RutuP

Q: ipod nano no longer works with Bose headphones

My fairly new iPod nano no longer works with either of my Bose headphones (Bose sport & Quietcomfort) - the iPod has stopped responding to the headphone controls. I know it is the iPod that has a problem as the headphones still work with my phone.

iPod nano

Posted on May 24, 2016 3:12 PM

Close

Q: ipod nano no longer works with Bose headphones

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 24, 2016 3:16 PM in response to RutuP
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 24, 2016 3:16 PM in response to RutuP

    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 RutuP,

    RutuP RutuP May 24, 2016 3:42 PM in response to RutuP
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    May 24, 2016 3:42 PM in response to RutuP

    I did a complete Restore - it did not make a difference

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 24, 2016 3:45 PM in response to RutuP
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 24, 2016 3:45 PM in response to RutuP

    In case the nearby phone is interfering somehow, turn OFF the phone (or just its Bluetooth), to see if that makes a difference.

  • by RutuP,

    RutuP RutuP May 24, 2016 4:02 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    May 24, 2016 4:02 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I turned my phone off and now the controls on both my headphones are working - but still getting the audio description turning on and at times i have to adjust the jack for the controls to work.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 25, 2016 6:20 AM in response to RutuP
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 25, 2016 6:20 AM in response to RutuP

    I didn't realize the two topics were from the same person... 

     

    If the problem (related to the headphones jack) recurs after doing a Restore, since the Restore reinstalls the iPod's onboard software and resets settings, so the cause is likely to be a hardware problem.

     

    Are you saying this problem only happens when using Bluetooth-connected headphones?  Does it happen at all when using Bluetooth-connected headphones (when you don't have anything inserted in the headphones jack)?

  • by RutuP,

    RutuP RutuP May 24, 2016 11:57 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    May 24, 2016 11:57 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Hello Kenichi,

     

    I have only noticed the problem when the headphone jack is inserted into the ipod. The headphones are not bluetooth. I have used my ipod with bluetooth speakers and not had any problems with it.

    This morning I was able to listen to my ipod with the Bose quiet comfort without any problems. I will monitor it for a while with both headphones.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 25, 2016 6:20 AM in response to RutuP
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 25, 2016 6:20 AM in response to RutuP

    As you suspect, there is probably a fault in the headphones jack that causes this problem, when you have a plug inserted.  Fortunately, you have not one but two Bluetooth headphones that you can use instead of wired headphones.  I don't know how old your 7th gen iPod nano is, but IF it's less than one year from purchase date, it is under warranty.

  • by RutuP,

    RutuP RutuP May 25, 2016 1:20 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    May 25, 2016 1:20 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    They are both wired headphones - not bluetooth.

     

    I will pop into an Apple store on friday - do i need to book a slot for the help desk?

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe May 25, 2016 1:44 AM in response to RutuP
    Level 8 (38,788 points)
    Mac OS X
    May 25, 2016 1:44 AM in response to RutuP

    Oh, sorry.  For some reason, I thought they were Bluetooth headphones (probably my confusion with another unrelated topic).  But wait... I wonder why the headphones controls started working properly after you turned off your phone.  That bit of advice was given, because I was confused and thought your Bose headphones were Bluetooth (wireless), and thought maybe the phone's Bluetooth was interfering.  If I had correctly understood that your headphones are wired, I would not have made that suggestion.  Very weird that turning OFF your phone is what made your wired headphones work properly. 

    I will pop into an Apple store on friday - do i need to book a slot for the help desk?

    If possible, you should use the store's web page to make a reservation at the Genius Bar (the store's tech support staff), to avoid waiting

     

    https://www.apple.com/retail/

  • by RutuP,

    RutuP RutuP May 25, 2016 5:25 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    May 25, 2016 5:25 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Yeah I thought that was weird too but it did fix part of the problem. I wonder if the headphones controls stopped working after using the ipod with the bluetooth speakers - i will test it out.

    I have booked a Genius Bar slot for Friday morning.

     

    Thank you very much for you help with this . Will update here once I've tested the bluetooth speakers again.