curly1

Q: Shuffle not mounting or appearing in iTunes

I'm unable to see my Shuffle 5th generation? (bought new in ’13) mounted nor see it in iTunes v. 12.3.1 I've tried all the applicable cures listed here: support.apple.com/en-us/HT203979 with no success. The plug in pilot light glows green for a second and then turns orange. The device plays just fine, but I'm unable to recharge it or change the material on the device.

Any further insights other than suggesting I take it to an Apple Genius?

iPod shuffle

Posted on Dec 2, 2015 8:47 AM

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Q: Shuffle not mounting or appearing in iTunes

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  • by Kenichi Watanabe,Helpful

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Dec 2, 2015 1:43 PM in response to curly1
    Level 8 (38,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 1:43 PM in response to curly1

    The light behavior has meaning, so thanks for including that... 

     

    Orange SOLID (not blinking) light means the battery is charging, but iPod can be disconnected safely.  Light turns green when battery is charged.

    Orange BLINKING light means DO NOT DISCONNECT (because iPod's disk is currently mounted by system).  Eject iPod before physically disconnecting.  NOTE:  It does not blink green.

     

    If the iPod's light is orange and does NOT blink on and off at all (even for a few seconds) before it becomes solid orange, that may mean you have a power connection, but not a data connection.  That could be caused by (1) a problem with the computer's USB port, (2) a faulty docking cable, or (3) a problem on iPod.

     

    For (1), if you have not already, shut down (power off) the computer.  Disconnect all USB devices (including any hub), and connect only the iPod to a direct USB port on computer.  If iPod's power switch in ON, move it to OFF.  Start up computer, run iTunes, and try again.  If it still does not work, test that USB port with something else (like a USB flash drive) to confirm it is working.  Also, if you have a USB power adapter, like the one that comes with iPhone (or some other device), try plugging the iPod's docking cable into it and connecting iPod.  You said it does not charge, but does it charge from a USB power adapter?

     

    For (2), you'll need to try a different docking cable or try a different iPod shuffle (3rd gen or later) with your docking cable.  If you can't do that, you'll need help from the Apple Store Genius Bar to rule out a faulty cable as the cause.  Be sure to take your cable along.

     

    If you can rule out (1) and (2), the cause is more likely to be (3).  It may be something like the headphones jack becoming worn out, so it does not make proper internal contact with plug for the data connection.

  • by curly1,

    curly1 curly1 Dec 2, 2015 1:47 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe
    Level 1 (32 points)
    Audio
    Dec 2, 2015 1:47 PM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

    Thanks for that information. All of it is very helpful.

    In this instance I think the last most likely but I'll check out all of them to take some things out of the equation. I have a feeling that after all these years of plugging the thing in and out that jack might be failing. I would, of course, love it if Apple would replace it but as the device is way out of warranty that doesn't seem very likely to happen.

  • by Kenichi Watanabe,

    Kenichi Watanabe Kenichi Watanabe Dec 2, 2015 3:03 PM in response to curly1
    Level 8 (38,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 2, 2015 3:03 PM in response to curly1

    You never know... It's that "time of year," after all...  If the Apple Store is conveniently located, I'd make an appointment at the Genius Bar and take it there.  It could be the headphones plug on the docking cable that's worn out, and NOT the headphones jack on the shuffle.