sharizal

Q: My new iPod shuffle (4th gen.) won't turn on even after 3 hours of charging

I just got a new 4th generation iPod shuffle and it won't power up when I turn it on. I charged the unit overnight using my desktop USB port - I believe it is charging since its status light is constant amber. Upon unplugging the unit and turning it on, it still won't power up - the status indicator is blank. I've also tried using an iPhone power adapter to charge the unit for 3 hours but the status light still maintains as constant amber while charging. I do not have any problems syncing my music. I have also tried updating the firmware but to no success. What might be the problem?

iPod shuffle

Posted on Sep 29, 2016 11:28 PM

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Q: My new iPod shuffle (4th gen.) won't turn on even after 3 hours of charging

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Solvedanswer

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Oct 2, 2016 6:39 AM in response to sharizal
    Level 8 (39,783 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 2, 2016 6:39 AM in response to sharizal

    When you connect it to the USB power adapter, the shuffle's light should be solid (not blinking) amber while charging.  It should eventually become solid green when fully charged.  While connected to the computer, it blinks amber while iTunes is syncing.  If Manually manage music or Enable disk use is enabled, it continuously blinks amber while connected to computer, until you Eject it in iTunes.  Blinking light is always amber (not green), and means Do not disconnect (eject iPod before disconnecting)Solid light indicates battery charging status, and means OK to disconnect.

     

    After disconnecting shuffle, when you move power switch to ON position, if you don't see the shuffle's light come ON at all, the shuffle may have a defective battery.  If the shuffle's light does not ever become solid green when charging from USB power adapter, that may also indicate a battery problem.

     

    Since it's brand new, you should return it for refund or exchange it for another one.

  • by sharizal,

    sharizal sharizal Oct 2, 2016 7:09 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    Oct 2, 2016 7:09 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thank you for the advice. After performing a list of checks including the ones you had recommended, I have come to the conclusion that my new unit may have a defective battery. Unfortunately I am unable to verify if the warranty is still active since I won it in a lucky draw. I did try checking online using the serial number, but I don't know the purchase date. It's very unfortunate. Thanks again

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Oct 3, 2016 6:11 PM in response to sharizal
    Level 8 (39,783 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 3, 2016 6:11 PM in response to sharizal

    Did you use this web page (with shuffle's serial number) to check on current warranty coverage?

     

    https://checkcoverage.apple.com/

     

    You may not need the purchase receipt, if Apple's database knows when this shuffle was sold.

     

    Also, take a look at this document.  In the portion about iPod shuffle, you may be able to tell approximately when it was produced, by its color

     

    Identify your iPod model - Apple Support

     

    Since you did not buy it, it's possible that your shuffle was produced many years ago; the 4th gen shuffle has been around since 2010.  If your shuffle was sitting on a shelf for a long time, its lithium battery (without being recharged) can become unable to charge.

  • by sharizal,

    sharizal sharizal Oct 3, 2016 6:21 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPod
    Oct 3, 2016 6:21 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    I did use the link (i.e. checkcoverage) to check the status of my warranty. It requires me to validate your product's purchase date. It also mentions "Apple is unable to provide information about your service coverage". But judging from the colour of my iPod (i.e. light blue), it is the first batch of 4th gen. iPod shuffles that were produced between 2010 - early 2012. I believe my iPod is indeed an old unit and the battery is dead. I'd need to pay the service and battery replacement cost if I want to get it fixed, which I believe to be more than half the cost of a new shuffle.

     

    I would like to thank you for your advice and going the extra mile to help me with this problem. Although the unit is still unusable, I learnt something from this experience through your guidance. I really appreciate it, many thanks @Kenichi Watanabe!

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Oct 3, 2016 6:31 PM in response to sharizal
    Level 8 (39,783 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 3, 2016 6:31 PM in response to sharizal

    That's too bad...   Thanks for reporting back with outcome.