Computer & music
iPod not working in the car or dock
Not playing, charging or connecting in the car, a dock or a speaker? Pick what happens and your model to see the free checks and the likely causes.
What exactly happens?
- Not working in the car or dockAlso searched as not working in car · dock not working · not working in my car
- Bose dock not workingAlso searched as bose speaker not working · bose docking station not working · bose dock speaker not working · not working on bose docking station
- Not playing in carAlso searched as won't play in car · won't play in car USB
- Speaker not workingAlso searched as external speaker not working
- Not connecting to car
- Sony docking station not workingAlso searched as not working on docking station
- Dock remote not working
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Apple's checks first: seat the iPod firmly in the dock, check every cable, and make sure the speakers or stereo are on. If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model rather than the iPod being faulty: check its box or manual for the models it supports. The 3rd Gen, for example, only charges over FireWire, so a USB-powered dock or car adapter can't charge it.
Free checks first
- In a dock, seat the iPod firmly and check that every cable is connected.
- Using the dock's line out? Make sure the speakers or stereo are turned on and working.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
iPod Classic (A1238) not working in the car or dockiPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) not working in the car or dockiPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) not working in the car or dock
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video (A1136) not working in the car or dockiPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) not working in the car or dock
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) not working in the car or dockiPod 4th Gen (A1059) not working in the car or dockiPod Photo (A1099) not working in the car or dock
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini (A1051) not working in the car or dockiPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) not working in the car or dockiPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) not working in the car or dock
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) not working in the car or dockiPod 3rd Gen (A1040) not working in the car or dock
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Bose dock not working
Also searched as bose speaker not working · bose docking station not working · bose dock speaker not working · not working on bose docking station
A Bose SoundDock or another speaker dock won't play or charge the iPod.
Free checks first
- In a dock, seat the iPod firmly and check that every cable is connected.
- On the 3rd Gen, charge from a FireWire charger: its USB cable syncs but does not charge.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Not playing in car
Also searched as won't play in car · won't play in car USB
It won't play through the car stereo over a dock or USB cable.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Speaker not working
Also searched as external speaker not working
An external speaker connected to the iPod plays nothing.
Free checks first
- Using the dock's line out? Make sure the speakers or stereo are turned on and working.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Not connecting to car
The car doesn't see the iPod when it is connected.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Sony docking station not working
Also searched as not working on docking station
A Sony or another docking station doesn't work with it.
Free checks first
- In a dock, seat the iPod firmly and check that every cable is connected.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Dock remote not working
The dock's or speaker's remote doesn't control the iPod.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
Dock or car adapter not compatible
If the iPod plays fine on headphones, the dock, speaker or car adapter may not be compatible with your iPod model, rather than the iPod being faulty. Accessories list the iPod models they work with on the box or in the manual.
Free check first Check the accessory's box or manual for your iPod model. Apple: look for the "Made for" label for your iPod.
Started after a repair or part swap
It stopped working in the car or dock after the iPod was opened.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
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Most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
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Most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
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Most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
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Most likely
A connector not seated after the repair
After a battery or part swap, a connector that is not fully seated can leave the iPod dead or half-working. We can also look at it: the free diagnostic finds the issue and whether it can be fixed without new parts.
Free check first Open it again and push every connector you touched fully back in.
Not sure — free diagnostic
Mail us your iPod and we test it and send you a free repair quote. If you don't like the price, we ship it back at our expense.
Free