iPod nano (6th generation) not appearing in iTunes

First, make sure your computer has the following:

• USB 2.0 port
• The latest version of iTunes

And one of these operating systems:

• Mac OS X version 10.5.8 or later
• Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
• Windows Vista
• Windows 7

Make sure that you have the latest software updates installed for your computer operating system.

• To update your Windows software, select Windows Update from the Tools menu of Internet Explorer.
• To update your Mac OS software, choose Software Update from the Apple menu.

If your computer does not meet these system requirements, you will need to upgrade your computer before using iPod nano.

If iPod nano is very low on power, it may display an on-screen message such as "Charging, Please Wait" or "Connect to Power", indicating that the device needs to charge for up to ten minutes before you can use it.

Once charging begins, the display may be blank for up to two minutes before one of the low-battery images appears.

Connect iPod nano to a USB port that is built into the computer instead of the keyboard or an external USB hub.

If iPod nano still doesn't appear in iTunes:

• Try a different USB port.
• Unplug all other USB devices from the computer (such as printers, digital cameras, or scanners) other than your keyboard and mouse. Then restart the computer and connect iPod nano.

If iPod nano doesn't appear in iTunes after the computer wakes from sleep, try disconnecting and reconnecting the iPod to the USB sync cable.

To reset iPod nano try Step #1 or Step #2:

1. Press the Sleep/Wake button and the Volume Down button for at least 8 seconds until the Apple logo appears. You may need to repeat this step.

2. From the Home screen on the device, tap Settings then:

• Tap Reset Settings.
• Tap Reset.
• Tap your language, then tap Done.

If the above steps did not work, try connecting iPod to a power adapter and plug the power adapter into an electrical outlet, or connect iPod to your computer. Make sure the computer is turned on and isn't set to go to sleep. Try resetting the iPod while it is connected to power.

Some third-party software (such as security and anti-virus software, or webcam drivers) may prevent iTunes from recognizing your iPod nano. You may have to update the third-party software, adjust the software settings, or temporarily disable the software. Windows users should refer to iTunes for Windows: Troubleshooting security software issues for guidance.

In Windows, MSCONFIG is used to troubleshoot conflicting software. For assistance using MSCONFIG, select from the following:

XP | Vista/Windows 7

It is also possible that there is an issue with the USB drivers for the iPod nano. See this article for more information.

Get the latest version of iTunes

If this doesn’t resolve the issue, try completely uninstalling iTunes and reinstalling the latest version of iTunes. For more information choose from the following:

Mac OS X | XP | Vista/Windows 7

A Windows OS is either 32-bit or 64-bit. Identify your Windows OS version and make sure to install the corresponding version of iTunes.

If you wish to return to this assistant after restarting your computer, first bookmark this page in your browser.

Restart your computer and reconnect iPod nano. If your issue has not been resolved, use your bookmark to return to this troubleshooting assistant.