iPod 4th Generation or Photo Headphone Jack Bracket Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 7 Steps
The snazzy little plastic piece that holds your headphone jack steady.
Step 1
Before you start, make sure your iPod’s hold switch is locked in place – you should see the orange bar, which means hold is active and you’re good to go!
Step 2
Sometimes you gotta wiggle that pick a bit, back and forth, to help it slide in smoothly. You’ve got this!
– Wedge an opening pick deep into the seam between the plastic front and the metal back panel along the right edge of the iPod. Aim for precision—it’s a game of patience, not brute strength.
– With the pick in place, gently pry against the plastic front to pop five retaining tabs loose (visual reference in the third photo—worth checking!).
– Now, slide the pick smoothly along the edge of the iPod while continuing to nudge those stubborn tabs free. Feel the small victories as each one lets go!
– Once all five tabs along the right side are unhooked, the case should open up easily—like it’s saying ‘thanks for being gentle!’
Step 3
Awesome job getting the iPod case open! But hold up—don’t pull the halves apart just yet. There’s a sneaky orange ribbon cable still linking the headphone jack to the logic board. Handle it gently to keep everything in one piece!
– Flip the case open like you’re turning the pages of an adventure book, with the dock connector side facing up, and rest the back panel right next to the front half of your iPod for easy access.
Step 4
This ribbon cable is super delicate! If you’re swapping out the battery, feel free to skip this step and leave the headphone jack connected to the motherboard. To keep things steady, prop and tape the rear case against a box. Just be extra careful not to put any stress on that fragile headphone jack cable while you work your magic.
– Grab yourself a plastic tool or just your trusty fingernails and gently pop that orange headphone jack cable loose. Remember, pull straight up on the connector—don’t tug on the cable itself. Easy does it!
Step 5
– Take out the two shiny silver T6 Torx screws from the headphone jack—easy as pie!
Step 6
– Unscrew those 3 shiny silver Philips screws holding the headphone jack in place on the rear panel. You’re just three screws away from victory—keep it up!
Step 7
– Gently grab hold of the white headphone jack bracket and give it a smooth lift out of the iPod—nice and easy!
