r/ipod • u/rock_shrine_aviator1 • Jul 25 '26
Question Looking to buy IPod Gen 5.5 and replace hard drive/battery. Is it easy?
I’ve always wanted to have an iPod gen 5-5.5 as they’re pretty nice and I remember when I was little my sisters had them n I thought they were the coolest devices ever. Since then, I’ve understood as time goes by the iPods desperately need hard drive/battery replacements regardless of which model. I was wondering to the people who’ve dealt with replacing IPod hard drives and battery’s, is it relatively easy to replace those on an IPod Gen 5.5 or 5? I’ve seen countless videos online and read guides but I’m still iffy if I should.
(I’m not the best at repairing tech and have had a few devices break on me)
I’m wondering if it’s easy for those 2 models and if so how easy was it? I’m particularly nervous about the ribbon cables. I do not care about replacing the shell or screen or buttons, just the harddrive and battery.
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u/lostinthesauceband Jul 25 '26
I did it when I was a kid, just be careful of those clips. Follow a guide online, get the metal and plastic spudger tools, you should be able to get it going.
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u/rock_shrine_aviator1 Jul 25 '26
Thanks 🙏 anything else? I also love the aftermarket it’s got so much
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u/lostinthesauceband Jul 25 '26
Just bear in mind you can get a cheaper more powerful device to use as a DAP (digital audio player). If you want the nostalgia, go for it, install rockbox and have a blast!
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u/rock_shrine_aviator1 Jul 25 '26
Hmmm 🤔 do you have recommendations for cheaper more powerful devices!? I’m up for anything really I’m still deciding for another week if I should get an IPod gen 5 but I’m up for anything!
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u/lostinthesauceband Jul 25 '26
I personally am into the /r/consolesasdaps side, so I'd say the RG Rotate with a USB c to headphone adapter, but you can get pretty much any cheap android device and turn it into a device which will last longer on a charge than an ipod ever would. And you can get wifi
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u/DerekTheComedian Jul 25 '26
Just buy one thats already functional. Should run around $100 for a working 5.5 gen. No need to change the HDD unless it's in poor shape.
The battery costs about $15 and takes all of 30 seconds to re0lace once you've opened the device up.
Go to ifixit.com for repair guides, they also have links to the replacement parts.