iPod Error Codes

**T Sizzles** · 12-19-2006, 09:51 PM

Here is a list of the error codes your iPod will display if it is malfunctioning: (FROM APPLE.COM)

iPod displays a sad iPod iconIssue or symptom

iPod displays a sad iPod icon

and

iPod is not recognized in iTunes
iPod is not recognized in My Computer (Windows) or iPod not recognized in Finder (Mac OS X)

Products affected

Any iPod with an LCD display

Solution

In most cases, the sad iPod icon indicates a hardware issue. If you are able to force iPod into Disk Mode, then it may not be a hardware issue, and you should try to restore your iPod with the latest software.
If you cannot force your iPod into disk mode and restore it, then your iPod is in need of service, set up an iPod Service Request or visit your local Apple Retail Store.
Additional information

For an easy to follow QuickTime movie, view the Troubleshooting & Extras section of the iPod Tutorials at
www.apple.com/support/ipod/tutorial.
Related documents

61003: "iPod displays a folder icon with an exclamation point

iPod displays a folder icon with an exclamation pointFind out what you can do if you see a folder icon with an exclamation point when you turn on your iPod.
Tip: Check out this helpful movie, as well as this one.

If you use an iPod with a Click Wheel (including iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod with color display, iPod photo, and Fifth Generation iPod) on a Windows-compatible computer, click here before continuing. If you're not sure what iPod model you have, click here.
Connect the iPod to your computer. If an alert message appears suggesting that your iPod needs to be either repaired or reformatted, you can click OK or Update to launch the iPod Updater application which you can use to restore the iPod. If this alert message does not appear when connecting the iPod to your computer, continue with the suggestions below.
Charge

The battery may be low. Charge the battery by connecting iPod to your computer using the cable that came with iPod, or by connecting to an Apple iPod Power Adapter. Verify that the iPod is receiving a charge by looking for a lighting bolt icon or charging animation. Click here for more charging information.
Reset

The iPod may have locked up. Reset iPod.
Restore

Some iPod models require a specific or later version of iPod software. The iPod may have been partitioned or reformatted using an incompatible format. Restore the iPod using the latest version of the iPod Updater application. Tip: If the iPod Updater doesn't recognize the iPod, try forcing the iPod into disk mode and then try the restore again.
Service

If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired. You can arrange for service at the iPod Service Website.
Related documents

61771: iPod does not appear in iTunes or on the desktop, an exclamation point or sad iPod icon appears onscreen
93736: iPod shows a folder icon with exclamation point after disconnecting from a Windows PC
60999: iPod: Only Apple Logo appears on display when turned on
93936: iPod iconology or what does this picture on my iPod mean?
Related Terms: exclamation mark, warning icon, triangle icon, alert, startup, start up, boot, booting, freeze, freezes, freezing, frozen, blink, blinking, flash, flashing

iPod: About the battery charge status iconIf you have an iPod shuffle, click here for instructions.
The battery icon on an iPod screen indicates the state of the internal battery. If the iPod is awake, a small version of the icon appears in the upper right hand corner of the display. If the iPod is asleep while being charged, a larger version of the same icon appears in the center of the screen. When an iPod is charging, the battery icon changes to a battery with a lightning bolt, and the progress bars on the icon animates to indicate that the battery is charging. If a lighting bolt doesn't appear in the battery charge status icon when you charge iPod, check the connections to your computer or iPod AC adapter.

Charging (color screen)Charging (monochrome screen)When the charging has completed, the icon will cease to animate and will show a full battery with the lightning bolt and say "Charged" at the top of the screen.

Full charge (color screen)Full charge (monochrome screen)When an iPod is disconnected from the power adapter or from your computer, the black or green bar in the icon indicates how much charge is left and the lightning bolt will disappear. The indicator may take a few moments to accurately reflect the remaining charge after being disconnected.
With some iPods, if your battery has been fully or nearly discharged, one of the screens shown below may appear when connected to your computer's USB port. In this state, iPod is not able to connect to your computer or appear in iTunes right away. Just leave the iPod connected; when the iPod is sufficiently charged it will turn on, enabling you to sync it with iTunes. Note: Depending on the iPod model and how depleted the battery is, you may need to charge your iPod for up to 30 minutes before the iPod can turn on. Your iPod can be charged more quickly with the iPod USB Power Adapter.

Very low battery
(animated screen) Very low battery
(non-animated screen for color
and monochrome models)If the charging icon is animated (but does not show the very low battery message) and your computer doesn't recognize it, check these documents: If you have a Mac
If you have a Windows-based PC Additional information

After about 14 to 28 days of no use, the battery will need to be charged. Click here for tips on battery usage.
The iPod battery can't be removed, but Apple can install a replacement for you.
Note: Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See iPod Batteries
Related documents

61434: "Tips and tricks to get the most out of your iPod's battery"
60941: "iPod's battery doesn't charge"
61127: "Charging your iPod battery" Related Terms: Low, move, moving, moved

About the Do not disconnect and OK to disconnect screens for iPodLearn about the disconnect screens that are part of iPod software.
iPod has two disconnect screens. They let you know when it is safe to unplug iPod from your computer's USB or FireWire port. Incorrectly disconnecting iPod while it is in use can damage data on iPod, or the computer's hard disk.
The first screen appears when you connect iPod to the computer.

"Do not disconnect" screen.
As long as iPod is connected to the computer, and you have not ejected it from the Finder or iTunes, the "Do not disconnect" screen appears.
To disconnect iPod from your computer, you must first eject it. Follow the instructions in "Disconnecting iPod from your computer". Once you have ejected iPod, the second disconnect screen appears.

"OK to disconnect" screen
You may now safely unplug the FireWire or USB cable from iPod.

When you first connect iPod to your computer, the "OK to disconnect" screen may briefly appear until the computer recognizes iPod is connected. This is normal.
These screens do not appear if your computer is in sleep mode. Wake your computer before disconnecting iPod.
These screens do not appear if iPod is connected to the Apple iPod Power Adapter. You may disconnect iPod from the Apple iPod Power Adapter at any time.

If your iPod displays this message but is not connected to a computer, or another device such as iPod Camera Connector, reset it to remove it from disk mode.
To avoid this behavior in the future, make sure that you safely disconnect your iPod prior to disconnecting it from your computer.