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iPod classic gen 5 not being detected by PC

Ipod classic gen 5 not being detected by PC (not even under Device Manager > USB Controllers

But it charges fine via USB and wall

Already cleaned dock, tested multiple cables, did the 5 Rs, tested 3 different laptops (mac, linux, windows 11).

Ipod will fully charge via USB and wall but won't get detected as USB device.

I don't know what could be the problem.

I'm guessing logic board or something on the 30 pin but would be weird if only the data pin is faulty while charge seems to work fine.

One thing that's interesting though. In diagnostics mode in the accessory test, it only shows FWRPWR and not USBPWR or USB_Detect that seems to appear on other devices.

Answer this question I have this problem too

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Hi @pazulay!

Based on your description, this is almost certainly a hardware failure on the Logic Board or the 30-pin Dock Connector, specifically affecting the data lines while leaving the power lines intact.

The iPod Classic's 30-pin connector has separate pins for power and data. It is very common for the power pins to work (allowing the device to charge) while the data pins are physically disconnected or the components managing them have failed.

  • Pin 23: USB 5V Power (Working - your battery charges)
  • Pin 25 & 27: USB Data - and Data + (Likely Failed)

You mentioned seeing FWRPWR (FireWire Power) but not USBPWR or USB_Detect.

  • This confirms that the iPod's CPU/Logic does not "know" a USB cable is inserted, even though the Power Management IC (PMIC) is successfully taking the 5V current to charge the battery.
  • If the iPod doesn't detect the USBPWR signal logically, it will never attempt to negotiate a data connection (enumeration) with the PC, resulting in it being completely invisible to Device Manager.

Troubleshooting

1. The "Force" Attempt (Disk Mode)

Even though you tried the 5 Rs, manually forcing Disk Mode is the only way to bypass the main OS USB handling.

  1. Reset the iPod (Menu + Center) until it reboots.
  2. As soon as the Apple logo appears, immediately hold Center + Play/Pause.
  3. If it enters Disk Mode, plug it in. If it remains undetected, the hardware data path is definitely broken.

2. Visual Inspection (The 30-Pin Port)

Grab a magnifying glass or loupe and look inside the dock connector on the bottom of the iPod.

  • Look specifically at Pins 25 and 27 (Data).
  • Often, these pins break loose from the solder pads on the motherboard due to the mechanical stress of inserting/removing the cable over 15+ years.
  • If a pin looks pushed back, bent, or "floating" (not soldered down), that is your problem.

3. Logic Board Repair (Advanced)

If the connector looks fine, the issue is likely on the logic board traces leading from the connector.

  • EMI Filters/Chokes: There are small filters on the data lines near the connector (often labeled L or F components on the board schematics). These act as fuses and can blow due to static electricity or a bad cable, cutting the data connection while leaving power intact.
  • Reflow: Sometimes simply reflowing the solder on the 30-pin connector's feet (where it meets the board) fixes this.

I hope that helps!

Best wishes

Marvin

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2 Comments:

Hey @mleem !

Thank you very much for your very detailed reply.

I got around actually opening the ipod up this week and to my surprise there were actually 2 pins sticking out of the port frame. I think those might actually be the 25 and 27 you mentioned.

I made a more specific question thread now since I could pinpoint the issue, asking if this is actually fixable or if it's easier to install a new port.

Maybe you can check that out as well.

iPod data pins sticking out. How to fix if fixable at all?

Either way thank you for your help.

Best wishes

Pedro

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Hi @Pazulay!

Sounds like it is the connector. To really pinpoint, could you please upload some pictures? Adding images to an existing question

Thanks! :)

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Pazulay will be eternally grateful.
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