How to Charge an iPod Shuffle Without a Docking Station

The first and second generations of the iPod Shuffle can be charged by plugging them directly into a docking station while you aren't using them. If you do not have a docking station or are using a third-generation iPod Shuffle, there are several other options available for charging the unit.

Things You'll Need

• USB cable

Instructions

Charging Via Computer

1. Power on your computer and then click the Windows "Start" icon at the bottom-left corner of the desktop. Click "Control Panel" and wait for a new window to pop up.

2. Scroll down through the list of options and click on the icon labeled "Power Options." Click on the drop-down menu below "Turn off hard disks" and set it to "Never." Click the drop-down menu below "System Hibernates" and set it to "Never."

3. Plug one end of a USB cable into the port on your iPod shuffle and the other end into an open USB port on your computer.

4. Wait for a new window to pop up on your computer asking what action you want to take.

5. Click "Open a Folder to View Files" if you need to transfer any files to or from the iPod shuffle. Close the window by clicking on the red "X" button without choosing any of the options if you just want to charge the iPod shuffle.

Charging With Other Methods

1. Plug the AC adapter that came with your iPod shuffle into the USB power adapter.

2. Connect the USB adapter to any standard wall outlet to charge the iPod shuffle.

3. Purchase an iPod car charger if you need to charge in a vehicle.

4. Plug the USB cable into the USB port on the car charger. Connect the charger into the 12-volt outlet in your car to charge the iPod shuffle.

Tips & Warnings

• The iPod shuffle uses four different light indicators to display the amount of battery power remaining. A green light indicates at least 26 percent of the battery power is remaining, orange indicates between 11 percent and 25 percent, red indicates less than 10 percent and rapidly flashing red indicates less than 1 percent.

• The iPod will take three hours to fully charge while plugged into a USB port on your computer.

• Low-powered USB ports, such as those found on USB hubs or keyboards with extra USB ports, will not charge an iPod shuffle.

• If you don't change the hibernation time on your computer the iPod shuffle will stop charging as soon as the computer goes into hibernation mode. Your iPod shuffle also will stop charging if you turn off your computer.

Resources

• Apple: iPod Shuffle User Manual
• Apple: iPod Shuffle Support Page