Can you get a battery replacement for an old iPod?

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If you were alive in the first round, it’s hard to believe, but iPods are back. Thanks to a new trend among Gen Z where physical media players are suddenly hip again, iPods and other creaky old devices (especially those with little or no Internet functionality) are in high demand again. If you’re part of the aforementioned Gen Z, feeling a bout of nostalgia, or want to make some quick cash from an iPod gathering dust in your closet, chances are you need a replacement battery.

iPods become quite old in 2026, with the last model manufactured in 2022 (and the last new generation revealed in 2019). That might not seem so intimidating, but keep in mind that the first iPod came out a quarter of a century ago, in 2001. The likelihood that you’ll find a working battery in that used iPod largely depends on which generation you manage to get your hands on (these four iPod models are especially popular in 2026). The good news is that, even if the iPod you get is dead as a doornail, there’s a good chance you can, in fact, get your hands on a replacement battery, although you may have to jump through a few hoops.

If you’re hoping to get a battery directly from Apple, the choices are slim. BGR contacted Apple Support and was told by a representative that only two iPod models are currently not marked as obsolete in the company’s system (the obsolete label means replacement parts are no longer available directly through Apple). Unsurprisingly, the two non-obsolete models are of the latest generation, the 7th generation iPod Nano and iPod Touch. If you need a battery for one of these, you should be able to get a factory new one (relatively speaking) straight from the source.

That doesn’t mean all hope is lost if you own an older model. There are a number of third-party retailers that sell batteries for older iPods online. You may want to try your luck with Elite Obsolete Electronics, which offers a wide range of replacement batteries dating back to the first generation of certain iPod models. You can also check out specialist repair sites like Repairs Universe, although the options are slimmer and tend towards newer models.

The difficulty of replacing an iPod battery also depends largely on the model. Some models are very airtight, and it’s clear that Apple never intended for end users to service these beasts – at least not easily.

That said, it’s not impossible, and with a little common sense and determination, you should be able to replace many models in a few hours or less. The question then becomes whether the time invested is worth it. While you don’t have to worry about voiding your warranty (even the newest iPod will almost certainly be out of warranty now), the lost time and complexity can be more costly than paying someone to do the work for you.

If you choose the latter route, you have several options. You can always call local electronics repair shops, and Best Buy offers a dedicated iPod repair service, although it will only replace batteries in the aforementioned non-obsolete 7th generation Touch and Nano. There are also online options that allow you to ship your iPod to a repair technician to replace the battery, but be sure to check it out before trusting them with your precious technology. eBay is also worth a look; some suppliers will supply a battery and install it for a flat rate.