Battery Problems

• Ordinarily, iPod batteries can run for up to 48 hours before being charged depending on the model, the amount of usage and the type of files being played. According to Apple, iPod's batteries work best when the device is between 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the iPod model, a charger usually charges the battery to 80 percent of capacity in about two hours and fully charges it in about four hours. If the battery icon on the display doesn't indicate that the battery is charging, it's possible the battery could be faulty. If the battery maintains a charge for only a short period, it may need to be replaced.
  
  

Hardware

• Sometimes, a hardware overload or a system problem might interfere with your iPod so that it won't work unless it's on the charger. Unfortunately, the cause of a hardware problem can be difficult to determine. If the hardware is causing problems, pressing the "Sleep/Wake" button and sliding the red slider to turn off your phone, followed by turning it back on, can reset the operating system and solve battery and power problems. If this doesn't do the trick, restore the phone with iTunes as a last resort. If you have to restore your phone, back up your files and settings with iTunes, so you can restore them to the iPod when the restoration process completes.
  
  

Damage

• Test the "Sleep/Wake" button if your iPod is still having power problems. If the button does not work, inspect your player for damage. If you accidentally dropped your iPod or immersed it in water, it may have internal electrical damage. According to Apple, iPod models released after 2006 come equipped with built-in Liquid Contact Indicators that show whether the player has been in contact with water. LCIs are installed in the bottom of the headphone jack. When your iPod comes in contact with liquids, they are automatically activated. When activated, your media player may experience problems related to water damage, most notably power problems.
  
  

Recommendations and Warnings

• According to Apple, some rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. If your iPod is working only when it's on a charger, the battery could need replacement by Apple. If your iPod is still under warranty, disassembling it and trying to replace the battery yourself nullifies the warranty. In addition, a miscalculation can cause even further damage. Unfortunately, water damage isn't covered in a limited or extended warranty. If this is the cause of power and battery woes, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs.