How to Disconnect an iPod

iPod connects to your computer via a USB cable.

Introduced in 2001, iPod devices created a convenient way for people to carry around their favorite electronic audio and video files. Developed by Apple Inc., iPods easily connect to any computer that is equipped with a USB port. With the help of the iTunes computer software application, also created by Apple Inc., iPod users can move files from the computer to the iPod and also download files from the Internet. Once the connection between the iPod and computer is established, it is not always safe to disconnect the two before following a series of important steps.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Mouse
• iPod
• USB cable

Instructions

1. Move your computer's cursor to the left hand side of your computer screen while you are still in iTunes. Look for the "Devices" drop down box and click on the "iPod" icon.

2. Click on the "Eject iPod" icon, which is to the right of the iPod icon. Wait for the screen on your iPod to read "OK to disconnect" and remove the USB cord from your computer.

3. Try an alternate disconnection method by choosing the iPod icon from the devices drop down box, and press the "E" key on your computer's keyboard while holding down the control key. Wait for the screen on your iPod to read "OK to disconnect" and remove the USB cable from your computer.

4. Click on the start menu if you are running Windows Vista or the "My Computer" icon if your computer runs on Windows 2000 or XP. Move your mouse to the iPod icon and right click. Click on "Eject" in the shortcut menu. Wait for the screen on your iPod to read "OK to disconnect" and remove the USB cable from your computer.

5. Locate the finder icon inside of the Dock and click it with your mouse, if you have a Macintosh computer. Right click on the iPod icon with your mouse. Click on "Eject" in the shortcut menu. Wait for the screen on your iPod to read "OK to disconnect" and remove the USB cable from your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• It is safe to disconnect your iPod if the screen displays "Charging" or "Ok to disconnect," or if the iPod's screen displays the "Main menu," "Music," "Settings," or "Extras" or if the iPod shuffle screen shows a solid amber or green light.

• If your iPod continues to display "do not connect" despite the fact that you have gone through the steps, you may need to reset it.

• Never disconnect the iPod if the iPod's screen displays "Do not disconnect," "Connected, Eject Before Disconnecting," "Sync in Progress, Please Wait..." or if the iPod shuffle displays a blinking amber LED. You may lose or corrupt your iPod data.

References

• Georgia College and State University: Apple + iPods @ GCSU
• Apple: Safely disconnect iPod
• Apple: iPod: How to Safely Disconnect if iPod doesn't eject

Resources

• Apple: How to reset iPod