First Steps: Troubleshooting your iPod touch

We don't do a lot of iPod posts here at MacFixIt, though with the rising popularity of the iPod touch, I think keeping tabs on one of Apple's hottest products is a pretty good idea. If you're finding issues with your iPod touch, there are some basic first steps you can do that could possibly save you from a trip to the Apple Store or a phone call to AppleCare.

First thing's first. Your battery. Enabling WiFi, push syncing your contacts, playing graphics-intensive games, and watching movies all help decrease your battery life quicker. If you are experiencing issues with your battery or overall power consumption, try these steps:

1. Be sure your power source is working. Plug another device into the same outlet to see if power is present. If you are charging your iPod touch using a computer's USB port, be sure it is USB 2.0. Most peripheral devices, such as keyboards, that offer USB ports typically do not have enough power to properly charge your iPod touch. Be sure to plug directly into your computer's USB port.
2. Test your cables. Try using another USB to dock connector cable with your iPod touch.
3. For more on charging your iPod touch battery, reference this article from Apple.
4. If your screen is signaling a low battery charge, plug your iPod touch into power and let it charge completely before disconnecting.
5. If your iPod touch will not power on, be sure to check all of the above steps. Plug your iPod touch into a power source and reset it. Hold the Sleep/Wake button on top and the Home button until the Apple logo or battery symbol appears. Once you see either the logo or the battery symbol, let your iPod touch charge until it is complete.
6. If your iPod touch does not power on after resetting it, try to restore it in recovery mode:
   1. Connect a USB cable to your computer (but not your iPod touch).
   2. Be sure your iPod touch is powered off. Press and hold the Home button while connecting the USB cable to your iPod touch.
   3. Continue holding the Home button until the iPod touch starts up. You should see the "Connect to iTunes" message displayed on your iPod touch, and iTunes will alert you that it has detected your iPod touch is in recovery mode. You should then be able to restore your data from your last backup.
7. Finally, you should check for water damage to your iPod touch. The Liquid Submersion Indicator is located in the headphone jack of your iPod touch, as shown in this diagram:
   

   If your Liquid Submersion Indicator is read, you have water damage.

   (Credit: Picture by Apple)

Most other common issues with your iPod touch can be solved by running through these steps:

1. First, try turning your iPod touch off and then on again. This is especially recommended after installing new applications.
2. Next, try resetting your iPod touch by holding the Sleep/Wake button on top and the Home button until the Apple logo appears.
3. If you are still experiencing issues, plug your iPod touch into your computer. Be sure you have the latest software updates for iTunes and your iPod touch. Let your iPod touch make a backup of all your data then click Restore.
4. For some specific issues, you can reference this Apple knowledge base article for possible resolutions.
5. If you have attempted all of the above and are still experiencing issues with your iPod touch, try making an appointment at your nearest Genius Bar (if available), a local AppleCare technician, or calling AppleCare at 1.800.APL.CARE.