iPod Freezing Problems
Apple's iPod has become a widely popular and accepted way for carrying one's music on-the-go. There have been many models since the iPod was first introduced, and with differing features added over time. But all iPods share the possibility of developing problems that can cause them to freeze up and cease working. Knowing what to do if the iPod freezes up can help keep it in operation and in good condition over time.
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Significance
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The iPod is actually a computer, and like any computer there are a number of things that can be done to keep it in good operation so that it doesn't freeze up and stop working. This includes leaving some space on the hard drive or memory rather than filling it up completely and operating the controls in a deliberate and steady manner rather than punching buttons one after another immediately. The iPod's battery should also be kept as fully charged as possible.
Controls Freeze Up
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Check that the "Hold" switch at the top of the iPod is not turned on - which means that a red space is indicating that the switch is in the locked position. Move the switch to the "Open" position, which will free up the controls of the iPod so that it can be used.
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Click Wheel Freezes Up
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Reset the iPod if the Click Wheel freezes up and no longer responds. Confirm what model iPod you have and reset the iPod using the procedure indicated for that model (see link in Resources). For most models this will consist of toggling the Hold switch on and off, followed by pressing and holding the Menu and Center (Select) buttons at the same time until the Apple logo appears. The buttons are then released and the iPod resets itself after a minute or so and can then be used.
iPod Freezes Up and Won't Reset
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An iPod that has frozen and won't reset can be fixed by leaving it alone so that the battery can be fully discharged. Once this is done, plug the iPod into a stand alone battery charger or into the USB port of the computer so that it can be recharged.
Discharging the battery of the iPod can cause it to lose what it has on the hard drive or memory. For that reason, regular backing up of the iPod is recommended.
iPod Won't Restart
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To fix an iPod that has frozen and won't restart, make sure the Hold switch is in the "Open" position and then plug in the USB cable to the iPod and then into the USB port of a computer. Run iTunes. If the iPod now mounts and so can be seen in iTunes, restore the iPod to its original state and then repopulate it with music and other data from your library (or put a backup done earlier on the iPod).
iPod Freezes Up in iTunes
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An iPod that mounts in iTunes but then freezes up when a sync is being done should first be turned off but left connected to the USB cable and to the computer. Hold down the Play button (or the Home button on an iPod Touch) while also holding down the On/Off button.
Continue holding down these buttons until the iPod resets itself and presents a Syncing symbol on the display. Restore the iPod to its original state and then repopulate it from the iTunes library or put a backup that was done at an earlier time back onto the iPod.
Warning
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iPods that use hard drives are more prone to physical damage than those using sold-state memory. This damage can affect the controls and freeze the iPod on any numbers of occasions. The best solution is to avoid putting stress on the hard drive by not moving it around quickly.
Restoring the iPod to its original state will also wipe the hard drive and reformat it. This will remove all of the data on it but will also remove any corruptions or data problems that are on it which can cause problems during use.
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References
Resources
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