How to Troubleshoot an Apple iPod Nano

Troubleshoot your iPod nano by updating or restoring it.

While basic troubleshooting for the iPod nano includes restarting it to unfreeze device hard disk hangups, you can also correct common issues with the device by updating the nano's firmware through iTunes and lastly restoring it to the original settings. Whereas the firmware update does not affect your nano's content, a restoration deletes your data. According to Apple, restoring the iPod nano removes all of your user data and media from the device and requires synchronizing your information back to the iPod nano.

Things You'll Need

• IPod dock connector cable
• ITunes 9 or later

Instructions

Reset and Update Nano

1. Hold the "Menu" and "Center" buttons until the nano's screen shuts off and restarts. Plug the dock connector cable into the iPod nano and into the USB port on the computer.

2. Open iTunes. Select the iPod nano's tab in the program's side window, and click the "Summary" tab. Click "Check for Update" in the Version section of the iPod nano's preferences.

3. Click "Update" and leave the iPod nano plugged in to the computer until the update completes.

4. Click "Controls" on the iTunes' menu and "Eject iPod."

Restore Nano

1. Plug the dock connector cable into the iPod nano and into the USB port on the computer.

2. Open iTunes. Select the iPod nano's tab in the program's side window, and click the "Summary" tab. Click "Restore" and leave the iPod nano plugged in to the computer until iTunes finishes restoring your iPod nano to the factory settings.

3. Click the "Eject" button on the iPod nano's tab in the iTunes' side menu.

References

• Apple: iPod Nano User Guide
• Apple: How to Reset iPod

Resources

• Apple: iTunes