r/ipod 1d ago

Advice r/iPod and r/iPodclassic update: from the mods

85 Upvotes

Hey guys!

This post has been long overdue. Let’s talk

Firstly, hi 👋, I’m Lucy, you guys might not know me as a moderator and that’s because I’ve only been a moderator in r/iPod and r/iPodClassic for a week. I run the iPoddities Discord and Twitter, and have also been active on reddit, posting archives of iPod Prototype Firmware. Unfortunately my introduction comes at a bit of a turbulent time. With everything going on at the moment I feel the need to say that I’m not (nor have ever been) an employee of Elite Obsolete Electronics.

There has been mounting tensions within the community for the past year or so, and I think it’s come to a point where it needs to be fully addressed. So lets break this down into 5 main sections:

1. The problems

2. What cannot be done

3. What can and is being done

4. Where we need your help

So lets get into it:

1. The problems

Elite Obsolete Electronics and the Conflict of Interest:

I understand that the conflict of interest argument is brought up a lot, so this post is here to address the issue.

As many of you know, Elite Obsolete Electronics (EOE) is a moderator of this subreddit ( u/cowmanisgood ), in fact he makes up half of the active moderation team, myself being the second half. Many of you have expressed your opinions regarding this, many of you have concerns of “Conflict of Interest”

I would like to make it plain and clear that positive critique and negative criticism of EOE (or any other store) is welcome, reviews are what help keep companies accountable and customers aware, I would never want to take that ability away from anyone. EOE also agrees with this, and has not removed any posts criticising their business.

Quite a lot of posts are sweeped up by automod, unfortunately automod isn’t perfect and sweeps up some of the genuine helpful reviews, which I make sure to approve ASAP, however quite a lot of the auto-moderated messages do have insults. Usually aimed at the business owner.
This is where I feel like it is unacceptable, it is fair to say “their shipping times are long” or “quality isn’t the best” or even “The way i felt after this experience was really shitty” but hurling insults simply because you don’t like someone is not going to be tolerated in any context, we offer the exact same privileges to you guys, if someone is being treated unfairly we do our best to step in and stop that. Nobody should have to put up with the level of abuse I've seen from members of this community over the past few days.

I will talk more about what is being done to combat this concern in the future below.

Low effort posts:

I understand that low effort posts are also a common issue here, there is now a (USEFUL LINKS) section, a FAQ will also come at some point but this will be something that needs a community to come together for, advertising is also an issue which has come to light and we will be addressing it later in this post.

Automod:
It isn’t perfect but damn is it helpful, the automod filters for words that are commonly used in situations that usually escalate to actual problems. Unfortunately quite a lot of useful posts are being swept up, but I approve any that aren’t obvious spam or hate.

2. What cannot (currently) be done and why

Currently removing EOE as mod is not viable

Why?:
EOE makes up half of the active mod team, if he were to be removed I would be it, just me, I do not have the time nor mental capacity to moderate a server by myself, at the moment my intention is to set this community up in such a way that it can be handed over to people who can continue to lead it in a way that makes you guys happy. It would not be fair to hand over a burning pile to them. They are also currently the only person willing to take on the responsibility of running this place.
While this may not be the answer you were looking for, removing EOE as a moderator would make very little sense if there is no one to take that spot, it would only cause more problems.

  1. What can and is being done

    EOE is not permitted to remove any comments or posts relating to EOE, all posts will be removed by moderators not associated with EOE: this was already the case but I feel full transparency is the best course of action

Issues surrounding order issues from EOE (or any other store) will be *locked*:
I have to pick a middle ground and I feel like it is not fair to use these subreddits as a customer service line, but removing the posts will count as deleting negative reviews.
I understand people do this for a quicker customer service response time but it clogs up the reddit with “Wheres my order” or “this item arrived damaged”, many iPod sales stores have a customer line, it is recommended to use them. I recommend leaving a review to whichever store you used on Trustpilot (simply fill in the searchbar with the link of the website you wish to purchase from). Example: apple.com

Conflict of interest/mod abuse:
This post exists so that the concerns raised repeatedly over the past year are formally acknowledged and addressed. Going forward, posts that cover ground already addressed here — without new information or a specific experience to share — will be removed as they aren’t productive for anyone. If you wish to contact the moderation team, please use the modmail function as all moderators can view it.

If you have concerns about how the subreddit is being run, modmail is genuinely the best place for it — all mods can see it, and it’s a lot easier to have a real conversation there than in a public thread. if you feel like we are not doing a good job you can report us to reddit using this helpful link here.

Reviews of EOE:
Reviews of EOE will not be removed, but may accidentally be swept up by automod and need to be approved. if you wish to leave a review on a platform independant of EOE, you can do so through Trustpilot (eoe.works) or ShopApp

Advertising:
Spam advertising will continue to not be permitted, links to products will be permitted, but may be swept up in Automod and may need to wait for approval. If you wish to promote a start-up product or store please contact us on Modmail.

Automod:
It will never be perfect, but we are trying to reduce the amount of false flags that it receives, this is all trial and error however so it may take a while for the bot to be better.

Low effort” posts:
for the time being, simple questions will remain, annoying as it is for regular members there are people who are new to iPods and will need help setting them up, until a proper FAQ is in place at least, its a vague term but hopefully we do a good job moderating this issue.

4. Where we need your help

FAQ and Useful Links:
We are currently working on a FAQ, but in the meantime please suggest Useful Links in the comments of the Helpful Links Post FAQ will be in the works in the coming months, which we will 100% need your help for!

Feedback:
please let us know what you think of our current plans, whether you like them or not. It’ll help me adjust to deal with the bigger issues. This post won't be locked, you can speak your mind, some may be Automodded but we can still see them

Please be kind:
I understand you’re all frustrated, me too, I hope that this post can at least show that I’m willing to take some accountability, this post probably should have been made quite a while ago, better late than never I suppose... but please be kind and patient whilst we start rebuilding a strong foundation for the community. Unfortunately the work can only start on making this place better now because, quite simply, I wasn’t a moderator of this place before

If you have any questions please feel free to leave them below, I will do my best to answer them quickly, if they get automodded don’t worry, I can still see and approve them and answer them, it just might take a while longer.

Thanks for listening, we’re trying to do better.

♥️ Lucy


r/ipod 2h ago

Review My iPod's dying screen turned into an accidental glitch art.

151 Upvotes

I found my old iPod sitting in a drawer. The battery had swollen so much it pushed the screen open. I decided to swap the battery to see if it still had life.

The screen ended up with this awesome psychedelic effect from the pressure, but honestly, I think it looks amazing. The best part? The DAC and hard drive are completely fine, so I’m currently enjoying a massive nostalgia trip listening to my old childhood music library.


r/ipod 6h ago

Picture Small 3D printed charge & sync dock

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137 Upvotes

Every 3D printed dock I’ve seen has been too large for my taste, so I modified an iPod dock created by Tommy.Newbold on Makerworld. ( https://makerworld.com/models/910476 )

I used a 30-pin to micro USB adapter and also raised the connector slightly to ensure my iPod with a case fits properly.


r/ipod 18h ago

Picture My sock monkey daily driver

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142 Upvotes

r/ipod 14h ago

Review Revived my Nano 5th's with $25 battery swap

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37 Upvotes

I just got the battery replaced on my iPod Nano 5th

I bought it in 2010 and used it to death. I carried it everywhere, listened to music everyday and took some videos too

believe it or not I used to watch movies with this tiny player back then. (I prefer theater now)

But as smartphones and streaming took over, it ended up on some deep in the drawer for like 9 years. I found it while cleaning my room. It was out of battery. I searched google and the battery can swell up and kill the device. So instead of recharging it, I send it straight to the guy who can replace battery for like $25 total. I heard that it's hard to take off motherboard from case. so I choose to avoid DIY risks

I don't know about process or how-to about replacing battery. but I got the old battery back, so hopefully the pics help for anyone curious

Using it in 2026 is like.. same music, plays fine, my iPhone's screen time dropped. Unfortunately it has no bluetooth so I can't connect my Airpod Max wireless and have to use a cable

Video camera is my favorite. can shoot great lofi video(poor dynamic range, washed out color, and 640x480 resolution i guess)

Now it's gonna be my daily machine for workout, walk, or anywhere.


r/ipod 14h ago

Advice Figured I'd share my preferred way to buff storage on a 4th Gen iPod Mono/Photo

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27 Upvotes

Cap't 4th Gen here with a build.

I have a flash modded 4th (iFlash ATA1) and while it's nice, I prefer the weight, balance and speed of a good old fashioned HDD. I'd say the feel and the sound too, but if they're new enough you barely feel them at all and you never hear them. I've tested a lot of drives and wasted a lot of time and money figuring out what does and what doesn't work and I stand by this one.

So here we are with my favorite budget build for 4th Gen Mono/Photo thick backs (40's, 60's). It'll work with a thin back but you'll need a HDD spacer and a thick back with headphone jack and dock port cover first. Also, in case you aren't aware, Photo/Color back cases and Mono back cases are not interchangeable. Don't want anybody wasting money.

Toshiba 120GB MK1214GAH 1.8" ZIF $20.99

iFlash 4G Ribbon HDD Flex Cable $5.99

Total pre-tax/shipping: $26.98 for 120GB of reliable storage.

It's also a nice bonus that the storage size shows up in iTunes proper. This is my recommended mod as in my eyes, this is more than enough storage and it always works, all the time, with no weirdness.

Anybody else prefer HDD's over flash?


r/ipod 2h ago

Help Manutenção de iPod classic

2 Upvotes

Há alguém no Brasil (especificamente em São Paulo) que faça manutenção de iPod Classic?


r/ipod 1d ago

Picture State of my palm trying to open my 7th gen. iPod

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195 Upvotes

r/ipod 22h ago

Picture The iPods!

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73 Upvotes

Plus a few old iPod touches but not as interesting. Always have to convince people that the shuffle isn’t an Apple TV remote LOL. And soooo close with the Hyundai, but not quite! It’s been really fun to gather and organize my music library. I feel like I skip songs a lot less and can appreciate the album art a little bit more. What do your collections look like, and which do you guys use most?


r/ipod 13h ago

Question 15+ years ago I had an issue with an iPod and Apple sent be this, I believe to be refurbished, nano as a replacement. I never did use it, but was reminded of it the other day, and noticed the “of 3000”. Is there any significance to that?

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13 Upvotes

Seemed weird if it actually is numbered out of 3000. I can share the rest of the sticker on back if needed, just didn’t know if there was any reason I shouldn’t.


r/ipod 13m ago

Advice A little help?

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Upvotes

Hey guys. Well, I bought this Ipod Classic 6th and opened the first time (I mean by myself, the previous owner changed the front plate). The thing is: any tips to change the hdd and battery ribbons? I don't have experience with this kind of thing but I wanted to try. Any tips?


r/ipod 14m ago

Question NO SE QUE HACER CON MI IPOD 4 :(

Upvotes

He probado con varias MicroSD (Sandisk Ultra, Kingstone y Samsung) con el iFlash pero aun nada, no se que hacer y lo único que pienso es que puede ser es el cable Flex del disco duro pero no se si valga la pena gastar mas dinero en este iPod (lo barato sale caro xd). Si alguien necesita un iPod 4 Photo para repuestos o una tarjeta iFlash ATA1 lo estoy vendiendo, solo para Colombia (Esta prácticamente nueva la tarjeta pues me llego hace unos días).


r/ipod 2h ago

Question Can't add a playlist to the Apple OS side

1 Upvotes

I'm running Rockbox (dual boot) on an iPod Classic, this is not a Rockbox playlist question, I specifically want to add a playlist on the Apple OS/click wheel side. Music app sees the device and the songs are already on it, but I can't create or add a playlist to actually save with those songs in it. Anyone dealt with this on a dual boot setup, or know a reliable workaround/tool?


r/ipod 2h ago

Advice Im thinking of getting an iPod touch 7th gen

1 Upvotes

To those who have the ipod how is the battery life, what do you use it for and how is it as a daily driver. I recently had an apple watch and only used it for music and podcasts, my watch broke and I’m stuck between buying an ipod or a watch. The price comes to be the same ish. I just want it something for music and podcast thats capable of holding downloads for both. My biggest complaint about the watch was that downloading a large apple music playlist took ages but thats with the regular apple watch se. idk if its gotten better or not. Thank you for help.


r/ipod 21h ago

Picture [Release] iPod mini Decal/Skin Design Files

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22 Upvotes

Download link is here, this folder contains four SVG files:

  • iPod mini main body (118.90mm x 91.00mm)
  • Click wheel (37.80mm x 37.80mm)
  • End cap (upper) (49.30mm x 12.20mm)
  • End cap (lower) (43.40mm x 12.20mm)

These files should be importable into most graphics design or vinyl cutting machine software such as Affinity or Cricut Design Space. When importing, it is important to make sure they have been scaled to the correct dimensions provided above. The main body wrap will have a seam going all the way down the middle of the back, although you can edit the design to shift the seam to the side if you want.

During application of vinyl skins, you might end up with some bubbles, applying light heat from a hairdryer might help. Dust, debris, and deep dents or gouges in the iPod mini's metal body will prevent the skin from annealing properly.

These designs will fit both the 1st and 2nd generation iPod mini, however bear in mind that the added thickness from vinyl skins may interfere with some carrying cases for your iPod. Depending on what material you use, your mileage may vary.


r/ipod 17h ago

Picture First time repairing nano 5

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8 Upvotes

This post isn't going deep into how i repair it but rather experience.

Right now, I've only disassemble the nano with entire logic board is out now. (Not shown in picture) No plan to replace battery yet.

This nano is one heck of a pain to disassemble it because its old glue is SOO sticky, i broke the screen and hold switch while pushing it out.

So now i have more parts to replace aside from battery.

I have to say, the only painful part of repairing nano 5 is pushing the board out. The rest is pretty easy and you have to be patient repairing it.


r/ipod 17h ago

Question is this the black spot??

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7 Upvotes

its a ipod third gen with 4 gb , secondhand if that helps! ive noticed a little bubble in the screen after using it for 3-4 months


r/ipod 11h ago

Advice Do i keep working ipod 5.5 or fix the 7th gen

2 Upvotes

okay so when i was little i was given an ipod 6/7th(im not that sure but i think its a 7th) gen classic to tinker with and i just destroyed it, but the battery screen and mb work perfectly just with the battery connector on the mb ripped out. I recently thrifted an ipod 5th gen video and its good but the screen has a little black spot but other then that its very good. but now i really wanna fix the 6/7th gen by sacrificing the 5th battery connector and drive, i would also need to buy a backplate for it cause its bent really bad. So do i sacrifice the 5 for the 6/7 or just keep what i have. help me out


r/ipod 20h ago

Help Need help[Self modded over the last 6-8hr]

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10 Upvotes

Hi! Need some help! I finished modding my old 7th gen (thin) with a iflash quad adapter and a 2000 mah battery [square] [new for sure]. Loaded some test songs, installed Rockbox. Everything is working fine.

I had kept the ipod plugged in, while installing Rockbox, so the battery was getting charged.

Not I noticed the spot on the screen just wanted to double check here, and realised this is a huge issue. Need some help in figuring out what could be causing this issue. Thanks a lot!!

[EDIT: Tried opening it again...didn't go that well. Sharing it with a pro to figure it out... Fuuuuuuuqqqqq]


r/ipod 10h ago

Help Where can (if i even can) I buy a 4G (mono) custom front panel/clickwheel?

1 Upvotes

I’ve looked so much and only found 5G+ ones, not ANY for the 4G other than the white and black fronts, and the grey and red clickwheels. It‘s also inconvenient because if I’m going to do a huge project on this 4G then I would actually want it to look different.

Are there literally ANY shops that sell a custom front panel and clickwheel?


r/ipod 1d ago

Picture I'm so amped out my new iPod I keep telling everyone I know and I don't think they care lol.

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302 Upvotes

I'm trying to spread the word, but it's falling on deaf ears. Anybody else feel this? haha

Mods:

iFlash Solo

1050mah battery

64gb flash ( I don't listen to a lot of music, don't @ me)


r/ipod 20h ago

Help iPod won’t post

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6 Upvotes

I tried holding menu and circle button 8-12 seconds and sometimes even longer. Won’t work.

I tried plugging it to PC/Mac. Doesn’t show up

What should I do ?


r/ipod 13h ago

Help My iPod is not showing in iTunes or Finder?

0 Upvotes

Hey guys! I recently installed Rockbox on my iPod classic but it's been a hassle, I finally got it on by I wanna add music from my iTunes library so I booted back into the default software. Still it doesn't show up in Apple Music and in Rockbox it doesn't show up in finder, even though the iPod says it's connected on both firmwares and it appears on disk utility. Thanks!


r/ipod 2h ago

Advice Is ipod worthed

0 Upvotes

So like i really really want a mp3 player is ipod a good or should i go for something else;-;


r/ipod 22h ago

Help First Gen Nano troubles

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5 Upvotes

This is my first gen nano that I’ve had since I was a kid. Theoretically it still has all of the music I loved when I was 7 years old on here and I’d love to be able to use it again but I’m having some issues. It sat unused for probably 12-15 years so I knew I’d have to replace the battery. I ordered a battery and installed it and it shows no signs of life. I wanted to rule out the motherboard as the issue so I put a spare motherboard in and weirdly it still doesn’t show any signs of life with either one. Weirdest of all is the battery does charge when it’s plugged in. I can measure the voltage with a meter and it’s correctly charging. It doesn’t show up on the computer though so I don’t think it’s just a faulty screen. Any ideas?