AllyW777

Q: iTunes not recognizing iPod-what could be the problem?

So when I plug in my iPod it will charge but iTunes does not seem to recognize that the iPod is plugged in so I can't sync any new music to my iPod. I'm wondering what I can do to fix this since I really would like to add some new songs onto my iPod.

 

(My current iTunes is version 12.2.3.25, I believe, and my Mac is using OS X 10.8.5)

iPod nano, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Mar 2, 2016 5:33 AM

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Q: iTunes not recognizing iPod-what could be the problem?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 2, 2016 6:38 AM in response to AllyW777
    Level 8 (38,766 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2016 6:38 AM in response to AllyW777

    If it's been a while since you did a restart on your Mac, do so now.  Then run iTunes and connect the iPod.

     

    If that does not help, when you connect the iPod, watch the iPod's screen.  Does it say "Connected" or "Do not disconnect," or give some other indication of connection?  Or does it only show the battery charging symbol?

  • by AllyW777,

    AllyW777 AllyW777 Mar 2, 2016 6:42 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 2, 2016 6:42 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    There's no indication that my iPod is connected on iTunes-the little iPod icon that usually shows up when it's connected is not appearing. My iPod only shows the battery charging symbol.

     

    (I have tried restarting the computer then running iTunes and connecting-no success.)

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 2, 2016 6:54 AM in response to AllyW777
    Level 8 (38,766 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2016 6:54 AM in response to AllyW777

    If the iPod treats the connection to your Mac as a power-only connection, like you connected it to a USB power adapter, the USB docking cable may be faulty.  There are separate "pins" on the connector for power and data.  The data connection is not happening, which may be due to wear or damage.  If possible, try a different USB docking cable. 

     

    If you can rule out a faulty docking cable as the cause, the problem may be on the iPod side of the connection.  Visually check the dock connector for dust or debris that may be blocking the pins.

     

    Which iPod nano model do you have?  This document shows the "generations."

     

    Identify your iPod model - Apple Support

  • by AllyW777,

    AllyW777 AllyW777 Mar 2, 2016 7:03 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 2, 2016 7:03 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    7th generation nano, I believe. An older 7th generation, I've had it for at least 3 years-I believe I got in 2013-so the cable would also be about 3 years old. 

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Mar 2, 2016 7:13 AM in response to AllyW777
    Level 8 (38,766 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2016 7:13 AM in response to AllyW777

    So a Lightning cable, not the old 30-pin docking cable.  That makes it less likely to be a problem with the cable, but if you have another one to try, you should rule out faulty cable as the cause.

     

    In case there is some odd conflict between USB devices, also try disconnecting all USB devices from the Mac.  You can leave standard USB keyboard/mouse connected, if used.  Do a Reset (restart) on the iPod

     

    Learn how to reset your iPod - Apple Support

     

    Run iTunes and connect iPod to a direct USB port on the computer, by itself.  You need to get the iPod to show a data connection, not just a power connection.