Advanced iPod Troubleshooting
98Taking out the battery
Are you ready to troubleshoot?
Just like any other device, you can troubleshoot problems with your iPod to avoid the hassle of going through a lengthy warranty or return process. By searching the Internet and Apple's web site, you may find a solution the problem your device is currently experiencing. Proceed with caution, not all fixes will work for your iPod, and you may cause more harm than good if you do something wrong during a troubleshoot session.
Just like your computer, an Apple iPod hard drive can run into problems of its own. Everything from bumping it against the wall, dropping it or leaving it in extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause the hard drive to fail. There are a few tips and tricks to try and get it to work again.
First, you can check the iPod for disc errors. You want to reset your iPod by holding in the center button and menu button for seven to ten seconds. Once it flashes back to the Apple logo, it will take a few seconds to load back up. During the load, the iPod automatically checks for any disc errors that might be present since last use. If you get a sad face picture on the display, you have some sort of error preventing your hard disk from loading properly.
While Apple suggest you do not use third party software to restore or defrag your iPod, various programs have been used to fix an iPod with disc errors. If you feel comfortable using one, it might just help, but if you do not want to risk it, the easiest way to go about solving this type of problem is retoring the iPod back to factory settings. If you go to iTunes and plug your iPod in, your main screen will have two options: Update or retore. Update allows you to update the firmware and other settings from Apple's web site wheres restore will reformat the hard drive disk in the iPod for a clean use.You will want to click the restore button to do just that. This will erase all information, music, photos and videos from your iPod and restore it to its original settings.
How do I change the battery?
Apple suggests that iPod users do not change the battery inside the device. In some cases, the battery is fused to the motherboard and opening the device can ruin the entire iPod. In other cases, the battery is just glued to the back casing, and you can easily replace or swap out batteries for a better one.
Many third party companies have created and designed new iPod batteries that last much longer than the lithium ion batteries that are used in the units now. In many cases, it is also cheaper than replacing the battery directly through Apple or buying a new iPod all together. Proceed with caution; replacing your iPod's battery can damage the unit and you may find yourself buying a new one if you do not know what you are doing when you crack open the device.
The first thing you want to do is purchase a new battery. Once it arrives, you will want to take apart the iPod casing. This can be the hardest part of installation. Depending on the iPod's generation, you may or may not be able to pry it open easily. Many iPod owners have suggested something like a guitar pick to open up the case; you do not want to use anything sharp, in case you slip, you do not want to damage the motherboard inside. Many battery installation kits come with the tools you need to open, install and put back together your unit. You want to work you away around the entire casing until it comes off.
Once you crack open the case, you want to lay the iPod on a non-scratch surface. Separate the two iPod parts, you will be able to point out the battery quickly from here. It is connected to the motherboard, you want to unplug the battery gently and lay it to the side. Plug in the new battery gently, and make sure it is connected securely. Lay the battery back down the same way you found the old one, and you will begin to put the cover back on. Lay the cover flat, and press down gently on all sides. Pick up the iPod and make sure the cover is on securely before continuing.
Finally, you will want to plug your iPod into a wall charger, and let it sit for four to six hours. Once it has charged, you will notice the difference in charge within a few days. If you encounter any problems, it may be a sign of a faulty installation, and you will want to contact the retailer where you purchased the replacement battery for further help or troubleshooting.
Apple does offer a warranty for battery replacement outside their one year limited warranty. This came about after several class action lawsuits that alleged Apple trumped up the capabilities of its batteries without actually testing it with real world music listeners. You can learn more at Apple's web site.
What do I do if my computer doesn't recognize the iPod?
If your computer does not recognize your iPod, you want to try the following steps: Make sure the hold switch is not on, make sure the battery is charged at least half-way and try resetting the unit to see if the Apple logo appears. If those do not work, let the iPod battery drain, recharge it, and see if that works. Again, if it does not, you will want to update the firmware by downloading the update from Apple's web site.
If these fixes do not work, it is possible a conflict may be occurring on your computer between the iPod and other USB or FireWire devices. Try a new or different USB or FireWire cable, first, and if that does not work, disconnect all USB and FireWire devices, including your keyboard and mouse, then, plug in the iPod and see if it works. If it does, one of your other devices is now conflicting with the unit, and you will want to go about trying to fix that conflict so you can potentially use both at the same time. Last but not least, try connecting the iPod to another computer and seeing if it is recognized.
Replacing an iPod battery
What do I do if troubleshooting fails?
If you can not fix your iPod, you may want to contact Apple Support or visit their web site for the closest Apple store in your vicinity. Local consumer electronics stores may also have help for you, and you can always try and find a local store that repairs iPods if it falls outside your warranty. If you do not feel comfortable troubleshooting on your own, your best bet is to take it to somebody who has experience with the units so you do not cause more harm than good during your attempts to fix your iPod.
Want to know more?
Share it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
my ipod won't turn on .it won't even charge its completely dead.what should i do?i think it has gone over its warranty.what shold i do?i can't find any contact numbers or anything?
Hana,
It sounds like your battery might be dead. Even if it's outside of warranty, you can contact Apple, because they now offer battery replacement for a fee. There are many third party options you can do for battery replacement, including doing it yourself, but I recommend spending the extra money and having Apple do it for you since they are specially trained for the replacement.
You can contact Apple at: http://www.apple.com/support/contact/phone_contact
Good luck!
my ipod doesnt want to charge.it still functions properly but it doesnt charge when connected
please help me because i am going crazy
asap
thanx
Have you tried another iPod compatible USB cord? It's possible there's something wrong with the one you have. If not, you may want to contact Apple directly and find out if this type of malfunction is covered under their warranty and where the closest Apple store is to your area.
How about an iPod Video (30 GB) that while starting flashes the apple logo, the flashes it again, but with only half or less the screen which then goes pixellated?
From the problems I've seen with iPod LCD screens, especially in the video and photo models, it sounds like your screen is cracked. While you may not see a physical crack, if the iPod is taken apart by a professional through Apple or a warranty service, they should be able to determine exactly where that crack took place. Apple does not offer warranty service on the unit for a cracked screen unless you bought their extended service in addition to the limited warranty that comes standard with the iPod.
Thanks for the info on iPods. I hope I'll never have to use this info though. ;-)
Hi, my ipod nano says www.apple.com/support/ipod. I have tried to reset it but I keep getting the same error message. Is there anything I can do?
Kelly,
There should be a graphic image accompanying that link. What does that image look like? That will tell you what the general problem is when visiting Apple's web site.
My ipod's hold button is stuck. Even when I change it off it still shows on the screen that it is on lock.. Is there something I can do to fix it??? I have tried reseting it but it doesn't do anything.. Thanx
Sasha:
It sounds like a hardware problem. Sometimes the hold switch inside the unit itself can be stuck in the same position. Even though you move the hold button, it's no longer moving the actual switch inside the unit. If your iPod is still under warranty with Apple, I suggest contacting them to fix it. If it's outside the warranty, you can take the iPod apart yourself - although make sure you know what you're doing, first - and try manually moving the switch to fix it or you can take it to a third party iPod repairer.
My ipod's wheel isn't responding, I tried restarting holding the middle and menu button, but still nothing :( I don't know what else I can do :(
Grace:
Chances are the connector inside the iPod is misaligned. If it is still under warranty, you can contact Apple to fix it. If it's not, you may want to take it to a third party repairer that can open it up and realign the wheel.
My ipod keeps restarting and i cant get it to start at all.....
Justin:
First let the iPod continue resetting until it runs out of battery life. Then, try plugging it into your computer and try reformating the hard drive by opening iTunes, and hitting the "restore" button on the mainscreen that displays all your iPod information. This assumes that the computer still recognizes the iPod. If it doesn't, and it's still under warranty, I'd contact Apple for a replacement. If not, you may want to invest in a new iPod or take it to a repair shop and see if they can replace the hard drive manually.
Apple will replace your battery for $39. It is well worth it. Although you can save money by replacing on your own, Apple has not made this easy to do and you can quite easily ruin the whole unit. I speak from experience. I still have my useless, dismantled ipod sitting in a drawer because I accidently ripped the thin connector that attaches the click wheel to the rest of the ipod. So now my battery works great but I have no control over my IPod.
---Just turned on my 5th gen. unit & the backlight stays on...tried re-setting to no avail...any suggestions?
I just replaced my 30 gb ipod video battery with a brand new one but it still doesnt charge. It did work right after i installed the new battery. When I left it on the charger for about an hour or so it didnt have any charge on it.
My ipod won't stop restarting. It won't go past the apple logo. I put it in disk mode and restored my ipod and when i unplugged it, it went back to the apple again. Please help me, it's driving me crazy and I am very dependent on my ipod.
Hey Carpesomediem! This site is awesome and the qt with the replacement of the battery in 3 minutes is out of this world! I have the same problem as Kelley describes above, but never elaborates on. I have the apple.com/support/ipod message, accompanied with a sad faced ipod and the traffic sign for 'danger' (triangle shaped with an exclamation mark ! inside). Can you help? I´ll be carping all diems if you can. (btw, I have a 5th gen 60gb ipod)
I have my IPOD Nano since Christmas 8GB and it was fully charged yesterday but tonight the IPOD will not power up, charge or do anything else. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance
My ipod does not seem to want to play video files. I've been converting them into mp4 and syncing them with itunes. They do show up in my ipod, but do not play. Any ideas?
Thanks
Hey, I just recently found an iPod laying in a snow bank outside of my high school. So, I picked it up and brought it home, after charging and deleting all the crappy music that was on there, I noticed the wheel does not work, my first thoughts was that it was in the cold for a long time, is there a way I can fix the wheel?
Hey, i have a problem with my ipod taking all of the music in itunes, i have a ipod mini that takes on all the music but my 30GB one can only take on 70 - 80 of the 700 or so songs.
if i change the battery, will it erase my music
?
I have a 30GB next gen IPOD, recently it has been locking up after playing about 4 songs. The song will just quit playing but the display screen will stay on and you can not shut it off. I have to wait for the battery to run completely down and recharge it and try it again. Any suggestion?
I have sort of problem with reseting my iPod (Classic 80GB). when it starts working Apple LOGO apprear and disappear and therefore my iPod seems to be in loop position Apple Logo appear and disppear by itself until battery gets weak . the computer does not recognize. I applied all re-start procedure but without any result. this failure happened suddenly.
hey, i wonder if anyone could help me out there. Ive had an ipod for almost 3-4 years and just today, i enocuntered a problem. First, songs would play with lots of pops and static and while on shuffle or playing a songlist one song would pop and jump to the next. Can anyone give me some tips?? i would really appreciate it Eric
my wheel does not move
When my 4Gb ipod mini is connected to the computer the ipod symbol appears on the desktop but if itunes is open, itunes becomes unresponsive. if itunes isn't open, it won't open at all. i tried resetting the ipod, but just ended up deleting all my music and not fixing the problem. any suggestions?
i have a 80GB classic and when its in my speakers charging it functions perfectly. when i remove the ipod the ipod dies strait away
any ideas what to do?
i have a classic ipod, and when i try to charge it, a battery sign pops up, with a caution sign, what does that mean?
Please Help! I have a 30 gb ipod that won't sync with my itunes library. Whenever I connect to my computer a message comes up---this ipod is synced to another itunes library. This is very strange because both ipod and pc have always worked together before and the ipod has never been coupled to another pc. I want to avoid restoring if possible.Brian.
I have a 30 gb 5th generation ipod and all of my songs wont play?
I restarted it a lot of times but its still the same.
Can anyone help me?
I have a 5th generation I-Pod I replaced the battery and still does not turn on what should I do?
Jocelyn:
Have you tried reformatting and reimporting the songs? Try that and see if it fixes the glitch. It's possible your library has become corrupt and is causing the issue.
Tony:
If you've replaced the battery and it still doesn't work, it's possible the motherboard is bad. If that's the case, and it's still within warranty, by replacing the battery on your own you've voided that warranty and will most likely have to buy a new unit. You can try and find a local mom and pop shop that may take a look at it, too.
my ipod when its connected to the computer says it cannot be updated because it is corrupted and unreadable... i don't want to restore it cause i haven't backed up my music what do i do
pants:
The only way to fix the corruption problem is to restore it. If you purchase a third-party program to transfer songs, you may be able to recover what you've lost.
is there any other way I can fix my 5th gen ipod (30GB) rather than restoring it?
Jim:
What exactly is the problem with it?
when i plug my ipod into the computer, a error message pops up saying itunes cannot read my ipod, aaand if I unplug it, any of my songs or videos wont show in it, which is weird because if I check its available disc drive it has 18GB free, exactly the number if gigas I had free before this issue showed up
The thing is, I dont want to restore it because I dont have in my possesion all the files, if any, I had saved in my ipod
so my i-pod cycles through all the songs without playing any of them. the name of the song appears but then 1-2 seconds after that, the next song comes up. I have tried reseting the i-pod and reformating it with a different computer. The battery also doesn't hold a long charge. would the 1st problem be a result of the 2nd problem?
Josiah
Hi Carpesomediem!
I have a query - sometimes when I am listening to my iPod on the move, with Sony over-ear headphones, the music pauses for no apparent reason. The headphone connection seems secure and the hold switch is engaged. Why could this be? A loose connection in the headphone lead? It doesn't happen when my iPod is plugged into speakers at home or in my car.
Thanks!
Hi there,
I have an old ipod 60 gb..the one that is very big and heavy!!! whenever i connect it to any computer it says that it is corrupted so i have to restore it. I have done that several times in different computers but the same message is still popping up!!! even if i restore the computers say it is still corrupted!!! what can i do? is there any solution...or should i just forget about it?
thanks a lot!
heya, i have just bought an ipod photo 20gb from ebay, but it just displays a file with an exclamation mark and www.apple.com/support/ipod, ive tried everything it suggests on there but with no avail!! The seller said everything was in working order and i paid £80 for it.
Can you help?
thanks
Jim:
It does sound like the files on the iPod are corrupt. I think it's in your best interest to restore the iPod, and then, try and track down your songs to put back on someway.
Chris:
When you use the iPod in your car, is it stationary or does it move around a bit? Because it's possible their is a loose connection in the iPod jack itself, but it may only become a problem with a lot of movement - such as wearing headphones while jogging, etc.
Garindann:
It's very possible your iPod is just dead. The 60 GB model you speak of is years old and may have just burned out.
Paige:
How was the iPod shipped to you? Generally, the file and folder with an exlaimation point indicates some sort of corruption with the HD in the unit. Since it's a much older unit, it's plausible that the HD was already on its way out and during shopping was jostled causing it to completely die on you.
i'm having trouble w/my 80 g ipod. there is no sound,every thing works fine...looking at it you would see no problem but there is no sound, nothing coming from the headphones or dock or fm tranmitter.please help
Ryan:
It sounds like there might be something with the audio output jack. If this is the case, and it's still under warranty, you will want to send it in for repair.
My 5th Generation iPod Video suddenly just won't turn on. It won't even charge when I tried charging it. I thought it was completely dead. The I came across your site and read about how to reset iPods which really worked for my iPod. I thank God and you for helping me fix it for free. You are a blessing in disguise! Keep up the good work!
My 5 generation 30GB ipod shows the hold button symbol in the top left hand corner of the screen but when i move the hold button it doesn't go off of hold. the hold button isnt stuck , my ipod is on hold though even though the hold button is turn on off. what can i do to fix this problem? please help me this is about to drive me crazy
Mitchelle:
Good to hear I could be of help! :)
dustin:
It's possible the hold connection is dislodged. If this is the case, you will need to get it repaired under your warranty if it's still covered.
I have ued my ipod regularly with mu Altec Lansing inMotion speakers. Today my ipod flashed a message at me saying that the accessory I had plugged the ipod into was not compatible with my ipod. I haven't updated my ipod recently. I have let some peopl with ipod touches use these speakers recently.
My ipod is an older model with a video screen. I think it is a 5th generation. It's got 30g
my headphone jack is broken the headphones work great in evety thing elas how do i fix that? email me back if u have an fix for it at Bonevilleskater@aol.com
Meredee:
Have you recently updated the firmware for the iPod? If so, it's possible that upgrade has intefered with being able to interact properly with the docking station.
Brandon:
If the headphone jack is busted, you will need to take it in for repair.
Hi, sorry for the late reply. I switched headphones my girlfriend who uses the same ones on a previous generation iPod, and all is fine! Both for me and for her. So it was clearly the headphones causing the problem, but they don't affect her iPod. Strange. Anyway, problem solved. Thanks.
I have an 80Gb Ipod and when I plug it in to charge it shows the battery charging then the apple lights up for about 1/2 second then makes a wierd noise,shuts off then does the same thing over again.It will do that over and over and over.PLEASE HELP
i have a 30g ipod video and it says that the songs are playing just fine but there is no sound comming out of my headpones or my speakes when i put it in my car. I did the diagnoistics thing and it said i had a failure code 702 with 6 fails what should i do
I have an 80gig ipod video. All of a sudden today it indicates that it is playing but there is no sound coming out of either the docking station which plugs into the bottom, headphones which plug through the headphone jack, however it WILL play through the kenwood radio that it plugs into via USB plugging into the same bottom jack that the docking station plugs into! Why will it play in the car, but not in the docking station or the headphones? I reset and restored and it has dont NOTHING to help.
my 30g 5thg has been going to the sad ipod logo when i have it on, and when it resets it actually resets but then it goes back to the sad face ipod... when i plug it into the computer it does not read, but when i put it into disk mode and plug it in it still doesnt read, it has the do not disconect sign, right befor it turns of disk mode turns of (on its own) it reads on the computer as a drive but i tried clicking it and finding the properties of it but it says its un redable, after it shuts off on its own while it is still plugged in it goes between the apple and sad face over and over again... ive tried other computers, the batteries fine i just cant figure it out... tell me what you think.. tnx
is there amy way of getting my 30gb ipod video to recognize on my pc i tried all of the steps provided on this site and still no recognition on my pc for my ipod
Hi I have an 80 gig ipod video and when I plug it into my computer it just starts turning on and off. I've left it in for a while and it doesn't stop. I've tried different usb ports, different computers and different usb cords. Any suggestions??
pleez help.
ive had my ipod for bout a month now. and its all been fine,. been watching it etc etc/
and wel today, was listening to it, and supposably put it off, bt then i tried to put it onto my comp to add songs, and i noticed that it hasforzen. I dont know wat to do!
wat should i do? i did nothing wrong. it jst froze. and wont work no matter wat i try to do?
wellywoo:
Try holding down the center button and Menu button for 7 - 10 seconds, this should reset your iPod and unfreeze it.
My ipod has been working perfectly fine, but now all of a sudden it doesn't want to charge and when I try to turn it on a picture of a folder and an exclamation point pops up with the website www.apple.com/support/ipod. What's wrong with it? It still works when I plug it into Itunes though. . .
-confused
Hi I just bought an 80 gig and the screen has a little pin hole - is that a bad pixel?
My iPOD shuffle won't sync. It keeps saying that "the required disk could not be found". I tried to restore it, but it says theres an error. 14-something, I think.
I added some new songs to my iunes, but didnt have enough memory on my iPod for them all. so i deleted some playlists like i had done before, but this time, since i deleted the playlists, it wont let me sync my iPod! I checked the sync settings and changed it to "sync all songs and playlists", and even made a new playlist with all my files on it. but it still wont sync! Your help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks! =)
ok-
I plugged my ipod in to go on itunes. It worked then like 2 hrs later (i was still on itunes)I was downloading a rented movie and *poof* the ipod icon goes away! I tried unplugging it and turning it off, I tried plugging it in and looking for it in "my computer", it also makes the sound that signals I have connected something to the computer when I plug it in!!!!! HELP!
Ever since a recent tTunes update to version 7.7, iTunes becomes unresponsive whenever I plug in my 80 GB iPod into my MacBook. The computer recognises the iPod and I can work with the non-iTunes files in the iPod. What to do?
working
spuds says:
15 months ago
A good informative hub. I love my iPod and touch wood I haven't had any problems yet. I know someone who has though.