iPod touch Opening my iPod Touch

[Empedocles]

Hi there. I've a 4th generation Ipod touch. It's kinda ****ed up: both the power and home buttons are stuck. I use an app called Activator I got jailbreaking it to make the two volume buttons function as a power and a home button, but there's a big problem: when the iPod has been locked for a few mins, the volume buttons won't work as home and power like they do when the iPod isn't locked. So I press the stuck home button really hard, and it works. Thing is, every time I do it I've to press it even harder than the last time. The iPod's obviousy out of warranty and I don't wanna spend the money Apple (or some random repair store)'d charge me for repairing it. Also, nowadays I don't really use the iPod a lot, so I've decided to take a shot opening it and fixing it by myself. My plan's taking the home button out of the iPod and using the "real" button that lies beneath (not very aesthetic, I know). I've some experience opening electronics, but this thing's different: it has no screws. I know some people apply heat to open it, but I don't really have the elements. Buut, and here's why I'm making this thread, the iPod has taken some falls in the past and it's already "open", not wide open but I could apply force. Here're some pictures:

That black space at the left corner's what I'm talking about.

It even emits light when the iPod isn't locked.

So, what do you guys think? Could I fulfill my plan (removing the home button and leaving the "real" button to press first, then closing the iPod with some fancy glue)? I won't try to repair the power button because it's soldered to the iPod's circuit board, and I've no soldering skills.

Thanks in advance. Also, english's not my native language, so I may've commited some mistakes when it comes to phrasing things.

 

[garirry]

I have tried disassembling a 4th iPod Touch once, in order to fix the charge connector, whose connectors got bent. Although I broke the iPod, I noticed a few important things you need to know. First of all, I believe that you can scratch the screen from behind, basically if you're pulling the display out, you should use a prying tool (and not a flat screwdriver). Second, the motherboard is just asking to get broken. The top piece and bottom piece are held by a tiny line, which means instant splitting in two if you're applying just a little bit of force. Just a few tips, I don't know the internal mechanics of the iPod that well to know whether your plan would work, but I hope this tiny bit of info would help.

 

[moderately]

Hi Empedocles,

I have replaced the screen of this iPod. I realize that this is not quite what you are about but my experience might be helpful. I bought a kit that in addition to the screen had some plastic pry tools and an adhesive sheet with appropriate cutouts to stick the thing back together.

I want you to seriously figure out how to get some heat on that glue before you try to pry it apart. there are vulnerable connections between the screen and the rest of the iPod that you really don't want to stress. Heat will soften the glue and improve your chances of getting it apart safely and getting it back together.

I don't remember well enough the details of the home button to know if you have a chance of fixing it with your approach. I suspect it is the actual button that is failing. If you are good at this sort of stuff, you may have a shot. You may be simply hastening your iPod's demise.

 

[matthew2926]

As for the heat, I have repaired numerous iPads, iPods, and iPhones, and I have always used a simple hair dryer.

 

[charlyham]

Hi there. I've a 4th generation Ipod touch. It's kinda ****ed up: both the power and home buttons are stuck. I use an app called Activator I got jailbreaking it to make the two volume buttons function as a power and a home button, but there's a big problem: when the iPod has been locked for a few mins, the volume buttons won't work as home and power like they do when the iPod isn't locked. So I press the stuck home button really hard, and it works. Thing is, every time I do it I've to press it even harder than the last time. The iPod's obviousy out of warranty and I don't wanna spend the money Apple (or some random repair store)'d charge me for repairing it. Also, nowadays I don't really use the iPod a lot, so I've decided to take a shot opening it and fixing it by myself. My plan's taking the home button out of the iPod and using the "real" button that lies beneath (not very aesthetic, I know). I've some experience opening electronics, but this thing's different: it has no screws. I know some people apply heat to open it, but I don't really have the elements. Buut, and here's why I'm making this thread, the iPod has taken some falls in the past and it's already "open", not wide open but I could apply force. Here're some pictures:

That black space at the left corner's what I'm talking about.

It even emits light when the iPod isn't locked.

So, what do you guys think? Could I fulfill my plan (removing the home button and leaving the "real" button to press first, then closing the iPod with some fancy glue)? I won't try to repair the power button because it's soldered to the iPod's circuit board, and I've no soldering skills.

Thanks in advance. Also, english's not my native language, so I may've commited some mistakes when it comes to phrasing things.

You can go here to get guides for repairing your ipod4.
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/iPod_Touch_4th_Generation