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How do I fix my Apple iPod: It's busted?

Do any of the following describe a problem you're having with your iPod? My iPod nano won't power on! My iPod mini won't shut down or is frozen! I can't get songs to transfer from iTunes to my iPod! My iPod doesn't show up in iTunes at all? My Apple earbuds or headphones don't work with my iPod shuffle? Or is something else wrong and you just figure it's time to send your baby, your formerly favorite gadget, in to service?

Dave's Answer:

Apple just released a very useful troubleshooting guide to the iPod (which you can find here) and I thought it would be a useful reference to also make excerpts of this article available here at AskDaveTaylor too:

Having trouble with your iPod? Simply updating your iTunes and iPod software often resolves the issue [especially if you're trying to sync your iPod-capable cell phone to iTunes --DT].

My iPod doesn't respond, won't power on, or the display remains blank
If your iPod doesn't respond, is "frozen", won't turn on, or nothing appears on the LCD screen check for these possible causes:

The Hold switch may be on. Check the Hold switch to make sure it's not in the locked position. Unlock it, and try using iPod again.
Tip: Even if the Hold switch is already in the unlocked position, it's sometimes helpful to toggle it so it's locked and back again.
Your iPod may need to be reset. Click here for steps to reset. Resetting your iPod does not affect your music or data files.
Your iPod's battery may not be charged. Plug your iPod in, wait for a moment, press a button to turn it on, and check the screen. Here are some easy steps to get the most out of your battery. Note: In a fully discharged state, some iPod models may not be recognized by the computer. Click here for information.

Songs do not transfer to my iPod
Following an iTunes download songs do not copy to your iPod. Your iPod requires a specific or later version of iPod software. Use iTunes 7 to determine if an update is required.

My iPod has a folder icon with an exclamation point
Some iPod models require a specific or later version of iPod software. Try updating or restoring iPod. If you still see the exclamation point, try these additional troubleshooting tips. If you see a sad iPod icon with an exclamation point, see this article.

My iPod doesn't appear in iTunes or on the desktop
Several things could keep iPod from appearing in iTunes or on the desktop when you connect it to your computer. For Mac, find an answer here. For Windows PC customers, try these solutions.

My iPod says "Do not disconnect" on the screen
The "Do not disconnect" screen is normal. Learn more about the disconnect screens.

My headphones don't work
If your iPod's headphones don't work or have static or garbled audio, try connecting them to any other 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, like the one on your computer. If the issue with the headphones persists, replace them. For an iPod under warranty, get them here. Otherwise, check out the cool headphones at the Apple Store. If the issue appears to be with the iPod, try a reset. If that doesn't work, then restore iPod with the latest iPod software using iTunes 7 or later.

How can I get my iPod serviced
It's easy! Complete the iPod service request form to receive service for your iPod or accessory. If your iPod requires warranty service, Apple will send you a prepaid shipping box you should use to send your iPod to Apple's repair center.

What happens when an iPod is serviced?
iPod equipment sent in for service is replaced with functionally equivalent new, used, or refurbished iPod equipment. Service is processed through AppleCare's direct mail-in system. You will not receive the same iPod that was sent in for service. If your original iPod was personalized by Apple, your replacement iPod will be automatically personalized with the same text.

How much will my in-warranty service be?
Warranty service for eligible repairs is available at no charge for twelve months from the date of original retail purchase (date of purchase). If you have purchased the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, there will be no shipping and handling fee. A $29.95 shipping and handling fee will apply to all warranty repairs performed six months after date of purchase.

What about out-of-warranty service?
If service for your iPod is not covered by Apple's warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, Apple offers other options. If your iPod requires service because the battery's ability to hold an electrical charge has diminished, in the United States, Apple will replace your iPod for a service fee of $59, plus $6.95 shipping. If your iPod requires service for other issues (except accidental or misuse damage), in the United States, Apple will replace it for a service fee of $249, plus $6.95 shipping.

Will the data on my iPod be preserved?
No. Songs and files will not be transferred to your replacement iPod. Make sure to back up important files, and to remove all data from your iPod before sending it to Apple. Apple is not responsible for any data sent to it in connection with service.

Information like this and more can be found in the iPod service FAQ and iPod out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program FAQ.

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Categorized: Sony PSP, MP3 Players, Etc. (Article 6921)
Tagged: apple ipod, apple itunes, ipod mini, ipod nano, ipod shuffle
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Comments

I love you Dave Taylor

Posted by: heids at March 28, 2007 3:50 PM

I have had an iPod Nano for nearly a year. Four days ago, the screen went blank; everything works (i.e., it charges normally, the click is audible when you touch the wheel, the music plays, the unit shows up at the right time in iTunes, and the backlight comes on when it is supposed to come on), but the display is completely blank. So, it's impossible to see a menu or anything.

Any suggestions on how I might be able to fix this short of sending it off to Apple for service (and paying their fee)?

Posted by: Phil at May 30, 2007 4:26 PM

every time i try to listen to music on my ipod it just skips through all the songs really quickly n it doesnt play anything... how do i fix it

Posted by: kameron at June 5, 2007 1:21 PM

My Ipod Is Locked And Whenever I Try And Put Songs Into My Songs In My Libray I Cant As It Is Locked.

HelP!

Posted by: Chelsea at June 26, 2007 1:11 PM

I had to replace my hard drive and now I am unable to get my iPod shuffle to work. I have run the cd but when I click on the iTunes icon it states "The file iTunes Library .iTl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes". I would appreciate any assistance you could provide to correct this problem. Thanking you inadvance. Jim Thomas

Posted by: James Thomas at July 23, 2007 12:16 PM

Any suggestions on how I might be able to fix this short of sending it off to Apple for service (and paying their fee)?

Posted by: Anthony at August 2, 2007 9:33 PM

my ipod shows lines on the screen and it isnt working help

Posted by: roxana at August 14, 2007 10:26 PM

MY IPOD NANO IS SAYING ITS LOCKED AND IT ISINT WHAT CAN I DO?

Posted by: LESLEY at August 19, 2007 7:14 PM

Umm, hi. My iPod Nano was put in the wash with a pair of jeans by my mom. My Nano hasn't been the same since then. It works and everything, but the top of the Nano comes off and stuff. It won't get back in. I bought it less then a year ago, do you think I can send it for servicing?
Also, the menu button and the center button have to be pressed really hard to get to work.

It's really annoying. I would appreciate a response.

Thanks!

Posted by: Saugata at September 1, 2007 1:36 PM

Hi. My husband washed my ipod and now it doesnt work. it wont hold a charge, and it rarely ever connects to the computer. The screen goes blank, and sometimes the music wont play. how do i fix this?

Posted by: Crystal at October 15, 2007 8:48 AM

i got water on my ipod and its still works fine but it wont charge, can you tell me if it is unfixable, my warenty has ran out

Posted by: tyler at November 7, 2007 7:38 PM

my ipod turns on and it shows your main menu screen but when you try to pick something out of the list nothing seems to work, i mean nothing , no clicking sound or movement can you please help me,all i get is a picture of the main menu

Posted by: chazz at December 6, 2007 3:51 PM

I have a Apple Ipod Nano first genration. When I go to plug it in, it wont power on at all the switch is not on hold or anything. Any ideas as to why?

Posted by: Janie at December 8, 2007 9:47 AM

Hi my son's 30G video ipod wont work it was flashing some sort of symbol, I think it was saying very low battery, my son said it looked like the icon was a man with glasses on. Does this make any sense?

Thanks for your help,
Marcus

Posted by: marcus at December 20, 2007 9:27 PM

My Ipod just skips through every thing and won't play anything. this happened after being plugged into a kensingto speaker dock. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

B.P.

Posted by: Brian at December 25, 2007 11:28 AM

My ipod shuffle was washed. It is recognized by Itunes, but isn't holding a charge.

Posted by: Davi Westcott at December 28, 2007 7:35 PM

i had my ipod nano for a year it has been working fine yesturday but today when i played a song it didnt play and i tried another song and it still didnt play how can i get the songs to play!!!
please help!!

Posted by: kayla at January 4, 2008 7:17 AM

I got my ipod touch slightly wet and now every time i type in my code it puts in too many numbers and i keep getting locked out. How do i fix this?

Posted by: Elizabeth at February 10, 2008 8:11 PM

hey! i've had my ipod nano for just over a year amd my screen doesn't work. all i get is a white light but i can still listen to music. it's really annoying as sometimes i can't see what i'm listening to or what playlist i'm on. HELP!

Posted by: Loz at February 22, 2008 1:28 PM

please help me!...
i have a blue ipod nano & love it, dont want anything to happen to it & when it eventually dies i am refusing to ever get rid of it..
but yesterday it slipped out of my hands & fell, the top bit of the ipod came off, where the hold button is. i dont think its actually affected the ipod in any way but i dont want it to stay like this because i also have a problem with dust which the screen is covered with inside & although i can still see it, i think more dust will get in through the top now which is not covered. what can i do? please help!!

Posted by: Shanice. at February 23, 2008 1:04 PM

My IPOD Nano was washed in the washing machine. At First it worked perfectly. Last night I turned it off with a fully charged battery. The next morning when I tried turning it on it wouldn't respond. Its not on hold and I can charge it when I try. Why did it suddenly break? Can it be fixed or do I need a new one? Please Help!

Posted by: Paul at March 1, 2008 12:04 PM

Any suggestions on how I might be able to fix this short of sending it off to Apple for service (and paying their fee)?
-lauren

Posted by: lauren at March 2, 2008 3:44 PM

I have a brand new ipod nano and a new windows vista laptop. I have downloaded songs on to my ipod with no problems but when it comes to disconnecting the ipod the screen goes blank and the ipod dies. The battery states that its fully charged! Any advice?

Thanks

Posted by: Beth Rawson at March 9, 2008 11:48 AM

When I try to select a song that I want to listen to, it selects it but then immediately skips through my playlist.
I can't play ANY of the music that I want to hear.

PLEASSSEE HELP!!

Posted by: Brittany at March 24, 2008 6:36 PM

my ipod just recently stopped working. i was listening to music and doing work..it works and all, adds music, and charges.. less then an hour ago it stopped playing. WHAT DO I DO????????

Posted by: sanmigan at April 3, 2008 9:44 PM

I have a lot to say, but ...

I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!