Q: I’m having problems with my new iPod. I have followed all of the instructions to set it up, but it’s not doing what it should.
A: It’s an unfortunate reality that out of the millions of iPods sold, some are going to have manufacturing defects or other problems. Fortunately, all iPod models come with a standard one-year warranty.
The key thing to remember is that in most cases, setting up an iPod should not be a complicated experience, and many of our readers mistakenly assume that if their iPods are not responding properly, they are the ones doing something wrong. Generally, the only exception to this is that problems with your computer can certainly affect your ability to connect and synchronize your iPod—if the computer cannot detect the device, then you will have a hard time getting it working. This can usually be diagnosed by simply trying to connect your iPod to a different computer, however.
If you are fortunate to live near an Apple Store, it’s definitely worth taking your iPod in to the local “Genius Bar” and having them take a look at it. This is a service that Apple provides as part of the iPod warranty, and in the very least they can help to determine whether or not the iPod itself is the problem. Diagnosing problems with your computer (unless it’s a Mac) will be beyond their scope, but even eliminating the iPod as a cause can help you focus on the real problem. Further, if the iPod is defective in some way, they can generally replace it for you on the spot.
Our article, Contacting Apple and Others For iPod, iTunes & Accessory Fixes provides some guidelines on how to troubleshoot your iPod, document your situation, and then contact Apple (or a third-party accessory manufacturer) to get assistance with your problem.
