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Have an iPod that won't charge? There are several different things that can prevent your iPod from getting, or holding a charge. Let's go through each possible problem one by one...
First off, connect your iPod to your computer with the FireWire or USB 2.0 cable that came with your iPod. Don't use that $2 cable you bought off the street vender by your local subway stop. That cheap cable may be the problem. Not all cables are created equal. Do you have an older iPod? 3G iPods and younger require the official iPod FireWire 6-pin cable (NOT USB). An iPod USB cable will allow you to connect your iPod to your computer but it wont charge an older iPod. You should always use the official iPod USB or FireWire cable when troubleshooting issues with your iPod.
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![]() A frozen iPod won't charge. Restart your iPod now if it's frozen.
If you iPod is't listed here, please see this page for more info. |
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LOW POWERED PORTS Are you trying to use a low power USB port? USB ports in your keyboard or a USB hub that doesn't have a power supply will NOT have enough power to charge your iPod. These ports only have enough juice for low power peripherals like computer mice. iPods that connect to USB ports, require a high-power USB 2.0 port. Connect your iPod directly into a USB 2.0 port usually located in the back of your computer.
If your computer doesn't have a 6-pin FireWire cable or a USB 2.0 port, then you should probably consider purchasing an Apple iPod Power Adapter
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BAD USB OR FIREWIRE PORTS
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Try unplugging all extra devices (cameras, scanners, Palm Pilots, etc) from your computer. Sometimes when chained together, these devices can drain all the power from your USB/FireWire ports and prevent other devices from functioning properly. Apple's iSight camera is one such problematic device.
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If you have access to another computer, try plugging your iPod into a different computer. This can help you narrow down if the issue is with your iPod or your computer. |
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![]() Has your pet recently chewed up your cable? If something is wrong with the FireWire or USB cable that came with iPod, it may not supply any power to charge the battery. Try another cable if you have one, or borrow one from a friend. |
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IS YOUR SOFTWARE UP TO DATE? Is your operating system up to date? Mac users should run Software Update (Applications > System Preferences) and PC users should check windowsupdate.com. Also remember that iTunes only works with Windows 2000 or higher and Mac OS X.
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LOOSE CABLE Is your cable not plugged in all the way? Make sure the cable is completely plugged in. |
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NOTHING WORKED?! Oh no, none of the above worked? If none of these suggestions helped, you may have a hardware problem. You might even have a bad battery. Check out VIP Repair Service for more information and how to get it fixed.
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