iPod Nano Won’t Turn On – Here’s the Fix

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ipod won't turn on

If your iPod Nano, classic, or shuffle won’t turn on, then follow the steps below to fix the issue. Whether nothing appears on the screen, the iPod won’t charge, or it is stuck on the Apple logo, the following suggestions will provide a permanent fix.

Charge the iPod

Your iPod may not be responding because of a low battery. To solve this, you should charge the iPod for at least 30 minutes. Follow the steps below to charge your iPod.

  • Use a working lighting cable to connect your iPod to an Apple certified USB adapter that is plugged in to the wall. You can also plug it into your Mac, MacBook, or PC.
  • Wait for a couple of minutes until the charging indicator on the iPod Nano turns orange.
  • If nothing happens after 30 minutes, check your connections to make sure they are firm and working. Your computer should also be awake during the entire charging period.
  • Change cables or try charging another device with the same cables to confirm that it is indeed working.
  • If another device works but the iPod doesn’t, then it might need repairs. On the other hand, if your cables are having a problem, then replace them.

Check out this article if your iPod Nano isn’t charging for a quick guide on fixing the issue.

Reset your iPod

Here is how to reset various versions of the iPod:

How to reset an iPod Nano

  • Press and hold both the Sleep/Wake and Home button until the screen turns off
  • Wait until the iPod Nano restarts

How to reset an iPod classic

  • Hold the switch and move it firmly to an off position. Ensure that the orange status light isn’t showing
  • Press and hold the menu and the center or select buttons for about 10 seconds or until an Apple logo appears

How to reset an iPod shuffle

  • Turn off your iPod completely. Confirm that the status light isn’t green, since green means it is still on.
  • Wait for about 10 seconds before you turn it back on

Here is a complete guide on factory resetting an iPod.

Update the software of your iPod Nano

If your iPod Nano doesn’t turn on or charge, then updating the software might fix this problem.

  • Switch on your internet connection.
  • Using a USB cable, connect your iPod Nano to your computer
  • Open iTunes and go to Summary > Version
  • The version part of the menu will tell you if your iPod Nano has up to date software or it needs a newer version.
  • Install the latest version of the software by clicking “Update.”

Firmware issues

The Firmware which is inside your iPod Nano is the one responsible for the operation. The firmware might develop an issue maybe during an update and cause your iPod not to turn on. If this is the case, you have to reboot your iPhone Nano or force restart it.

Restore your iPod Nano

Restoring your iPod should be the last result when everything else has failed. When restoring, you will lose all the data in your iPod Nano and that is why it is important for it to be the last step. Follow this procedure to restore your iPod Nano:

  • Check to ensure you have the latest version of iTunes on your PC or Mac
  • Connect your iPod to your PC or Mac and select the device under Devices on iTunes
  • Click Summary
  • Backup your iPod’s data and settings
  • Click Restore and wait for the procedure to complete
  • Once it has restored, you can now copy your backup to iPod Nano

Use the steps outlined here if iTunes doesn’t recognize your iPod

Finally

Hopefully, you have managed to turn on your iPod Nano. If you encounter any further problems, you can check out our guides designed specifically for iPods. Also, if you have suggestions or comments, leave them below.