Q: After three years my iPod shuffle(3rd gen) volume with earphones is too low.  I cannot raise the volume with the Apple earphones?

Select the iPod shuffle in the iTunes sidebar, under DEVICES.  Over to the right, on the Summary tab, if there checkbox there for Limiit maximum volume, make sure it is NOT checked.  Or, if you want it checked, make sure the slider bar is set to a high-enough volume.

If that is not the problem, maybe the volume control button on the headphones cord is becoming faulty.  Are you able to make the volume go down AND up (within a range that is lower than desired)? 

You can also try doing a Restore on the shuffle in iTunes, which will erase the shuffle and set it to default ("factory") settings.

I have the same issue.  I have a quick solution, not permanent though.

1. Turn On your ipod.
2. After 2 minutes, press Pause.
3. Press Play and immediately raise your volume.
4. Press Pause and Play as many times as needed until desired volume is achieved.

This is what I am doing everytime I use my ipod.  I hope this helps you.

In your case, if you have not done a Restore yet (as mentioned above), you should give it a try.  If the shuffle CAN play at a proper volume level, but does not respond properly to the controls, there may be a software or settings issue on the shuffle that may be resolved with at Restore.

Thank you. 

After Restoring my ipod (which yielded no change), I then discovered my "loophole" mentioned above. 

This volume disruption occcured spontaneously.  I never needed to adjust anything before. 

Need to update my status.  After I disconnect from my computer, my earbuds do not work properly.  I can listen, but not navigate.  

After several hours, my ipod will allow me to navigate, albeit with the low volume issue still persisting.

I have same problem anyone can help on this

Same Here. I tested the headphones in another ipod (Touch 4G) and they work fine both things (Volume and controls) but the same song is in a very low volume on the shuffle but not in touch.

I've already did the restore on the shuffle but nothing happends...

Any Idea?

Thanks!

I waited a short while just to be sure, but my device is working properly again. 

It was working for a short while.  Now, same issues.  I wait 2-3 minutes and hope it "warmed-up" enough to maneuver. 

I bought my i-shuffle 3rd gen on Christmas 2009 and I held it so proud, like it was the epitome of apple concept, all this no-button design product. It worked perfectly for 2 years. Last year my original earphones produced very low volume and I thought it was an earphone's fault. I tried other original i-phone 4 earphones with mic and control and it worked perfect again. But I had to return them back to my friend so I decided to look for i-pod shuffle 3rd gen. earphones on ebay and apple store. All genuine items are extremely expensive so I ordered twice fake ones at low prices. The first didn't work at all. The second one, the sound is too low, as my original problem. I have now decided to quit my effort to try and save the reputation of this once-a-miracle-now-worst-buy-ever apple sophisticated product. So it is no use in buying original accessories for a product which is soon bypassed by new flawless apple technology. I'll buy a classic i-pod next time, with buttons and stuff.  

I have the SAME PROBLEM with the iPod Shuffle Gen 3. I've read several ideas on how to fix it and am still stuck.

I have other iPods, older and newer than this one, so I am asking Apple:

Can you trade my "garbage" for another iPod Shuffle (even OLD is ok), for free????????? At an Apple store or via mail????

Truly, I'm not kidding.

I Have the same problem that the buttons on my earphones don't want to function with my iPod Shuffle 3rd Generation but i'm using the new apple earphones (Ear-pods), and the earphones are brand new? Can i get any help please.

Thank you

Unfortunately, the current EarPods headphones are not compatible with the 3rd gen iPod shuffle.  If you want Apple headphones, you need the previous version of Apple headphones, sold separately as replacement for iPhone.  It has a microphone that is not used with shuffle, but the control buttons should work.  Apple no longer sells it; it may be in stock elsewhere (or on eBay).

Alternately, you can use any standard headphones, including the EarPods you have, by getting an "adapter" with the control buttons.  Here's one example, but there are other similar products.

http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Headphone-Control-Adapter-iPod/dp/B003A5AXP4

I have not personally used.

I have found a solution to this problem after reading this entire string, as I had the same problem. I connected an OLD, previous version Apple earphones (not the pods). Then I turned up the volume to the max, while listening to the iPod Shuffle. I disconnected the old earphones and connected with the newer Apple pod earphones. It stayed the same and loud. Much better and needed for a workout. Hope this helps everyone.