iTunes Won’t Recognize iPod Nano? Here’s What To Do

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iPod Nano

Are you trying to connect your iPod Nano to iTunes but you are getting a message “An iPod has been detected but it could not be identified properly?” This problem isn’t restricted to the iPod Nano, it also occurs on the iPod classic and iPod shuffle. And since Apple uses iTunes to restore, update, backup, and even fix the iPod, this issue can be quite frustrating. In this article I will show you how to the right fix when iTunes won’t recognize iPod Nano.

Why does this problem occur?

iTunes can fail to recognize your iPod Nano if you are using a damaged cable, you haven’t updated iOS or you don’t have proper drivers installed if you are using Windows OS. Now that you’ve learnt about probable causes, lets head straight to fixing this problem:

Read Also: How to prevent iTunes from opening by itself randomly

Check your USB cable

Ensure your USB cable is plugged in to your PC or Mac correctly. Make sure it is also plugged in well to your iPod. If it isn’t working, unplug it and use another cable. You can also change devices to see where the problem is. For example, you can disconnect your iPod Nano and replace it with your iPhone. You can also try using your Notebook instead of PC. If the cable isn’t working, then you have to replace it.

Install Apple drivers on your PC

Follow these steps to check Windows Device Manager whether Apple USB drivers are installed.

  • Press the Windows Key + R simultaneously to open Run
  • Type in msc then press Enter
  • Locate and open Universal Serial Bus Controllers
  • Check whether you can locate the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver near the bottom of that window.

If you can’t locate it, then try using a different cable. If you locate it but it has a warning or question mark besides, then restart the Apple Mobile Device Service by pressing Windows Key + R then typing in services.msc then OK. Find Apple Mobile Device Service and right-click on it. Tap properties, Stop the service, then restart your PC. Open iTunes once the PC restarts.

Next, you need to install the “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” using the following instructions:

  • Disconnect your iPod Nano from your computer
  • Reconnect again your iPod Nano to your computer and close iTunes if it opens.
  • Press the Windows key and “R” key on the keyboard simultaneously to Run Command
  • Run window will open. Enter %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
  • Tap Ok
  • Locate usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf and Right click on the file.
  • Enter Install

Check software version

Your software version could be causing iPod nano not to connect to iTunes. Follow these steps to solve the issue:

  • Check whether you have the newest version of iTunes in your iPod that is compatible with your computer. If they aren’t, make sure to update first before you retry connecting your pairing your iPod with iTunes.

Other fixes

If the above fixes didn’t work, try these:

  • Check to see that your iPod Nano is turned on
  • If an alert “Trust this Computer” shows on your iPod, tap Trust
  • Restart both your iPod and your computer
  • Try connecting your iPod to another computer to find out whether it will work. If it does, then you know it is the software on your computer which is faulty.
  • Uninstall then reinstall iTunes on your PC

Finally…

Hopefully you’ve managed to solve this frustrating issue that causes iPod Nano not to connect to iTunes. If you are facing any issue with iTunes, check out our iPod category for different fixes for various problems that iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, and iPod Classic users face.