Ipod won't show up on desktop or in itunes

When i plug my ipod into my computer it doesnt show up on anything, i have tryed everything the website says and have read the other disscussions about this but it still wont show up. I reset it on my ipod but now its worse because now i have now music on it and it just has a picture when i plug it in with the usb cable and itunes sign. i have tryed it on 2 other computers with 3 cables and nothing.
Would just really like some help!

Have you tried placing the iPod in recovery mode:
iPhone and iPod touch: Unable to update or restore
In DFU mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
To see if iTunes will see the iPod so you can restore it?
Latly make an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store.

Similar Messages

Ipod won't show up on desktop or in itunes, but disk utility recognizes it

Here's one i've been trying to figure out for a while. i have an old 3g (at least, i think that's what it is...black and white display and clickwheel) ipod that I've only been using as an external hard drive for the last year or two. So, there's only one album on it and the rest of the info is back ups of documents. For whatever reason, when i plug in the ipod using firewire, i get the "do not disconnect" screen on the ipod, and itunes opens. But, the ipod does not show up in itunes or on my desktop (as it should, in disk mode). If i disconnect the ipod, i get the "you disconnected a device without removing it" pop up. One more thing, in Disk Utility, it recognizes my ipod as being there....same if i go into my "about this mac" screen and look under the firewire port. Any suggestions? I don't want to lose the information, if at all possible.

I have the same problem -- my iPod (first-gen nano) says "use iTunes to restore" in several languages, and doesn't do anything. I can see it in disk utililty and in the system profiler USB list. Fine, I think, I'll just load all my music back on after I restore.
Whoops! Apple forgot that if your iPod doesn't show up in iTunes, you can't restore it any more! Even the kbase is out of date, because it tells you (as the final step) to use iTunes to restore the thing on the page about iTunes not recognizing it.
If I reformat in Disk Utility, will my iPod be permanently damaged? Because that's looking like the last thing I'll be able to do, now that Apple has dropped standalone updaters...

My ipod won't show up as a device on itunes

Every once in a while my ipod (2nd gen) won't show up as a device on itunes. Any thoughts on what might be wrong? I really miss not being able to download my updated pocasts --- the music isn't an issue because I can still listen to whatever I had on there last, but podcasts no way to update...
I've tried different ports for the usb hub, for the usb just the chord, etc.

Well, once again if I had either thought a bit, or read another post or two I would have had an answer
I ended up following the ipod nano (2nd gen) trouble shooting steps --- and voila, it now shows up just fine. So anyone else having this probem with itunes/ipod nano on a mac -- try that first.
There are some other articles about reinstalling apple device service -- sorry don't remember the link -- but thatos for osx 10.6.8 or earlier but I'll bet just resetting your ipod will work most of the time.

My iPod won't show up on my computer or iTunes

I have a major problem. I just bought a new 4GB 3rd gen nano from Hastings. It charges fine and there are no problems, except one. It won't show up on iTunes (I have the latest version) and I checked My Computer, and it doesn't show up there either. I tried reseting it and everyting, and I reinstalled iTunes, and I restarted my computer. But nothing works.
It might help to know that this isn't my fist iPod, I also had a 1st gen nano, bu it got messed up.
Help me?

iTunes never displays the iPod in the left pane?
iTunes is shipped with a "helper application" called the "iPod Service" that runs and is used by iTunes to communicate with the iPod device. This service may be disabled.
If your system is Microsoft Windows XP and you are logged in as an Administrator:
1. Quit iTunes and, if your iPod is currently connected to your computer, safely remove it using the system tray application to manage removable devices.
2. Right click on "My Computer"
3. Select "Manage"
4. In the "Computer Management" window, left pane (tree view), follow this path:
+Computer Management (local) > Services and Applications > Services+.
5. In the right pane, scroll down to "iPod Service" and double click it.
6. If the service is listed as "Disabled" and "Stopped," change to "Manual" and "Start" it. ("Manual" will cause it to start when iTunes starts and "Start" starts the service right now.)
7. Close "Computer Management"
8. Restart iTunes and wait for it to completely come up.
9. Reconnect your iPod.
Does your iPod show up in iTunes?

IPod Doesn't Show up on Desktop or in iTunes

A friend is running Mac OS 10.4.
They are using an iPod that is one year old. However, it might be 1-3 years old.
It isn't showing up on their desktop or in iTunes.
What might a possible remedy for this?
Best,
Evan Jacobs

A reset is just rebooting the iPod. You will not lose anything and can be done without a computer...
Put the hold switch to the OFF/White position. Now toggle it ON/orange then back off again. Then press and hold both the MENU and center buttons on the iPod and hold them for a good 15 seconds or so. Your iPod should reboot starting with the Apple Logo screen.
If it doesn't work the first time, give it a second or third go. Sometimes it takes a few/several tries.
See this thread as an example of what I mean by needing to try it many times...
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=5065208
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
If a reset doesn't work then start with these articles and see if that gets you anywhere...
iPod is not recognized properly by computer when USB drivers are not installed properly or are out of date
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305136
iTunes for Windows: iTunes 7 doesn't recognize iPod
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304434
iPod missing in "My Computer" or in iTunes for Windows
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61711
Also you might try forcing the iPod into disk mode first, then connecting it to your computer and see if that makes it show up in iTunes...
Putting iPod into Disk Mode
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
Windows confuses iPod with network drive or hard drive and may keep iPod from mounting or songs may seem to disappear
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1493
Patrick

5G iPod won't appear on my desktop or iTunes using USB 2.0

My new 5G iPod won't appear on my desktop or iTunes when I have it connected to a new 2.0 USB card in my G4 733. I know the USB card works because my old iPods work through it. My new iPod only will work through the old USB 1.0 port. I've reset it (with it attached to the computer) and done all that Apple says to do.

I am having a similar problem with my Nano. Shows up in itunes, but freezes up under USB 2.0. Other devices work fine on the card, usb 1.1 has no problems, and if I update music on my nano on the 1.1 port, and then plug it into the 2.0 port I can still update Calenders onto the iPod via iTunes.
Also, i applied the ipod updater and since this was happening under Panther, upgrading to Tiger made no difference, so I can't see this being a software error.

20g ipod won't show on computer

my ipod won't show up on my computer anywhere, it is making wierd hard drive noise, can someone please help me.

Hello,
If a sad iPod icon or an exclamation point and folder icon appears on your iPod’s screen, or with sounds of clicking or HD whirring, it is usually the sign of a hard drive problem and you have the power to do something about it now. Your silver bullet of resolving your iPod issue – is to restore your iPod to factory settings.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983
If you're having trouble, try these steps at different levels one at a time until the issue is resolved. These steps will often whip your iPod back into shape.
Make sure you do all the following “TRYs”
A. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
B. Try another FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
C. Try another FireWire or USB port on your computer .
D. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
E. Try to download and install the latest version of iPod software and iTunes
http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
F. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
G. Try to put the iPod into Disk Mode if it fails to appear on the desktop
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
If none of these steps address the issue, you may need to go to Intermediate level listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the lists to see if that is what keeping iPod from appearing on your computer in order for doing the Restore.
Intermediate Level
A. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
B. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
For Mac computer
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options....” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“Partition Magic”.
C. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iPod updater.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
Advance Level
A. Diagnostic mode solution
If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod's built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a "bad" iPod.
You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
iPod 1G to 3G: "Menu" and "Play/Pause"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Menu" and "Select"
The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
iPod 1G to 3G: "REW", "FFW" and "Select"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Back" and "Select"
You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using "REW" and "FFW". The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
B. Format your iPod with a start disk
I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired.
Consider setting up a mail-in repair for your iPod http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
Or visit your local Apple Retail Store http://www.apple.com/retail/
In case your iPod is no longer covered by the warranty and you want to find a second repairing company, you can try iPodResQ at your own risk
http://www.ipodresq.com/index.php
Just in case that you are at the following situation
Your iPod warranty is expired
You don’t want to pay any service charges
You are prepared to buy a new one
You can’t accept the re-sell value of your broken iPod
Rather than leave your iPod as paper-weight or throw it away.
You can try the following, but again, only do it as your last resort and at your own risk.
Warning ! – It may or may not manage to solve your problem, and with a risk that you may further damage your iPod, which end up as an expensive paper weight or you need to pay more higher repairing cost. Therefore, please re-consider again whether you want to try the next level
Last Resort Level
1. . Disconnecting the Hard Drive and battery inside the iPod – Warning !! Your iPod warranty will be waived once you open the iPod.
In Hong Kong there are some electronic shops offering an iPod service for Sad iPod, the first thing they do is to open up the iPod’s case and disconnecting the battery and the Hard Drive from the main board of the iPod. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnecting them back. The reason behind which I can think of is to do a fully reset of a processor of the iPod. In case you want do it itself and you believe that you are good on fixing the electronics devices and have experience to deal with small bits of electronic parts, then you can read the following of how to open the iPod case for battery replacement (with pictures)
http://www.kokopellimusic.us/KM_instructions.htm
Have I tried this myself? No, I am afraid to do it myself as I am squeamish about tinkering inside electronic devices, I have few experiences that either I broke the parts (which are normally tiny or fragile) or failed to put the parts back to the main case. Therefore, I agree with suggestion to have it fixed by a Pro.
2. Do a search on Google and some topics on this discussion forum about “Sad iPod”
What should I do with my iPod? Send it or keep it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=469080&tstart=0
Strange error on iPod (probably death)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=435160&start=0&tstart=0
Sad Face on iPod for no apparent reason
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=336342&start=0&tstart=0
Meeting the Sad iPod icon
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevanthistory/2004/11/meeting_thesad.html#comment-10519524
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2236095#2236095
iPod Photo: unhappy icon + warranty question
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2233746#2233746
4th Gen iPod Users - are we all having the same problem?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2235623#2235623
Low Battery, and clicking sounds
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2237714#2237714
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2242018#2242018
Sad iPod solution
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
I am not suggesting that you should follow as well, but just read them as your reference. You are the person to make the call.

Ipod won't show on powerbook

I have tried looking at all the posts for this subjuect and nothing is helping. There are people who figure it out on there own , but they don't tell what they did. I have an Ipod nano that connects to my eMac and use to connect to my PB G3. All of a sudden my Ipod won't show up on the PB. I have tried resetting numerous times, I have downloaded the Ipod updater, but if it doesn't see it it doesn't do any good. I have put the Ipod in disk mode and that doesn't help any, I have tried finding it in disk utility and it still isn't there. I can't restore since the PB doesn't see it and restarting the computer doesn't help. I'm probably just driving myself crazy because it still works fine on the desktop but I am no always at the desktop.
HELP!!! please!!
Tim

Hi
Have you read this
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61937

My ipod won't show up on my computer. I have another ipod touch, that works fine. What should I do? Do I need a different ipo usb cord for the nano?

my ipod won't show up on my computer. I have another ipod touch, that works fine. What should I do? Do I need a different ipo usb cord for the nano?

iTunes never displays the iPod in the left pane?
iTunes is shipped with a "helper application" called the "iPod Service" that runs and is used by iTunes to communicate with the iPod device. This service may be disabled.
If your system is Microsoft Windows XP and you are logged in as an Administrator:
1. Quit iTunes and, if your iPod is currently connected to your computer, safely remove it using the system tray application to manage removable devices.
2. Right click on "My Computer"
3. Select "Manage"
4. In the "Computer Management" window, left pane (tree view), follow this path:
+Computer Management (local) > Services and Applications > Services+.
5. In the right pane, scroll down to "iPod Service" and double click it.
6. If the service is listed as "Disabled" and "Stopped," change to "Manual" and "Start" it. ("Manual" will cause it to start when iTunes starts and "Start" starts the service right now.)
7. Close "Computer Management"
8. Restart iTunes and wait for it to completely come up.
9. Reconnect your iPod.
Does your iPod show up in iTunes?

My iPod won't show up in iTunes but it does in my pc, isn't iTunes problem!

My iPod won't show up in iTunes, but it does in My Pc. And I want to say that is not an iTunes problen, cause I have an iPod nano, and it works perfect with iTunes and with windows. My iPod won't show up in any computer at all, so I have read all the articles here in Support, and none of them give me a solution. I need to restore my iPod but I can't cause doesn't appear in the source list in iTunes. Do I have to send it to Technical Support? Please Help Me someone, cause I've been posting messages for one week now, and I haven't got an answer!! Pleaseee!!

You can try putting it into disk mode to see if it makes it easier on iTunes to recognize it.
To put your iPod into disk mode:
1) make sure your hold switch is OFF (NO ORANGE SHOWING)
2) hold the menu button and the center button at the same time for about 6-10 seconds until you see an apple logo
3) AS SOON AS you see the apple logo, release the two buttons and hold down center and play/pause
4) If you've done this properly you should now see Disk Mode Ok To Disconnect with a checkmark (when connected to your computer you should see Do Not Disconnect with Disk Mode at the top)
After you have the iPod in disk mode...see if iTunes picks it up then.
Keep me update.
-Wyett

When i plug my ipod in, it shows up on desktop as a hard drive, but wont show up on itunes. All my music/videos everything has been wiped off somehow, restored it and still wont work! Please help!

When i plug my ipod in, it shows up on desktop as a hard drive, but wont show up on itunes. All my music/videos everything has been wiped off somehow, restored it and still wont work! Please help!

- Have you tried the troubleshooting here:
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows
- You can try disabling the camer notification
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1500
- Do you have any camera, scanner or similar software installed? That may prevent iTunes from seeing the iPod.

My ipod touch is showing a usb pointing to the itunes logo on the screen and nothing else. It won't switch on beyond that. Please help!

my ipod touch is showing a usb pointing to the itunes logo on the screen and nothing else. It won't switch on beyond that. Please help!

Sounds like your iPod is in restore mode. Connect it to iTunes. iTunes will pop a little message up saying that your iPod is in restore mode and asking you if you want to restore it, click yes. Your iPod will restore to factory settings and you will be given the chance to restore from a backup. You can do this or set it up as a new iPod.
Here is Apple's page on restoring your iPod.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1414
Hope that helps.

Triangle by iPod won't show up...at all.

The disclosure triangle that is supposed to be to the left of the name of my iPod won't show up at all. It did once and that is it. I have restarted and restarted, unplugged and replugged, logged-in and logged-out, and exited iTunes numerous times and I can't get the arrow to show up. It is a pain and I was hoping that someone has experienced this before and can give me some suggestions. I'm relatively new to iPod/iTunes and I am just very frustrated and would like to manually put songs on my iPod but w/out the triangle to the left...I don't know what to do. Thanks in advance!
Dell Inspiron 9100 Windows XP

I do have music on my iPod. When I first plugged it in it automatically put music on it. Then when the triangle appeared I could get to the summary tab and selected the manually sync music...and then I deleted some music I didn't want on it and ever since...no triangle. I can't even get to the summary tab w/out the triangle..can I? Thanks for your help...but I'm not sure the problem has been solved...

I got frustrated when changing my password and ended up getting about 5 e-mails from Apple, now my ipod won't show up in the window in i-tunes

I got frustrated when changing my password and ended up getting about five e-mails from Apple, saying the same thing. Now my ipod won't show up in the itunes window.

Device not recognized
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538

IPod won't show up - firewire dead?

My iPod won't show up on my Power Mac G4. Not it iTunes or in Finder. It does charge though. I had a M-Audio FireWire 410 that I unplugged while PM was running. Since then my FireWire devices won't show up in the computer.
How can I find out if my firewire ports are dead?

Here's my offering:
Thought you could use this info about getting FireWire to work!
First, you should always Repair Permissions in Disk Utility before and after any update; I would do that now. If you installed your update with FireWire plugged in, your Mac may not recognize it anymore.
Try resetting your FireWire ports by disconnecting all FW devices, shut down your Mac and unplug it from AC power (wall socket) for 30 minutes. plug it back in and try FW.
If that did'nt work, download the combo update from this site (yours may be corrupt), not Software Update, disconnect all firewire + USB devices except keyboard + mouse, Repair Permissions, re-install update, Repair Permissions again + try. Yours is the 10.3.9 Combo update. Others reading, download the Combo that applies to your system.
If that still did'nt get it Zap the PRAM. While restarting Mac hold down the following key combo Command-Option-P-R. Keep holding those keys down till you hear the second start-up chime, then release.
For those of you with Macs that are not PowerBooks or iBooks, a bad internal battery can cause FireWire to not be recognized, so make sure it's good!
Good Luck!
Cheers!
DALE

Ipod won't show up on desktop or in itunes

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for