Do you suspect that your iPod has a hardware problem? The iPod’s built-in diagnostic mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a “bad” iPod.

How to Turn on iPod Diagnostic Mode

The following procedure will activate the iPod Diagnostic Mode with the following iPods (Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini).

  • Turn off the “hold switch”
  • Press and hold “Menu” and “Select” buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
  • The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold both the “Back” and “Select” buttons at the same time.
  • You will hear an audible chirp sound and the logo should appear backwards. Let go of the “Back” and “Select” buttons. You are now in Diagnostic Mode.

Once your iPod is in Diagnostic Mode, you will be able to run a series of tests. For more info on the types of tests and what they exactly do, check out this MethodShop.com iPod Diagnostic Mode Tutorial.

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