped me a lot.

[@philhamerton7497]

Excellent tutorial, thank you so much!

[@MrTimdtoolman1]

John, Great video, thanks for sharing you knowledge. All the other vids I have watched don't do a very good job of explaining the opening process at all. I have just spent the last 1 1/2 hours trying to get my iPod open with no luck. Im about ready to throw it. HaHa!

[@artman102]

Some can be tight as a drum and challenging. See my note above. There is a weak spot at the top and bottom that is easier to get the first blade into. Then inset a plastic tool and slide it around to the side to make a tiny gap.

[@chuparrete]

dude you rock best method ever!

[@bananafoneable]

This video is amazing Way better than the IFIXIT method. I ruined my screen doing it their way. Opening my Ipod because after almost a decade my ipod HDD died...

[@Matzaco]

I just Splice My Finger but hey my Ipod is finally Opened !! thank You.

[@xiistence9174]

Well made video.. much appreciated. Very specific helpful. Thanx

[@reptilia82]

Excellent! thanks for the upload man 10/10 thumbs up!!

[@TheFsmTeam]

Thanks for the upload, followed your video and got my new battery in with a minimal of fuss. Thanks mate

[@davidbolha]

Hi, Very informative, thank you very much ! 😆 I have a 6th generation as well - should replace the battery, add the adapter for the SD card,... 😊

[@SenorGatoRules]

I loved this tutorial! Thanks ☺️

[@artman102]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@alexandrossotiropoulos5621]

Your video is very helpful, I want to open my ipod to change the battery so i try to find the best way to do it

[@Mannylicious95]

Excellent Video!

[@jairogarcia432]

Thank you, I have used it as a reference, and helped me a lot! thank you!

[@artman102]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@Zfixit]

I will post a very rare, opening technique for this device. He came close ..but I have been opening these devices since 2011. Wrong exacto blade, takes three tools, I have kept secret for some time..but now., i focus on solder repairs on this device so showing proper opening technique will not diminish my business and may bring more business. Oh man, finished, way wrong on the disconnect of battery cable. That is the reason I get so many battery connection repairs!

[@artman102]

I did not find your video. Let me know when you get it posted. Thanks, John

[@adamgh0]

Thank You! I tried everything from guitar picks to credit cards and nothing worked better than a flat xacto knife blade. Hopefully I'll get another 5 years out of the new battery (unless Apple starts making a 120GB iPod touch).

[@patricioveliz4509]

Great video. Very helpfull because I have a mecer open 6th gen whit HD issues!! Thanxs

[@artman102]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@mcemem]

the best way! very helpful! thanx!!

That's what she said! Great video btw it will hopefully save mine.

[@ONECAYVMAN]

Thanks for the video. good job.

[@johnlooye6882]

Thankx!! really helpful!

[@artman102]

Hi Carol: The reason he did not want to work on your ipod nano 1st gen is that he would have to charge more than the ipod is worth. You did not state the issue you are having, likely the battery is bad, or worse, moisture damage. To open that model I use the green tools and bend the side metal tabs as I open it. Just bend them back before closing it up. You will usually get a set of tools when you buy a battery from a good seller on ebay. thanks, John

[@jahms29]

thanks man. now lemme see if i can change my ipod's harddrive.

[@vincentrusso3725]

I was to cheap to buy 3 X-Acto blades with handles. I used 3 razor blades purchased at my local hardware store at 1/10th the cost and worked just as well. Previously I used a thin paint scraper but it slightly bent the back but easily bent it back.

[@ramaroodle]

This worked perfectly for me. $10 for battery on ebay and good as new.

[@MrOsa911]

nice work tanks a lot

[@linussextips7192]

when I finally got into mine, I bent some of the clips in on the top and bottom so it is easier next time.

[@Federale570]

Thanks for this, these are absolute bastards to open and this was helpful in knowing where to pry.

[@whiteshadow247]

Excellent video!

[@artman102]

Thanks. I surprised that so many people are still working on and using these older ipods.

[@Addy187a1]

They're expensive as hell on eBay, people sell them on Facebook, car boot sales and what not for £20 - £30ish (at least that's what I have seen) and I've just been putting them straight back up for sale on eBay to receive more than 300% of the price I paid lol.

[@claudioandreheckler4661]

Hello John, you can chalk-up one more successfully repaired iPod classic thanks in no small part to your very didactic video. Minor adjustment, as I did not have x-acto knives, I used a pair of mini swiss army pocket knives (the smallest type, one blade, one file and scissors). As I worked the blades around the clips I positioned a couple iPhone openers to keep the case from re-closing. Operation done with not a single dent or scratch in the case, thank you so much! Why did I open it? Dead hard drive, replaced it with an iFlash Solo SD card adapter from Tarkan (just google it), now my iPod has solid state storage, hooray! :-) On your video and copyright: I first found what I believe is an unauthorized copy of your video, look for video 7Rfr2J1KwUE. Took me a while to find the original, but looking at the comments there I suspected it was a copy.

[@artman102]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@markgiamusic]

Thanks, very helpful. A box cutter worked for me instead of exacto knives, which I didn't have.

[@artman102]

+Mark G (markgiamusic) NO, No, No. I don't want anyone to use a pointed blade. It can shatter or scratch or stab.

[@thurm101]

This seems like the best option.

[@davidofug]

Very important video.

[@Dark5ide12]

Thanks this method was better

[@artman102]

I hope you got it opened up, sometimes the botom clips need to be manually released. thanks

[@thejamzron]

@artman102 Thanks for the advise...once I get those right tools I'll give it another shot

[@artman102]

On a ipod that has never been opened before I have addition advice. Place the first blade in the top center, it is a weak area that allows that blade to slip in easily. Then use a plastic pry tool and insert it into the top near the blade and slide it around to the LH side, then work on the side as shown in the video.

[@rsauve123]

Well done. I like the utility knife approach. I will pickup a couple when I receive my iPod battery. Are you planing a "How to re-assemble a 6th, 7th generation ipod classic video" as you mentioned in this video?

[@artman102]

You can find that re-assembly video in my collection. thanks, John

[@markkussusa]

Nice and thorough walk through. Thanks lots! ... (My headphones broke inside the port, and the tip of the jack is at the very bottom of the port. Q: If I open the ipod, can I push that piece out of the earphones port or that's inaccessible?)