iPod: About the battery charge status icon
If you have an iPod shuffle, click here for instructions.
The battery icon on an iPod screen indicates the state of the internal battery. If the iPod is awake, a small version of the icon appears in the upper right hand corner of the display. If the iPod is asleep while being charged, a larger version of the same icon appears in the center of the screen. When an iPod is charging, the battery icon changes to a battery with a lightning bolt, and the progress bars on the icon animates to indicate that the battery is charging. If a lighting bolt doesn’t appear in the battery charge status icon when you charge iPod, check the connections to your computer or iPod AC adapter.
Charging (color screen) Charging (monochrome screen)
When the charging has completed, the icon will cease to animate and will show a full battery with the lightning bolt and say “Charged” at the top of the screen.
Full charge (color screen) Full charge (monochrome screen)
When an iPod is disconnected from the power adapter or from your computer, the black or green bar in the icon indicates how much charge is left and the lightning bolt will disappear. The indicator may take a few moments to accurately reflect the remaining charge after being disconnected.
With some iPods, if your battery has been fully or nearly discharged, one of the screens shown below may appear when connected to your computer’s USB port. In this state, iPod is not able to connect to your computer or appear in iTunes right away. Just leave the iPod connected; when the iPod is sufficiently charged it will turn on, enabling you to sync it with iTunes. Note: Depending on the iPod model and how depleted the battery is, you may need to charge your iPod for up to 30 minutes before the iPod can turn on. Your iPod can be charged more quickly with the iPod USB Power Adapter.
Very low battery
(animated screen) Very low battery
(non-animated screen for color
and monochrome models)
If the charging icon is animated (but does not show the very low battery message) and your computer doesn’t recognize it, check these documents:
If you have a Mac
If you have a Windows-based PC
Additional information
After about 14 to 28 days of no use, the battery will need to be charged. Click here for tips on battery usage.
The iPod battery can’t be removed, but Apple can install a replacement for you.
Note: Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and number of charge cycles vary by use and settings. See iPod Batteries