subject: How To Troubleshoot An Ipod Touch [print this page] As we all know, computers aren't perfectAs we all know, computers aren't perfect. Apple's iPod touch, as great as it is, is not without problems every now and then. If you come across issues with your iPod touch, run through some of these tests and troubleshooting techniques. They may save you from repair or from buying a whole new device.
Battery Doesn't Charge
If, when you plug your iPod touch into power to charge and do not notice any charging or change in your display, try the following:
* Make sure that the power source that you're using to charge the iPod is working correctly. Try plugging something else into that power source besides your iPod to be sure that the power source isn't the problem.
* If you're plugging the device into a USB port, make sure that the port is USB 2.0. Don't plug your USB cable into a keyboard, unless you're sure that the keyboard sports the high-powered USB 2.0. Most keyboards do not provide enough power to be used for charging.
* If the device is plugged in to a computer, be sure that the computer is on. If it is on, make sure that the computer is not in sleep or standby mode, as the battery on your iPod may drain instead of charge.
* Sometimes USB ports go bad. Try a different USB port.
* Sometimes USB cables go bad. Try a different USB cable.
* Use only USB to computer or USB to power adapter to charge. Firewire will not charge the iPod touch.
Short Battery Life
* There are a few things you can do to extend your iPod's battery life. These things include turning off Wi-Fi, turning down brightness, making sure that your Backlight is not set to 'Always On', turning off your Equalizer, extending Fetch time, and turning off Push mail.
* Restore your iPod. This is a last resort, but sometimes does the trick. Be sure all your data has been backed up first.
* If you've had your iPod for over a year, the battery may be dying. Look into a 3rd party battery replacement service like Milliamp LTD for replacement.
iPod Won't Turn On
* Leave the iPod plugged in to charge for at least 10 minutes, using the charging recommendations above.
* If it still doesn't turn on, try resetting the iPod while plugged in. To do this, hold down the power button (top) and the home button (front bottom) at the same time for about 10 seconds, or until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen. If you see the battery symbol instead, leave the iPod plugged in to charge for a while.
* If all else fails, try restoring in recovery mode. Keep the cable in your computer, but unplug it from the iPod. While holding down the home button, plug the cable back into the iPod. Keep the home button pressed down until you see the iTunes logo on your iPod screen. Open iTunes if it does not open automatically. You should be prompted to restore your device. Click 'OK'.
* If the device has been water damaged, you may have a bad logic board, which is typically un-repairable.
Incorrect Display
* If the display on your iPod touch looks a little strange, turn off the device, then on again. To do this, hold down the power button until you see a red slider. Slide this, wait for the device to completely turn off, then hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo appear.
* You may also try resetting your device. Hold down the home and power button until you see just the Apple logo on your screen.
* Make sure the content you're looking at isn't just messed up.
* For an image that is too dark, try adjusting your Brightness in General Settings
White Screen
* Unless you have a damaged iPod, this can usually be fixed by resetting the device. Hold down the Power Button and Home Button until you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.
* As a last resort, try restoring the device. Details above. Touch Not Responding
* Clean the screen, and be sure not to wear gloves or use the iPod with wet hands or after applying lotion.
* Try removing the plastic film or protective sheet from your device if you have one.
* If you are in an application, try forcing it to quit. Hold down the power button until the red slider appears. Then hold down the home button for a few seconds until the home page appears.
* Try restarting the device using the instructions above.
Wi-Fi Problems
* If your device cannot locate a Wi-Fi network, try moving closer to the router or hotspot.
* Make sure the router is on.
* If the Wi-Fi network is private, you'll have to create the network in Settings > Wi-Fi > Other.
* If you have low signal, move your location to make sure you're not experiencing interference. If you have any peripherals or cases, try removing these too, as they may cause interference.
* Verify that your network settings are correct in Settings > Wi-Fi > Your Network
* If all else fails, try resetting the device by holding the Power and Home buttons at the same time until you see the Apple logo appear.
Device Is Not Recognized by iTunes
* If, when you plug your device in, the iPod display tells you the device is charging, let it charge for about 10 minutes before it completely turns on. The iPod needs a certain amount of battery power to be recognized by iTunes
* Be sure you're using iTunes 7.4 or later. In iTunes, go to Help > Check for Updates to be sure.
* Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements.
* Try a different USB port, and make sure you're using at least USB 2.0 ports.
* Restart your computer
* Reinstall iTunes
If you are one of the unfortunate to have tried all the steps above and still cannot correct your specific issue, your device may need repair. If it is out of warranty, try a 3rd party repair company like Milliamp LTD or iPodJuice, and get your iPod touch up and running again!
