Computer & music
iPod says "No music"
Says "No music", the songs disappeared, or they show greyed out in iTunes? Pick what happens and your model to see what Apple says about it.
What exactly happens?
- Says "No music"Also searched as no music · no songs · says it has no music · shows no music · no music found · music not showing up · showing no music · doesn't show music
- Music disappearedAlso searched as songs disappeared
- Songs greyed outAlso searched as songs grayed out · songs greyed out in iTunes · iTunes songs greyed out
- No music after syncAlso searched as syncs but no music · says no music after sync
- Says no music but memory is full
- Started after a repair or part swap
- Not sure — free diagnostic
Which iPod do you have?
Most common causes, by model
Apple: syncing with another computer's library (Erase and Sync) erases the songs on the iPod and replaces them, and songs saved from Apple Music can't be synced to it.
Free checks first
- Connect the iPod. If a message offers to Erase and Sync (in newer iTunes: Remove and Sync), click Cancel: that replaces every song on the iPod with the music on this computer.
- Songs saved from Apple Music can't go on the iPod: Apple says "If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can't sync your saved Apple Music songs to a device." Songs you bought on the iTunes Store or imported from CDs can.
- If the iPod is set to manually manage music, nothing syncs on its own: drag songs onto it, or turn that option off to sync automatically.
iPod Classic (A1238) says no musiciPod Classic 6th Gen (A1238) says no musiciPod Classic 7th Gen (A1238) says no music
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yetStarted after a repair or part swap
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Video (A1136) says no musiciPod Video 5th Gen (A1136) says no music
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yetStarted after a repair or part swap
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 4th Gen or iPod Photo (A1059 and A1099) says no musiciPod 4th Gen (A1059) says no musiciPod Photo (A1099) says no music
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yetStarted after a repair or part swap
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod Mini (A1051) says no musiciPod Mini 1st Gen (A1051) says no musiciPod Mini 2nd Gen (A1051) says no music
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yetStarted after a repair or part swap
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
iPod 3rd Gen (A1040) says no musiciPod 3rd Gen (A1040) says no music
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
More causes on this page, depending on what happens
- Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yetStarted after a repair or part swap
- Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left openStarted after a repair or part swap
- A connector not seated after the repairStarted after a repair or part swap
Music disappeared
Also searched as songs disappeared
Songs vanish when the iPod syncs with a different library: Apple says that if you click Yes (Erase and Sync) on another computer, the songs on the iPod are erased and replaced.
Free checks first
- Connect the iPod. If a message offers to Erase and Sync (in newer iTunes: Remove and Sync), click Cancel: that replaces every song on the iPod with the music on this computer.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
Songs greyed out
Also searched as songs grayed out · songs greyed out in iTunes · iTunes songs greyed out
Songs show greyed out in iTunes.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
No music after sync
Also searched as syncs but no music · says no music after sync
The sync seems to finish but the iPod stays empty: songs saved from Apple Music can't be synced to it, and a manually managed iPod gets only the songs you add yourself (by dragging them, or with iTunes' Autofill).
Free checks first
- Songs saved from Apple Music can't go on the iPod: Apple says "If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can't sync your saved Apple Music songs to a device." Songs you bought on the iTunes Store or imported from CDs can.
- If the iPod is set to manually manage music, nothing syncs on its own: drag songs onto it, or turn that option off to sync automatically.
- WMA files can't go on the iPod: iTunes for Windows can convert unprotected WMA files to AAC or MP3 so they sync.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
Says no music but memory is full
It says No music, but its storage shows as full.
Free checks first
- After a flash upgrade? It hasn't been restored yet: restore it in iTunes or the Finder, then sync your music.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 6th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Classic 7th Gen
iPod Video 5th GeniPod Video 5th Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Video 5th Gen
iPod 4th Gen and iPod PhotoiPod 4th GeniPod Photo
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 4th GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Photo
iPod Mini 1st and 2nd GeniPod Mini 1st GeniPod Mini 2nd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 1st GenFree diagnostic for the iPod Mini 2nd Gen
iPod 3rd GeniPod 3rd Gen
Not sure what is causing it on this model? Send it for a free diagnostic and we tell you what it needs before any work. Free diagnosticFree diagnostic for the iPod 3rd Gen
Started after a repair or part swap
A brand new hard drive or flash drive must be restored when it is first installed: restore it, then sync your music to it.
iPod Classic 6th and 7th GeniPod Classic 6th GeniPod Classic 7th Gen
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Most likely
Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yet
A brand new hard drive or flash drive must be restored when it is first installed. Until then the iPod can sit in Disk Mode, not sync or say "No music", and a blank new drive is likely to show a folder icon or similar. Restore the iPod with iTunes or the Finder, then sync your music to it.
Free check first Connect it to the computer, then choose Restore iPod in iTunes or the Finder.
-
Next most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Also possible
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
-
Most likely
Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yet
A brand new hard drive or flash drive must be restored when it is first installed. Until then the iPod can sit in Disk Mode, not sync or say "No music". Restore the iPod with iTunes or the Finder, then sync your music to it.
Free check first Connect it to the computer, then choose Restore iPod in iTunes or the Finder.
-
Next most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Also possible
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
-
Most likely
Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yet
A brand new hard drive or flash drive must be restored when it is first installed. Until then the iPod can sit in Disk Mode, not sync or say "No music". Restore the iPod with iTunes or the Finder, then sync your music to it.
Free check first Connect it to the computer, then choose Restore iPod in iTunes or the Finder. On the 4th Gen and iPod Photo the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: connect it to a wall charger to finish. Generic or incompatible wall chargers don't always give the iPod the right voltage: Apple's A1070 wall charger works with every model and is the ideal choice.
-
Next most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Also possible
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
-
Most likely
Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yet
A brand new hard drive or flash drive must be restored when it is first installed. Until then the iPod can sit in Disk Mode, not sync or say "No music". Restore the iPod with iTunes or the Finder, then sync your music to it.
Free check first Connect it to the computer, then choose Restore iPod in iTunes or the Finder. On the Mini 1st Gen the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: connect it to a wall charger to finish. Generic or incompatible wall chargers don't always give the iPod the right voltage: Apple's A1070 wall charger works with every model and is the ideal choice.
-
Next most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Also possible
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
-
Most likely
Brand new hard drive or flash drive not restored yet
A brand new hard drive or flash drive must be restored when it is first installed. Until then the iPod can sit in Disk Mode, not sync or say "No music". Restore the iPod with iTunes or the Finder, then sync your music to it.
Free check first Connect it to the computer, then choose Restore iPod in iTunes or the Finder. On the 3rd Gen the restore can stop at a picture of a plug: connect it to its FireWire wall charger to finish. Generic or incompatible wall chargers don't always give the iPod the right voltage: Apple's A1070 wall charger works with every model and is the ideal choice.
-
Next most likely
Hard drive cable not fully in, or a latch left open
After the iPod has been opened, a hard drive cable that isn't pushed fully in, or a drive or cable latch left open, stops the drive from working.
Free check first Open it again, push the hard drive cable fully in and close every latch.
-
Also possible
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