Whenever I try to turn on my iPod I see a sad frowning face on the screen. After I see this icon, I am unable to use the iPod. What should I do?
Despite the fact that it feels pretty solid in your hands, the iPod has proven to be a fragile peice of equipment. Seeing the “sad face icon” is usually cause for concern - you can probably guess that it doesn’t forecast anything good. According to this AppleCare support document, your iPod’s “sad face icon” is trying to communicate one of a number of things:
- Your computer does not meet the iPod’s minimum system requirements.
- You need to identify a more effective method of connecting your iPod to your computer.
- Your iPod needs to be reset.
- Your iPod is malfunctioning and needs to be professionally repaired.
Your compter does not meet the iPod’s minimum system requirements
Just like all other computer hardware and software, iPods have minimum system requirements that your computer must meet in order for the iPod to operate properly. If you are unsure of your specific iPod’s system requirements, consult this AppleCare support article on iPod minimum system requirements.
You need to identify a more effective method of connecting your iPod to your computer
Do you have a version of Mac OS previous to Mac OS 10.3.4? You may be able to use the Apple iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable.
Do you have a version of Mac OS equal to or greater than Mac OS 10.3.4? You may be able to use the Apple iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 cable.
Your iPod needs to be reset
Method 1: put your iPod in disk mode. Disk mode means that your iPod attaches itself to your computer in the same manner as a device such as an external hard drive or a digital camera. In the case of Windows, it will appear on the My Computer screen with a drive letter. In the case of Mac OS X, it will mount to your system and display an icon on both your Desktop and in the Finder.
In order to put your iPod into disk mode, consult the article “Putting iPod into Disk Mode” from AppleCare support. If you are successful in placing your iPod into disk mode (i.e. you can see the iPod on your desktop, in My Computer or in iTunes) then you may proceed with restoring your iPod to factory settings.
Method 2: reset your iPod: If you are unable to put your iPod into disk mode, then consult the article “iPod isn’t responding - it appears to be frozen“. This article will instruct you on how to reset your iPod.
Your iPod needs to be professionally repaired
Often times the “sad face icon” means that you need to consult an Apple certified professional. Your iPod could quite possibly have some serious hardware problems. If you can, take a trip to the Apple Store and explain your problem to one of the Geniuses on duty. They’ll most likely be able to deduce the source of your iPod’s problem and solve it. Be forewarned though - the “sad face icon” may signify the need to service or completely replace your iPod.
Caution! Resetting or formatting your iPod may result in erasing its entire contents, including your music and other multimedia files. You should make sure that you have all of these files back up in another location, aside from your iPod.
Sources
- Apple Computer. “iPod displays a sad iPod icon“. September 30, 2002. AppleCare Support.
<http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61771>
