Mcnal

Q: My iPod Nano will no longer play on my Bose SoundDock

My iPod Nano will no longer play music through my Bose SoundDock II.  The Nano will charge when docked, but will not play music.  Instead I receive a message saying that accessory is not supported.  I have used the two together for years and have never had problem until now.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thank you.

iPod nano

Posted on May 23, 2016 7:06 AM

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Q: My iPod Nano will no longer play on my Bose SoundDock

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 23, 2016 9:15 AM in response to Mcnal
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 23, 2016 9:15 AM in response to Mcnal

    If you have not already, do a Reset (restart) on the iPod

     

    Learn how to reset your iPod - Apple Support

     

    If that does not help, you may want to do a Restore on the iPod using iTunes.  This erases the iPod, reinstalls its software, and sets it to default settings.

     

    Use iTunes on your Mac or PC to restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

  • by Mcnal,

    Mcnal Mcnal May 23, 2016 9:57 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPod
    May 23, 2016 9:57 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thank you so much for your response.  I did both a reset and a restore and neither helped.  I am beginning to think that in one of the numerous updates Apple puts out, something (either intentionally or unintentionally) made the Nano no longer able to connect to the Bose. 

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 23, 2016 10:10 AM in response to Mcnal
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 23, 2016 10:10 AM in response to Mcnal

    iTunes (on the computer) gets updated often, but the onboard software on iPods (that are not iPod touch) does not get updated, except for bug fixes on the most recent models.  Since you've owned your iPod "for years," it is unlikely to be something done by Apple, since Apple's iTunes updates do not affect how the iPod operates with the Bose system.

     

    Try "resetting" the Bose system, by disconnecting it from power for at least one minute (to power off completely), then reconnecting it.

     

    Another possibility is the connection point, on the Bose system or on the iPod, being worn out or damaged, and not making proper contact.  That is why the iPod thinks it's an unsupported accessory.  Visually inspect the connector for damage, corrosion, dust accumulation, and debris  (on both sides of the connection).

  • by Mcnal,

    Mcnal Mcnal May 23, 2016 10:27 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iPod
    May 23, 2016 10:27 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I also tried resetting the Bose, and that didn't help either.  The devices are making a connection because it will charge, just not play music.  I tried my iPhone on the Bose as well, just to see if it was the Nano, and had the same result.  After searching Google for possible solutions, it seems like a lot of people are having the same problem.  I do appreciate your suggestions though! 

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 23, 2016 10:32 AM in response to Mcnal
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 23, 2016 10:32 AM in response to Mcnal

    The devices are making a connection because it will charge, just not play music.

    There are separate "pins" for charging, audio, and data syncing, so simply charging does not indicate there is a good connection.  If the iPhone has the same problem, the cause is likely to be on the Bose system.