iPod classic stuck in recovery mode

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iPod classic stuck in recovery mode

Something happened when I was syncing my 160 GB ipod classic yesterday, and it became corrupted. Whenever I tried to connect it, itunes would immediately freeze, and explorer would freeze when I tried to access the ipod that way as well.

So, I held menu+action down for 12 seconds to do a complete reset. Now, the ipod is stuck in recovery mode. The problem is that whenever I try to reconnect it to my computer, I get this message: "itunes has detected an iPod in recovery mode. You must restore this iPod before it can be used with iTunes"

BUT, then the iPod immediately disconnects from the computer. It's stuck in a constant loop where it connects, will stay connected for between 3 and 5 seconds, and then disconnects and resets itself. It doesn't stay connected long enough for my to do anything via iTunes or explorer.

Any advice?

I run Windows 10 if that makes any difference, and have the latest version of iTunes.

iPod classic, null

Posted on Oct 10, 2016 10:02 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 10, 2016 12:18 PM in response to stpn47

The most likely cause is a faulty hard drive in iPod. The initial symptom was data corruption, followed by causing iTunes (and overall computer) to "freeze" when connected. Resetting put iPod into Disk Mode ("recovery").

You can try intentionally putting iPod into Disk Mode, to see if it behaves differently than current "loop" situation

How to put your iPod into disk mode - Apple Support

If there's no hardware problem, iPod should act like a USB storage device and not disconnect. To rule out other possibilities, before connecting iPod to computer, shut down (power off) computer and disconnect all USB devices. You can leave standard USB keyboard/mouse connected, if used. If your computer is a laptop, connect its power adapter (so it's not running on battery power).

Start up computer, run iTunes, and connect iPod (in Disk Mode) to a direct USB port on computer, by itself. Try more than one USB port. If possible, try using a different USB docking cable, to rule out faulty cable.

Also, if you have access to a different computer with iTunes installed, try connecting iPod there.

If iPod's hard drive is faulty, you can consider replacing it with flash-based storage, in the form of commonly available compact flash card or SDXC card, on an adapter. This web site has relevant information

https://www.iflash.xyz/

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